Abbott receives CE Mark for FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system

Abbott has been granted European regulatory approval for a new diabetes monitoring system that eliminates the need for finger-prick tests.

The FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system is designed for children and young people between the ages of four and 17, and has been granted European CE Mark approval this month.

It reads glucose levels through a sensor worn on the back of the upper arm for up to 14 days, meaning routine finger pricks and finger prick calibration are no longer needed.

The system has been clinically proven to be accurate, stable and consistent for up to 14 days, with more than 97 percent of children and teens testing the device saying it is easier to use than current methods.

Jared Watkin, senior vice-president for diabetes care at Abbott, said: "The scientists and engineers at Abbott have made it their life's work to provide the most innovative technology to help people with diabetes improve their diabetes management."

The device has now been launched in the UK, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain and Sweden.