Diabetes Management – Glucose Monitoring System with FreeStyle Libre 14 Day

Type 1 diabetes patient Reny Partain and diabetes educator Amy Folker highlight the benefits of the recent advancements in diabetes management, as well as share both clinical and first-hand experience for those living with the condition.

Routine fingersticks are critical to diabetes management and have been the standard of glucose testing for decades. The FDA recently approved a revolutionary glucose monitoring system called the FreeStyle Libre 14 day, allowing patients to manage their glucose levels without the use of a fingerstick for 14 days.

Reny Partain is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age two, Reny’s parents were determined that despite her diagnosis, she would have a full life. Growing up, Reny was an athlete at heart competing in gymnastics, soccer, and diving, but it wasn’t until 2016 that she decided to tackle her first marathon. The thought of running 26.2 – with a serious health condition – seemed like an unthinkable task. But Reny took a leap of faith when she completed the L.A. marathon with the support of friends, determined to spread awareness about type 1 diabetes.

Just weeks after moving from Los Angeles to Chicago, Reny ran the Chicago marathon solo, with the help of Abbott’s Freestyle Libre, a continuous glucose monitor that eliminates the need for routine fingersticks, and shaved over an hour off her original time.

Outside of her running shoes, Reny is a licensed clinical social worker at Urban Balance and Lurie Children’s Hospital where she helps children, teens, and adults diagnosed with chronic conditions adjust to their diagnosis and thrive. Reny also stays connected with the diabetes community through volunteer work with DYF, JDRF, and ADA.