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Triangle of Diabetes Care

The 3 key areas to improving diabetes management for people with diabetes

The Triangle of Diabetes is an emerging treatment strategy that is centred around 3 goals, reaching all 3 of which can help improve long-term health for people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes^. When used with the FreeStyle Libre systems*, you can work with your Healthcare Team to hit targets in all 3 areas using the data from your sensor to inform your treatment plan.

What is the Triangle of Diabetes?

The Triangle of Diabetes acknowledges that improving your HbA1c is important, but it also emphasises the need to minimise hypoglycaemia and limit glucose variability.

The three goals of the Triangle of Diabetes for better diabetes management are:

The Triangle of Diabetes Care developed by Dr. Ramzi Ajjan Associate Professor and Consultant in Diabetes and Endocrinology at the University of Leeds

Improve overall glucose levels

HbA1c is an accepted measure of overall glucose control over the past three months and illustrates how a person with diabetes has been managing their treatment regime. However following new research, this measurement should not be looked at in isolation1. With the FreeStyle Libre systems*, we aim to help you understand how the triangle of diabetes can help improve your overall management of diabetes and get the most out of your sensor.

The FreeStyle Libre systems** are proven to significantly lower HbA1c compared to self-monitored blood glucose. An independent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that 6 months of use of the FreeStyle Libre systems* reduces HbA1c by 0.5%2

  • 156 people with T1D ≥16 years with HbA1c ≥7.5% participated in a randomised, controlled study

  • Libre users reduced their HbA1c by 0.5% more than SMBG at 6 months of use

More regular glucose monitoring with the FreeStyle Libre systems* can help you achieve better long-term diabetes management.

Triangle of Diabetes Care - Better Manage Overall Glucose Levels (HbA1c)

Minimise hypoglycaemia

Hypoglycaemia is ‘officially’ when your blood glucose is equal to or falls below 3.9mmol/L1. You may be feeling symptoms or not at this point.

Episodes of hypoglycaemia are unpredictable and can complicate your individual goals towards better glucose management.

 

The FreeStyle Libre systems** are proven to reduce time spent in hypoglycaemia (<3.9mmol/L) significantly. The same independent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that Libre users spent 43 minutes less time in hypoglycaemia per day at 6 months of use vs self-monitored blood glucose.2 Using the Low Glucose Events report and trend arrows on your LibreLink app◊ or your Libre 3 app◊◊ you can see when and how often your glucose is low throughout a typical day, so you can try and reduce your risk of hypos.

The FreeStyle Libre systems* tell you your glucose level as well as a trend arrow to show where it is heading. A downward trend can alert you to the possibility of a hypo to take action early.

Triangle of Diabetes Care - Minimise Hypoglycaemia

Limit glucose variability

Even if your HbA1c is on target, you may be experiencing daily swings between high and low glucose levels or significant day-to-day glucose variability.

Spotting trends in your daily glucose levels can help you to reduce variability. The FreeStyle Libre systems* allow you to see upward or downward trends using the Trend Arrows, and the Daily Patterns report~ can show you where you have most variability in your glucose readings day-to-day.

If you start to see that your glucose runs low or high at specific times of day, or in response to particular activities, these can then be identified and potentially avoided in the future.

Triangle of Diabetes Care - Limit Glucose Variability

Further reading

Trend Arrows

⏱ 2 minutes read

Trend arrows allow you to see the direction your glucose is heading, allowing you to take corrective measures in advance.

Read article here

Time in Range

⏱ 5 minutes read

Take control of your diabetes management by tracking the time you spend each day within your target glucose range.

Read article here

References & Disclaimers

Images are for illustrative purposes only. Not real patient data.

^ The Triangle of Diabetes Care developed by Dr. Ramzi Ajjan Associate Professor and Consultant in Diabetes and Endocrinology at the University of Leeds

* FreeStyle Libre systems refers to the FreeStyle Libre 2 and FreeStyle Libre 3 systems

** The data from this study was collected using the FreeStyle Libre 2 system. FreeStyle Libre 3 system has the same features as the FreeStyle Libre 2 system therefore, the study data is applicable to both products.

◊ The FreeStyle LibreLink app is only compatible with certain mobile devices and operating systems. Please check the website for more information about device compatibility before using the app. Use of FreeStyle LibreLink may require registration with LibreView.

◊◊ The FreeStyle Libre 3 app is only compatible with certain mobile devices and operating systems. Please check our website for more information about device compatibility before using the app. Sharing of glucose data requires registration with LibreView.

~ Daily Patterns needs at least 5 days of glucose data

1. Battelino T, Danne T, Bergenstal RM, et al. Clinical targets for continuous glucose monitoring data interpretation: recommendations from the international consensus on time in range. Diabetes Care. (2019);42(8):1593-1603.

2. Leelarathna, L. N Engl J Med. (2022): DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2205650.

 

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