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CGM

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Unnati

Newbie
Messages
1
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Hi, I am Newbie, not on medication, but HBA1c is 49,Type 2 , Pricking finger 3 times every day as I want to see what food effects how in my body in my kind of lifestyle. I am very fond of technology, thinking to buy CGM but I know nothing about it, What do you recommend ?

Thanks in advance
 
I’m type 2 so not entitled to cgm on nhs as not on insulin. Abbot do a free trial of libre 2 for 2 weeks, which I gave a go and have learnt a lot more about what my blood sugars are up to. The sensor lasts for 2 weeks and you can download a program on phone to read it. To fund it I’ve been getting from abbot directly and as diabetic they cost about £49 so not cheap. Also readings taken from interstitial tissue so bit of time lag after blood glucose from finger prick, but I think worth it while I’m learning. They also give hba1c estimate which I think is useful in telling me how my diet is improving my blood sugars. I’m hoping to try until after Xmas and will probably go back to finger prick testing then. I haven’t tried any others so don’t know how they compare.
 
sue512 said:
I’m type 2 so not entitled to cgm on nhs as not on insulin. Abbot do a free trial of libre 2 for 2 weeks, which I gave a go and have learnt a lot more about what my blood sugars are up to. The sensor lasts for 2 weeks and you can download a program on phone to read it. To fund it I’ve been getting from abbot directly and as diabetic they cost about £49 so not cheap. Also readings taken from interstitial tissue so bit of time lag after blood glucose from finger prick, but I think worth it while I’m learning. They also give hba1c estimate which I think is useful in telling me how my diet is improving my blood sugars. I’m hoping to try until after Xmas and will probably go back to finger prick testing then. I haven’t tried any others so don’t know how they compare.
Click to expand...
Hi,
How does the trial work? Do you get the machine or software, or whatever it is, free on loan for the trial and purchase the sensors @£49.00 each?
Cheers. Nick
 
Nicksellick said:
Hi,
How does the trial work? Do you get the machine or software, or whatever it is, free on loan for the trial and purchase the sensors @£49.00 each?
Cheers. Nick
Click to expand...
The FreeStyle Libre sensors are single use and last for two weeks.

If you get it on prescription, you can get a reader to scan the sensor. For the free trial and for people who self-fund (and people who prefer the app to the reader), there's a free app you can download on your smartphone which lets you scan the sensor and see the data.
 
Nicksellick said:
Hi,
How does the trial work? Do you get the machine or software, or whatever it is, free on loan for the trial and purchase the sensors @£49.00 each?
Cheers. Nick
Click to expand...
No, app is free load to phone which is then used to read the libre. Libre is smallish disc device you attach to arm. If you access their website they’ve got many small video clips showing you how it works.
 
Unnati said:
Hi, I am Newbie, not on medication, but HBA1c is 49,Type 2 , Pricking finger 3 times every day as I want to see what food effects how in my body in my kind of lifestyle. I am very fond of technology, thinking to buy CGM but I know nothing about it, What do you recommend ?

Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
You'd learn more by testing just before first bite of each meal, then again 2 hours after.
3 times a day isn't enough
Best of all is cgm, but see other responses for pros and cons
I use one occasionally, mainly when on holiday or when I can't be in control of making my own food.
Once you've learned what are good foods for you, you can stop testing all together, or just once a day or a week, whatever you decide suits you best
 
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