Partnerships are critical to shaping the future of CGM adoption in India

India is often called the diabetes capital of the world. From your perspective, what are the biggest challenges in diabetes prevention and management today?

Today, more than 101 million Indians are living with diabetes, while another 136 million are in the pre-diabetic stage. With these numbers, India now ranks second only to China in diabetes cases worldwide. The challenges remain timely diagnosis and effective monitoring—both of which, along with screening and treatment, are critical to long-term management of diabetes.

Additionally, many individuals lack awareness of how diet, physical activity, and lifestyle choices directly influence their glucose levels. This limited understanding often results in reactive rather than proactive care, where interventions happen only after symptoms escalate and complications such as neuropathy, cardiovascular disease, or kidney dysfunction have already set in.

With technology and better diagnostic tools, plus greater awareness, people now recognise that diabetes is not just an Indian challenge but a global epidemic. This is precisely why closer follow-up is needed the moment someone is diagnosed with diabetes—or even pre-diabetes—so the condition doesn’t spiral in the wrong direction. Working closely with doctors, whether in primary care, with diabetologists, or endocrinologists, is essential.

Equally important is the adoption of advanced tools like CGM, which provide real-time insights into glucose values. These insights empower patients and doctors alike to respond quickly and effectively. Ultimately, empowering individuals to understand their data and act on it meaningfully is what will enable long-term, sustainable management of this chronic condition.

How do you see the role of technology evolving in diabetes care over the next 5–10 years, especially in countries like India?

Over the past decade, technology has dramatically transformed diabetes care. In type 1 diabetes, where the body doesn’t produce insulin, and in type 2 diabetes, where insulin resistance is the challenge, innovations such as insulin pumps and advanced glucose monitoring have redefined how the condition is managed.

In the past, finger-prick testing was painful, messy, and inconvenient—so many patients avoided doing it regularly. CGM has changed that completely. We’ve seen sensors evolve from lasting just 7 days, to 10, then 14, and now 15 days. This greater convenience, combined with improved wearability, has made a significant difference in adherence and overall management.

Most importantly, these advances put patients and their caregivers at the center. Technology creates an ecosystem that empowers them with real-time insights and actionable information, helping them take control of their condition with greater confidence and ease.

What are some of the systemic barriers (awareness, affordability, accessibility) that still hinder effective diabetes management in India?

Accessibility remains a significant challenge, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where healthcare infrastructure is limited and adoption of updated clinical practices is often slower. This leads to treatment disparities, especially among underserved populations. Patients also face a lack of awareness and reassurance—many don’t realize that advanced tools are available and can be integrated into their daily lives. At Abbott, we work closely with physicians, nurses, and dieticians to build awareness, as they are best placed to guide and support patients in adopting better monitoring practices.

CGM offers real-time insights and convenience, but its true value lies in long-term cost savings. For instance, Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus is designed to combine innovation with affordability—helping prevent costly complications and emergency visits. Clinical studies show that CGM can reduce diabetes-related hospital admissions by up to 66 per cent, which translates into meaningful financial relief for families, while also minimising the emotional stress of unpredictable health events.

How has the adoption of CGM evolved globally and in India? What are some learnings from international markets that could be applied here? Beyond glucose tracking, how can CGM data improve clinical decision-making and personalised care for patients?

Globally, CGM adoption has grown steadily over the last decade. In Asia, as awareness increased among both physicians and patients, more people began using CGM, which led to richer and more meaningful conversations between patients and healthcare providers. Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre sensors help over 7 million people worldwide to manage the chronic condition better.

One key learning is that data must be actionable. With CGM, glucose information is shared in real time not only with the patient but also with caregivers and doctors through apps such as LibreLink and LibreLinkUp. This seamless connectivity makes clinical decision-making more precise and enables truly personalised care

With the rise of digital health tools, how do you ensure that technology adoption also benefits people in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities?

This is where awareness and accessibility are critical. In lower socioeconomic areas and smaller towns, patients may not have the same access to technology. So, working with healthcare professionals—physicians, nurses, and allied staff is essential.

By building awareness, providing education, and making sure tools are available and affordable, we can help ensure that patients in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities also benefit from these innovations.

The FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus has just been launched in India. Could you walk us through the key differentiating features of this device compared to earlier CGM technologies? How does this device enable a more connected care ecosystem for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals?

Earlier CGM devices in India often required finger-prick confirmation, which was inconvenient and discouraged regular use. With Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre technology, we first introduced a 14-day sensor, and now the new FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus extends wear time to 15 days, aligning more easily with a monthly cycle.

FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus is also more accurate, approved for use during pregnancy and gestational diabetes, and offers optional alarms that notify patients when glucose levels are too high or too low. It provides minute-by-minute, real-time glucose readings, giving patients a continuous view of their glucose trends.

Beyond convenience, the device enables a truly connected care ecosystem. Through apps like LibreLink and LibreLinkUp, data can be shared instantly with caregivers and healthcare professionals. This connectivity supports timely interventions, personalised adjustments, and more collaborative decision-making. The result is greater confidence for patients and more effective care for the entire diabetes community.

What clinical evidence or trials support the effectiveness of FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus in reducing HbA1c levels and preventing complications?

There is strong real-world evidence supporting the effectiveness of Abbott’s Libre technology. Large registry studies in France and Sweden, covering tens of thousands of patients, have shown significant and sustained improvements in HbA1c, along with reduced hospitalisation rates. This reflects not only better glucose management but also behavioral change, as patients make more informed decisions when they can see their data in real time.

Global studies have further reinforced these benefits. Research has shown that FreeStyle Libre technology can reduce low blood sugar episodes by up to 43 per cent, lower HbA1c by 0.9 per cent to 1.5 per cent, and cut hospital visits by as much as 66 per cent. It has also been shown to reduce cardiovascular complication risk by 78 per cent in people with Type 1 diabetes following severe hypoglycemia, and lower the risk of hospitalisation for stroke and diabetes-related complications by 44 per cent in insulin-treated Type 2 diabetes.

For caregivers, the addition of real-time alerts in FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus provides extra peace of mind, allowing them to act before situations become critical. Together, this body of evidence highlights how CGM technology not only improves clinical outcomes but also reduces the emotional and financial burden of diabetes for patients and their families

How do you see partnerships with hospitals, digital health platforms, or insurers shaping the adoption of CGM in India?

Partnerships are critical to shaping the future of CGM adoption in India. Collaborating with hospitals helps embed CGM into routine care pathways, ensuring that continuous glucose data becomes a natural part of diabetes management. This integration allows physicians to make more informed treatment decisions and gives patients a structured way to use their data for better control.

Digital health platforms further expand this impact by enabling seamless connectivity. When CGM data is integrated with digital health tools, it creates continuous engagement between patients and healthcare providers. This allows for timely interventions, personalised guidance, and stronger patient adherence.

Together, these partnerships build an ecosystem where technology, clinical expertise, and digital support come together to make diabetes management more proactive, connected, and patient-centric.

Looking ahead, what is Abbott’s broader vision for diabetes care in India, and what role will innovation play in achieving that?

Our vision is to make diabetes care more accessible and patient-centered. That means building awareness through healthcare professionals, ramping up education, and continuing to innovate in sensor technology.

We’re already working on sensors that go beyond glucose, for example detecting ketones, which are important in type 1 diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis. As technology advances, our goal is to give patients even more tools to manage their condition effectively.