Freestyle Libre experiences.

Hi David, there are a few threads with discussion about the use of the Libre (most notably here http://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/freestyle-libre-on-sale.65900/). A quick search will probably reveal most of them!

DavidGrahamJones said:

Hopefully this is relevant and maybe not everyone knows but it would seem that the Freestyle Libre is now freely available. For those who have purchased and maybe used the machine for a while (cost might prevent continual use for most) I wonder what experiences people have had, good bad or indifferent.

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Just in response to your request, I found it extremely informative, with the odd swirl of frustration thrown in, just for good measure. Bat, that's just the Big D all over.

Pros:

• I love it because it gives me virtually 24 hours a day information
  
• I can still see what's going on even if I forget to test before or after a meal
• I get a better idea of how I'm reacting to various (combinations of) foods over time
  
• ditto for levels of activity, stress, etc
  
• the continuous graphs are much nicer than spot check finger prick graphs (but see also below)

Cons:

• the sensor will only record 8 hours data before I have to upload data to the meter, so it's possible to lose some
• there's also data gaps when changing sensors
  
• it tells me my glucose level is very low if I lie on it when I'm sleeping
  
• it reads much lower than my Contour Next meter, which means I don't get an accurate idea of what my HbA1c will be
• detailed data and analysis via software is only accessible when the meter's actually connected to my PC
• as a type 2 on diet and medication I want actual pre and post meal figures, which I have to specifically check for
  
• I'm only on second sensor so can't comment on actual longer term reliability
• high cost!!

If I could combine the benefits of my current meter with those of the Libre, I'd seriously consider swapping to using it full time in spite of the higher costs.

Robbity

Robbity said:

Pros:

• I love it because it gives me virtually 24 hours a day information
  
• I can still see what's going on even if I forget to test before or after a meal
• I get a better idea of how I'm reacting to various (combinations of) foods over time
  
• ditto for levels of activity, stress, etc
  
• the continuous graphs are much nicer than spot check finger prick graphs (but see also below)

Cons:

• the sensor will only record 8 hours data before I have to upload data to the meter, so it's possible to lose some
• there's also data gaps when changing sensors
  
• it tells me my glucose level is very low if I lie on it when I'm sleeping
  
• it reads much lower than my Contour Next meter, which means I don't get an accurate idea of what my HbA1c will be
• detailed data and analysis via software is only accessible when the meter's actually connected to my PC
• as a type 2 on diet and medication I want actual pre and post meal figures, which I have to specifically check for
  
• I'm only on second sensor so can't comment on actual longer term reliability
• high cost!!

If I could combine the benefits of my current meter with those of the Libre, I'd seriously consider swapping to using it full time in spite of the higher costs.

Robbity

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Robbity, surely if you know when you started your meal, you could easily use the nearest, earlier background reading, if necessary. Using that, you then have your following timed scans to take a view from.

Which ever, it's much less intrusive than rummaging around with meter, strips, lancets and so on.

T2 diet only.
I have only used one sensor. I am saving my other until we go on holiday in 3 weeks, then I will buy some more.

My experience with my one and only sensor (so far) is that it gave me a lot of freedom. Freedom from constant finger pricking, freedom from constant hand washing, freedom from clock watching so I don't miss my next planned test. It can be used at any time, including through clothing (even a thick coat), so good when out and about.

The readings were all a lot lower than my comparison finger pricks, and lower than I have been used to seeing at all times of day. I learned to ignore the actual readings and to concentrate on the rises and falls, curves, time of post meal peaks, length of post meal peaks, overnight events, (who would have thought that a full bladder would cause a rise?) All very interesting for me, as a diet only T2. I would not like to rely on it for insulin purposes.

Definitely buying some more, and looking forward to what a holiday does to my levels!

Robbity said:

• as a type 2 on diet and medication I want actual pre and post meal figures, which I have to specifically check for

Robbity

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I found that very easy, and a definite advantage over finger pricking. Scan before your first bite, record "food" on your meter. There you have the pre-meal. When you download the log just look at the time that you scanned "food" and then look for the 2 hours after that, or whatever time you wish.

T2, Diet and exercise. No meds for D

I love it.
Price ws an issue, but now I have been through a few sensors, I consider it far better value for money than prick tests.

It has allowed me to understand my Dawn Phenomenon, post meal peaks and reactive hypoglycaemia in ways that isolated prick snap shots have never allowed.

It is far less disruptive to scan in the middle of the night, rather than prick test. My partner loves this feature!

Testing on the run, through a winter coat, while walking the dogs, or bumbling down the street, is a pleasure.

I have had no reactions to the adhesive, or had a sensor drop off (this was a major concern)

Each sensor needs calibrating against a reliable meter (I use the Freestyle Neo meter). Once done, I am happy to take the Libre's figures for their patterns and approx numbers. They seem VERY consistent within each sensor.

I am not prepared to run the Libre full time (because of cost), so I have been having a week or so off between them, and now barely test in between. My bg is so predictable on the libre, on my standard foods, that I am now confident that my current eating works - until using the Libre, I was never quite sure...