Abbott CGM sensors can now be worn during common imaging procedures 

The sensors from Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre 2 and Libre 3 continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems can now be worn during common medical imaging procedures. This includes X-rays, CT scans and MRI scans, the company announced.

This change represents a step forward for diabetes patients, who face a heightened risk of developing cardiovascular disease or other health conditions that may require medical imaging.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made the change after reviewing extensive testing performed by imaging specialists. Once the FDA felt Abbott had sufficiently proven the Libre 2 and Libre 3 sensors were still fully functional after undergoing common imaging examinations, the agency agreed to remove the requirement that said these CGM sensors had to be removed in advance.

“For people with diabetes, especially those using insulin, removing a CGM sensor for long periods can be problematic,” Carol Wysham, MD, clinical professor of medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine and section head of the department of diabetes and endocrinology at Rockwood Clinic in Spokane, said in a statement. “Previously, patients had to remove their sensors during these procedures, resulting in several hours without critical data, especially if they didn’t have a replacement sensor. The removal of the imaging contraindication from Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre 2 and 3 systems is a big win for patients, allowing them to keep their sensors on and avoid lost data.”