Libre 2plus sensor problems

[Alun Roberts]

Hi my name is Alun.
I've only recently joined. I'd like to mention I take insulin to control my diabetes.
My wife and I left the UK on the 7th July for a five week vacation to the southern hemisphere. I left with enough sensors to last 7 weeks. After only being introduced to the libre 2 plus sensor before I left.
I have had numerous malfunctions with the product. We are now in Bali and I have no means of monitoring my sugar levels. Two sensors finished at least 5 days early and my last one only lasted 12 hrs before a message came up to exchange sensor.
I had none left to replace it with!
I immediately contacted the supplier on their helpline. Very unhelpful line!
They refuse to answer emails and have chosen to reply saying these sensors are country specific and it's not possible to replace . I mentioned about air mailing sensors out to Bali.
I've sent about 8 emails only 2 replies. They won't engage. Leaving me in a dangerous scenario.
In hindsight I should have fetched a manual tester but having used libre 2 for about 2 years without major issues I feel this supposed upgraded model is far from the finished article.
Just in case anyone has had the same faith in the sensor plus the company that manufactures them beware!!

 

[EllieM]

Hi @Alun Roberts and welcome to the DCUK forums.

As a moderately frequent traveller (with a dexcom) I feel your pain. Despite carrying lots of extra sensors I have still run out on occasion and it's much harder to get spares while overseas. Last time I had issues it was actually because my glucometer broke while I had a bad cold, and I really wanted to be able to check both blood sugar and ketones while my levels went sky high and I no longer trusted my sensor.

I actually went to a local pharmacy/chemist to get a replacement meter. Though this used US units mg/dL, I just needed to divide by 18 to get mmol/L and it gave me the information I needed. I'm not sure what units they use in Bali but recommend going to a local pharmacy and getting a glucometer.

I actually wonder if repeated exposure to xrays in airport terminals is bad for sensors, because I always seem to have multiple failures near the end of my holiday...? On the other hand, I can get multiple failures when at home, so I probably just need to take lots (more ) spares.

Good luck and I hope you can get a glucometer

 

[Jaylee]

Hi @Alun Roberts ,

Welcome to the forum.

It’s my understanding that sensors are geolocked to certain regions. (A little like DVDs?)
However. Since you have downloaded the UK version of librelink they should work with sensors sent to Bali from your home region..

I also believe you wouldn’t be able to download a Bali librelink app on your phone due to its regional exclusivity.
The only way to use Libres from that region maybe to download over regional WiFi or a local “burner” SIM card if you can access Libre sensors locally??

Good luck.

 

[OrsonKartt]

Hi my name is Alun.
I've only recently joined. I'd like to mention I take insulin to control my diabetes.
My wife and I left the UK on the 7th July for a five week vacation to the southern hemisphere. I left with enough sensors to last 7 weeks. After only being introduced to the libre 2 plus sensor before I left.
I have had numerous malfunctions with the product. We are now in Bali and I have no means of monitoring my sugar levels. Two sensors finished at least 5 days early and my last one only lasted 12 hrs before a message came up to exchange sensor.
I had none left to replace it with!
I immediately contacted the supplier on their helpline. Very unhelpful line!
They refuse to answer emails and have chosen to reply saying these sensors are country specific and it's not possible to replace . I mentioned about air mailing sensors out to Bali.
I've sent about 8 emails only 2 replies. They won't engage. Leaving me in a dangerous scenario.
In hindsight I should have fetched a manual tester but having used libre 2 for about 2 years without major issues I feel this supposed upgraded model is far from the finished article.
Just in case anyone has had the same faith in the sensor plus the company that manufactures them beware!!

Oh blimey.

I’ve had sensors go bad but never while traveling. - if it were me I think I would try to get a regular finger pricking devise if they are available?

Best of luck and thanks for the warning

 

[Alun Roberts]

Thanks for your response.
They say life is a learning curve! I appreciate every response. I guess the mistake I made was putting too much trust in that device.
A major factor for me posting was that I thought the way Abbott libre handled my situation was abismal. I was in a tricky situation and no help watts so ever from the supplier.
My thoughts are there are major teething issues with upgraded sensor and they are acting as if they have created the perfect product.
Thanks everyone.