FreeStyle Libre 3 | 2020-2022

Designers: Jean-Pierre Cole, Jennifer Olson, Ed Kupa, Sujit Jangam, Vivek Rao, David Hua, Lou Pace, Dharmendra Patel, Suzanne Hintz, Lily Brady, Jennifer Woo, and Kieran Meehan, Device Development Design Team, Current Global, Alameda, California, USA
Manufacturer: Abbott Laboratories, Abbott, Illinois, USA

The FreeStyle Libre 3 system is Abbott’s next-generation continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system, featuring the world’s smallest, thinnest glucose sensor that can be worn up to 14 days (longer lasting than any other non-invasive glucose sensor). The FreeStyle Libre 3 was designed with a focus on simplicity, ease of use and sustainability.

Approximately the size of two stacked U.S. pennies, the sensor is worn discreetly on the back of the upper arm to deliver continuous, real-time glucose readings directly to smartphones with unsurpassed accuracy to help people better manage and understand their diabetes numbers.

This is especially critical when it comes to kids with diabetes who want to wear this technology, as it fits seamlessly on the back of their arm. The total volume of the FreeStyle Libre 3 system was reduced by more than 70% compared to previous versions, including a 41% reduction in plastic use and 43% decrease in carton paper.

The system also includes the FreeStyle Libre 3 mobile app, which enable users to capture and view their real-time glucose levels, glucose history and trend arrows, showing how their glucose is changing with just a glance at their smartphone. The app also enables caregivers to remotely monitor their loved one's glucose readings and get real-time alarms via the LibreLinkUp app. The FreeStyle Libre 3 system boasts the strongest Bluetooth integration, with the widest range of up to 33 feet.

The FreeStyle Libre 3 represents a progression and evolution of the total system technology and design. After successfully meeting the goal of including 80% of key features that were important to users in earlier generations, Abbott aimed to eliminate the need for two separate packages with two separate pieces, requiring user assembly to get the final product. The end-product is now one single, tiny applicator that a user opens and applies requiring no assembly and making the device even easier to use.