FREESTYLE LIBRE ON SALE!!!!

Hi one and all, I have just been put on a trial of the Freestyle Libre to see if I can get better control

 

I have never had an allergic skin reaction to any kind of adhesive or plaster in my life, but I get an awful reaction/burn when using the Libre and have to put a Compeed underneath in order to avoid it.

I tolerated the Libre fine until the 7th or 8th sensor, so those who have just started and don't have a reaction take note because it doesn't mean you won't get a reaction eventually when your body starts to rebel against it. I do wear them continuously without break so maybe having a gap between sensors would have been better.

Having said all that, Abbott announced on Twitter that they have been working on adhesive with an "extended waffle pattern for easier moisture flow and improved breathability" and that Libre sensors with this "improved adhesive" are now "making their way to customers".

I think I'll try my next one without Compeed and see how it goes. Has anyone noticed this new "waffle pattern" adhesive?

 

When I with others were given the meter and 1 sensor we also were given a pamphlet asking our GP to prescribe the test strips for the Abbott meter .We were also told that Abbott will quiz you for a first faulty sensor and ask even more questions for a "second request" for another "faulty"sensor . The device works very well with only 10% discrepancy in reading using my Aviva expert meter.Not bad but the cost of the sensors are out of my reach

 

Hi, I'm toying with the idea of buying the Abbot Freestyle Libre system over here in France where we are retired. I've been type 1 for 51 years, on NovoRapid & Glargine & using an Accu-Chek Mobile to monitor blood-sugars. Low-carb diet also.

I have a carte vitale ALD that means I do not pay for insulin or the mobile cassettes, although I guess I would have to pay for the Freestyle stuff.

My BS averages are within the normal range BUT but I do have fairly unpredictable changes depending on the weather (!) & the amount of heavy work I do. Although retired, we have a large garden & soil preparation can be hard work. Not had rain in weeks & using an SDS Max drill with a spade fitted to dig a hole in our rock-hard clay soil for a new apple tree! Rather concerned about unexpected hypos & having to correct them....

Would appreciate any thoughts, advice etc...I remember someone posting about using a CGM here in France but can't find their post.

All the best,

Roger

 

Hi one and all, getting towards the end of the Libre sensor finish date and which give reading some way off the reading I get from both my Accu-Chek expert and the test strips for the Libre with reading about ,in some cases 3 points difference ;such as the Libre giving 5.7;the Accu-Check giving 4.9 and their own test strip giving 6.7. Pity the strips are not giving a more accurate glucose level as I do not know who to beleave?

 

Doesn't the Libre measure interstitial fluid rather than blood so it is different? But what do I know!

 

Hi ,yes you are correct it does measure interstitial fluid and we were told that there is normally a 5 minute delay/difference in readings,but you did not read about the difference when using the Libre with a test strip again
way-off. To put it all in perspective it seems that no meter gives the same reading using the same blood sample and the "quality" control only shows as a range?

 

Sounds quite unreliable. For me when I am exercising I may have a 'safe side' biscuit. However, if I don't really need it then I'll be high. Overall the objective is better balance plus the opportunity to switch to one of these exploding Samsungs to check BS on the move.

 

After 55 years of being a type 1 Diabetic I do not joke about products that are being supplied to keep us alive and I do not know what a "Samsung" phone has got any thing to do with constructive comments about blood glucose meters and the new Libre which I have used and prick my fingers for over 20 years and counting

 

LibreLink make an app that can be used in certain Android phones, including the new Samsung Note, to get readings from Abbott Sensors. The benefit for me is that I wouldn't need to carry or buy an Abbott Reader, so making mobile monitoring easier. The joke that obviously escaped you was that the Samsung Notes may catch fire when charging-35 have.

The joke was not about the equipment used to monitor BS's that obviously needs to be accurate.

I use an Apple Watch to monitor my pulse & a Withings sphygmomanometer linked to my iPhone to monitor my blood-pressure.

I am also interested in this
"Nemaura Medical anticipates a sugarBEAT® product launch in Europe in 2017, where it has previously obtained CE approval. In the US, Nemaura Medical has had discussions with the FDA and anticipates completing its clinical program and submitting a PMA application around mid 2017.

SugarBEAT® differs from existing CGM’s given it comprises an adhesive daily-disposable skin-patch which does not require insertion of a needle-like sensor inside the skin. SugarBEAT® also provides users with tremendous flexibility as to when and how often they choose to wear the patch. Both of these factors are expected to empower users in a way current CGM’s cannot."

The simpler & more accurate BS monitoring can be the better for me.

 

I would love to have £159 and get one. please let me know if anyone is using it.

 

Hi, I'm using it now & it's great, cost me €175, for 2 sensors & the reader

Roger

 

I am enjoying listening to everyone but living in northern Ireland you'll never hear about anything new and forget about Nhs

 

Thanks Roger.

 

I'm afraid almost everywhere you have to buy it. I believe it's free in Belgium! Here in France I have a carte vitale ALD that means I do not have to pay for diabetes related stuff. We have to have a secondary insurance & when I spoke to them they suggested I speak to my doctor then apply to CPAM (the body here responsible for health matters) to see if they'll pay. I do not think they will. But if you don't ask you'll never get for certain.

Maybe worth an ask? Some folks have been given a free trial...?

On Facebook there's this "Abbott Freestyle Libre users" that may be worth a look.

We retired here to France to an old place-quite a lot of work to do & different food & have had a lot of 'hypos' hence trying this. It has been very useful.

Good luck,

Roger

 

What do you expect?! My post T2 diagnosis appointment at the Belfast City Hospital they are still on the low fat shovel carbs system!

Referred back to GP for care (podiatrist and eye tests) which GP has no intention of doing. Didn't get them at the hospital, not going to get them elsewhere!

Having said that, my dad was also diagnosed t2 about 2 years ago (yes, I am just the combination of both my parents illnesses!), and they have an in-house diabetic clinic (in Portaferry!) they attend once a year with a specialist nurse who arranges all the routine checks. NI diabetic care at GP level is VERY variable!

In this context Libre - not a chance

 

Back at 4137 mentioned the failure of My libre. Update is: eventually after two weeks of email table tennis Abbott replaced my monitor and sensor. During the questioning I was asked to give the event log codes. I was surprised to see the first codes were for 6 months before I bought the monitor? Anyway conspiracy theories aside, they replaced the whole kit and therefore I bought another two sensors. First one was great, second one failed after 3 days?

 

I stick my sensor on with Mefix tape as I have lost 2 because of sweating because of hypos. Abbott replaced the first one and offered to replace the 2nd but as it was my fault.
So far the tape has kept it secure.