For millions of Indians living with diabetes, the daily struggle of checking blood sugar often feels relentless. From finger pricks to constant scanning, managing the condition can be exhausting not just for patients but also for their families. On Thursday in Mumbai, Abbott introduced its latest innovation, the FreeStyle Libre® 2 Plus, a next-generation continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system designed to bring confidence, safety, and freedom to people with diabetes.
What sets this device apart is how effortless it is. Instead of repeatedly pricking a finger or scanning a sensor for updates, the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus automatically tracks glucose levels every single minute. A tiny sensor, worn discreetly on the back of the arm, sends readings directly to a smartphone. It also issues alerts when sugar levels dip below 70 mg/dL or rise above 140 mg/dL information that can be life-saving, especially during the night. With Bluetooth and NFC technology built in, the sensor lasts up to 15 days and provides not just raw numbers but also clear trends, history, and arrows showing whether glucose levels are climbing or falling.
For people with diabetes, it’s never just about numbers, it’s about what those numbers mean. The FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus offers the freedom to plan meals without fear, the confidence to sleep through the night without worry, and the reassurance that loved ones are safe. Patients can share their data instantly with doctors and caregivers through Abbott’s apps LibreLink, LibreView, and LibreLinkUp bringing families closer and enabling more proactive care. The system is approved not just for adults, but also for children as young as two, as well as pregnant women managing gestational diabetes.
The timing of this launch is significant for India. With 101 million people living with diabetes, the second-highest number in the world, the country faces a mounting crisis of complications and hospitalisations. Tools like the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus could make a critical difference. Abbott cites research showing the technology reduces low blood sugar episodes by up to 43 percent, lowers HbA1c by as much as 1.5 percent, cuts hospital visits by two-thirds, and significantly reduces risks of cardiovascular events, strokes, and severe hypoglycemia.
At the launch event, Dr. Kenneth Lee, Regional Medical Affairs Director, Asia Pacific, Abbott Diabetes Division, highlighted India’s challenges: “Awareness has grown, but access remains a key challenge. The goal is to make technology like FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus widely available and to help people understand how it can transform their lives. It’s not just about measuring glucose it’s about preventing complications and living with confidence.”
Actor Sameera Reddy also shared an emotional story about her mother-in-law, Manjiri, who often faced sudden sugar drops. “We were always on edge,” she admitted. “But with FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus, we now get real-time alerts. Even if I’m at work, I know she’s okay. That peace of mind is priceless for her and for us.”
Globally, Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre portfolio is already used by over seven million people across 60 countries, with reimbursement available in more than 40 of them. Now, with India added to the list, Abbott aims to deliver the same reassurance to families here.
With a presence in more than 160 countries and 114,000 employees, Abbott’s mission has always been clear: to help people live fuller, healthier lives. With FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus, that mission feels closer for millions of Indians with diabetes and their loved ones who share the journey.
