Libre 2 Versus Libre 2 Plus

[Rachox]

I’ve learned that the Libre 2 is now only available to buy over the phone, I guess as it’s being phased out in favour of the Libre 2 Plus. I’m going to jump before I’m pushed and order the Plus. My question is, is the switch easy? Do I just apply the new type sensor and scan as normal or are there any new set up requirements needed in the app before using the Plus?

 

[ChrisT2]

I’ve learned that the Libre 2 is now only available to buy over the phone, I guess as it’s being phased out in favour of the Libre 2 Plus. I’m going to jump before I’m pushed and order the Plus. My question is, is the switch easy? Do I just apply the new type sensor and scan as normal or are there any new set up requirements needed in the app before using the Plus?

I am just in the process of giving a CGM a go. I took up the Freestyle Libre trial and thought I was ordering a Libre 2 but when it came to despatch it was a Plus. When I queried this, myself believing the Plus was for small children and I am 60+ years out of that range I was told that the Libre 2 is no longer available and replaced by the Plus and 3.
They did say both were compatible with the app but I cannot comment as a complete and often baffled novice in the world of CGMs. Good luck with whatever you end up with and hope it is a smooth transition.

 

[Jaylee]

I’ve learned that the Libre 2 is now only available to buy over the phone, I guess as it’s being phased out in favour of the Libre 2 Plus. I’m going to jump before I’m pushed and order the Plus. My question is, is the switch easy? Do I just apply the new type sensor and scan as normal or are there any new set up requirements needed in the app before using the Plus?

Hi,
I just looked this up.

If you have these versions of the librelink app? You should be OK…

https://www.support.freestyle.abbott/hc/en-us/articles/18961327010193-Which-FreeStyle-Libre-2-app-versions-are-compatible-with-the-FreeStyle-Libre-2-Plus-sensor

 

[Rachox]

Hi,
I just looked this up.

If you have these versions of the librelink app? You should be OK…

https://www.support.freestyle.abbott/hc/en-us/articles/18961327010193-Which-FreeStyle-Libre-2-app-versions-are-compatible-with-the-FreeStyle-Libre-2-Plus-sensor

Thanks for that @Jaylee , yes I saw this, my Libre app says version 2.11.2.8275! Maybe a newer version?

 

[Jaylee]

Thanks for that @Jaylee , yes I saw this, my Libre app says version 2.11.2.8275! Maybe a newer version?

If I remember rightly, you’re an iPhone user. So that could be a variant?
I don’t use the plus, I also use Android interestingly I have version 2.11.2.11107.

Since. I See no designated app for the plus for Android (There is one for the L3) I can only assume the difference In the newer build is to accommodate another 24h worth of wear time with the plus sensor. Extending the “built in obsolesce” on the plus..
Edit; just looked using my iPad, though the apps can’t download on this device. It’s the same choice of apps. Needs the phone.

I don’t think it would change anything else with the start up on the new sensor.

 

[LittleGreyCat]

My last batch were Libre2+.
Look the same, work the same with my Android phone.

Slightly more expensive because you get 15 days instead of 14 because the cost per day has been maintained.

 

[Rachox]

My last batch were Libre2+.
Look the same, work the same with my Android phone.

That’s just what I wanted to hear. Thanks

 

[sgm14]

7 days into using my latest sensor and I noticed that the app says it ends in 8 days. Checked the box, and yes, it's a Libre2 plus and I didn't even notice until now.

Now I have to find an alarm app for my phone that allows me to set a reminder every 15 days!

 

[Amoyna]

I’ve learned that the Libre 2 is now only available to buy over the phone, I guess as it’s being phased out in favour of the Libre 2 Plus. I’m going to jump before I’m pushed and order the Plus. My question is, is the switch easy? Do I just apply the new type sensor and scan as normal or are there any new set up requirements needed in the app before using the Plus?

I’ve been using Libre 2 Plus for several months now but Ive d had very poor record of its reliability. I’ve had to return several to have them replaced because they were not reading automatically as they should. The last 3-4 were ok and now I have another dud that doesn’t read automatically! It’s a nuisance since I paid more for them but I shall have to report and return it again. I’m seriously thinking of switching to some other CGM. Which is a pity because when it works it’s great but many don’t connect to my Bluetooth to my app so I have to remember to get a reading manually! Abbott really needs to start taking this seriously because I know people who have switched….including my brother.

 

[becca59]

7 days into using my latest sensor and I noticed that the app says it ends in 8 days. Checked the box, and yes, it's a Libre2 plus and I didn't even notice until now.

Now I have to find an alarm app for my phone that allows me to set a reminder every 15 days![/y would you need to set an alarm. The Libre alerts you itself. There is an irritating countdown that starts at 3 days.
For myself I find 15 days an inconvenience. I chose the day to change because that is the day that works for me. Plus I just order my prescription 4 weekly. I shall not ask to change until there is no longer an option.

 

[Owenn01]

I’ve been using Libre 2 Plus for several months now but Ive d had very poor record of its reliability. I’ve had to return several to have them replaced because they were not reading automatically as they should. The last 3-4 were ok and now I have another dud that doesn’t read automatically! It’s a nuisance since I paid more for them but I shall have to report and return it again. I’m seriously thinking of switching to some other CGM. Which is a pity because when it works it’s great but many don’t connect to my Bluetooth to my app so I have to remember to get a reading manually! Abbott really needs to start taking this seriously because I know people who have switched….including my brother.

I've had similar issues with the Libre models either not reading automatically or failing to read after a short time.
For what it's worth - and I need to do a lot more trial and errors on tis - I think most of the instances where the sensor 'fails' automatic readings is where I've changed it on the right day but before the old one fully 'expires' (due to convenient time to change device rather than wait for the failed message). I now wonder if it needs to 'fail' to trigger the App into sending both the message to your screen,but to also cancel the bluetooth communication it's expecting to receive? If you change it before time then it's then getting another unexpected 'ping' whilst looking for the other one? It's a pain as it also drains the phone battery.... I've started doing this and I've not had a failure since so perhaps there is something in it....

 

[onnecar]

I’ve learned that the Libre 2 is now only available to buy over the phone, I guess as it’s being phased out in favour of the Libre 2 Plus. I’m going to jump before I’m pushed and order the Plus. My question is, is the switch easy? Do I just apply the new type sensor and scan as normal or are there any new set up requirements needed in the app before using the Plus?

Two points I would like to make here. Yes the libre 2 is being phased out in favour of the plus. I buy mine from my local chemist, as I don't qualify for a free one. I have an account with Abbotts and used to buy them from the site, but had trouble with delivery as I'm never in to receive the parcel and they won't leave it. I was paying £52 with the libre 2 and now it's gone up to £56. However, I checked on line and it's still only £51.74. Apparently this is due to fact that the chemist have to buy through the pharmacy portal and not directly from the website. You can only buy a limited number direct from the website. The pharmacy portal incidentally, is not controlled by Abbotts.
The second point I would like to make is. I am now wearing my first libre plus sensor and the result is not great so far. Bearing in mind I've done nothing different and it is not a compression issue. I have had several false hypo readings, which at first I treated, even though I felt perfectly fine. Only when I remembered to do a finger prick test as back up, did I realise that they are false readings. It was stressful and led me to take in unnecessary extra calories. I know you can send them back, but it is very inconvenient and time consuming. I have three days left on this sensor now and will be aware of the possibility of errors more so. I am also going to try scanning more to see if that helps. If the same thing happens with the next plus sensor, I will contact Abbotts.

 

[Rachox]

Two points I would like to make here. Yes the libre 2 is being phased out in favour of the plus. I buy mine from my local chemist, as I don't qualify for a free one. I have an account with Abbotts and used to buy them from the site, but had trouble with delivery as I'm never in to receive the parcel and they won't leave it. I was paying £52 with the libre 2 and now it's gone up to £56. However, I checked on line and it's still only £51.74. Apparently this is due to fact that the chemist have to buy through the pharmacy portal and not directly from the website. You can only buy a limited number direct from the website. The pharmacy portal incidentally, is not controlled by Abbotts.
The second point I would like to make is. I am now wearing my first libre plus sensor and the result is not great so far. Bearing in mind I've done nothing different and it is not a compression issue. I have had several false hypo readings, which at first I treated, even though I felt perfectly fine. Only when I remembered to do a finger prick test as back up, did I realise that they are false readings. It was stressful and led me to take in unnecessary extra calories. I know you can send them back, but it is very inconvenient and time consuming. I have three days left on this sensor now and will be aware of the possibility of errors more so. I am also going to try scanning more to see if that helps. If the same thing happens with the next plus sensor, I will contact Abbotts.

I have been using the 2 Plus since last September, during that time I have had 2 which kept losing signal, I could still use them by scanning each time I wanted a reading but reported them to Abbott who replaced them no problem. I pay £51.74 (no VAT as diabetic) each but they last 15 days so work out the same per day as I was paying for the 2. I buy six at a time direct from Abbott and have never been limited, what limit did you come across?
I find them fairly accurate, sometimes fractionally lower than finger pricks but nothing worth worrying about.

 

[rubold]

I have now used a total of 6 Libre 2+ sensors and the only failure I had was the free trial one from Abbott! They have been generally very accurate except, of course, when BG is falling or rising rapidly, but in those cases the trend arrow gives plenty of advanced warning. I've not experienced a noticeable hypo since using these sensors.