Advancing diabetes management: Abbott and Epic’s groundbreaking integration of glucose data

Diabetes is a growing concern in the United States and around the world, with millions of individuals grappling with this chronic condition. In the U.S., over 37 million people are currently living with diabetes, and approximately 96 million adults are in a prediabetic state, at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. As this disease continues to impact millions, technological advancements in diabetes care are proving essential.

One of the most significant recent developments in diabetes management comes from Abbott, a leader in continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology, which has announced a pioneering partnership with Epic Systems, a major provider of electronic health records (EHR) software. This collaboration promises to reshape how glucose data is managed, making it more accessible and actionable for both healthcare providers and patients.

Abbott FreeStyle Libre CGM and EHR integration

Abbott’s new collaboration with Epic involves integrating data from its FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) directly into Epic’s widely-used EHR systems.

This integration will allow healthcare providers across the United States to view patient glucose data captured by the FreeStyle Libre devices within their patients’ electronic health records. With over 575,000 healthcare providers using Epic’s systems, and more than 280 million patients under their care, this integration is poised to streamline diabetes management on a national scale.

By linking Abbott’s LibreView data management software with Epic’s Aura platform, clinicians will have immediate access to critical glucose data, including trends and real-time readings, without needing to leave the Epic system. This simple, yet powerful integration eliminates the need for time-consuming searches for patient glucose data, improving workflow efficiency and enabling healthcare providers to spend more time focusing on patient care.

The integration of FreeStyle Libre data will not only improve the quality of care but also facilitate better collaboration between patients and providers. As glucose data is available directly within a patient’s electronic chart, healthcare teams can make informed, data-driven decisions during consultations, ultimately leading to more personalized and effective care plans.

Benefits for patients and providers

For patients, integrating FreeStyle Libre data into Epic’s system marks a major step forward in diabetes management. Nearly 40 million people in the U.S. live with diabetes, and these patients will benefit from the integration by having their glucose data automatically available to their healthcare providers.

Patients who use FreeStyle Libre sensors will find it easier to share their glucose readings and trends with their clinicians, reducing the burden of tracking and reporting data themselves. This integration encourages better engagement from patients in managing their condition, as they can now receive immediate feedback on their glucose levels and make informed decisions about their lifestyle and treatment.

From the healthcare provider’s perspective, this integration provides critical efficiencies. By having access to glucose data within the EHR system, clinicians can monitor trends in real time and adjust treatment plans based on up-to-date information. This integration is especially valuable for managing diabetes, a disease that requires constant attention and adjustment to care plans.

The ability to see glucose data before, during, and after patient consultations not only improves care quality but also leads to better decision-making. Furthermore, the integration reduces the administrative burden on healthcare providers by eliminating the need for manual data entry or accessing separate systems to retrieve glucose information.

Economic impact of diabetes and technology’s role

Diabetes is not only a major health concern but also an economic burden. The economic costs of diabetes in the U.S. are staggering, with a combined total of $327 billion in direct and indirect costs in 2019. This number has continued to rise in recent years, reaching $413 billion in 2022.

Rising costs are attributed to increased medical expenses, including hospital stays, dialysis treatments, and medications, as well as the non-medical costs associated with diabetes management, such as lost productivity and disability. For healthcare providers, the rising cost of care is a significant challenge, and any improvements in efficiency and patient care are welcome.

This is where technological advancements, such as the integration of FreeStyle Libre CGM data into EHR systems, become vital. By streamlining the management of diabetes through better data integration, healthcare providers can reduce unnecessary hospital visits, manage complications more effectively, and improve patient outcomes.

Enhanced workflow and decision-making capabilities that come with the Abbott-Epic integration will not only lead to better health outcomes but could also help reduce the long-term economic burden of diabetes on the healthcare system. This integration promises to contribute to reducing the costs associated with poorly managed diabetes and its complications, such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and diabetic retinopathy.

Future of diabetes care

While the Abbott-Epic integration marks a major milestone in diabetes care, it is also part of a broader trend toward connected care in the healthcare industry. the partnership is just the beginning of a larger vision for improving chronic disease management. Abbott has expressed its intention to extend this integrated model to other medical devices and connected care platforms in the future, creating a comprehensive network of healthcare tools designed to manage multiple aspects of patient care.

For instance, integrating insulin pumps, smart glucose meters, and even wearable devices like smart rings into the same ecosystem could provide healthcare providers with a holistic view of a patient’s health, enabling them to make even more precise and effective treatment decisions.

This shift toward connected care platforms has the potential to improve patient engagement, enhance clinical outcomes, and increase overall healthcare efficiency. By having access to a broader range of data—whether it’s from glucose monitors, insulin pumps, or other medical devices—clinicians can make more informed decisions, adjust treatments promptly, and better monitor the effectiveness of interventions.

This integrated approach has the potential to transform the management of chronic conditions like diabetes, allowing for more proactive, personalized care that can prevent complications and improve quality of life for patients.

Expanding access and competition in CGM

The partnership comes as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology gains traction in diabetes care. Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre CGM system, used by over 6 million people worldwide, reported $1.7 billion in Q1 2023 sales, reflecting strong demand, particularly among type 2 diabetes patients.

However, Abbott faces stiff competition from Dexcom, a leading CGM provider. Dexcom is innovating with features like CGM-insulin pump integration and smart rings, driving advancements in diabetes management tools and technology. This competition fosters progress, expanding treatment options for patients.

The evolution of diabetes care

The Abbott-Epic collaboration is a major advancement in diabetes care, streamlining access to glucose data and reducing administrative tasks. This integration promises to improve care quality and patient outcomes, with plans for expanding the model to more devices and platforms, making diabetes care more connected and data-driven.

As diabetes prevalence rises, technology’s role in managing the condition becomes crucial. Integrating continuous glucose monitoring data with electronic health records is a key step in improving diabetes management. The Abbott-Epic partnership highlights how innovation can reduce diabetes burden and enhance healthcare outcomes.

Integrating FreeStyle Libre CGM data with Epic’s EHR platform marks an important development, providing healthcare providers and patients with a more efficient, connected, and data-driven approach to care. As the landscape of chronic disease management continues to evolve, innovations like this will play a key role in improving outcomes and reducing the costs associated with managing diabetes in the U.S. and around the world.