ABBOTT PARK - Abbott (NYSE: ABT) announced results from multiple new real-world studies1,2,3,4 that demonstrate how use of the FreeStyle Libre system, the world-leading5 continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology, can lead to significant clinical benefits among people living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Notable findings, presented at this year's American Diabetes Association (ADA) 80th Scientific Sessions, show that using the FreeStyle Libre technology is associated with substantial reductions in hospitalizations from diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious condition that can lead to diabetic coma or even death.6 Results also showed a decrease in rates of acute diabetes events (ADE) and all-cause hospitalizations as well as lowered and sustained hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C) levels.

Data were presented as part of the RELIEF study (Abstract 68-OR),1 the largest retrospective study of its kind analyzing the impact of FreeStyle Libre portfolio use on the incidence of hospitalizations for DKA. In the study, researchers assessed nationwide reimbursement claims data in France of 74,158 people living with diabetes, including 33,203 people with type 1 diabetes and 40,955 people with type 2 diabetes.

Notable findings demonstrated: Overall, annual DKA rates dramatically dropped by 52% in those with type 1 diabetes and 47% in those with type 2 diabetes when using the FreeStyle Libre system.

Greatest reductions in DKA-related hospitalizations occurred in people who did not conduct traditional fingerstick testing, as well as those who performed fingersticks more than five times per day, regardless of previous test strip usage.

In those who did not fingerstick, results showed decreases of 60% and 51% in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, respectively.

For people who performed fingersticks more than five times per day, findings showed drops of 59% for people with type 1 diabetes and 52% for people with type 2 diabetes.

'The results of this study strongly support our hypothesis that the use of the FreeStyle Libre technology enables people to identify and reduce hyperglycemia, and in turn, limit diabetic ketoacidosis,' said Ronan Roussel, M.D., Ph.D., chief of the endocrinology, diabetes and nutrition department at Hopital Bichat, Federation de Diabetologie, AP-HP in Paris, France, and lead author for the RELIEF study. 'These data are suggestive of significant, long-term health benefits and cost savings from use of Abbott's sensor-based glucose monitoring system.'

About the FreeStyle Libre System

Abbott's FreeStyle Libre technology, the #1 sensor-based glucose monitoring system used worldwide,5 reads glucose levels through a sensor that can be worn on the back of the upper arm, eliminating the need for fingersticks.8 The FreeStyle Libre portfolio has changed the lives of more than two million people across 50 countries9 and has secured partial or full reimbursement in 36 countries, including France, Ireland, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the U.S.

About Abbott

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 107,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Contact:

Molly Cornbleet

Tel: (847) 420-9540

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