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Trialing Libre, Enquiring about Dexcom?

onnecar

Well-Known Member
Messages
173
Location
Melksham
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
Football, Icy weather, Getting old.
I'm a type 2 on insulin and on the Freestyle libre 2 week free trial. After 4 days it is still on which is good news so far and it works fine. I am probably going to pay for it even though it is quite expensive. It is so much less stressful that finger pricking, particularly for driving. As for the cost, I've looked at both Freestyle and Dexcom and the prices seem virtually the same to me, taking into account the slightly different time lengths of the sensor lives etc. I did try to contact Dexcom for more info and it took them over a week to come back to me. I managed to speak to someone at Freestyle almost straight away so will probably stick with them now. I am getting some over plasters from Amazon just in case of sticking issues. One thing I would say about Dexcom is that they do supply these with the package. Does anyone have any advice on these monitors?
 
I use both, as my Dexcom is paid for by my insurance and it is more accurate. I self fund the LIbre as I use it to ocean swim and I keep the reader in a water proof pouch and can actually scan it while swimming. I also used a Libre before my Dexcom.

The LIbre is wonderful and usually more economical. But hands down a Dexcom is better because you can calibrate it to make it more accurate. I can get my Dexcom with some calibrations to within .3mmol (5mg) of accuracy. Most of the time a LIbre is off by 1 to 1.5 mmols (20-30 mg) depending. Sometimes at the lower numbers it is closer, random ones can read better or worse. When I used a Libre I used to automatically add points to the numbers to get a more accurate number to dose by,

For dosing, it's an important difference for me. As soon as I am done swimming the Libre reader goes into my purse for storage. But if it's an economical decision a Libre is a blessing not to be ignored and is a wonderful thing to have........ it's just a Dexcom is better. I gather that the UK now has Dexcom One which is their more economical version to compete with the cheaper costs of the Libre. I don't think it is supposed to be different other than some ap variations.

Customer service is very important...........it's just really a Dexcom is better because of being able to calibrate it.
 
I can't comment about Dexcom, but I've been using Libre for about 3 years and have found it reliable and usually very accurate. This evening the Libre alarm went off as as was 'hypo' so just out of curiousity I did a blood test and it returned exactly the same 2.9 reading. I have had one Libre that went way off accuracy and that was quickly replaced by Abbott. I had thought about self funding Libre, but fortunately ended up getting it on the NHS.
 
I assume the Dexcom you are considering is the Dexcom ONE. This has reduced functionality compare to the G6 and is supported on less phones than the Libre.
 
I'm type 2 insulin diabetic and have been using Libre2 since December last year. It was offered to me on a trial basis, as my fingers were becoming sore and hard.
Since receiving the Libre2 I understand that it is now being offered to type 2 patients. I would contact your diabetes specialist and see if you are eligible to receive one on prescription.
The reason I was given for the rollout to Type 2's patients was the cost to the Libre 2 was considerably less than annually sum for treating Type 2 patients who needed hospital treatment due to diabetes "complications".
 
Yes some type 2 diabetics do qualify now. However unfortunately I am not one of them. These are the latest guidelines for Type 2 funding
'
  • some people with type 2 diabetes who use insulin intensive therapy (2 or more injections a day) should have access to Flash, for example if they experience recurrent or severe hypos, if they have a disability that means they cannot finger-prick test or if they would otherwise be advised to test 8 or more times a day.
 
Thank you for updating me on that. I'm sorry that you don't qualify, but I still feel the advantages of reducing hospital visits due to a diabetic episode far outweigh the cost of the Libra 2.

I was informed that 3 of the patients my diabetes team manage, and who have had visits to A&E for their diabetes, are not not doing so because the Libre 2 has helped them understand and control their condition better, and than can only be a positive thing, both for the patient and the NHS.
 
Yes it is definitely a marvellous asset for diabetics. It is expensive, but currently I think it is worth it. The criteria may change as time goes on. My sister wants me to go swimming at the gym. I am not sure if I want to risk it. lol.
 
onnecar said:
Yes it is definitely a marvellous asset for diabetics. It is expensive, but currently I think it is worth it. The criteria may change as time goes on. My sister wants me to go swimming at the gym. I am not sure if I want to risk it. lol.
Click to expand...
I had a incident early on in my Libra 2 days, where I had 1 sensor fail approximately 6 days after fitting it, and the replacement fell off less than 2 hours after fitting it.
I then searched for patches to cover the sensor and purchased some as a back up to help prevent the sensor from detaching again. I would post the link to them but not sure it would contravene posting rules.
 
Hi,

No problem, if the link helps the OP & the recommendation is from an unaffiliated member.
 
Jaylee said:
Hi,

No problem, if the link helps the OP & the recommendation is from an unaffiliated member.
Click to expand...
I actually rang Libre to see if they endorsed any type of cover or patch. They do not. They also do not recommend any that actually cover the sensor itself, as this could mask the signal and cause it to malfunction. I have ordered something from etsy that looks like it could be the answer, so will see what it's like when it arrives. Mine is still on but there are 9 days to go yet.
 
 
I would expect Libre to say that, but in my experience if I can scan my sensor through my t-shirt and a fleece jacket at the same time, then scanning through a thin plaster like patch shouldn't be a problem. Since I started wearing the patches I've not had any issues scanning my sensor.
 
I suspect they are being overly cautious. There is a tiny hole in the sensor that probably shouldn't be too tightly covered. Potentially some plasters actually stick onto the sensor etc so it probably depends which product. The one I've ordered is an arm band with a rubber type surround that fits around the edge of the sensor. Will see how well it fits but still haven't received it yet. I also asked if there was any likelihood of them being able to extend the 30 min swimming limit in the future.. I also have overplasters, just in case it looks like it''s going to fall off, but haven't needed to use one yet. My sensor has been on for 9 days now.
 
I have been covering Libre for 5 years with zero issues. I used to use Opsite with a bit of lint to stop it sticking over hole. Now use tailor made Freestyle Libre sensor covers from Amazon. They last a fortnight both showering daily and with 6 swimming pool sessions.
 
Hi,

I have something similar which holds a Bluetooth bridge over the top sending a data independently to my watch. (The Libre connects with my phone..)
I’m not a fan of sticking stuff directly to the Libre. Even with the additional Bluetooth device. I can easily forget I’m wearing the “Freddy.” (It reminds me of the armbands Freddy Mercury wore in the 80s.?)

I’ll tag in @Antje77 , who I know covers hers & swims a lot..
 
I use a tegaderm patch over mine and swim 3 times a week for an hour without any problems.. I can still scan the sensor through whatever clothes I am wearing.
 
Do you keep your swimming pool sessions to under 30 minutes? Just wondering as that is the supposed time limit for the sensors.
 
It's good to know that the alarm system worked. I'm assuming that the alarm doesn't work if wi fi is switched off. I normally switch mine off at night.
 
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