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FreeStyle Libre - New user

Rachy

Active Member
Messages
26
Location
Cheshire, UK
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Today is my first day using the FreeStyle Libre so I was hoping to share my first thoughts and get some views from other users. So far I have noted the following:

Pros
  • The sensor was really easy to apply and didn't hurt at all.
  • I fully expected to be able to 'feel it' on my arm but this is absolutely not the case. I also can't see it as it is on the back of my arm. It is small and unobtrusive, not bulky.
  • The reader was easy to set up and use.
  • Such a relief from constant finger pricks, just a quick scan that works even through clothes.
Cons

  • Expensive. I have ordered 2 x 14 day sensors that cost £57.95 each.
  • Obviously it does not notify you for lows/highs, you have to scan the sensor with the reader to obtain results.
  • There is a 10-15 delay in readings due to the sensor continuously measuring glucose in the interstitial fluid which is the intracellular fluid that surrounds the cells rather than the whole blood. This also means you still have to finger prick before driving.
  • LibreLink app doesn't work with my Google Pixel phone!
So what do other people think? I am looking forward to using it and hoping that it will become available on the NHS at some point.

Rach
 
Rach, Don't forget to tick the VAT relief box when you next order, you as a T1 don't have to pay VAT on this medical device. And theres normally a free delivery code floating around the internet/facebook - it all adds up!
 
You didn't mention the free software which allows you to analyse the numbers every which way. You download it from the Abbott site.
 
Hi @Rachy good analysis of the libre - my main reason for using this is to spot trends and patterns and to see which direction my blood glucose levels are going.

Spotting trends and patterns enables me to make adjustments to the carb/insulin ratios and knowing if i'm going north or south helps me take evasive action.

In regards to the NHS providing these, sadly I don't think this will happen, they have set up an excellent consumer business with the libre and are benefiting from making this a success as private consumers are willing to pay for their own sensors, unless this dries up I cannot see why supplying the NHS would be a commercially viable operation for them, at present I believe they are are just about coping with supply for this channel alone.
 
Just to add a con - the DVLA does not accept Libre (or any CGM) reading before you drive. You will still have to finger prick for that.
 
slip said:
Rach, Don't forget to tick the VAT relief box when you next order, you as a T1 don't have to pay VAT on this medical device. And theres normally a free delivery code floating around the internet/facebook - it all adds up!
Click to expand...
Oh thank you so much for the tip, I will remember when I order next
 
Squire Fulwood said:
You didn't mention the free software which allows you to analyse the numbers every which way. You download it from the Abbott site.
Click to expand...
Thanks for this, I didn't know about this. As it's my first day using it, I'm just trying to get to grips with the scanner/sensor
 

Hi Juicyj, yes I am hoping that the trends and patterns will enable me to get better control as after 14 years with T1, it's still not happened!

It's a shame about the NHS funding. Fortunately, I have a good job and can afford the sensors however anything can happen and one day I might not be able to. I also feel deeply sorry for people that would love to use the Libre but can't afford it
 
helensaramay said:
Just to add a con - the DVLA does not accept Libre (or any CGM) reading before you drive. You will still have to finger prick for that.
Click to expand...
Thanks - I did mention this in my Con list:

  • There is a 10-15 delay in readings due to the sensor continuously measuring glucose in the interstitial fluid which is the intracellular fluid that surrounds the cells rather than the whole blood. This also means you still have to finger prick before driving.

Perhaps should have put it on a new bullet point
 
I do believe it will become available on the NHS in the not to distant future.

During my last CAA Diabetes check up, the specialist had just come back from Sweden where it's available on prescription there. His thoughts and from what he has heard recently, it looks like it could be the same in the UK soon. Just his thought based on what he knows/heard!

Another pro is the great customer service care - my reader suddenly failed to turn on one day and they simply shipped a new one out to me.
 
Another pro is the great customer service care - my reader suddenly failed to turn on one day and they simply shipped a new one out to me.[/QUOTE]

Yes I have to agree with this point @ScottyD - I've had 2 faulty sensors recently and having emailed them, they've replaced both for me. Really good customer service.
 
I have learnt a lot since having mine.
Firstly - through great advice and feedback from the community - I have found that the sensor for me is unreliable for the first 24-48 hours. Other users put the next sensor on 24 hours before and then activate it when needed. This does mean you have two sensors on for a 24hour period but worth it. It still lasts 14days once activated.

Many people do not seem to have this problem and I think it is as a result of the body effectively trying to reject the sensor. I hope you do not have this problem but as you are checking blood regularly before driving you will know for sure how accurate it is.

I have had a number of 100% readings where my BG meter and the Libre agree and typically I have found it .1 - .2mmol out.

I like the fact that you can dump all the data into a file and upload into excel and play around with it. I have written a macro to clean and format the data and can now produce my own graphs in whatever format I want to present

In fairness the free download software, and the information on the screen are pretty comprehensive.
 
Medusa41 said:
Another pro is the great customer service care - my reader suddenly failed to turn on one day and they simply shipped a new one out to me.
Click to expand...

Yes I have to agree with this point @ScottyD - I've had 2 faulty sensors recently and having emailed them, they've replaced both for me. Really good customer service.
[/QUOTE]
That's really good to know thank you
 
Ahhhh that's promising news! I really hope it does. I'm pretty sure my Mobile Cassette's for my Accu Check Mobile cost more anyway
 
Thanks for the advice. My readings over the past 48 hours of use have been similar, sometimes totally accurate with meter and sometime slightly out. I'm looking forward to being able to download the data and not writing it all down in a notebook.. how old fashioned
 
One of the cons I have found is that any discounts i.e. free postage seem to be notified just after I have ordered or the offer runs out just before I am due to order again.
 
I find that although it says it is waterproof for 30 minutes, that it does lose some of its adhesiveness. I've started to use a tagaderm clear plaster over the top which is blumming brilliant (my daughter then decorates the sensor with a sticker!).

I haven't found that its a 10-15 minute delay, the rep said to me that it was 5 minutes. I haven't found the results vary too much and only finger prick test before driving if my blood sugar is under 5.5mmol with the sensor.

Its changed my life, I love it so much more than I could have anticiapted! Were making some savings each month as I now cant imagine going back to testing manually! This is the biggest +ve for me.........aside from the fact that my children think I'm cool now as I'm "part robot!"

xxxxx
 

Mine seems to be stuck on for now so I'll see how it is at the end of the two weeks!

I got a sticker for the patch and sensor which is cool but pricey so won't be doing it every time!

I agree, even after 3 days my poor fingers are thanking me. I think it's brilliant. Although I'm sure the law is that you still have to finger prick before driving?

Hahaha me too, I keep telling people I'm a cyborg

 
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