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Switching back to using reader with Libre 2

sassycat

Active Member
Messages
41
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
Don't know if anyone else has reached this point, but I've decided to get a reader for Libre 2. Up till now I've simply used my android phone, but I've had so many issues with this that I'm going to try using a reader.

To be fair I've had no end of issues with phone's WiFi connection, but I've also had to keep turning my NFC off and then on again as I don't get alarms now, and hope that this is helping although I still don't know.

I had heard that some property had to switch back to an earlier version of Android to overcome similar problems but haven't tried this yet, does anyone have any ideas?

I've just contacted Abbott and asked to be sent a Libre 2 reader. Only problem is not being able to send data from both the phone and the reader via Librelink ☹
 
I’ve always preferred the reader to my phone. It’s smaller, fits into my pocket more easily and avoids the need to be constantly tied to my phone, or pulling it out when I’d rather not. As I’m also prone to drop things, I’d rather drop the reader than my phone!

I use an iPhone so can’t comment on the Android issues.
 

Hi,

Have you recently updated the Android OS?
You could try deleting the Librelink app, then reinstalling?
Do you use other BT devices with your phone? You could try "systems apps"- "Bluetooth" & clear data & cache. With would effectively forget stuff like BT headphones the phone may be searching for confusing the Libre tethering?

Wifi connection dropping out? (Certain times of the day?) You could try changing the channel on your router? Normally set as a default on the first option. You could have issues from a neighbour's router cutting in & messing with your signal.?
Lol, I had this a couple of years back. (iPad dropping out.) Turned out my neighbour got a new set up for streaming his music..
 
I just use the reader as it's nice and light and small and fits easily into a shirt pocket. I upload to LibreView via a connection from my main PC. I do have a phone but only ever switch on when away from the house. The reader does everything I need.
 
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I have not had any problems with the phone app and would be very disappointed if I did.
I use my phone a lot (emails, notes, news, texts, the occasional phone call, maps and insulin pump) so it is always with me and I hate carrying extra gumf around.
 
Thanks Jaylee, I'll try that
 
I recently upgraded my phone for use with the libre 2.
Unimpressed so far, its a more cumbersome process, and downloading the monitor data is hardly onerous.
Next sensor I'll probably revert back.
 
I’m still using the Libre 1 and I use the reader far more than I use my phone , I find it easier/ quicker to scan ( especially as have to wear mask ) , not going to get Libre 2 as alarms isn’t something I’m interested in , I’d probably switch them off if that’s possible.. Libre 2 is relatively new so I’d expect teething probs , I’m sure it will get better ,
 

No teething problems with Libre 2. It's just the same with the addition of the alarm, I anticipate 1 will be phased out.

I find the alarm really useful, I set the low level to 4.5 at night and 5.0 whilst exercising, working or driving, let's me relax a bit.
 
I spoke recently with my diabetic consultant and he told me the libre 2 isn’t a replacement for the 1 how true that is I don’t know , I’d like to th8nk they’d give more people any Libre before they start decommissioning one
 
After juggling between the two I have decided to stick with the phone purely to avoid carrying two devices with me. Libre2 is not exactly new, it has been in use in some European countries for about 3 years now. It still has some annoying straits when using with an iPhone. You have only two tones for the alarms to choose from, no volume control and they can be super loud at night. However, the hypo alarm function is a blessing for anyone on insulin. I keep the signal loss alarm permanently off to stop it going off every time you leave the phone in the next room! Libre3 is out now in some countries. I gather it comes without a reader and provides continuous reading on your phone without having to scan it. Can’t wait for it!
 
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I know what you mean about the noise at night.

Other reasons I'll be swapping back to reader, I work outside and wear gloves, also one handed scanning (dog walking & driving)
 
I’ve just this minute off the phone with a diabetic specialist nurse ! Who asked me if I wanted the Lobre 2 so I said why not . I realise that if I say no I will get phoned again plus I’m up for a try , I did ask her if I could switch the alarms off she said yes, I’m not too worried about hypos in the night or when I go low as I am quite hypo aware I guess 40 years plus has some pluses,
She did say it’s suppose to be more accurate . With that in mind I went online to order a new reader , it’s easy ..... BUT when I filled in the serial number of my Libre 1 reader it told me I was ineligible as I wasn’t a libre reader user hmmm guess I’ve been dreaming for past 2 something years lol , anyways I phoned Abbott actually got through in about 2 rings and spoke to a lovely woman who sorted it out no probs , just have to wait for new readers to be put on my prescription and I’ll be cooking with gas as they say ( not for much longer if what I read is correct) ,
 
Similar experience to me.

Strange the Web based stuff is so clunky, for let's face it is essentially a tech company.
 
Very pleased for you. You will love the Libre2 for its improved accuracy if nothing else. Its heartening to know about your confidence about hypos. I too have been a long-standing Type1 for about 46 years but despite excellent control (and no complications yet) I find that hypos do have a tendency to suddenly creep up on you especially in your sleep. Libre2 has eliminated my need to set an alarm for 2:30 every night to check my BG. Let’s look forward to Libre3 which gives live readings with alarms without the need to scan the sensor.
 

I am new to Libre2. Have been using it for 6 weeks and it has transformed my life. Because I drive frequently I was finger pricking so much my fingers were really suffering. Now I can check my glucose as many times a day as I like. As per previous comment I set the low level alarm at 5 during the day for driving and 4.5 at night to avoid hypos as I live alone. Mine works well with I-phone. I am looking forward to rumoured release of Libre3.
 
I'm on my 5th Libre2 sensor, so still pretty new to this. I'm in the US, where we still don't have an app for the Libre2, which I didn't realize when I made my choice. So I've ONLY had the reader, and have had no problems with it other than to remember to bring a charging cable for it when I took a short trip. I kind of wish I had picked the Libre rather than Libre2 so I would have the option of an app as well as calibration. The alarm feature has been useless.
 
Personally I find the alarm feature great. Much more confidence, walking, working and at night.
The app isn't brilliant, using a Samsung phone takes a number of swipes and errors before a successful reading. The reader is light robust and fits easily into any pocket, battery last for ages, can be used gloved, single handed and while driving.
 
I should probably have said a little more about the alarms and why I find them useless. I find that the Libre2 usually gives me a reading about 15-20 points (in American measurements) below a fingerstick at the low end, and they get closer to even at the higher end. So if the Libre2 says I'm going low, a fingerstick will say no, I'm still just fine. I've only ever had one true low and that was because I took a double dose of my medications by accident. If I could set the threshold for a "low" alarm further down, that would be OK. But you can't set that threshold low enough to account for the inaccuracy. If your Libre2 is closer to accurate, then the alarms would probably be helpful. Apparently the back of my arm is poorly perfused.
 
It is still the same app. and it works both Libre1 and 2. You can only activate the alarm function with Libre2.
 
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