The GNL Podcast
Episode 38 — Episode 38: Abbott FreeStyle Libre – Accuracy, Simplicity and What's Next
Michael Skarlatos from Abbott UK Medical Affairs joins John Pemberton for the second manufacturer episode of the CGM Series. A former diabetes specialist dietitian at University Hospitals of…
Listen
Also available on Buzzsprout. Host: John Pemberton. Published 4 May 2026.
Show notes
Michael Skarlatos from Abbott UK Medical Affairs joins John Pemberton for the second manufacturer episode of the CGM Series. A former diabetes specialist dietitian at University Hospitals of Leicester, Michael brings real clinical experience to an honest breakdown of the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus and 3 Plus.
This episode covers:
– Why Abbott accuracy data qualifies these sensors for insulin dosing: ICGM approved, 20/20 performance ~95-96%, outside-40/40 error rate 0.2%
– What 70% smaller means in practice: form factor, stigma, and the all-in-one applicator on Libre 3 Plus
– Pump integrations now and the roadmap: CamAPS FX, Omnipod 5, and what is coming
– Libreview: why Abbott moved off Glooko and what population health management enables
– Libreview Pro in SystmOne and EMIS with SNOMED-coded CGM metrics
– A critical data nuance: glucose measured every minute on the patient app but recorded every 5 minutes in clinical downloads
– Continuous ketone monitoring: what Abbott has in development and who benefits most
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and CGM Series overview
00:57 Michaels background and Leicester NHS Trust
02:25 Moving from NHS to Abbott Medical Affairs
03:27 Accuracy credentials: ICGM approval and 20/20 performance
05:44 FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus: size and form factor
09:25 Pump integrations: CamAPS FX, Omnipod 5, and the roadmap
10:19 ICGM interoperability: US vs CE marking in Europe
12:05 Fifteen-day wear period
12:28 Abbott market history: free samples and patient-led adoption
14:04 Simplicity of onboarding and multi-language support
16:58 Starter clinics: taking onboarding off the HCP
19:33 Libreview and population health management
23:21 EHR integration, SNOMED codes, and QOF implications
25:46 Practical tips: Bluetooth connectivity and the app cache
29:23 Minute-by-minute data vs five-minute trend recording
30:58 Low glucose event thresholds and hypo underreporting
31:42 Continuous ketone monitoring: what is coming from Abbott
37:52 CGM beyond type 1 and patient advocacy
40:17 Closing thoughts
LINKS
Show notes: https://theglucoseneverlies.com/episode-38-freestyle-libre-abbott/
YouTube: https://youtu.be/IW1sa5APHU8
CGM Series: https://theglucoseneverlies.com/10-13-cgm-series/
GNL Explorers: https://theglucoseneverlies.com/gnl-explorers/
Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2451357/18982022
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-glucose-never-lies/id1795741144
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MlGlz2G8LsbDnuGtAh77W
This content is for educational exploration only. Not medical advice.
Buzzsprout player
This content is for educational exploration only. It describes average responses and general principles. It is not medical advice and cannot replace individual clinical guidance from your diabetes care team.
