Freestyle libre sensors

[andyndee]

That’s interesting. I have had the 2 Plus sensors on prescription since February, and they are either constantly falling off, or just completely failing for no reason. As in, I replaced my sensor today, started it and managed to take 2 readings about 2 hours apart, then the error message ‘replace sensor’ appeared! In my experience, I haven’t had one yet which has lasted 15 days. I self-funded for about 4 years and the Libre 2 sensors were absolutely fine, but I now feel I can’t trust the readings on the 2 Plus anymore. I do wonder if the self-funders are given the more reliable sensors and the prescription crew get the ‘trial’ ones. I think Abbott use us as unpaid research subjects, if I’m honest. This is definitely an issue, as my Health Board ration sensors and numbers are limited over 12 months, to 24 per year. I’m sick of phoning Abbott up for replacements, because the NHS won’t replace them.

My very first plus I had it on for over 24 hrs as I put them on 24 hrs in advance I started it at 22.35 we was in gran canneria on holiday I had a shower the next morning and it fell off. I had taken another plus with me I fitted that we flew home the next day. I reported it to abbots 4 days later the replacement came then the next day the 1 I fitted said replace sensor. I think it had 9 days left to run, I reported it again and another 1 arrived since then they haven't been to bad apart from how quickly my sugars drop. I can check and let's say it's 11 and stable then 2 minutes later the alarm is going off at 5.5 then a cpl of minutes later it's under 5, in that time I've eaten lots of jelly babies or full fat coke but my blood tester says 8 ISH then the sensor comes up with an error for sometimes up to an hour so I test manually then when it comes back on its 16 ish it's bloody annoying.

 

[Zilsniggy]

My very first plus I had it on for over 24 hrs as I put them on 24 hrs in advance I started it at 22.35 we was in gran canneria on holiday I had a shower the next morning and it fell off. I had taken another plus with me I fitted that we flew home the next day. I reported it to abbots 4 days later the replacement came then the next day the 1 I fitted said replace sensor. I think it had 9 days left to run, I reported it again and another 1 arrived since then they haven't been to bad apart from how quickly my sugars drop. I can check and let's say it's 11 and stable then 2 minutes later the alarm is going off at 5.5 then a cpl of minutes later it's under 5, in that time I've eaten lots of jelly babies or full fat coke but my blood tester says 8 ISH then the sensor comes up with an error for sometimes up to an hour so I test manually then when it comes back on its 16 ish it's bloody annoying.

I’D say in that situation, work with the BG meter. I find there’s a time lag with the sensor if I’m hypo, it takes longer to sense a rise in blood sugar than the sensor. Apparently the difference between measuring with meter in that situation is because interstitial fluid, which is what the sensor measures, is slower to get glucose than the bloodstream, which a BM measures. I’ve had similar happen to me while away from home, and have so far had to buy 2 sensors, mainly because I have them on prescription and my GP won’t issue any more than 2 per month.

 

[Zilsniggy]

I know it's frustrating @Zilsniggy , but the NHS is struggling for money, and Abbott make them, so it's up to Abbott to replace them, not the NHS.

Well aware of that,and fully understand having been a nurse for over 40 years. but Abbott could make the process far easier than it actually is. There’s an issue with the email form, it doesn’t seem to be answered or dealt with for days, for a start. I had a sensor fail on me a couple of months ago on a bank holiday, and couldn’t raise anyone at Abbot for about 4 days. I’m still waiting for a reply from that one! I’ve been using these for years, first as a self-funding patient, then as a prescribed patient, and their service used to be more accessible than it is now. I don’t expect the NHS to provide replacements.

 

[grantg]

the alarm is going off at 5.5 then a cpl of minutes later it's under 5, in that time I've eaten lots of jelly babies or full fat coke but my blood tester says 8 ISH then the sensor comes up with an error for sometimes up to an hour so I test manually then when it comes back on its 16 ish it's bloody annoying.

any particular reason you've set the alarm so high? default is 3.9 i think. i'd consider reducing it which should help prevent treating as hypo when sometimes it wont be. alongside that i would most definately check against vs fingerprick. there is delay alongside possible compression lows. compression low doesnt have to be when pressure is directly on the sensor just pressure within somewhere of that area which can then have that knock on effect. staying hydrated should help somewhat too.

 

[Zilsniggy]

The other day when it dropped I didn't have a finger prick tester so I couldn't check but I felt fine but because of the 5 to drive I didn't just in case. What is the difference from 2 to 2 plus ???
I normally fit the new 1 24 plus hrs on advance as I've found using them straight away they seem unreliable ??
After a day they seem to settle down. Thanks for your reply.

As far as I can see the main difference is that 2 plus should last for 15 days before replacing. The 2s are being phased out.