Freestyle libre 2

+1. For me, CGM has been lifechanging. And that's without any exaggeration. Yesterday, I attended the first day of the PHCUK.org annual conference, and Dr. Unwin had a presentation on exactly this topic, saying that while NICE guidelines limit access to CGM to a very small group of diabetics all would benefit.

I couldn't agree more ! it definitely has been a life changer for me , I can't imagine how I coped all these years without one .

Those of us who post on fora like this are interested in our diabetes and get value from a CGM.
Sadly, we are the minority. I agree those who would get value from it should have a CGM. But I think it would be a waste of money for many.

I think the point here is not just handing out CGMs. It also is about providing guidance and ongoing support around how to use these tools effectively. Dr. Unwin had some impressive stats from his surgery where he has over 140 patients in remission, a third of his population of diabetics. From listening to a few of his interviews, it sounds like he is really interested in providing that and runs group support sessions, etc. I mean, you won't always reach everyone, and some people will choose medicine over lifestyle changes (I was one of these people), but I'm sure this approach can reduce longterm cost of hospitalisations with complications and CGM would be a worthwhile investment with good returns.

Same here, what a difference using CGM makes. I was on 11 metformin a day and discovered it elevated my glucose readings.

Also brown seedy bread only 14 carbs a slice made my readings go really high (10.5) and stayed there for 4 hours, I have now switched to keto for a while, I managed to lower my averages by .2 over 40 days, so some way to go.

Me too. In the USA some medical insurance companies are recommending CGMs for all type 2 diabetics, which suggests less costly side-effects and complications with their use

mariavontrapp said:

Me too. In the USA some medical insurance companies are recommending CGMs for all type 2 diabetics, which suggests less costly side-effects and complications with their use

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In the UK we might get the same in 10 years, the doctors are a bit **** here.

TheSecretCarbAddict said:

+1. For me, CGM has been lifechanging. And that's without any exaggeration. Yesterday, I attended the first day of the PHCUK.org annual conference, and Dr. Unwin had a presentation on exactly this topic, saying that while NICE guidelines limit access to CGM to a very small group of diabetics all would benefit.

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for me also I’m finding the CGM is a game change, unfortunately my GP has told me this can’t be funded despite me having been on insulin for aprox the last 15 years (in addition to tablets for 15 yr bef that) also recently I’ve been put on Mounjaro
disappointed that I don’t meet the criteria for funded CGM on the NHS, I took advantage of the free trial of freestyle libre2plus, then they sent me a second sensor FOC as I had a few errors with the first one, the sensor I’m wearing expires within the next 24 hrs so back to finger pricking between 8&12 times a day (until the sensors I ordered from abbot online over the weekend are delivered)

Mummyoftwo2017 said:

Hi everyone , my hba1c was 73. It’s been going up and up these past few years. I’ve only been on the freestyle libre 2 for 38 days, but I’ve learnt more in these past 38 days about my diabetes than in the 15 year I’ve had it. I can see how foods affect my blood sugar, what elevates, what keeps them elevated and what keeps them stable. The app is saying my estimated hba1c is now 50mmol. I’m more mindful of what I eat, how much I eat etc etc. I think all diabetics should be given these as prevention is much better than cure. I’ve also lost 9 1/2lb in this time too. Best thing the doctor has ever given me

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How did you qualify for a FL2 as a T2 diabetic as I thought it was for T!s only

Goodybags said:

for me also I’m finding the CGM is a game change, unfortunately my GP has told me this can’t be funded despite me having been on insulin for aprox the last 15 years (in addition to tablets for 15 yr bef that) also recently I’ve been put on Mounjaro
disappointed that I don’t meet the criteria for funded CGM on the NHS, I took advantage of the free trial of freestyle libre2plus, then they sent me a second sensor FOC as I had a few errors with the first one, the sensor I’m wearing expires within the next 24 hrs so back to finger pricking between 8&12 times a day (until the sensors I ordered from abbot online over the weekend are delivered)

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Hi there, like you I have to self fund my Freestyle 2 Monitor despite the fact I was diagnosed with kidney cancer and I am having immunotherapy treatment and taking steroids which totally mess up my blood sugar, I have absolutely no awareness of low blood sugar. Without the Freestyle Libre 2 I would have had quite a few hospital admissions during this past year had it not been for the monitor.
I was diagnosed with both the cancer and the diabetes last year and have only been seen at the hospital once in the past year because I’m being monitored remotely by my consultant on a monitor that I pay for! I am a pensioner worked for 50 years inject 3 times day but have been told I don’t qualify for funding on the NHS and it’s government legislation to not allow funding. I have written to Wes Streeting who also has lost a kidney to cancer as yet I have had no response.

Mummyoftwo2017 said:

Hi everyone , my hba1c was 73. It’s been going up and up these past few years. I’ve only been on the freestyle libre 2 for 38 days, but I’ve learnt more in these past 38 days about my diabetes than in the 15 year I’ve had it. I can see how foods affect my blood sugar, what elevates, what keeps them elevated and what keeps them stable. The app is saying my estimated hba1c is now 50mmol. I’m more mindful of what I eat, how much I eat etc etc. I think all diabetics should be given these as prevention is much better than cure. I’ve also lost 9 1/2lb in this time too. Best thing the doctor has ever given me

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Does your GP deal with your Diabetes, or a Clinic?

I'm T2 and my GP ref me to the Hospital clinic as they don't deal with insulin apparently!

I was self funding my Libre for a year but in the end the Consultant agreed to prescribe them. At the time if a T2 on Insulin you had to have additional needs, physical or mental disability in my NHS area.

I was finger pricking numerous times per day and I have Fibro, which has affected my fingers.

It's worth you pushing for it, good luck, it's a terrible postcode lottery.

Maybe write to your MP, rather than Wes Streeting? I wrote to my MP, at the time was Thereese Coffey, she took it up with several depts and actually wrote to my H.A, East Suffolk/ North Essex to ask why they were sticking to the NICE guidelines so rigidly with no flexibility! She actually told them that they can use their discretion and the tools it gives you can certainly make a huge difference, which can save complications later.

I do understand it costs the NHS money and some might use it as a "toy", however, if you're "all in" with trying to get on top of things it makes a huge difference.

My Year
Paul Hawthorne 72 years old


Started late 2023
With an appointment to see my Diabetic Specialist at Warwick hospital.
At the time of seeing her I was on Metformin, Toujeo and Trulicity. The specialist offered me a FreeStyle Libre 2. The best bit of tech I have received for helping me with Diabetes. It gave me a visual control of my sugar level showing me what I could eat and what happened to my sugars. Over this last year I’ve lost 5 stone by stopping bread (wheat, oats, grains, etc) and potatoes (Starch veg), and rice.
Trying to keep my Carbs low and my calories to 2000 a day. (I emphasis Trying Ha-ha)
I slowly (over months) with guidance stopped my Toujeo injections.
Then due to the shortage of Trulicity I ran out and stopped the injections (Stopped losing weight). After a few more months I discussed with my doctor stopping the Metformin. I have not had any Diabetic medicine for at least 5 months.


Medical History
I’ve had a serious Intestine operation, (Possibly heredity) so had problems with my bowel movements.
Approximately 5 years ago I had a Prostatectomy (Prostrate cancer removed). Also, I had Sleep Aponia for approximately 10 years, now I have no urgent need for the C-Pap.


Questions I still have
Will I ever need to go back on medication? (Possibly as there is no cure but I’m in remittance).
The morning phenonium (I understand that to get over it I need to make my BMI very low)?
Should my A1C be below 5.9%? There appears to be a diabetic club (The 5% Club)?
I have a high fibre drink every night (Inulin, Psyllium, Milled Flaxseed and Cinnamon) for my bowel movements. Is this a good health drink?



Ideas I’m trying
Joined “Diabetes.co.uk Community. Very interesting and helpful
Joined “katrin@sugarfreelondoner” Keto/Low carb/Sugar free recipes. Very helpful but watch the carbs.
I have found having a high fibre drink that I have once a day (10g Psyllium, 10g Inulin, 5g Milled Flaxseed and 2g Cinnamon in a glass of water) which is helping my stools/movements. (Has carbs).
Every morning I have a 20mm shot of Ginger and Turmeric (Recently trying it
to see if it helps).

Trying different Diets (Keto, Low Carb, Carnivore, Vegan). Very confused. But I feel the low carb diet is the best for me as we humans are Omnivores?

I’ve been Reading lots of books (Started at the bottom): -
“This book may save your life” Dr Karan Rajan.
“How not to Die” MD Michael Greger.
“Life without Diabetes” Professor Roy Taylor.
“The Vegetarian Myth” Lierre Keith.
“Diabetes Solutions” Dr Bernstein.
“The Big Fat Surprise” Nina Teicholz.
“The Carnivore Code” MD Paul Saladino.
“Glucose Revolution” Jessie Inchauspe.
“Living Low Carb” Jonny Bowden.
“Blood Sugar 101’ Jenny Ruhl.
“The 8-Week Blood Sugar diet” Dr Michael Mosley.
“The Diabetes Code” Dr Jason Fung.


Finally
Now (Beginning of winter2024) my sugar battle is having spikes, but my liver is reacting quickly so my A1C is down to 6.4% and getting better would like to be back in the 5% Club. (When having Toujeo I was 5.8%).
Disappointed as I’ve lost over 5 stone, but I’ve started putting a little weight back on. Is this due to the cold of winter? Interesting that my sugar seams to be improving but my weight is going up?