How Diabetes Technology is Transforming the Lives of Quebecers like Denis Veillet

Denis Veillet is a civil engineering technician who, at the age of 50, suddenly had to adapt to living with diabetes after a pancreatic cancer left him without a pancreas – the gland that creates insulin. Since his diabetes was brought on by surgery, finding the right dosage of insulin took some time. At first, a key element of his diabetes management was a routine finger prick¹ – a test that measured his glucose levels and helped to determine his treatment, including making changes to his diet and medication.

Having to prick your finger is considered a hassle for most people living with diabetes².  But in Mr. Veillet's case, this crucial part of his diabetes management was further complicated by the fact that he works 12 to 16 hours a day, mostly outdoors, year-round. So finding out about Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system³ was truly a defining moment for him.

“Pricking my finger only provided me with my glucose at that precise moment,” says Veillet. “Now I can check my levels using the FreeStyle Libre system with FreeStyle LibreLink mobile app⁴ as often as I need to,” he says. “It doesn't matter if I'm working outside on a cold winter day—I can scan my sensor with my smartphone through my coat and get the reading I need⁵. The flash glucose monitoring system shows me how my levels are trending. This is great because real-time data is key to managing my diabetes.”

Living with diabetes hasn't stopped Denis Veillet from being active. “I'm part of a cycling group, we ride hard and cover a lot of distance,” says Veillet. “Thanks to the flash glucose monitoring system, I don't have to stop the whole group to prick my finger anymore. I can scan my sensor while riding, get an immediate reading, and take the appropriate action if I need to.” Mr. Veillet takes insulin four to five times a day, and monitoring his glucose levels helps him avoid hypoglycemia. “I feel more confident about my diabetes management since I've been using the FreeStyle Libre system.”

In addition, the data collected by his flash glucose monitoring system is accessible to his doctor, who can review and analyze⁶ it ahead of appointments, making follow-up consultations more constructive and efficient. “I'm now seeing my medical team once a year, and having access to the data helps my doctor make the appropriate adjustments to my medication if needed.”

Veillet’s private insurance covers the majority of the cost of the FreeStyle Libre system. RAMQ provides some coverage based on a limited set of criteria.⁷

Please contact  your health care professional for more information on the FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system and your eligibility for public coverage.

The FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system is indicated for measuring interstitial fluid glucose levels in adults aged 18 years and older with diabetes mellitus. Always read and follow the label/insert.

This article was paid for by Abbott, a manufacturer of diabetes care products in Canada. This is an actual testimonial of a FreeStyle Libre system user and Abbott has consent to use their story. Consent is on file with Abbott.

1. A finger prick test using a blood glucose meter is required during times of rapidly changing glucose levels when interstitial fluid glucose levels may not accurately reflect blood glucose levels or if hypoglycaemia or impending hypoglycaemia is reported by the system or when symptoms do not match the system readings
2. Hortensius, Johanna., et al. Perspectives of patients with type 1 or insulin-treated type 2 diabetes on self-monitoring of blood glucose: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health 12.1 (2012): 167
3. The FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system is indicated for measuring interstitial fluid glucose levels in adults aged 18 years and older with diabetes mellitus. Always read and follow the label/insert.
4. The FreeStyle LibreLink app and the FreeStyle Libre reader have similar but not identical features. A finger prick test using a blood glucose meter is required during times of rapidly changing glucose levels when interstitial fluid glucose levels may not accurately reflect blood glucose levels or if hypoglycaemia or impending hypoglycaemia is reported by the FreeStyle LibreLink app or when symptoms do not match the app readings. The FreeStyle Libre sensor communicates with the FreeStyle Libre reader that started it or the FreeStyle LibreLink app that started it. A sensor started by the FreeStyle Libre reader will also communicate with the FreeStyle LibreLink app. The FreeStyle LibreLink 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. Use of FreeStyle LibreLink requires registration with LibreView.
5. The reader can capture data from the sensor when it is within 1 cm to 4 cm of the sensor.
6. The LibreView website is only compatible with certain operating systems and browsers. Please check www.libreview.com for additional information
7. Official mark of the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec. The RAMQ will reimburse the cost of the FreeStyle Libre system sensors to residents of Quebec aged 18 or over who have 2 years of experience in managing their diabetes and who meet the following three criteria: undergo intensive insulin therapy; suffer from frequent or severe problems with hypoglycemia; need to test their blood sugar at least eight times a day.

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