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David criticised Abbott for not "acting as quickly as they could have done" and said he was considering using a rival product |
The app works by connecting to a tiny sensor inserted into the user's body, which transmits data to the app for analysis. Developed by Abbott, the Freestyle Lab device is considered the leading sensor-based glucose monitoring system used worldwide. However, the app has been withdrawn from the App Store due to a glitch.
In the UK alone, according to the National Health Service (NHS), about 200,000 people are using these types of sensors. Abbott has assured the BBC that the problem is limited to UK users and that they hope to restore access to the app soon.
However, the incident has sparked a wave of backlash from individuals who rely heavily on technology for their well-being. David Burchell, who has type 1 diabetes, told the BBC of his anxiety: "This stuff is meant to save your life. A white screen, and I panicked.
Burchell further explained his attempts to resolve the issue with Abbott, revealing that he was instructed to delete the app, power cycle his phone and reinstall it. However, when she tried to download it again, the app was no longer available in the Store. Without an active means of checking her blood sugar, Burchell was left with the difficult task of resorting to fingerprint testing. He stressed the importance of the app and the sensor, as they have greatly helped him manage his condition.
Sonja Slater, from Belfast, echoed Burchill's sentiments, stressing the app's importance in her life and expressing concern over her inability to use it. She likened the situation to the early days of her diagnosis when she often had to prick her fingers to check her blood sugar levels.
Significance of Labor Link App
The LibreLink app, developed by Abbott, acts as an interface to a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). A CGM consists of a white disc that covers a needle that is inserted under the user's skin, usually in the arm or abdomen.
People with type 1 diabetes rely on a CGM to monitor their blood glucose levels, eliminating the need for constant finger pricks. By providing real-time data on glucose levels, the app empowers consumers to make informed decisions about their diet and physical activity. Crucially, it can also alert the user or their family members if their blood sugar levels become dangerously high or low.
Controversy surrounding Abbott's update
Abbott faced criticism when it's Libre 2 CGM failed to communicate with the LibreLink app on certain Apple devices. The company explained that the problem arose after they updated the app to improve the quality of life for users by eliminating the need for manual disk scanning with a separate device. The goal of the new update is to enable continuous transmission of data from the CGM to the app, similar to functionality already provided by Abbott's competitor, Dexcom.
Unfortunately, the update caused a problem that made the app unusable for some iPhone users, losing their ability to effectively monitor their blood sugar levels.
Looking for a solution.
David, fortunately, found an alternative way to continue monitoring his blood sugar levels using a manual sensor, although this option does not transmit the data to other devices. People without these sensors have resorted to taking four to 10 finger-prick tests daily to monitor their glucose levels.
He explained how he was able to restore the app by following the suggestions of Twitter users, who recommended accessing the "purchase history" section on the App Store to redownload it. He remarked that "these guys were helping people online who fixed it instead of the actual company." However, they acknowledged that not everyone is actively engaged on social media platforms, which means some users may miss important alerts regarding the health of their loved ones.
Abbott has taken temporary steps by removing the FreeStyle LibreLink app from the App Store while it works on a solution to resolve the issue. The company advises affected users to contact its customer service line and advises those experiencing issues on iOS devices to uninstall and reinstall the app. Users who do not face any issues can continue using the app as usual. Notably, the Android version of the app is available for download in the United Kingdom, and no other countries are affected.
Sonja highlighted how the app has significantly improved her life, making it easier and more flexible. However, he now faces the inconvenience of manually setting an alarm to wake up at night to perform the test. Fortunately, she discovers an old monitor, test strips and a finger prick pen in her luggage, which she can use to keep a watchful eye on her blood sugar levels.
Finally, the popular diabetes app's malfunction has led to frustration and anxiety among its users. Abbott's FreeStyle LibreLink app, widely used by people with diabetes, suffered a significant setback after being disabled by an update to certain Apple devices. While the company is actively working on a fix, affected users have repeatedly had to resort to alternative testing methods, including finger pricks. The importance of consistent access to accurate blood sugar monitoring cannot be understated, as it plays an important role in diabetes management and overall health.
