How to eat with confidence if you’re living with type 2 diabetes

Jenny’s life-changing experience with the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus sensor

Jenny, 65, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2007. “I was put on medication and told to change my diet and exercise and get on with it, but I didn’t always do what I should have,” she admits.

By 2023, her condition had progressed, and she needed to start taking insulin to manage it, going from finger pricking twice a day to test her glucose levels to four times. So, after seeing how well her son managed his type 1 diabetes through glucose monitoring with the FreeStyle Libre 2 system, she decided to give it a try as well.

“It helps me to manage my condition better by providing me with constant readings that help me understand which foods cause my glucose levels to spike – and how certain foods, like full-fat yogurt – don’t spike my levels as much,” she says.

“I can see what makes my numbers go up and can change my diet to suit. I’ve actually managed to lose a stone in weight, and that’s down to seeing what’s happening inside my body and knowing what’s affecting me. I can now manage my diabetes well, and my long-term blood test has improved, which means no finger pricks¹!

“I also know it reduces my risk of complications and hospital visits. Anyone with diabetes should look into getting this sensor, as I believe it helps me so much.”

What is a FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus sensor?

Simple to use and easy to apply and wear², it’s a glucose sensor that’s designed to give you peace of mind³. It monitors your glucose levels continuously, helping you to identify which foods keep your glucose levels in range – and which ones may cause it to spike – for improved metabolic control, allowing you to confidently manage your diabetes⁴.

Is it tried and trusted?

FreeStyle Libre sensors are the number one continuous glucose monitoring sensors worldwide⁵ and physicians recommend the FreeStyle Libre 2 system over other CGMs^6,7. Backed by cutting-edge scientific research, it provides useful and reliable glucose insights to support people living with diabetes to make healthy diet and lifestyle choices⁸.

How will it help me?

It gives you accurate⁵, real-time glucose readings – one every minute – to help you understand how different foods respond to you. This data will show you the impact your food choices are having on your glucose levels, which will in turn allow you to make informed tweaks to what you eat accordingly. You can even set optional minute-to-minute alarms^* to stay one step ahead.

Will it easily fit in with my lifestyle?

This sensor allows you to see where your glucose levels are and where they’re heading, even when you’re on the go, with a quick glance at your smartphone^9,10.

What’s more, it’s small and discreet², it doesn’t involve any fingerpricks¹, and you can wear it while bathing, swimming¹¹ or doing any other form of exercise you like to do. Better still, each one can last up to 15 days.

Can type 2 diabetes really be managed through diet and exercise?

For many people, it can be possible. Did you know that eating vegetables and proteins first, followed by carbohydrates, can help you to steady your sugar levels¹²? Or that by eating healthily and increasing your activity, your doctor may even take the decision that you can avoid or delay medication¹³?

Equally, you might think certain foods are off the table for you now, but there’s no need to sacrifice the things you love, if you pair them with protein or fat to curb a sugar spike. For example, eating a banana with yogurt or peanut butter can help you manage your levels, as can having grapes with a handful of almonds or walnuts. Meanwhile, toast can be paired with cheese, egg and peanut butter, and oats or porridge with nuts, seeds, milk or yogurt.

Want to see how the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus sensor can help you

Images are for illustrative purposes only. Not actual patients or data.

1. Finger pricks are required if glucose readings do not match symptoms or expectations.

2. Haak, T. Diabetes Therapy (2017): https://doi.org/10.1007/s13300-016-0223-6.

3. Hilliard, M., et al. Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics. (2019): https:/doi.org/10.1089/dia.2019.0142.

4. Fokkert, M. BMJ Open Diab Res Care (2019): https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjdrc-2019-000809.

5. Data on file, Abbott Diabetes Care, Inc. Based on the number of users worldwide for the FreeStyle Libre portfolio compared to the number of users for other leading personal use sensor-based glucose monitoring systems.

6. Patient satisfaction and physician preferences reported for FreeStyle Libre 2, Dexcom G6/G5/G4, Eversense, Medtronic Guardian Sensor 3 and Enlite Sensor, and Medtrum A6TouchCare.

7. Varughese, B. Diabetes Stoffw Herz 30 (2021): 231-242.

8. Please consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding your condition and appropriate diabetes management plan. Individual symptoms, situations and circumstances may vary.

9. The FreeStyle Libre Link app is only compatible with certain mobile devices and operating systems. Please check the website for more information about device compatibility before using the app. Sharing of glucose data requires registration with LibreView.

10. Glucose readings are automatically displayed in the app only when the smartphone and sensor are connected and in range.

11. Sensor is water-resistant in up to 1m (3ft) of water. Do not immerse longer than 30 mins.

12. Shukla, A. P., et al. (2015). Food Order Has a Significant Impact on Postprandial Glucose and Insulin Levels. Diabetes Care, 38(7), e98–e99 https://doi.org/10.2337/dc15-0429.

13. NHS, April, 2021, Healthy eating with diabetes, last accessed March 17, 2023 https://www.nbt.nhs.uk/our-services/a-z-services/diabetes-endocrinology/diabetes-patient-information/healthy-eating-diabetes.
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*Notifications will only be received when alarms are turned on and the sensor is within 10 metres unobstructed of the reading device.