Diabetes educator, Gary Scheiner gives his in-depth review of the newly approved Abbott Freestyle Libre CGM continuous glucose monitor.
Faster than the fastest meter.
More powerful than point-in-time measurements.
Able to leap piles of test strips with a single scan.
Look… on pharmacy shelves (soon). It’s a meter. It’s a CGM. It’s FREESTYLE LIBRE!
Seriously, this is exciting. Abbott’s Frestyle Libre has finally been approved for sale in the United States. Why the excitement? Because it almost eliminates the need for fingerstick blood glucose measurements. It has features of a CGM (continuous glucose monitor) and a blood glucose meter combined in one device. And it is simple to use, reasonably accurate, virtually painless, and relatively inexpensive ($60 for the durable receiver/scanner, $40 per sensor; insurance coverage pending).
Super! How does it work?
An applicator device is placed on the back of the arm. With one push, a tiny glucose-sensitive filament is inserted just below the skin, with the waterproof transmitter (about the size of two stacked quarters) attached and adhered to the skin. After a 12-hour warmup period, a signal is sent every minute to a handheld receiver about the size of a small cell phone, and the current glucose level along with a trend arrow and graph of the most recent eight hours of data is displayed. The sensor/transmitter is replaced every 10 days. And because of its accuracy, NO fingerstick calibrations are required.
A very similar device has been available in Europe and other parts of the world since 2014. The hardware is basically the same, but there are a few subtle differences between the US version and the European version. The European sensors last 14 days each as opposed to 10 with the US version (the sensors cannot be “re-used”), and the warmup period only lasts 1 hour (as opposed to 12). However, the accuracy of the US version is slightly better (average error of 9.7%, compared to 11%) – likely due to the longer warmup and shorter length of wear. Also nice to know that the sensors are not affected by acetaminophen.
Everyone at our practice had a chance to try out the European version of Freestyle Libre soon after it launched (it helps to have friendly clients all over the world!). We were impressed with it from the getgo. Compared to current CGM systems, it is very easy to insert and use right out of the box. No training required. Despite the lack of fingerstick calibrations, the data generally matched up well to our fingerstick meter readings (you didn’t think we would trust it THAT much, did you?). The comfort was also quite good, although the adhesive left a little to be desired.
OK… What’s the Kryptonite?
My pappy once told me that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. While Freestyle Libre combines many of the features of CGM and fingerstick meters, it comes up short in a number of key areas. Perhaps the most glaring weakness is the lack of alarms/alerts for pending high and low glucose levels. Because the user has to physically “scan” the receiver just over the transmitter in order to generate any data, the device does not track things constantly the way a Dexcom or Medtronic sensor does. The only way to know if you’re low or heading low is to do a scan. With so many people lacking early warning symptoms for low blood glucose, traditional CGMs are relied upon heavily for avoidance of significant hypoglycemia. Libre may help users cut down on the frequency and severity of lows, but only if the user scans the sensor every 5-10 minutes, including through the night. And that’s just not about to happen.
Libre also lacks the ability to transmit data to a cell phone or to “share” the data electronically with loved ones and caregivers. This will likely change over the next several years, but for the time being, the only person who can see what’s going on is the one who is scanning the sensor.
And how does Libre stack up to our trusty, dusty blood glucose meters? Sure, Libre has been approved as a replacement for fingersticks, but does that mean it should be? Remember, on average, Libre is about 10% off from reference (lab) values. That about matches many older-generation meters that are currently on the market. Today’s latest meters, such as the Contour Next, Freestyle Lite, Dario and AccuCheck Nano are far more accurate, with results that generally fall within 4-6% of lab values. The difference can be significant for those who are calculating insulin doses based on blood glucose levels. The inaccuracy can be even greater when the blood sugar is rising or falling quickly – something called “lag time”. Because Libre measures glucose concentrations in interstitial fluid in the fat layer rather than in the bloodstream directly, it takes time for changes in blood sugar to show up on the sensor. Think of it this way: Fingerstick blood glucose always gets the front seat in a roller coaster, fat-layer glucose always gets the back seat. When the coaster is climbing, the glucose in the fingerstick will be higher than the fat layer. When the coaster is dropping, the fingerstick will be lower.
Even if the accuracy of Libre matched the best blood glucose meters, there are still times when fingersticks are going to be needed:
- During the 12-hour warmup period
- When physical symptoms don’t match what Libre is displaying
- Any time the receiver displays “Check Blood Glucose”
- If the sensor comes off the skin accidentally
- In the event the receiver is lost/broken or sensors are temporarily unavailable
And for many of us who have performed more fingersticks than we’d care to count over the years, there is a trust issue. The clients we have in Europe who use Libre still check their blood sugar the old fashioned way just to make sure the Libre is working properly. Some check a few times a day, some a few times a week, and others just during the first couple of weeks.
Super for Who?
Bottom line: If you currently use a CGM and rely on it to warn you when your glucose is getting out of range, Libre is probably not for you. If you’re not using a CGM and would benefit from being warned when your is getting getting out of range, then you should check into using a CGM other than Libre. If you like the idea of having frequent BG data along with trending information but don’t want the alarms/alert intrinsic to current CGM systems, Libre may be a good choice.
For those who just rely on fingersticks and are susceptible to hypoglycemia, heck – even if you just detest doing fingersticks, Libre can be highly beneficial. In addition to being a quick and frequent source of reasonably accurate glucose data, Libre provides that all-important direction you’re headed. With all the decisions we make throughout the day related to our diabetes, knowing both the current glucuose value and where it’s headed lets us make much better decisions. Think about it: If your glucose is 118 and you’re about to exercise, take a test, drive a car, perform open-heart surgery, or just go to sleep, you can make prepare better knowing if you’re rising, falling or stable.
Super Summation
On the plus side, Libre has accuracy comparable to Dexcom, it is very easy to use, and does not require any fingersticks. It provides a wealth of valuable information to the user with minimal discomfort and inconvience.
On the downside, Libre lacks the alert features incumbent to other CGM systems, and its accuracy, while good, is not as good as most modern fingerstick meters.
A prescription will be required to obtain Libre in the US. It is approved for age 18 plus, but it can be used by children when prescribed “off-label” by a physician.
To learn more and for product updates, Abbott has set up a website: www.freestylelibre.us. If you decide to give Libre a try and want to learn how to react/adjust to the trending information and interpret the downloadable reports, give our office a call (610-642-6055).
To use new technology and really benefit from it… now that’s a SUPER combination!
This is a horrible device. We have had four of these sensors, and all were defective out-of-box. The Sensor Applicator does not lock against the Sensor Pack. Strongly advise staying away from this USELESS hardware junk.
Still having a problem with my iPhone ES 2020 (2nd generation) not converting my 14 day sensor reading to text. Phone uses iOS 13.7 and it worked just fine for maybe the first 2 months but then stopped speaking (this is only reason I bought this phone). Now I must scan 4 or 5 times and look at phone each time after scan – totally ridiculous.
Have sent all this info. to Abbott.
Have contacted Abbott 5 or 6 times and their response was that they was that their call “did not go through”. I have had this same phone number for many, many years with no problems. Also requested an email reply but, once again, no reply.
No big deal to them but I have using my iPhone for scanning as it just takes to long. Just can not believe their lack of customer service. Dexcom does not seem to have this problem. I will find out when I change over to Dexcom.
Hi JIm,
a lot of biotech companies have trouble adapting to a new IOS. Dexcom has some small issues with updates form time to time but they usually only last a day at most before they are on top of it and get it fixed.
poor customer service is a common complaint among Libre users.
Dexcom has learned from the backlash they had over poor customer service and really stepped up their game recently.
Thanks for the info on this bug, we still await the app compatibility for the LIbre2.
The current freestyle libre last 14 days and take 1 hour to start. Precision is 10% error against lab or finger test. But some sensors have a 60 point or more error so it is hard to trust. So every few days I do a finger test to be sure
I started using libre July 2020 after doc said I needed it because my readings are running high 250 to 400. I do a scan then I do a finger stick and the libre is 100 or more points off. I wasted money on this junk it has been a continuous issue with reading and doc said it would help. I called the nurse who informed me that clients always report inaccurate readings and it is not good if you use insulin. Like tonight it said 201 checked with finger stick and it’s 364 I would have under dosed insulin. The nurse said I should have tried Dexcom because it monitors all time and is more accurate than libre. Wish I could get money back what a waste.
This product is a rip off. the first sensors were 40 a set. the refills for me are 75, for a friend of mine over 100. I’m on my fourth set and have had only 2 to stay on for 5 days. I play golf 5 days a week and with heat and tugging on sweaty shirt they will not stay on. I bought the patches made to cover the sensors rubbed my arm on seat felt the sensor move. It had pulled out $35 gone in 2 days. Reading comment people saying they are not accurate i agree. Its no fun when you check and get a reading of 150, give yourself a shot, 30 minutes later you bottom out because its 40 off. Had this happen couple times. So if your not active use them, because they are convenient but if you exercise move around and sweat, stick your finger and save 150 a month.
We agree, the two biggest issue with the libre are its accuracy issues and poor adhesive life.
Most users have to use an over tape or additional adhesive to get more than 7 days of wear or to get it to stay on while sweating.
Dexcom seems to have better adhesive but has a shorter wear as well.
we hope the Libre 2 addresses these issues
I have the same problem with the adhesive, I have 1 out of 4 stay on the full time . none of the extra additions ive have been told about work either !!!! POOR PRODUCT
Hi Jamie,
most libre users find that they have to apply a secondary adhesive overpatch to get the sensor to last the full lifespan. We are trying out the libre 2 and hope it performs a lot better.
Need some new reviews here. These are not even mentioning someof the real drawbacks. especially innaccracy which is a lot
We are working on revamping all our CGM and Pump comparisons and reviews. Thanks for the feedback.
A hard case of caveat emptor, this thing is junk. Sensor needles are so flimsy, they bend very easily while trying to insert into arm, sensor failure is the only reading I’ve gotten from them, and they’re grossly expensive. Is strongly advise against buying this product
Bottom line it is junk. The sensors will become unglued It will not give you two weeks of use.That is a fib ! It really does not matter how clean , how much alcohol you use or the were it is placed. I have had 3 sensors replaced . I’m tired of being on hold and waiting for the shipment of the replacement sensors. The truth it is junk. Sad but true ! Do not buy or change your prescription to this junk. You will be sorry. !
Not so. I’ve had my first sensor on for ten days with normal and strenuous work, showers, the whole nine yards. The sensor will not even move. Has been VERY stable. I’ve had issues with accuracy, but I think it has been my placement of the sensor.
This not the product that you want to use if you have a Job… I work in a tire plant and it get pretty warm at times the sensors will not stay on unless I buy extra stuff to make my skin tacky and go over the sensor to make it stay on, but now they just not working at all I’m done with this product it doesn’t work for me.it cost to much to have not work I’m going to try another company and see if they are better than this company here . Don’t buy this you get what you pay for, it’s just not worth my money and time
Hi Kelvin,
lots of movement, varying temps and adhesive issues would definitely be problematic for the Librea. I bet you’d have a better experience with the Dexcom, the adhesive seems stronger, I know I sweat like crazy hiking in the summer or in martial arts dojos, and have yet to sweat one off, I do use over tape if it starts to peal at the edges though to be safe. the Dexcom G6 is a great option and is more accurate as well as giving alerts that can improve safety in physically active conditions.
I have been diabetic for 28 years, I’m a chef and very active. This product is not for active people. They do not give you test strips which is required for use. Also no tagaderm which is also require because it falls off very easy and I would consider a waste of money!! Even with the skin tape to hold it on, it seems futile. So if your a person that exercises, enjoys a sauna or sweats on occasion SAVE YOUR MONEY!!! You will be frustrated and thrown down a rabbit hole of bureaucracy from this company. Constant tennis match between pharmacist, DR. Abott company help lines… nice idea but a huge waste of money!!!
Ouch Jason, it sounds like the libre was a pretty poor fit for your lifestlyle and needs. Have you tried Dexcom? you might want to check our our CGM comparison under the resources tab.
Freestyle Libre is inaccurate. My dad was out of town for a week and the monitor kept stating his sugar was extremely low and steadily dropping; however, when he took the blood sample it was the complete opposite. I would not recommend this product!
It’s great idea if you don’t sweat my Aunt bought several things to have extra gluing. Nope sadly lasted three whole days …peel off.
I am looking for a way to water proof my sensor so that I can go back to exercising in a pool for an 1 hours session. Are there any products on the market that would allow me to swim without damaging the device or weakling the adhesive?
all of the currently available CGM technologies are water proof, however moisture under the transmitter can really impact accuracy and wearability.
There are a lot of overtaping options available. Tegaderm is water proof, as would be foam medical tape with a rubbarized outer coating (often called microphone tape as actors use it to hold mics in place on stage)
There are many over tape options that are not water proof but allow moisture to easily wic away to dry such as griff grips, Sim patches or a strip of kenesio tape.
I have been a type 1 Diabetic since 1977.
My first meter was the size of a kleenex box and had a 2 step procedure. Step 1. Add water and step 2. Medicated solution needed to be applied to the test strip before inserting the strip into the meter to read any result.
Now you can understand why my excitement about this new technology was something I wanted to try immediately.
In total since I started the freestyle libre, I would rate it for me personally a great asset but rate it poor experience due to the cost wasted with many of the sensors falling by the 5th to 7th days out of the advertised 14 at wear.
The glue had a reaction on my skin and the filament sensors weren’t long enough and maybe a reason they would fall off?
Perhaps the glue used was also creating a rash on my arm which lead to it falling off as well?.
Also, the girth of my arm bandwidth is XXXL
Retail option (2 SIZES) should be made available.
1. Regular as is
2. Extra Large filament regular as is
3. Extra Large Filament for
Sensitive Skin
At a cost of $100. Plus HST Canadian Ontario Canada Provincial taxes it’s not worth it for me.
I have returned using my old One Touch Vario Flex. Until the Filament is made Longer for Sensitive skin type then maybe I would shell out that cash?.
Please develop my suggestions.
Until then, I will not waste my money on this product.
Sincerely
Sheila Bianconi
Hi Sheila,
Thanks for sharing your experience and ideas, I would encourage you to forward them on to Dexcom. We review and educate on products but do not sell or develop them.
Many people find a need to overtape to hold a CGM in place for so long. Other users find that using a skin protection under their CGMs is necessary to prevent skin issues. We would be happy to work with you to help you find the right combination for you. You can call our offices to set up a consultation.
Having issues with the Libre reading too low. It is typically 20 points or more lower than the Bayer Contour Link.
Also, in Canada, Bayshore who is connected to the Libre sells one sensor for $89 . The Shoppers Drug Mart drug store wants $130 for the same thing. Seems like something is wrong.
I was bitterly disappointed with the Libre after receiving the buildup from my NP. My first sensor fell off after 30 minutes. The second sensor acted appropriately but the third sensor did not deploy; I felt it pierce my skin but it was still inside the applicator when I lifted it off. My glucose readings were all over the place and bore no relationship to my BG values, either being up to 20 points lower or 80 points higher with no discernable pattern. I was fortunate in that the company did accept it back and will reimburse Medicare as there is only a 15-day return policy (that I was unaware of). The chief drawback in that there was absolutely no education/training offered either by Abbott or the distributor. The next time I consider a CGM the first question I will ask is about face-to-face training.
I have had a terrible time keeping the sensor in my arms. I wake up and find it in my sheets or hanging from my arm. Are there any other reliable systems that don’t cost a fortune and have smoother sensors that won’t catch on things?
Very poor customer service. No support what so ever. Supplier and Abbot toss the blame back and forth. Like the Libre when it works, when it don’t good luck. Good luck getting a replacement. Too bad!
I have now used 3 sensors with the chilling results of high readings up to 3 full mmol points higher than the finger prick. I was told to check it with the finger some 5 to 10 minutes after doing a sensor reading. The finger prick was lower. I have reported the issue but I dont think anything will happen in fact I told them that it could be very dangerous for people that might say take more medication to lower the sugar levels. What I finished up doing was raising the levels on the meter to allow for the higher readings. Anyhow I am not willing to pay $90 every two weeks for the sensors but in saying that it can and will be a good device whit more work on it and the Government providing a rebate as they do with all other diabetes things.
I have now used seven sensors. The first one worked great. After the first I have had nothing good to say about them. One didn’t work at all and the rest are horribly inaccurate and not even consistently inaccurate. They can very +/- 50 points from one reading to the next when compared to finger sticks. I am SO disappointed.
I have been using a Dexcom G5 for a couple of years. I started using a Libre two-weeks ago. Please note:
Pros
Way less expensive than the Dexcom
Accuracy is for me is on par with the G5 ( I had both on for the first week)
Less involved when placing it on
I like the scanner and the information, although it feels like a strong winds would break it.
Cons
12-Hours Warm up
Restricted placement area (Back of arm only vs. G5 on my belly or other better areas). It can be torn off very easily.
Sensor adhesive area needs to be bigger (I’m using Tagederm to secure better) G5 was more adhesive to secure it.
I absolutely hate the 12 hour wait, it also counts towards the 10 day use of the sensor so in reality you are only getting 9 1/2 days of usage out of each sensor in the US, everywhere else you get 14 days and only need 1-2 hours for the warmup period. US healthcare is crap compared to the rest of the “developed” world. Maybe one day we will catch up.
I have very sensitive skin. Has anyone had skin issues from the device you wear on your arm.?
I cannot recommend these to anyone. I’ve been using them for about three weeks, and although mine have been fairly accurate (at least as accurate as a glucose meter), I’ve already had two come off. At $25 a pop that’s way too often. I have dry skin, only apply them after a shower and skin has dried, I use both alcohol swabs, and no lotion.
I love it but cannot get the sensor to stay on me for ten days. I have two more sensors if they come off early then I will do away with this idea can’t afford $25 for a sensor every couple of days
If you are having adhesive issues you might want to try skin tak or IV prep. these both help sensors adhere to the skin a bit better.
Recently had a very negative experience with the Libre and customer service. Sensor was reporting lows for a few days, I was treating them and when I checked against blood on a One Touch, it as 6.9 while the sensor was reading 2.9 – customer service is slow and does not even understand the product. They won’t replace the sensor nor the reader (cause you can’t delete all the false lows).
I’ve been using the Libre for 3 months. I find it to be a bit of a novelty, a nice idea but not as advertised. I have experienced issues with three of the first four sensors being faulty. Abbott was good about replacing them and I have since had no problems. My main concern, and a much more important one, is the accuracy of the device. When compared to a finger stick the Libre is between 15 to 40 percent off. For example, when I awoke the Libre read 67 and the Bg meter read 106. This type of error happens whether I am high or low or normal. In addition, the trending arrows have proven to be inaccurate as well. I am due for an A1C and my suspicions are that it will be higher than my normal since the Libre gives me consistently low readings. Has anyone else had this experience?
I have worn the device for three days. During that time it has been 10 to 50 points higher than my blood fingerstick readings. It would say I was 120 and I was actually 60. I’m concerned because it will not give me an alert if it’s 10 to 50 points higher than my true levels. I like that has gotten me to check my blood by fingerstick more often. But I was hoping to try to avoid that. Any suggestions?
Hi Holly,
Unfortunately we has similar issues with the Libre. Wearing it on an area that does not have much movement MIGHT help with accuracy, but since we can not calibrate the device, we are pretty much stuck with it.
For the alerts and accuracy it is worth the fight if you can get a Dexcom CGM. The G6 even has improved accuracy with zero finger sticks, but you CAN calibrate when needed to improve accuracy.
For what it’s worth I am a new user of Freestyle Libre. It has been nothing but a nightmare since I started using it on April 16. The reader and sensor have minds of their own. They will give me a reading when they want. All other time no matter what I do sensor is not found. I have received two replacements of the sensors with no change. I think the problem is with the reader but I can not make CSR accept that. So after three inserts, three painful removals after just a couple of day I do not have the results I expected. I am not even sure anyone is listening. It’s time to go back to finger pricking and return the Libre because I did not find any freedom.
If you are able to get the Dexcom CGM we highly recommend it. the G6 even has zero finger sticks and one button insertion like the libre.
Its really nice when an expert actually puts his neck out and threadbare discusses the advantages and disadvantages of a tool. Now users can go for it with more knowledge about it.
I’m just about to return to the Libre because I am fed up with the issues I have had with Medtronic CGM sensors and unreliability.
I use a sweat band around the sensor on my arm if I am going to be particularly active, and also to stop people, especially young children, trying to pick it off me! Have also used extra taping to keep it securely in place.
Thanks to Gary for his very useful reviews, and the comparison between the Dexcom and Medtronic CGM systems.
Do you think there will be a device in the future for animals with diabetes. It would be so much easier to use for animals since it is harder to apply the test strips twice daily for a dog.
Actually one of our educators, Alicia is friends with a Vet who has been looking into pump and cgm technology in animals. of course the biggest barrier is the fur! But there are amazing and caring doctors looking into the cross over of tech.
This appears to be a nice equipment to keep a check on diabetes by effectively monitoring the glucose levels and review of Gary Scheiner is invaluable.
In the middle of my first 10 days with Libre and thus far I love it! I was diagnosed type 2 a couple years ago, I have struggled to get my blood sugar under control and refused to prick my sore fingers on a consistent basis.
Libre is the perfect device for anyone newly diagnosed as it will help show how things like diet, medication, and exercise will affect your glucose levels at any given moment. You can test as many times as you like which is fantastic as you learn the navigate the diabetes highway.
I have found a few downsides to the device so far.
The first is the meter is touch screen but isn’t very sensitive and I have found myself hitting a “button” multiple times to get it to respond. The lack of response is annoying but certainly is not a deal breaker. I hope as time goes on the meter improves or I’ll be able to just sync the sensor with my Galaxy S8 instead of the meter.
My second downside is what Denis B posted about: wrecking the sensor. I’ve almost caught the sensor on doors a few times but so far have been fortunate to see no damage or injury. I wonder if perhaps wrapping it up with a ace bandage or sweat band while sleeping would help? I did ask my doctor about using Libre elsewhere on the body (inner thigh for example), she told me that the sensors have only been tested and approved for use on the arm. If anyone else has used it elsewhere on his or her body, please post here!
i have my libre on the inside of my arm so i don’t sleep on it or wreak it.
“Libre may help users cut down on the frequency and severity of lows, but only if the user scans the sensor every 5-10 minutes, including through the night. And that’s just not about to happen.”
I would hate to be the person who before CGM had to stick their fingers every 5-10 minutes. The author must have been high when making this statement.
My insurance won’t pay for a CGM. I can’t afford a Dexcom. This is still on the expensive side for someone receiving disability. But it’s better than what I have been doing and will give me and my doctor a better picture of my diabetes.
I am using european version for over 6 months and have following remarks:
1. Lag is a problem vs finger pricking. You need to be super calm when your libre shows you are still going down while you ve already taken that orange juice. You know it is probably because of lag but it makes you nervous and you tend to take more carbs then required
2. Touch screen is a pain – especially in cold environment – my second libre meter still has a problem with this so it is not a single meter problem
3. Ux also could be improved – 24hrs before end of sensor time when you try to read sensor the meter shows a warning that sensor is soon to be replaced, in order to show bg reading you have to close this screen using a very small button in the corner of the screen. Since touch screen is a pain you are often (especially in cold weather) stuck and cannot read bg
All in leaving above complaints aside I practically stopped finger pricking :) I am swimming, climbing so really libre has helped me a lot.
I’ve been using the Freestyle Libre for the past month and have managed to wreck two sensors in that time – once by bumping into a door frame, and the other by rolling over in my sleep. Be very careful when positioning the sensor to avoid these (very expensive) circumstances.
Other than this issue, I’ve been very happy with the Freestyle Libre. My endocrinologist is able to see my BG trends for the entire day and has made several insulin dosage changes with the data.
Thanks for the advice on the fragility of the libre Denis!
Even if the sensor is ripped off the body the device itself is pretty durable, you’ll be able (in theory) to get previous readings from it.
I should add to my previous comment that many consider the accuracy and safety provided by Libre to be far superior to BGM. Two critical aspects are often ignored when accuracy comparisons are made.
The accuracy measurements are made with single spot readings. The BGM values depend upon “perfect” user precautions and sterile techniques. On the latter, independent tests show actual home use of BGM has current meters struggling to meet a 15% accuracy – one evaluation had less than 1/3rd complying with requirements.
The other major difference is that the Libre takes a reading every minute. It stores less but uses 15 individual readings to provide the trend which you do highlight as one of the major advantages. As well as that we see the daily graph – again allowing us to judge from multiple individual readings about direction.
Another major advantage is the provision of AGP graphs – a marvellous aid to Diabetes management.
Good to see a well written article about Libre. I have been using Libre for 2 years and am active in an independent worldwide Facebook group of over 12,000 Libre users; about 9,000 take part at least once per month. We learn a great deal – both the good and the bad (thankfully not much of the latter!) Most PWD, both T1 & T2, consider it to be life-changing.Our biggest problems at the moment come from Abbott not being able to provide a reliable supply in the U.K. due to over-demand.
We have discovered a number of workarounds which hopefully will also work in the USA version. An Italian company has developed an Android app that will read the sensor during the initial settling-in period – we don’t like losing that hour even if slightly less accurate (we know, so can compensate for dosing). It also gives an extra 12 hours at the end – we use this to save even more fingerpricks by using 2 concurrent sensors at changeover. We also insert 12-24 hours before activation. This allows insertion trauma to settle while not taking up sensor operation time – no need for your 12 hour loss! And we certainly can link data to carers and loved ones – even with Abbott apps!
Thanks, Dr. Gary for providing details about Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre sensor.Certainly, this will help patients in making an informed decision whether Libre sensor is a right option for them or not. We are using Ambrosia’s NightRider BluCon since June, 17 and it is working like a charm. we are using it with xDrip+ app but could also be used with LinkBluCon app to see glucose reading every 5 minutes on the phone. In the recently released beta app of LinkBluCon iOS version user can also share reading on Apple Health kit while if you use xDrip+ then you can see glucose reading of your kid even when he is school, by using an app from NightScout.