I started this thread 5 months ago and have read the responses with great interest - thank you all .
My own experience using the Libre system is that it has driven my HBA1 level after years at 48- 50 (taking a common sense but fairly relaxed view of hour to hour control ) to current 52 ( whilst supposedly monitoring far more ) so I am not hugely impressed.
It has been useful in providing “ evidence “ to my health advisors of what I have known for 30 years ( but they have consistently ignored) that my average is made up of fairly significant peaks and troughs. I did think being able to monitor them more closely might help reduce those extremes but actually has actually produced far more hypos after overreacting to fast rising readings, followed by fresh highs when I overdo the rescue chocolate. I understand the need to moderate my reactions , but find it hard to watch no reaction as the graph rises steeply through 12 , or sits stubbornly as 3.5 despite chocolate biscuits.
When I explained these issues the consultant merely said that the HbA1 of 52 was fine for my age - and 80% range was ok too and seemed unconcerned about the high / low issues that affect how I now physically feel at some point most days.
Can’t help feeling that medical profession are now relying too much a set of guidelines to base their advice rather than patients personal input.
I have glibly said for some years that I am by far greatest expert on my personal diabetic treatment , and this Libre experience has done little to change that view.
My own experience using the Libre system is that it has driven my HBA1 level after years at 48- 50 (taking a common sense but fairly relaxed view of hour to hour control ) to current 52 ( whilst supposedly monitoring far more ) so I am not hugely impressed.
It has been useful in providing “ evidence “ to my health advisors of what I have known for 30 years ( but they have consistently ignored) that my average is made up of fairly significant peaks and troughs. I did think being able to monitor them more closely might help reduce those extremes but actually has actually produced far more hypos after overreacting to fast rising readings, followed by fresh highs when I overdo the rescue chocolate. I understand the need to moderate my reactions , but find it hard to watch no reaction as the graph rises steeply through 12 , or sits stubbornly as 3.5 despite chocolate biscuits.
When I explained these issues the consultant merely said that the HbA1 of 52 was fine for my age - and 80% range was ok too and seemed unconcerned about the high / low issues that affect how I now physically feel at some point most days.
Can’t help feeling that medical profession are now relying too much a set of guidelines to base their advice rather than patients personal input.
I have glibly said for some years that I am by far greatest expert on my personal diabetic treatment , and this Libre experience has done little to change that view.