What Are The Benefits Of Freestyle Libre
Due to way the Libre works, there are a number of benefits:
- Reduced need to take so many blood glucose tests
- Provides graphs of how your sugar levels have been varying in a similar way to how a CGM does
- Scanning the sensor shows how much your results are trending upwards or downwards
- More affordable than a CGM
- Sensor is waterproof in up to 1m of metre for 30 minutes
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Freestyle Libre System Leads To Similar Glucose Reductions In Type 1 And Type 2 Diabetes
Abbotts Freestyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring system led to similar reductions in glucose levels in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, according to the newly announced results of an analysis commissioned by the company demonstrating that many people with type 2 may benefit from using such a system.
CGM systems typically involve wearing a sensor that is inserted under the skin, which connects to a transmitter that adheres to the skin surface. The transmitter than sends glucose readings to another device, such as a smartphone, at regular intervals, which can set off notices or alarms if someones glucose levels is rising or dropping rapidly. Abbotts Freestyle Libre system uses sensor-transmitters that are designed to be changed every 14 days. Users can also scan their sensor with an appropriate device to get an immediate glucose reading, instead of using a traditional glucose meter.
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For the latest analysis, which was presented at the 2022 Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes Congress in Barcelona, Spain, researchers looked at the results of 75 real-world observational studies involving people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. These studies lasted for up to 24 months, during which participants in at least some of the study arms used a version of the Freestyle Libre system.
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Whats The Difference Between Flash Glucose Monitoring And Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Continuous glucose monitors measure your sugar levels continuously and send data to your display device . So you can set alerts for high, low or rate of change. With flash glucose monitoring, you only get your reading and trends when you scan your sensor.
If you want to find out more about CGM, we have loads of information.
Get Support From Our Helpline Or Online Forum
Please give our confidentialhelplinea call if youre looking for more information, advice or just someone to chat to. Whether youve got specific questions about the different types of tech available, or just want talk through your options with someone, our highly trained advisors are ready to help.
Or head over to our online forum to join hundreds of members talking about their experience with diabetes tech. You can ask questions, read conversations between existing members, or share your own knowledge and help others.
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Troubleshooting Information For Freestyle Libre2 Users
We know that lots of people have been reporting issues they’ve been having with the Freestyle Libre 2.
We previously collated some of these issues and fed this back to Abbott who have provided us with some ‘Top Tips’ for issues with Libre 2 alarms.
If you have any concerns or specific issues with your Freestyle Libre2, please contact Abbott directly via their Libre2 support pages. Or use the Abbott guides we’re sharing below.
What Were Doing To Help Everyone Get The Tech They Need
Everyone with diabetes should be able to get the tech they need to live well with diabetes and we wont rest until that happens. But nearly half of those who have tried to get diabetes tech have been refused it at some point.
We know that the emotional impact of not being able to access the tech you want and need can be really difficult. Thats why we want you to know were here for you.
Improving access to diabetes tech has the potential to impact many millions of people with diabetes. Thats why our strategy over the next five years focuses on working towards a system where both existing diabetes tech, and the new innovations that become available, are accessible to all those who could benefit from their use.
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Can I Get Libre / Libre 2 On The Nhs
Yes for many people!
In November 2020 FreeStyle Libre 2 system was added to the NHS tariff. Libre 2 has all the benefits of the FreeStyle Libre system with an update to accuracy and optional real-time alarms. Libre 2 will alert the user to the need to perform a scan when their glucose goes out of target range. Upgrades from Libre to Libre 2 are continuing. Please wait for your next routine appointment to discuss voluntary replacement.
Manage Your Diabetes On Your Phone
The GETTING STARTED webinar will tell you all about the digital tools available with the FreeStyle Libre 2 system, including how easy it is to do the following:
Monitor your glucose on your phone.§§ Designed for use with FreeStyle Libre 2 sensors.
Connect with your healthcare provider easily by uploading¶¶ your glucose data to LibreView. Your doctor will be able to access your glucose reports on demand so you can have more productive conversations.
Receive your loved ones latest glucose data and alarms automatically and stay in touch anytime,¶ anywhere!**Ideal for parents or caregivers.
* Fingerpricks are required if glucose readings and alarms do not match symptoms or expectations.
The LibreView website is only compatible with certain operating systems and browsers. Please check www.libreview.com for additional information.
The LibreLinkUp app is only compatible with certain mobile devices and operating systems. Please check www.librelinkup.com for more information about device compatibility before using the app. Use of LibreLinkUp and FreeStyle Libre 2 requires registration with LibreView. The LibreLinkUp mobile app is not intended to be a primary glucose monitor: home users must consult their primary device and consult a healthcare professional before making any medical interpretation and therapy adjustments from the information provided by the app.
¶ 60-minute warm-up required when applying the sensor.
For people managing diabetes with insulin.
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Getting Free Flash Sensors And Cgm Sensors
If you get a Freestyle Libre or a CGM on the NHS, you should also get the other things you need like sensors and replacement parts.
Its also worth knowing that sensors only work for individual products, so sensors for a Freestyle Libre wont work for a Freestyle Libre 2 or a CGM.
Using a Freestyle Libre helps me prevent hypos and its much more sociable because when I’m out, I dont have to find somewhere convenient and clean to do a finger prick check. Im lucky I can afford to self-fund.
If You Dont Qualify For Tech
We know it can be frustrating if you dont meet the criteria set out by the NHS to access your tech. But there are steps you can take to try and change this.
Firstly, you can make your case to your healthcare professional, explaining how and why using a flash glucose monitor, CGM or insulin pump will help you to manage your condition.
Sometimes they can loan you a device for a short time to see how much difference it makes to your quality of life or give some insights on what is affecting your blood sugars so you can make positive changes to help manage them.
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Freestyle Libre Sensor Review: All Your Questions Answered
2022 FreeStyle Libre Sensor Review: All Your Questions Answered!george reilly diabetes freedomhttps://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/576fd5a8f192527e50a4b95c/5c0e52b2b4afef128c9f8188_freestyle%20libre%20review.jpgYour ultimate FreeStyle Libre Sensor Review: what it is, the benefits, where its available, how much it costs, how it compares to CGMs, plus more!
Comparing Freestyle Libre Vs Fingersticks In Type 2 Diabetes
At the AATD Conference, Dr. Thomas Haak shared long-awaited results from Abbotts FreeStyle Libre REPLACE study. The six-month trial compared use of the flash glucose monitoring system FreeStyle Libre to standard fingersticks in type 2 patients on basal-bolus insulin therapy. The study enrolled patients with an average A1c of 8.8%, aiming to show that FreeStyle Libre can improve A1c much more than taking just four fingersticks per day. REPLACE also measured rates of hypoglycemia and quality of life. The key findings:
These results serve as a reminder of how much hypoglycemia impacts type 2 diabetes, and more important, how challenging it is for diabetes technology to improve A1c AND reduce hypoglycemia at the same time cutting down on lows is a good thing, but it unfortunately raises average glucose .
It will be interesting to compare these results to the type 1 study, IMPACT, which will be presented at a conference this June. That trials goal is to show reductions in hypoglycemia in patients with an A1c of less than 7.5%, which seems like a given after REPLACE. The ultimate hope is to use the results from these two studies to support European reimbursement of FreeStyle Libre. As a reminder, patients currently pay 59 euros for each 14-day FreeStyle Libre sensor, and 59 euros for the touchscreen reader. That is cheaper than CGM, but more expensive than blood glucose test strips.
Other FreeStyle Libre Updates:
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Why You Still Need Some Finger Prick Checks
You may need to do a finger prick check, for example, if what youre feeling doesnt match what your blood sugar reading says. Or if youre treating a hypo, you may want to do one to get the most accurate result.
With some CGMs, you may also need the result of a finger prick check every day to reset your device.
Whats Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Before the development of continuous glucose monitors, people with diabetes often had to do a finger stick test several times a day to measure their blood sugar levels. People with type 1 diabetes do multiple tests, including before and after meals, while people with type 2 diabetes might test themselves daily or more or less frequently depending on the severity of their disease and whether they use insulin.
One drawback of finger stick tests, though, is that they only provide a snapshot of blood sugar levels at a single point in time. People who experience dangerously high or low blood sugar at other points during the day, or at night while theyre asleep, might not realize this is happening with periodic finger stick tests.
With continuous glucose monitors, patients get readings throughout the day and night, helping to manage blood sugar more effectively and prevent dangerous spikes and dips. Continuous glucose monitoring can also help identify patterns in how insulin and other medications, as well as diet and activity, can impact blood sugar and allow people to adjust accordingly to better manage diabetes.
Earlier continuous glucose monitors needed to be implanted under the skin of the abdomen to detect blood sugar levels, then wirelessly transmit readings to a device patients would wear or carry to record this data. While patients or doctors could download data to look for trends and adjust treatment plans, this required a computer.
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How To Use The Freestyle Libre Monitor
To set up the FreeStyle Libre, you must first insert the sensor into your upper arm with an applicator thats included with the set. The sensor itself is about the size of a coin and is applied just underneath the top layer of your skin. This process is said to be painless, but some users experience mild skin irritation.
Instead of checking your glucose several times a day with a finger stick, you wave the monitor above the sensor in your skin to check your levels anytime you wish.
Since the FreeStyle Libre doesnt have any automatic alerts when your blood glucose is at dangerous levels, its important to set reminders to help you remember to check your monitor regularly. You should check your levels at least every 8 hours.
The original FreeStyle Libre allowed users to wear the sensor wire
Getting Your First Reading
GETTING YOUR FIRST READING
Monitoring your blood sugar levels is now easier than ever! With the FreeStyle Libre 2 flash glucose monitoring system you will get your glucose reading without lancets or test strips. Your FreeStyle Libre 2 reader also gives you a trend to tell you which direction your glucose is going. Always stay in control of your diabetes with your FreeStyle Libre 2 reader!
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Freestyle Libre 2 System
- What are the differences between the FreeStyle Libre system and the FreeStyle Libre 2 system?
- Does the FreeStyle Libre 2 system have the same indications as the FreeStyle Libre system ?
- Does the FreeStyle Libre 2 system have the same accuracy as the original FreeStyle Libre system?
- What is the FreeStyle Libre 2 system accuracy performance?
- Does the FreeStyle Libre 2 system communicate with an insulin pump?
GETTING STARTED WITH THE FREESTYLE LIBRE 2 SYSTEM
With the FreeStyle Libre 2 flash glucose monitoring system, getting started couldn’t be easier! Get a glucose reading with just a quick scan. The sensor is worn on the upper arm and allows a convenient monitoring of your blood sugar levels. Your FreeStyle Libre 2 reader starter pack contains the quick start guide, the reader, the user’s manual, a USB cable, and a power adapter.
How The Freestyle Libre Works
The FreeStyle Libre system provides real-time glucose readings every minute, 24 hours a day. There are two systems to choose from:
- Freestyle Libre 14-day system
- Freestyle Libre 2 system
The FreeStyle Libre is a newer-generation CGM that doesn’t require a bulky transmitter. Instead, a small, water-resistant sensor with a tiny probe is placed on the back of the arm using the provided applicator.
The FreeStyle Libre tests interstitial fluid which is just as effective for glucose monitoring as capillary blood.
One hour after the application, the system is ready to go. The sensor takes a glucose reading every 60 seconds. A separate reader device remotely captures and records the readings on demand. You can then view the results individually or see how glucose levels trend over time.
To get a reading, place the reader at least 1.5 inches from the sensor. You can scan the sensor as often as you’d like, but it is recommended that you perform a scan at least once every eight hours. .
The sensor can be worn for up to 14 days and store 90 days’ worth of results. After 14 days, the sensor stops working and needs to be replaced.
The FreeStyle Libre 2 is also equipped with an alarm to notify you if your glucose levels are too high or too low. The original FreeStyle Libre 14-Day does not have this feature.
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What Are The Differences Between The Dexcom G6 And The Freestyle Libre
Dexcom and Abbott are the manufacturers of two very well-known CGM devices. Dexcom makes the G6, with a new G7 model currently in a clinical trial. Abbott makes the FreeStyle Libre 14 Day system, FreeStyle Libre 2 system, and the upcoming FreeStyle Libre 3 system, which completed its clinical trial and is seeking FDA approval.
Neither the Dexcom nor FreeStyle brands of CGMs require you to calibrate the devices before using them. Each model has water-resistant sensors and transmitters, meaning you can swim and shower while wearing them. All three also allow you to view your sugar levels with a helpful graph on the reader, so you can see trends of high and low sugars throughout the day.
But all CGM devices differ based on how sugar readings are sent to the receiver, if they provide alerts for high or low sugar levels, and how often they need to be replaced. These differences may affect which device is best for you, along with cost and insurance coverage.
Lets review a few of the notable differences between devices.
Learning To Use Your Cgm Or Freestyle Libre
Your diabetes healthcare team will set you up with your CGM or Freestyle Libre if its free on the NHS and show you how to use it. Sometimes manufacturers will help you set up the technology this is fine and can help your healthcare team get more people on to the technology more quickly.
Abbott, which supply the FreeStyle Libre, also provide free online learning for people with diabetes using the technology to help them get the most from it.
You may also benefit from going on a diabetes education course if you use Flash or CGM. Ask your GP or other diabetes healthcare professional to refer you.
If you want to share your experiences about using tech or find out information by asking others using it, go to our forum.
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Freestyle Libre Linked To A1c Reductions In Insulin Users With Type 2
Many people with type 2 diabetes who use insulin have a very similar experience to people with type 1 diabetes in terms of the risk of complications and the need to monitor blood glucose, but access to sensing technology is rarely equal for both groups, said Mark Evans, MD, university professor of diabetic medicine at the University of Cambridge in England, in the announcement from Abbott. Our analysis demonstrates the value of constant glucose monitoring to support glycemic control in people with advanced type 2 diabetes who use insulin.
The analysis also showed that people who started with the highest A1C levels tended to experience the greatest A1C reductions after starting on the Freestyle Libre system. Taken together, these results may provide a basis for insurance providers to cover CGM systems for a larger segment of people with type 2 diabetes since better glucose control can mean fewer long-term complications and, over time, lower health care costs.