While continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is not a new technology in terms of managing your diabetes. What the FreeStyle Libre is doing is actually quite different. It’s bringing to the world of diabetes management a new concept in CGM technology and blood glucose testing, while still being much more affordable in comparison to other systems on the market.
The FreeStyle Libre system includes what is known as “Flash glucose monitoring”. Instead of pricking your finger, you simply scan a sensor. Sounds pretty good right? Let’s take a look more in detail on what this new system really does.
Benefits of the Libre System
Because the FreeStyle Libre is unlike any other CGM systems on the market today it does offer a few benefits:
- Reducing the number of blood glucose checks during the day
- Much more affordable CGM option
- Provides a graph to show you the trends in your blood sugar readings
- The sensor is waterproof, which makes it easier to shower or bathe with it on.
- Scanning the sensor will provide you with how much your levels are trending up or down.
How Does It Work?
A small, round sensor is placed on your arm. The sensor is around 5mm in height and 35 mm in diameter. It is applied using a handheld applicator and is able to remain on for up to 14 days.
Many of those in the trial of the Libre have reported that it is almost virtually painless. For up to 14 days the sensor can be scanned with a handset to send data of your blood sugar levels over the past 8 hours to the system’s handset device.
When you scan the sensor, you don’t just get your blood sugar readings, you can also see if your levels are going up, down or remain stable.
Getting started with the device is really pretty simple. You must take the handheld reader and place it near the sensor and wait for a beep. Usually, in less than a second this beep will happen and you will begin to see real-time blood sugar data in about an hours’ time. The reports can be seen on the handheld device but also can be downloaded with compatible software on a Mac or PC.
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The sensor comes included an applicator to help apply it to your upper arm. The insertion process of placing the sensor on your arm only takes around 15 seconds. The sensor is relatively thin in comparison at only 0.2 inches making it up to 3x shorter than the Dexcom sensor.
How Does Scanning Work?
The difference with other CGM devices is that the FreeStyle Libre doesn’t send continuous data to your device. The sensor must be scanned to obtain the blood sugar information. The sensor can store up to 8 hours’ worth of data at one time. The scanning process only takes around 3 seconds too complete and can work through layers of clothes.
In the home screen on the handheld device you can add in tags to your scans like insulin, carbs, exercise and more. This will allow you to gain a better understanding of what your blood sugar does during certain activities.
Accuracy
The accuracy of new technology is always one of the biggest questions of many. The FreeStyle Libre has been said to have comparable accuracy when compared to the G4 Platinum sensor of the Dexcom system.
Differences from Traditional CGM’s
FreeStyle Libre uses elements like CGM monitoring such as a sensor, values taken every few minutes, trend arrows and data as well as downloadable information. However, it is considered to be a new category of CGM technology different from those offered by Dexcom and Medtronic.
No Alarms or Alerts
The FreeStyle Libre doesn’t have any alarms or alerts since the device does not send continues data to the handheld reader. For those who don’t like a lot of alarms or alerts but still want to see data on their blood sugar trends, this might be the system to use.
No Calibration
Users do not have to add in their blood sugar levels to the device to calibrate it. When the sensor is started it’s worn for about an hour and then the data can be seen as well as trends. ExCom’s system requires 2 calibrations a day and has a two hour warm up period before information is sent to the user’s receiver.
No Prescription Required
The Libre doesn’t require a prescription to be ordered and can be purchased online. Both Medtronic and Dexcom systems require a prescription which means the process of having one available to you can take much longer than the ordering of the Libre.
Availability
Currently the FreeStyle Libre is available in Europe and has been on the market since 2014.
However, in September of 2016, it received FDA approval for CGM technology. There hasn’t been a set date as of yet or word on when the Libre would be available in the United States, but it’s safe to say those who have reported the results believe this could fully change the way you look at blood sugar data and continuous glucose technology. Because of the positive review and results from those in Europe, many people in the United States are anxiously wait for it to be available as a tool to add to their diabetes management and treatment regimen. So we hope that review helps you make a informed purchase decision.
Learn more by clicking here.
TheDiabetesCouncil Article | Reviewed by Dr. Jack Isler MD on May 29, 2020
Further reading:
I am living in the US and have obtained a libre. How do I convert the target glucose range from the U.K. To American ranges?
You can’t change the units from mmol/L to mg/dL, however to set the target glucose range just divide your US range by 18 to convert mg/dL to mmol/L for the reader. Also if you go on eBay and contact a seller in Germany by name of rutester2015 he sells Spanish readers that have English language option and units in mg/dL.
Get rid of it. I have been using the 14 day Freestyle Libre and accuracy is not experienced often. Have had them be up to 100 pts. different than a blood glucose stick. I just called the support line to ask if they would replace my reader as it has been dropped a few times and wanted to see if it would provide me with more accurate results by starting with a new reader. (this is inconvenient for me because my history is stored in the one I’m using) But if a replacement might give more accurate result, I thought I would try. They won’t replace it. In fairness they have replaced faulty sensors in a time efficient way, but in the interest of health and “good customer service” you would expect them to replace a faulty reader. Can you honestly say that with a couple years use it will never get dropped? None of us is perfect. Don’t give them your money! I’m going back to finger sticks.
I’ve used this product on/off for almost two years. My experience is that more often than not the sensors are inaccurate, I’ve had quite a few faulty ones and the adhesive is quite damaging to the skin. They are great in principle though. I had no trouble getting faulty sensors replaced in the past but have recently experienced terrible customer service. I ordered 7 sensors at the start of the year intending them to last me all year, wearing one every 2 months or so. I realised a few weeks ago that the remaining sensors I had went out of date in April. If I had worn each sensor consecutively from the moment they arrived I would still not have used them within the expiry date. I contacted Abbott to complain and ask that they replace the remaining sensors. When they eventually replied it was to say that it was my fault I didn’t check them and they were not going to do anything more. I appealed to their better nature as I think a longer expiry date on such products is reasonable. WARNING – I am not alone. Abbott are sending other customers sensors with short shelf lives and are not replacing them. Be warned, this is an expensive product that doesn’t work especially well, made by a company with a terrible attitude toward customer service.
Why are you blaming the company for your own mistakes. The sensors are only supposed to be worn 2 weeks not 2 months, no wonder they give faulty readings. If you order more than what can be used before the expiry date how is that the manufacturer’s fault? If a company replaces items for free that no longer work due to what the user has done they will ether go out of business or the price of the product will increase due to the increased costs. I applaud Abbott’s decession to not accept blame for something that is not their fault as that expense would have to be passed on to the rest of us to pay.
I think they are talking about the expiry date of the product. The date you have to use it before it wears out. I noticed They have a short shelf life too, and is good to make people aware of this who are considering buying in bulk.
You missed the point. I ordered two sensors. When they arrived they both had an expiry date of only three weeks from the delivery date. Abbott did replace one, and when pressed said that they knew they had a problem with the depot. The situation is now the opposite, two week delivery and replacement time if you are lucky and still the same poor customer service from Abbott.
Lucky if you can get the sensors the company is a JOKE. only want to make money.
I have my sensors on prescription, however, when the sensor is faulty you have to contact Abbott yourself. I did this and was told a new one would arrive within fourteen days. this time has passed and no delivery, so I contacted them again. This time I was told that it has not been dispatched yet. I asked if I could pay for one and was told they are not able to supply to new customers even though I have been using them for six months. The attitude of their agent was disgusting and he was most unhelpful. The sensor has probably saved my life on more than one occasion and when the technology works it is great. but the attitude of the company itself absolutely stinks
wow if we all could be as smart as Cooper!
From personal experience, I think I know what Serena is saying: she hasn’t used the sensors consecutively and has had gaps. They simply don’t work after 2 weeks, so there’s no way she could be over using them. I have had them send me too many sensors to use within the time period and I too could not physically have used them all within the time frame, even if used consecutively. I didn’t look at the dates and work this out on delivery. Fair enough then that I wasn’t savvy enough to do this, but since the sensors were all for one person, I kind of assumed they would work it out. But now I know they don’t. You need to check dates on arrival and return within 28 days. Like Serena, I found they would not replace. I also had a box where all the sensors were faulty. I used 4 from a box of 10 and all were faulty by a very long way – useless. Then I didn’t trust any of them from that batch. Freestyle refused a return and replace saying I had to use them all and prove they were faulty. Again, while I kind of see their point, I also didn’t want my child using an inaccurate device for any longer – since they were reading at 4 when he was at 2. So I agree that their customer service is shoddy. I love the product, when it works. But they do not care about users/ customers.
I also have had major issues with the sensors, readings of 50+ points higher than my acutal blood reading. I have used a total of 10 sensors and 6 of them have been faulty! The adhesive is poorly designed as it doesn’t stay bound to the skin, I am lucky if I get 3 to 4 days before it becomes lose, and I am extremely careful when I change my clothes I even sleep flat on my back in order not to disturb the sensor and no lotion creams or oils on my arm that it is located on, I have made several attempts to discuss this with the company only to be told that they will only replace 2 sensors in a six month period EVEN IF IT IS DEFECTIVE!
I have had the same issue over the 6 month period of only 2 replacements. It doesn’t matter, the replacements appear to be refurbished based on the error log data of my last 3 readers. I’ve had 2 out of 10 sensors give me a problem, but it is the reader that is dangerously inaccurate.
OK, so if it’s the reader, did you get a replacement? I, too, have readings that are dangerously different between the Libre and my regular One Touch blood monitor. I’m talking 50 to 100 points! Right now, the Libre is telling me it is 160 about an hour after eating breakfast, the One Touch is saying 278. One or both are wrong, I’m sure, but which one is closer to reality?? I know that the level will start to go down within the next 1/2 hour, and I’m not on insulin so I don’t do anything but wait and drink water. But these differences scare the bejeepers out of me! The other morning, Libre was telling me my level was 58!! I wasn’t feeling that so checked on the One Touch and it was around 112. Something is really wrong!
I’m going on my 4th reader in 2 months. When I ask Abbot why there are error codes in system log before I’ve received or use them they refuse to disclose what those codes mean. When I was asked to give the serial number on the reader I have now that is malfunctioning the customer service asked me where I got it and from what other country. I was told it was not one of theirs. When I said it was a replacement Abbott had sent, I was told I was in error. When I asked to speak with a supervisor, the agent refused until after a long discourse.
The first reader I had did not register blood glucose readings with test strips. I was directed to send it, the sensor and my test strips back. I was promised they would replace my test strips along with a reader and sensor. I did not receive replacement teststrips which I had paid out of pocket for.
The second reader #7 was inconsistent when touched on reader test. It also gave me unusual hypo readings.
I’ve also had several conversations with customer service on waterproofing and extended swimming periods; what to do after 30 minutes, Answers vary or are contadictory.
The manual doesn’t explain what a control blood test is fully.
I have been having trouble with all the readings. They read 30 points or so off. The freestyle Libre is a joke for Type 1 diabetes be careful.
Same here…my reader is off 60 points tonight. I’m okay with 10-20 difference, but “60”? That’s scary stuff. Not good track record for this company.
Yes I agree. I have on now that is reading 40 points off. I’m a type 1. I’ve had to go back to finger pricks. Probably go back to finger pricks.
Is B Cooper an Abbot employee? I have an undergrad degree in Healthcare Management, and a 27 year career in direct patient contact including the last 12 yrs at the leading cancer hospital in the world doing research protocols with patients. The current time period for sensors is 10 days, including a 12 hour start up. Some sensors do fail. What is a constant failure is the inaccurate readings when compared to their own test strips, and more so when compared to a real glucometer. Their customer service is cue booked responses, and no intelligent dialogue about the problems. Good luck with refurbished readers, because that is what you get. I plan to donate my latest reader and shelf full of sensors to someone with a daredevil attitude towards their diabetic health. Glass houses, Cooper…
Wow we have had such great luck with our sensor and reader. When we have tested with the blood reading it has been very close. It has been a blessing as my husband truly hates needles.
I am sure the product will continue to improve but for now we are loving it
Our experience with Abbot has been horrible. The Freestyle Libre is a subpar product. Significant amounts of money must have passed hands when it was approved. Ours has never even been close to the fsbs. I’m talking about50-250 mg/dL difference. Sensors many times are dead. Us to drive support is a joke. If you happen to connect to a rep who speaks English it is very bad English. Immediately they run thru the script of user error. They will only replace a sensor if you push and don’t accept their script. Abbot had an opportunity to knock this out of the ball park insted they dropped the ball. This product could have increased Diabetics quality of life and potentially increased their longevity. No Type1 diabetic should depend on the Freestle for diabetes management. I do hope that there is a Class Action lawsuit in the very near future. In the meantimeI encourage people not to purchase the Freestyle.
Lol. They are suppose to call me today. Mone is so far off id just might taje a gammer to it all
I agree. I just started using the Libre in the US. Their customer service is in Mexico and you can barely understand them. They do not care. The sensor gave inaccurate reading (off by 100%) and they said I could expect a new one in a week. Great idea, but unusable at this point in time.
I have been using the Libre in the USA since the end of January. I find its results comparable to the old blood test stripes four hours after I have eaten. During these four hours, the sensor reading lag on the way up and then on the way down as much as 30 points. I find on the low sensor reading, I revert to the “free style” blood test stripes to confirm. I am on my third sensor and find the sensor stays on the 10 day period recommended. To assure the sensor stays on, I place a 3″x4″ bandage over it when showering, even then the bandage doesn’t always survive the shower but the sensor is firmly attached. . I alternate arms and place it on the back of my upper arm, relative hair-less area. I am looking forward to the warmer days when I sweat and see if the sensor stays on for the entire 10 days.
Indeed
Contact both the pharmacy and the medical board where your script is filled,along with the attorney general in your state and file a formal complaint. Also get on line and look up address of malfunctioned medical device s and file with them. A little time consuming but well worth the response.
As with all durable devices you take your chances with out of date products. Put 1 in and compare with a stick. You will most likely not notice that much of a difference.
I agree with you that the sensors are inaccurate and the company’s attitude is terrible
I am a diabetes educator and have assisted some clients with setting up their Freestyle Libre. There have been two incidences where the sensor fell off within the first day after application to the upper arm after cleaning the skin with the alcohol wipe and allowing it to dry prior to application of the sensor. The sensor was checked after application and felt secure. Is there a better place on the arm to apply it and has this been a problem to anyone else?
I have only been using the Libra a short time, now on my 4th sensor, however, I really have to pull it off my arm, it does not come off easily. Hope it goes better with your client.
yes, it happened to me 3 days before the end. It is my first sensor. I do take bath and shower I wonder if that might be the reason. I’m going on a trip and i’m wondering if we can use it if we go through the metal detector can it break the sensor and can we go in the sea with it? Did any one have some experience.
nathalie
I have read on other websites that wearing it in a metal detector will affect it. The instructions say do not go though a scan with it on. I am not sure about checking the sensor in luggage as it too is scanned.
Libres site states you cannot go through air port security clearance. Asef to be pulled to side to be ck
I started using the Freestyle Libre System about 2 months ago. I have changed sensors as indicated in the instructions One sensor stayed on about 3 days and the other two only lasted one day each I have to pay for these sensors out of pocket because they are not covered by my insurance. Do you have any advice?
There are several adhesives for ostomy pts. I’ve seen where others have used them
Maybe you’re not letting the alcohol Dre enough before applying sensor
Started use the sensors this month and the first one lasted the ten days, but the next one fell off after one day. Tried the third one and had to put a bandage on to keep it there, but it only lasted two days. Also got a blister next to the site. Pay for these on my own so may not continue with this product.
I use a ace wrap sometimes. And I bought a step for the libre on Amazon e and plan on making my own sleeve.
I, too,have been having a problem with the sensor falling off before the 10 day period. I love this system, but, it is frustrating and EXPENSIVE! I wish the adhesive strip was wider to get a more secure fit.
I am so glad to see someone else say this! I wanted to suggest the wider adhesive strip to the company but there’s no feedback or survey, unlike in the UK site. I love my freestyle and have been using it for over a year, and the only re-occurring problem is when the adhesive fails. I do understand the reading discrepancy because the site explains how blood readings and interstitial readings differ. Anyway, I just want a wider adhesive strip too.
I just started using the FreeStyle libr e after a two week trial through my physician’s office. All went well and the sensor stayed in place. Also by BY reading from my OneTouchVerio were close.
Fast forward to.my application at home. First sensor did not work, called Abbott and new sensor on its way. Now the sensor I am wearing closely matched my BY test,but now the readings are consistently 50 to 100% off.
I use insulin and was first concerned it was my OneTouch.
Called One Touch thinking it could be the age of my meters, they are sending replacements free of charge.
Since I have trusted One Touch for the past 20 years, I am using insulin based on my BY readings and doctor’s instruction.
This is my second day and readings are consistently 50 to 100% off from scan. Will contact Abbott, wish me luck.
Just started using the Libre system and in the very first day the reading was significantly higher than that from the test tape/finger-prink result. Also, it appears that there’s no way to calibrate the reader. The write-up above says the accuracy is comparable to Dexcom’s G4 (which is obsolete). I’m wearing a G5 and the G6 is already on the market.
I conclude that this Libre system is nothing more than a rough reference that should always be validated. I’ll be going back to Dexcom’s G5 for this and other reasons.
Be aware that sensors in some countries are not compatible with a UK freestyle libre reader. I have just found this out after spending £72 on a new sensor. I called customer service who just said that the sensors outside of UK are not compatible. I wish I had known that before – now not only unable to check my levels but down £72.
Did you try the ” reader app” on your smart phone?
The Libre is now available in Canada. My doctor recommended it and my insurance company will pay for it in full. The problem is in dealing with the incompetent staff taking care of registration and insurance information. I called two weeks ago and registered. It was a painful experience in that the person on the other end of the phone didn’t stop to listen to what I was saying and just kept giving me stock answers to questions I didn’t ask. They then transferred me to the people in charge of insurance. That was equally as painful. The entire process took me well over an hour to complete. The end result was that they would call me in a few days to let me know whether I would have to purchase the items and submit the receipts or it could be put through my insurance directly. I never received that call.
Now, two weeks later, I called them again. The moron on the phone kept talking and, again, answering questions I wasn’t asking. When I would ask a question, he would ignore it and keep answering unasked questions. I finally told him to stop talking and tell me if he could hear me. I then asked a question that he was able to answer. Unfortunately, he couldn’t find my insurance information anywhere on their system. Considering the amount of time I had spent giving the information to them the last time, I was not very happy. He told me to email a photo of my insurance card to the pharmacy and said they would call me in a few days. I sent the email within 15 minutes of that call.
This afternoon I received an email asking me to fill out a survey as to why I hadn’t purchased the system yet. Since the three options did not pertain to me, I thought I would call customer service to ensure they had my information and let them know what a disaster their process was. The lady on the phone explained that she only registered people but that she could transfer me to another department who could check my file. 20 minutes on hold later, the next person on the phone was just as useless as the rest of them. She couldn’t tell me anything because she too was only a registration person. When she suggested I go online and input my insurance information myself, I told her that if they can’t figure things out from all of the information I have already given them, they can keep the Libre because it’s not worth the time they have already wasted and the aggravation they have already caused me. I said thank you and goodbye.
We’ll see if I ever receive that call!
I had same experience. This company needs to let a real drug store look after their product
Mark
Abbott diabetes care should remove Bayshore as exclusive distributor. I have 3 order with them and each time a simple order turned into multiple call and nightmare. buying process is so bad that I gave up on using Libre although I really like the system.
The same here, took 4 calls to Aetna. To find someone who knew what they were talking about. Ethan thank God stayed on the phone with me and contacted the Libre support team and then helpedme out and set everything up. I will give you two phone numbers that maybe yo( I know that you’re in Canada but maybe they could help you) the first is 800 307 5930 and the second is the manufacturer’s number which is 855 632-8658 hope it helps.
review of ordering system, for a new user
I was told the reason they can’t have pharmacies handle this, is the shelf life of the sensors is relatively short (like 18 months) , so they don’t want stock sitting around in pharmacies. understandable, but they definitely need to make it easier.
But i fully agree , while the product itself is great, the ordering process is completely asinine. My family doctor wants to charge me for prescriptions aka notes, since my doctor sees this as specialized medical equipment, and not a pharmaceutical product. 20 bucks for the starter kit, and now again 20 bucks for 3 months supply of sensors, so i assume this trend will continue (not sure why its different than a glucose monitor) , probably because he cant have his clinic’s own pharmacy fill the prescription.
My original order of the starter kit sat in limbo for two weeks, because the fax number on bayshore’s page was published wrong, and they didn’t get my prescription…it took me calling them to correct the issue, instead of them calling me on my order. I eventually got the starter kit (which bayshore broke up into 2 seperate orders, one for the meter and one for 2 sensors) , and in the end after insruance it cost me approx 15 dollars, i had to pay 10% of the sensors and 10% of the meter, the meter i had to pay for up front, but sent a reimbursement claim to insurance company.
Also now that i am ordering just sensors, its clear. that ordering just the sensors guarantees paying shipping (unless you want to drive to markham), it seems the insurance companies have a deal with bayshore that allows ordering of up to 4 sensors (so $190.00 not enough for free shipping ) so less but not 6. There apparently needs to be a 21 day gap between orders after 4 sensors are ordered. ..Abott /bayshore should do us a favor (well the people covered by insurance a favor) and increase the price to 100 per pack .
At the moment i am currently waiting on bayshore to contact my doctor and educate him on how to submit a prescription for the sensors with repeats, and not charge his patients money every time. And hopefully find a loophole in the ordering system that lets me get the sensors and not pay shipping every time…..We’ll see how that goes.
You need a new doctor, mine just hands out prescriptions but she is a diabetic specialist not a GP wannabe.
I had to find a medical device company that I didn’t Evan know Aetna covered. Anyway I went with EdgePark medical and asked for the Libre team , ph. 800 321 0591. Hope it goes well for you
I picked up my new libre system today – wish me luck!
Minneapolis, MN
Matt,
Did you get it in the USA? I want one, but haven’t seen that they have started selling here yet.
Mark
You have to get them through a prescription to your doctor. Walmart, Walgreens, and a couple of other pharmacies can get them for you
I’ve been using the system since it came out in Canada in September and in ways I am impressed by the ease of use but not the accuracy of data, the sensors are suppose to last 14 days but in reality more like 11 or 12 the first day after applying it is not really functional and the last two days you cannot trust the data, btw I’ve been type 1 for 45 years
I ordered my starter kit from Bayshore on October 11, 2017. Both sensors failed to succeed the initial scan. After three months of trying to contact the FreeStyle customer support people, they sent me two more sensors, they to failed the initial scan. Again I contacted the support people and got two more sensors- they also failed the initial scan. I contacted the customer support folks again, the sent me only one this time, and told me to talk to my doctor, all doctors know all about the FreeStyle Libre system. I even purchased another reader – it made no difference.
I’m thinking about using my last sensor in my thigh rather than my arm. I can’t find anything on the net relating to others with this sort of initialize scanning problem. Has anyone here experienced this?
Yes, I have. I just started the system about 6 weeks ago and have already gone thru 5 sensors, the last 2 did not give me any readings, not sure what to do.
Customer service 1 855 632 8658. I get mine from Walgreens. If they fail I am going back to them first. Good luck.
I’ve been using the sensor for approx. two months & now feel the product is not very reliable. Most readings that fall within the 5 to 12, you need to subtract .8 from that reading. And any reading below 5 or above 12 definitely need the old fashioned finger prick. Though I’ve not yet had to complain about a faulty sensor, but from what others comments are, it seems to be a difficult & lengthy refund/replace process. This tells me FreeStyle knows it has problems & is trying to avoid its liabilities.
So what are my feelings …. (1) FreeStyle’s product is a definite step in the right direction but more research/fine-tuning is really needed, (2) Like the earlier & initial blood glucose monitors, they were awkward & unreliable but with time, the manufacturers were able to get it right. So the FreeStyle Libre will need to go thru more revisions/modifications, etc. This product is just a little premature at this moment in time but may be very efficient & accurate in perhaps three years time.
Will use their product cautiously for the short term (definitely backing it up with a blood glucose monitor) until FreeStyle or another company gets it right. Bottomline …. this product is not overly reliable & entered the marketplace before it was actually ready. Hope this helps.
I have been type 1 for 42 years and really hoped that this CGM would save my fingers… The first Freestyle Libre sensor administered by my doctor (in the US) gave no upload data at all when I went back to have it read by the doc 10 days later. Then I bought the system on her advice and the first sensor worked great. After the 12 hours “settle in” period it really was good for the next ten days. Really happy with the fairly accurate readings – however, the following two sensors took longer than 12 hours to come ready – 14 and 18 hours and they both read way wrong. On average about 50 points too low no matter where on the graph (going up or down) I really am. I’m thinking maybe a bad sensor batch? These two bad ones both come from lot number: 171027V. I want to try a different lot before I quit on this. So sad…
I use my forearm for sticks. Add or Subtract 2 points going up/down and you have a good reading.
My wife started wearing her sensor on 12/25/17 in the US. She waited the 12 hour time as listed in the documentation. She then took her reading, then she took her blood sugar. The readings were about 30 points apart. This continued for a few days, so we called Abbott yesterday, one reading was 100 poings apart. They said that is within the norms. According to the documentation this is supposed to replace the finger checks, but almost every time she takes a reading it is saying to check her blood sugar. IMHO not worth the added expense since it does not seem to be accurate.
I am on the Medtronics pump and CGM sensor. But in order to calibrate I have to take my blood sugar twice a day and my reading are at most 10 points apart.
Hello Gary, Abbott really said that? I guess they don’t have any diabetics on staff. Even 30 points isn’t good enough as a price:reward ratio in my opinion. Just for my interest, can you confirm the lot number from the box?
When I tried the Medtronics CGM going back maybe 2 years it was way looser than 10 points – and painful to wear. At least the Freestyle doesn’t hurt.
That’s funny. I just got off the phone with support and they must have asked me the lot number 4 times. First sensor and the readings are 80 to 100 points higher than a finger test. Not impressed and although they gave me a replacement voucher, this may be a very short lived experiment.
Reported consistently low readings to customer support. I asked if others had reported the same problem. Was told that a 20% discrepancy (sensor vs. fingerprick) was normal. Told the Abbott agent that that was not acceptable. Agent then wanted my name, address, email. I asked why and he said he would lose his job if he didn’t get the info. Told him that wasn’t true and hung up. Although I didn’t give him my phone number, he immediately called back. He asked why I had discontinued the call and I told him He replied, “You called us,” disingenuously wished me a good day and hung up on me. Other than the dangerously misleading readings and the bad customer service,..
The finger sticks with Accu ck. Say there is a 50 pt is acceptable. That’s 3 units of short acting. So both ways it’s not good. Also since Libre reads over a short span of time, if you don’t. Stick yourself at exactly at time of Reading they told me it could be differently
Thank you for this information. I have given up on the Abbot piece of junk after 4 sensor and 3 reader replacements. My next option is the Medtronic set up that you are using. Doing 2 finger sticks a day is less that what I have to do now, and the elimination of taking shots 4 times per day makes Medtronic sound pretty good. I could live with a ten point differential, but no the wide disparity of the Freestyle. Thanks for the info.
I’ve wore this for a week, Doctor’s office put it onm go bscknin 14days..but to day 9 days, hit my arm on the door, pulled loose, well this keep working, well it now hurt it when taking a gath. I tsped it but concerned about it.
I’ve been using the cgm libre for over a month. I’ve checked my cgm vs finger pricks and they difference is very substantial. Readings range from being 25 “points” different to even having them over 100 “points” different between the libre and finger prick. Great concept but needs to have the accuracy improved way more!!
Im getting the same issues, the sensor is always about 20-40 points higher than finger prick. Abbott probably needs to get this sorted out because you can’t have people dosing way more than they should be.
Hi,
I have been using Freestyle Libre for over a month now and it has gotten progressively further misaligned with readings. Today my libre scanned at 7.4 when the actual blood glucose reading was 13.7. It started at being 1-2 units out but this is getting ridiculous. I am pregnant and cannot afford to have such a gap between reality and libre. At $50 a fortnight this is an expense that is just not sustainable at present. Please contact me when you are subsidises or have better technology.
I could be wrong about this, but isn’t pregnancy a “counter indication” for this product?? I thought that I read this somewhere. Would not trust it during gestation. When I called, I was told a +/- 20% was considered “normal” for this product. Mine has been 30 points low (reading) consistently when I did a bgt on a separate meter and 50 points lower (reading) when using the neo strips on the same meter. I will stick with the 30 and make the correction in my head since it was at 30 and I still felt mostly fine. 30 usually makes me terribly irritable, almost incomprehensible, and I was nowhere near that 🙂
I have been using the Freestyle libre for 2 months and have found the unit itself very helpful. The problem with the maker of the Freestyle (Abbott Labs) is there customer service. THEY HAVE NO EMAIL ADDRESS TO CONTACT THEM AND GETTING THROUGH ON THE PHONE IS IMPOSSIBLE. I HAVE BEEN ON HOLD FOR 1 HOUR AND 5 MINUTES AND IM STILL WAITING TO TALK TO SOMEONE!!!! RIDICULOUS. The reason I have been trying to contact them is the freestyle reader is not working properly. It doesn’t read sometimes and is not very accurate. But like I said above there is no customer service. Its an hour and ten minutes now and still nobody. I will quit using this product because of the TERRIBLE customer service.
Must have changed since then or I am having a good day. I called about the 30 and 50 point difference and got through easily on Saturday morning. Again, they told me it was within their tolerance levels of 20%. It is still easier than a finger prick. Just did it again and it was off by 40 points using the neo strips and 30 using another meter (omnipod using freestyle lite). It said I was at 60 but I still feel fine so 90 (or 100??) it is.
Just got my FreeStyle Libre here in Alaska USA, and did my very first test at midnight last night (193 – about 50 pts too high) and went back to bed shaking my head over money just spent. This morning’s reader-sensor test was 63 (really?!) and subsequent reader-sensor tests compared with the same FreeStyle’s blood-test-strip compared with my OneTouch blood test-strip shows that the FreeStyle Reader is between 25-30 points too low. I don’t recall reading this discrepancy in the European reviews. I DID notice the early expiration dates on the extra sensor packs and have to wonder how this could happen for a product just recently approved in the US.
Accu ck. Strips. And Libre both state a 50 pt difference is acceptable. I’ve used up to 5 strips and didn’t get one that read the same
I have been a Freestyle Libre customer for 4 months. Very good product at the beginning.
I am having sensor issues for the first time and cannot get through to technical support. Was on hold for over 2 hours each time, then they hang up on you. Be careful, will now go back to Dexcom because of lack of support. Unfortunate as it is a decent product.
I’m thinking of ordering this, and talked with an endocrinologist this AM. He mentions this is cellular glucose monitoring, NOT blood glucose, so expect to see results slightly off. There is a key indicator, watch the trend arrow on the reader to get a better idea of what the blood glucose reading would be.
Who knows, the starter pack is allegedly sold for $230 CAD, so I’m thinking I’ll give this a go, and see if discrepancies are workable.
I just stuck on my first sensor ever and waiting an hour for the reader to charge.. .. so I’m new to this. But yes the site says $230 for the starter but ur insurance may cover most. The reader is only $49 but the sensors are around $90/14 days
I am very happy with mine. All the sensors have been easy to apply, stay stuck on, and come to life in exactly 60 minutes. The information and graphs are very useful, and (I started using Libre 2 or 3 months ago) my last A1C level was the best it has ever been. The scanner gets unhappy if it isn’t kept warm (keep it in a pocket) and sometimes doesn’t respond to the button very quickly, but not a serious problem. The price is pretty steep (my health plan won’t cover it) but I think it is worth it.
The replacement buttons come very quickly in the mail (I order on line), but I agree the firm is not very responsive to questions.
Are you an company troll? It will not read the sensor for 12 hours so how did you get a reading in an hour?
Mine started after one hour as well. (Singapore). So maybe something changed or newer type?
Different regions have varying models. The one they sell in Australia only requires 1 hour “calibration” time. Not 12 like the US models I’ve read about.
It’s the difference between the 10 day or 14 day system. The 10 day takes 12 hours and the 14 day takes 1 hour.
Mine ALSO takes 12 hours!!! My sensor just fell off!!! Why can’t it be put back on instead of having to apply a new sensor?!?!?!!!
My Endocrinologist recommended this unit in November (after recently being authorized for use in Canada). Her office submitted the prescription by fax to Bayshore who contacted me the following day.
There was a delay getting things rolling because my insurance company insisted a Special Authorization Request had to be submitted before they would cover the cost of the Reader and Sensors (so the delay falls squarely on the shoulders of my insurance company).
Initially the ‘on-hold’ phone times were ridiculous, but I understand they simply weren’t expecting the onslaught of incoming requests and didn’t have the manpower to answer the phones within reasonable wait times. I called this morning and was on hold for less than 3 minutes. I’ve set up an online account and have a shortcut on my desktop with the option of ordering online, viewing past/existing orders or submitting requests for support and/or information.
I’ve placed 3 orders to date… the first for the Starter Pack consisting of the Reader and two Sensors, followed by two orders of 3 sensors each. Shipping is free on orders over CAD $200; so 3 Sensors at $89 qualifies for free shipping. Each has shipped the same day and been delivered by UPS the following business day. With the exception of one agent who was rushed and reading from a script, all other agents have been terrific.
The Sensor measures the glucose in the body’s interstitial fluid whereas a Finger prick will measure the glucose in the blood, explaining why there will likely be a difference in readings. Although this is new to Canada, it has been in use for a number of years in Europe and the U.K. so any issues should have been ironed out by now.
The problem is that Freestyle Libre does not have either alarm or alert. If the blood sugar level is too HIGH or LOW, then Freestyle Libre does not have alarm or alert 🙁 I have T1D for 50 years.
Hi, I love this product but where’s the mention of how hard it is to take off?
Since using the Libre I’m better able to track what causes blood sugar spikes and finally understand my insulin-carb ratio that makes up my sliding scale. I scan the sensor at least 15 times a day compared to my previous care of using my meter twice.
However, I’m on my third sensor- where in the process of removing number 2, I had difficulty removing the adhesive and devise simultaneously- I was left with a bruise and a lot of adhesive on my arm (which I removed today, two days after removal).
I love this product which is why I want to address the issue and help make it as great for its users as I can.
I’m in Canada and placed the order for a starter kit today. While at my Endocrinologist last week this product was suggested to use. I hope it works well but after looking at previous comments I’m not very confident. I have been a diabetic for 47 years and I am a pump wearer. I test with strips 8-10x’s per day and usually my A1C ranges between 6.7 to 7.4. Last week check up 7.1. Testing is key to control along with carb counting and was hoping this system would reduce pricking my finger. I guess time will tell but I want to thank everyone who contributed comments as at least I have an expectation good or bad of the product.
My husband has been using this sensor for about three weeks now and has had alot of trouble with his sugar. The sensor is always off by 20 points which causes alot of under or over corrections. Not worth the money in my opinion. Finger sticks are much more accurate.
I have been using using the Freestyle Libre system for about 2 months now. I live in Canada and ordered the reader and sensor online. Recently I had Lo reading alert on the meter after only 10 days of wear and stopped working on the 11th day with the meter indicating to change the sensor. I changed the sensor and this sensor fell off after only 6 days of wearing the sensor. I called Abbott Technologies and they are replacing the 2 faulty sensors. The new sensor which I just started using has given me a Lo blood reading and when I checked using the conventional meter my reading was 7.1.
This unit is junk and I am going to ask for my money back. This is day three and if I believed the bullshit numbers on this meter I would be in a coma. We all need to rebel and look for a refund. Anyone know who regulates these things?
If you are in the USA it is the FDA
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/ReportaProblem/ConsumerComplaintCoordinators/default.htm
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/default.htm
I’m not one who usually gives reviews but felt compelled to share this.
My dad and I have collectively tried 3 sensors and i think it’s fair to conclude that this product is absolutely **NOT WORTH** the money. Very very disappointing considering the price tag and from a supposedly reputable company. Here’s my experience:
My first sensor seem to work fine for 3days. Close to the end of 3rd day, the sensor started showing errors – glucose levels were either way too low (despite positive controls like chocolate) , or reader was unable to detect sensor. This persisted for another day before I removed the sensor and called customer service. No apologies from the service officer. I was repeated reminded that I should not have removed the sensor before calling the hotline, for troubleshooting purposes (I later learnt that this is not necessary). The saving grace was, the replacement set arrived within a few days.
The second (replacement) sensor set was a complete disaster. It didn’t work even in the first place; the reader displayed error messages on day 1 and advised user to “try again” later. Finally on the next day the reader indicated that sensor was faulty.
So, it’s time to call customer hotline again.
Remembering the instructions from the first customer officer, I instructed my dad (who tried the second sensor) to leave the sensor on til we had time to call the hotline during the specified working hours. As it turns out, there is no remote troubleshooting like what the first customer officer implied. All they need to know are the error codes which can be accessed via the reader. One can remove the faulty sensor from the body but it has to be kept for return to the company. Anyway, a replacement sensor was offered BUT it did not arrive and I had to call and rescheduled a delivery date.
My dad is currently on the 6th day of this latest replacement set. I observed that there were no glucose readings detected for a few hours at night in 5 out of the 6 days of usage. Hence this is not really continuous tracking as claimed.
Safe to say I would not be purchasing anymore of the sensors and i would Not recommend this product. Unfortunately I’m stuck with the expensive reader :((
(P/s: I live in Singapore and bought the products locally)
I started using the Libre a few months ago and have no issues at all. Recently diagnosed with T2 in Sept.2017 and was very lucky that it was available in Canada. I order online and UPS delivers in 2 days. I ordered the starter kit.. Around 235 dollars Can. and now order sensors 3 at a time @ 89 $ each to save on shipping. Sensors all have started to scan in 60 minutes after initial new sensor scan. Both of my A1C tests have been 6.2 and 6.3.
The Libre is in my opinion, useless. I’ve been using it for a solid 8 days, and have been checking my blood glucose with my meter regularly (5x a day) because the Libre is consistently inaccurate and the readings are always lower than my actual blood glucose level. And their help desk, is a call center who I’m pretty sure is not US based. I’m 100% dissatisfied. I’m anxious for Dexcom’s new technology and hope it’s smaller and easier to insert because at least Dexcom was consistently accurate!
I started using the Freestyle Libre about two months ago. The readings seem to be 10-20% too high (based on finger pricks) but nonetheless I get a good idea of trends and how certain foods cause my sugar to spike more than others. The glycemic index is not a good indicator for me as different people react differently to the same food.
Since starting to use the Libre my average glucose went from about 180 to 155 which should mean that my A1C should go down from 7.3 to around 6.5. I’ll see next month when I get my A1C tested.
My freestyle libre reader was ok for 6 weeks, then stopped working 2 weeks ago (will not switch on or charge). Unfortunately despite calling, leaving voice messages & sending emails, I have not been able to speak to a customer service rep. I am considerably out of pocket as due to the long waiting time for sensors I had ordered two just before the reader packed up, coupled with I had only just put on the new sensor. The company’s after sales service is shocking and for this reason would not recommend the system, its to expensive to listen to music on the phone if you have a query.
I used the Abbott Prescription retrieval service by Abbott. I thought that this service would expedite the process since it’s a non-formulary insurance prescription for me.
Nothing but heartache! My advice is do not use this service. They will slow down the process and create more bureaucratic roadblocks. Its been now more than a month and I still do not have my entire prescription in the pharmacy. Every little glitch takes 24-48 hrs to process and bigger glitches take 7-14 days to process, and that’s not including the initial 7-14 days of setting up the order.
If you crave multiple hoop jumping experiences in your life..Abbott is your guy/gal.
recently i got the test strips to use with the libre and my blood sugars from the test strip compared to the sensor are off by 50 points or more(the blood test is higher) then when i compare those 2 readings with my other testing machine its lower than the blood but not as low as the sensor. (sensor read 89, sensor with blood 143, other blood sugar meter 113) is anyone else having issues as mines? most comments i see says the senors is reading too high but i think mines is reading too low.
I find the sensor reads 40 points lower than the neo strip, and 30 lower than my omnipod’s. This is consistently the case. I can work with consistency. I now check many times a day where I only checked before when I felt bad (seldom). This is better (for me). Glad I went to the Libre.
My 1st week with the Libre has beyond disappointing, the sensor is 60 to 100 point mg low every time. I have call support 2 times and asked for a supervisor, all they do is talk trying to say they are trouble shooting but they are just trying to wear you out so you go away. The supposed supervisor was supposed to send me a new sensor by FedEx to try, 3 days later no sensor. This system in theory seem great, no more finger pricks, but in reality I have been testing more often testing their expensive piece of junk. After the fact I read they claim to be within 10% accurate, that is not good enough. Say you have a 200mg reading that could be 180 or 220mg and I am suppose to adjust my insulin based on that? There system is a guessing game I don’t want to play.
I give the Libre system an F, how could you ever trust the readings. I give their support an F-. Don’t waste your money.
I plan to write the FDA after this post, I think everyone who has had an issue with this system should do so as well.
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/ReportaProblem/ConsumerComplaintCoordinators/default.htm
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/default.htm
I think there is a great deal of difference between interstial or cellular glucose and blood glucose. It takes more time for cellular to catch up. It may take some time to get used to the readings and dosing with careful attention to “stacking your insulin” doses. Just a thought. Also one size does not fit all. I am cautiously optimistic and still experimenting with this. This is my first CGM and I will await the results before tossing it away.
I have been using the Feestyle Libre for about 4 months, my A1C went from 10.1 to a 5.8 in 3 months, it is life changing…. Best positive change for me, after 30 years of being a type 1.
That is great news! Glad it is working well for you!
I am contemplating buying the unit because I did not like using Dexcom’s CGM. Needing to prick my fingers twice a day to calibrate their unit defeated the primary purpose of why I want to use a CGM. I am a 66 year old, Type 1, diabetic and you can imagine how my fingertips have hardened over the years from finger sticks. What the Libre does is exactly what I need; however, from reading all the reviews, it seems that the technology is not quite there yet. I think I’ll wait a bit longer and hope that Abbott gets its act together and resolves the Customer Service and sensor problems related here by users.
Since the glucose readings from the Libre come from the interstitial fluid vs. the blood, one would expect the readings to be different when comparing them. The question is: by how much? Perhaps this is a major factor in complaints about inaccuracy.
So far my results:
30 points difference than my Omnipod reading (lower on sensor).
40 points difference than the Neo strips (lower on sensor).
These have been consistent so far.
I was told by customer service that a 20% difference is within their tolerance levels.
I am not bothered by consistent readings, I can work with this.
Yes, I agree. If my reading is 95 using the Libre system with interstitial fluid, then what does that equal for the blood reading? There should be some sort of comparison so I know what it means.
I was able to get the Libre through my pharmacy benefits instead of through Blue Cross BS.
It is better because it was covered by my prescription plan and I did not have to “qualify” (this is the same way I obtained my Omnipods after being turned down by BCBS because I did not jump through all their hoops).
All I did was go online and find out it was covered.
Find a pharmacy who would order it for me (local Walgreens).
Get a prescription from my Dr (who had no idea what it was).
Had it sent to my local pharmacy.
Had it within 2 days. It would have been a small co-pay because it was not generic.
I have used it for several days now and even though not exact, it is better than not doing the bg test b/c its painful and a pain to do over and over and over and (you get this).
I started out with a 25 a1c many years ago. I now have it down to 9-10. Hopefully I will be able to get it down now that I can follow my bg better.
Time will tell.
Also,
The Euro model does not work with the US sensors.
The US sensors only last 10 days.
The US model has a 12 hour “warm up” time before it can be read.
For more accurate results (so I gather) mount a sensor 1 day before activating it.
It will still take another 12 hours to read but I gather the results will be better.
I will stay in touch, so far so good.
We get this gadget for free on the NHS!!!! There should be a national outreach not favouring regions of the UK
Here in France it’s been available since 2014, I’ve been offered, free to all French diabetics and it’s multilingual, one by my doctor but have declined her offer , I’m happy with my Freestyle Papillon Insulinx which has done it’s job very well.Could be I’ll change my mind as new models become available.
I just started the Libre system 1 week ago. I have found that compared to my finger sticks, it is at least 50 points different in readings over 80% of the time. I called my endo’s office and the secretary stated it is because it is readying a different type of fluid and taking the average, and not reading the blood. So, how do I know which is more accurate? If it is different fluid being measured, how do I know how to compare it to the levels of 80-180 that I am used to? Customer service sent me a new sensor but I don’t think that will be the problem. And what do I do in the summer when I wear short sleeves – it is a very obvious thing on the back of your arm. I was excited to try this, but not so much any more.
I have had a problem with my first sensor as well. Not with the readings but with the adhesion of the sensor itself. It fell off in three days. They cannot be re-used and now $89.00 is down the drain. Better adhesion is needed. Not as pleased as I thought I would be. Our company has a deal to pay completely for the system and free sensors for life. I will be advising them of my problem and if needed they may not continue to pay. I am very disappointed in this.
For what it’s worth I am a new user of Freestyle Libre. It has been nothing but a nightmare since I started using it on April 16. The reader and sensor have minds of their own. They will give me a reading when they want. All other time no matter what I do sensor is not found. I have received two replacements of the sensors with no change. I think the problem is with the reader but I can not make CSR accept that. So after three inserts, three painful removals after just a couple of day I do not have the results I expected. I am not even sure anyone is listening. It’s time to go back to finger pricking and return the Libre because I did not find any freedoms.
I am very frustrated with this product. The doctor’s office put on my first sensor on and four minutes before the 12 hour waiting period, I lightly bumped my arm and the sensor came off. The second one My husband put on for me following the directions exactly and it only stayed on 20 minutes. I have spent close to $200 that my insurance company will not cover and have yet to see a reading. DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME AND MONEY!!
I have been using the Libre for about a month. Before that I was using the Dexcom. I had to switch because my I insurance would not pay for it any longer. But I found both systems not to be very accurate. At least the Dexcom allows you to calibrate it. With keeps your records more accurate. But the Libre does not. You must use their test strips to at least add a accurate test number. The problem I have with that is my Insurance does not cover the stripes. Go figure, they will cover the system but not the test stripes. One question I have for anyone using it. First, in the above review of the libre, it states: that you will start receiving results in 1 hour. Well, that is not my experience with it. When I start a new sensor, I have to wait 12 Hours. My question to anyone using this system is: How long does it take for you to start getting readings?
In the US, it’s 12 hours
My first sensor read correctly for three days. On the third day it fell off. They cannot be used twice so the 14 day stick on is a lie for me and for some others I have read about. I am very suspicious of all new technology and this is another good example, it seems.
I purchased the Freestyle Libre, looking forward to many less finger pricks. Unfortunately, the opposite was the case. I have found that the sensor was reading anywhere from 37 to 108 points higher than my Freestyle lite finger pricks. I had to double check almost every time I took a Libre reading before I could determine weather or not to take insulin. The sensor stayed on my arm for the full 10 days, showering every day, and it was crazy hard to remove. I had to have my wife peel up the edges with a pair of small scissors while I pulled straight out. Sadly this was a waste of money for me, $99 for the reader and $50 for the sensor.
I received my Freestyle yesterday and carefully followed instructions for inserting patch, only to have it fall off 3 hours later. Am not very impressed and from reading all these comments I’m thinking I will not have a good experience with it.
I just start using this freestyle libre about a week ago. With in a week I have to change patches twice due to easily coming off from my arm. I really think concepts of Libre is great idea, but who ever designed this patch where it’s exposed to elements are not good idea. Maybe you can redesign some where it doesn’t have be out of elements(protected by your clothes) so we don’t bump into some thing(s). And also adhesive part should be much larger than existing one.
I am finding the Libre is great. My only problem with it is it comes of very easily, like if you accidentally walk into something, changing cloth. in the beginning I was putting medical tape over it to make sure it stays on but wasn’t really liking that. I end up going through my 90 day supply a lot quicker.
Does anyone know of a better solution?
I have had this unit for a few days. I installed the sensor 3 days ago and it fell off today. Now it is a waste of money because it did not stay on for the 14 days as it should. It was properly installed by a Nurse.
Readings were obtained for the three days until it fell off my arm. It was installed exactly as shown.
If this is going to happen on a regular basis then this system is not to be trusted for the money paid.
I will try one more sensor and if this happens again I will be notifying my insurance provider and others on the internet not to get this device. It is very expensive and more costly than other lancet systems.
Great concept, very poor execution. At first, I trusted this CGM, and it seemed to work well, until it didn’t. One morning I kept getting low readings, and when I checked those against the reader’s test strip with whole blood on a finger stick, there was a huge disparity. I called, complained, and they replaced the reader and sensor. I actually had a couple of bad sensor (they replaced) experiences. When troubleshooting the reader, we found the error log, which showed similar error messages from 6 to 7 months ago…last year. Apparently these are refurbished units. Now on my third and last reader, I have put it all on the shelf. This device is faulty, even dangerously so, the customer service is very cable company like, including horrible on hold music. I am trying to report them to Medicare fraud. Don’t waste your time. Currently, the sensor needs to be in place for 12 hours before being active. Then, it is inaccurate. Don’t waste your money,or the government’s either. Horrible company!
My recent experience with the Libre is a bit scary. It was giving me low readings for a few days and I was treating them like lows. I blood tested when I got a 2.9 in the middle of the night and the One Touch meter confirmed I was at 6.9, nowhere near a low. I tried to get a replacement sensor and a replacement reader (since there is no way to delete readings or to factory reset) I had to speak to someone overseas twice and they were not willing to do anything. He didn’t even understand the issue with the reader even after explaining it multiple times.
I live in the U.S. and have been using the Freestyle Libre for about six months. The device has been very helpful in managing glucose levels, however, I too found the low readings to be highly inaccurate at times. The excerpt from Abbott’s U.S. website may be helpful ….they admit that the low end readings may not be reliable:
“IMPORTANT: The device may inaccurately indicate hypoglycemia. The results of the clinical study conducted for this device showed that 40% of the time when the device indicated that user sensor glucose values were at or below 60 mg/dL, user glucose values were actually in the range of 81-160 mg/dL. Therefore, interpretation of the FreeStyle Libre Pro Flash Glucose Monitoring System readings should only be based on the trends and patterns analyzed through time using the reports available per the intended use.”
I am in Canada, my first sensor lasted 9 days , my second lasted the 14 days, on my third sensor 7days today! Though I was doing great , new Medication Jardiance, numbers coming down, last night at 2:25 awoke and took reading 3.3 took a candy to go back up and decided to take a blood test with my contour reader,,, 8.3. !!! 5full points different!! I am a type 2 , if I was a type one taking insulin I might be dead!! I have never tested Low before , have been diabetic since 2013!!
I compared quite a few of my Libre readings to finger prick samples and found that the Libre worked accurately. I was able to take quite a few readings after eating different foods to see how my blood sugar rose and how fast.
However, when removing the sensor it tore a lot of skin and bled quite a lot, and it does not seem that if you have thin or easily bruised skin you should go through ruining that much skin and exposing yourself to infections.
Almost ordered one online but didn’t after reading all the problems encounter with this system. Thanks to all who left comments.
I cannot recommend these to anyone. I’ve been using them for about three weeks, and although mine have been fairly accurate (at least as accurate as a glucose meter), I’ve already had two come off. At $25 a pop that’s way too often. I have dry skin, only apply them after a shower and skin has dried, I use both alcohol swabs, and no lotion.
Why is there only mention of *diabetes* when considering the use of a Freestyle Libre? I have a *non-diabetic HYPOglycmia* condition and using the Freestyle Libre for six months now. It is very helpful in managing glucose levels, especially in my case when glucose starts to dip dangerously low.
I do agree with many of comments about accuracy. I find the sensor more inaccurate at the low range of say 40 to 50. In many of these cases, glucose is actually doing fine in the 80s range.
Hope manufacturer improves product in years ahead.
I purchased the system, with the first sensor the filament that goes into your arm bent thus did not work, the 2nd worked as prescribed, the 3rd I put on my arm took a shower and it came off. These things are not cheap and this performance is extremely unacceptable, I dont want to go back to pricking my fingers but this is an expensive disaster.
I had problems with one falling off from my arm on the first day, I was able to save it from completely falling off and used tape to keep it on for the duration. It was a pain to deal with but only one of 7 so far have done this, though I have switched to using my legs largely because my arms are leaner and muscular I don’t have as much flat surface to work with on my arms. I purchased SIMPATCH Adhesive Patch for any future issues with them starting to fall off but on my legs I’ve had no problems with 4 applications so far so haven’t had to use the patches. yet. The SIMPATCH is cut specifically for the Libra and looks like it will work well if needed. I sit in a hot tub post workouts about twice a week also but they’re holding my my upper thigh well, in fact it’s pretty tough for me to get them off and I have to use alcohol pads and it takes a few minutes to get a sensor off my leg.
So I have read a lot about the sensor falling off. I use tagaderm (patch) i hole punch a hole in the center and it holds just fine. Also I was reading that readings are higher/lower than finger pricks. Scan your sensor then wait 15min and finger prick. My readings were accurate then. There is a 15min delay. My endo said she is fine with a 20pt difference. My 3 A1C tests have all been very close to the libre results when I downloaded the info
I LOVE this thing. It has been a life changer.
LOVE LOVE LOVE this Freestyle Libre sensor. Personally, it’s a life-changer for me!
I’m a Type 1 diabetic for 25 years now, who is not on the pump cuz I don’t want something stuck in my stomach area. But I’m a “human pump,” as I constantly test and take shots with insulin pens.
I’ve been on the Freestyle Libre for some time now, and have had no problems with the sensor coming off. I shower with it, sweat like crazy with it and sleep on my side with it.
Btw, I wear the sensor on the side of my thigh. It seems to be more accurate for me, and I like to wear sleeveless tops, so no fuss-no muss!
As for accuracy, I check it for the first day or so with my OneTouch meter. It evens up by the second day, and I’m pretty confident it’s doing well. Btw, my A1c hovers around 6-6.3, and that hasn’t changed since using the Freestyle Libre.
I like that it has NO alarms going off. I have no need/want continuous monitoring, just when I want to know is perfect for my lifestyle.
I like that I don’t need a smartphone or smartwatch to get readings; the sensor reader is plenty small and easy to carry around.
Like I said, I’m a constant tester and my life has changed by throwing out those test strips! With the old test strips, I was testing around 6-7x a day, but with the Libre, I’m averaging testing 15x a day, so how can that not be a good thing?
Anyone sceptical…just try it!
Found that the Libre, over multiple sensors and readers, is consistently low. The worst I have seen is the Libre reporting a blood sugar of 59 (I had no physical symptoms) and my meter reporting 95. For the most part, the Libre is 20-30 mg/dl low. After repeated conversations with Abbott Tech Service, replacement of sensors and readers, I’ve decided to stop using the system after my current supply of sensors runs out.
Needless to say, I’m really disappointed since I really liked the idea of no more finger sticks and being able to watch what was happening with my blood sugar over time. But… I can’t use a device that would have me underdosing my insulin by 1-2 units at mealtime.
I cannot recommend this unit for anyone who is using any of the rapid acting insulins. I am a Type 2 (28 years) who has used an insulin pump for the past 6 years with excellent results.
Abbott’s claims about being able to base therapeutic decisions on the results of the Libre systems is just false. I will most likely file a complaint with the FDA.
I spent $140 on this product and 3 sensors. It was absolutely terrible; I have advised my endocrinologist not to recommend this product to anyone else. The sensor needle that was stuck in my arm for 10 days made my arm and my shoulder extremely sore. Then, the readings were totally inaccurate. My numbers were so good, and then they went down really low and I became concerned. I take insulin based on the readings on the testing machines; needless to say I was not taking nearly enough insulin based on the readings of the Libre. Once the reading said “53” and I was really scared but I didn’t “feel” like I was at 53. Another time it showed “70” so I pricked my finger and found out it was actually 110. From that point on I continued to scan and then prick my finger and found out the Libre was totally inaccurate. I was then told by the company that it doesn’t measure your blood, it measures fluids. I then began texting Abbott, who had an “I just don’t care attitude.” Now I’m just out of $140 and I would never again use this system. I have two unopened boxes of sensors and the pharmacy will not take them back, they were $25 each. I’m good, I will just keep pricking my fingers.
Tech support is a joke. They seem to missing the “Technical” in their Tech support. Sounded like a robot, read from a script, did not listen to question and kept insisting she had given me the answer. SHE DID NOT even come close. Where is this call centre anyway? Hope there’s a better product, from another company, in the future.
The Freestyle is for those in a home for care. It is not for anyone that is active and working.
I live in the United States. We were just approved for the 14-day sensors and I picked mine up today. This is my third meter. The previous two were 10-day units. I must say that overall I am very disappointed. From the readings to the quality of the meters to the cost, this device is not what Abbott claims. I’ve used the CGM for one month now. I am on my 5th sensor. The first sensor did not attach properly and Abbott sent me a replacement.
Every sensor after that gave me readings that were between 20 to 40mg too high or too low. My newest meter is reading 54mg too high. I’ve contacted Abbott regarding these readings but they use customer service agents who are non-native English speakers and do not have a decent command of the language. Ultimately, they stated the meters only show trends and do not give accurate instant readings which is really a load of crap. With no way to calibrate these devices, I am still using test strips to get accurate readings. And at 74 dollars a month I will not be using this device in the future.
I am using Ambrosia’s NightRider BluCon to get glucose readings every 5 minutes on my phone even without scanning the Libre sensor, so I don’t need to worry about beeps. I am also able to share my readings in real-time with my sister after she downloaded the FollowBluCon app
I have to wonder how many commenters here have some ties to the manufacturer (Abbot) of Libre. I have been a type 1 for the past 39 years. My doctor is one of those who is a fanatic about the latest technological advances. She recommended the Libre for me on my last office visit, just over a month ago.
I ordered and received the complete Libre system just a few days ago. I am a four times a day blood tester. It didn’t take but these past few days experience to arrive at an opinion of the Libre system. In a word, it’s WORTHLESS!
I compare every Libre scan to my (reliable) Contour manual glucose test. The results from the Libre are all over the place, ranging up to an 80 point variance. Sometimes the Libre can be lower that the Contour, more often it is higher (avg. 20+ points higher). I had a low blood sugar yesterday. The Contour registered 65 while the Libre registered 88. Huh?! Wha?! No way can any diabetic rely on such inaccurate numbers, unless they want a visit from the EMT’s!
What puzzles me the most is how this piece of crap got past the FDA for approval? I suspect, as with most things in the medical world, someone was paid off very well. I promised myself that I would use up the 90 day supply of Libre sensors instead of just tossing the whole thing in the garbage now. No doubt though, the Libre system is worthless and anyone here suggesting otherwise; I challenge you to post a YouTube video proving the Libre sensor results can be deemed ACCURATE (ie. compare the results of a pin prick system to a Libre sensor scan). By the way, check out the current postings on YouTube, you’ll discover everyone is having major accuracy issues with the Libre system.
Dowload the Glimp app if on Android or Spike if on ios. Now you will get accurate results. Glimp allows entry of finger sticks to calibrate it. It is now always within 0.5 mmol/L for me using this system.
The sensor readings are inaccurate and not even consistently inaccurate even when allowing for about a 20 minute gap behind a finger stick check. The up/down arrows tell you what your blood sugar was doing 20 minutes ago. It could be going the opposite direction now. This feature is useless.
About the only thing it is good for is warn you about possible lows but it is like a speedometer that only warns you that you are speeding when you are still going 20 mph under the limit
I type 1 diabetic and have been using 14 day for a few months, but can’t relax and trust it will work because I had one fail this morning after I started it last night. Unfortunately it takes 2-3 days to get replacement. Going back to regular meter.
“The scanning process only takes around 3 seconds too complete and can work through layers of clothes.”
Lie.
(That is what the instructions say, not just this site).
It has a very flaky wireless connection. Maybe I got a bad device and need to replace it. It’s quicker to do a fingerstick test usually.
It says the range for a connection is 1.5 inches. More like 1.5 cm or sometimes mm, with no clothing. There is no indication of where to put it to get the strongest connection, because magic? But the same exact position is almost guaranteed to fail on the first try and 60% likely to work on the second try.
I haven’t had much trouble with accuracy of the results. Seeing them in context over time, even though it is late, is helpful in adjusting food and insulin the next day. I can feel lows and bad highs without a test, so immediate results or beeps are not crucial to me. But this helps spot long stretches where it’s 200 or so, or when it only spiked up in the last hour before a meal.
So I expect my A1C to be down about a point next time I check. But sometimes I just want to hit the reader with a hammer when it takes too many tries to find the sensor, and sometimes locks me out for 10 minutes.
Three months ago, my physician HIGHLY recommended the Libre for blood testing. Unfortunately, I went to the Freestyle site and read their FALSE claims. I have been a type 1 diabetic for the past 38 years. I have been blood testing since the finger prick units came out.
The numbers provided by the Libre are no less than a joke, most often 10 to 60 points off from my finger prick test. This is inaccurate and unreliable. Some type 1’s lose their ability to sense low blood sugars. The Libre will say over 100 when blood glucose is actually below 70. This deceptive reading is DEADLY! I have had several low blood sugars and not once has the Libre given any indication.
How and why the FDA approved this devise is beyond me. I have been using the device for two months and I have no intentions of renewing my prescription for more sensors. The unit is, in a word; USELESS. As the saying goes, if people bought Libre’s like they sold cruise ship tickets, the Titanic would still be packing them in.
Yes, I am filing a formal complaint to the FDA. The Libre device is indeed dangerous and it is only a matter of time before deaths occur from low blood sugars inaccurately reported by the device as normal.
I was given it while pregnant and it stressed me out. My levels were perfect until I had a week with it in. I have had diabetes since I was a kid so I know my body. I pulled it out of my arm in the end. My poor baby must be like what the hell mummy.
Honestly, Don’t trust it and stick with the finger prick otherwise you could end up injecting more then you need or not enough. Absolutely awful!!
I don’t have time to be a lab rat for this and being pregnant I’m high risk!!!
Keeping my blood sugars in check is a must and I don’t need a stupid inaccurate machine giving me readings that could effect my baby cuz they are wrong. My finger pricker never gives me incorrect readings and that’s what I’m gonna stick with.
I have been using the libre for about 4 months. The readings are a;ll over the place Sometimes the are on target and other time they are as much as 30 points off. Occasionally it will tell you to check your blood. And sometimes it is correct and sometimes not. I wore it in a water aerobics class and It seems to continue operating and did not come off in the water. I had several questions from people since you could see when you have on sleeveless clothing. as to what it was . Since it is white and I am brown it was quite obvious.
I called to see if they include their sticks with the reader and NO they do not and a box of 20 cost $14 so I use my accu check which is free with my insurance. I hate having to check my blood in public so just pulling out the reader is nice BUT not if it is not accurate. After the initial free box of sensor it becomes pricey. Abbott needs to do more research on this piece of equipment.
I use the 14day system.
Yesterday when I was trying to remove one sensor and install a new one the new one did not come out of the container as it should have. It came out in pieces. So I tried another one. That one did the same thing. I called the 800 number and spoke with someone after being on hold for 15 minutes. Then after explaining my situation I was hung up on. I’m gonna try to call back tomorrow.
I gave them my phone number so they could call me. No one called me back.
As of right now I don’t have a sensor
I purchased the freestyle Libre and have been using it for four days now. The readings are anywhere from 40 to 100 mg lower than my prodigy finger stick meter. I am on a sliding scale insulin and a time release insulin so my readings have caused my blood sugar to go out of control over the last few days. Prior to using the Libre my blood sugar levels were pretty consistant. I wish I would have read the reviews before purchasing this. It defeats my purpose if I still have to stick my finger to make sure the levels are accurate. My trust in this device is not very high.
I have been using for about 6 months and so far I have had 3 sensors fail with the latest one just now. In the past could not get someone in customer service who spoke good enough English to understand that they just stopped working for no reason. I ask for a refund with no success. I believe their customer service strategy is to wear the customer out until they just give up. NO more for me I am done.
Kerry Koepke
I have been using the freestyle libre system for 8 months, it very inaccurate and dangerous, Abbot Medical tells us don’t trust it, there right don’t, the sensor failure rate is 60 percent and after a while they will stop replacing the sensors. I am changing to the Dexcom
Abbots quality control on these monitors and sensors has gotten very poor. The monitors seem to fail with normal use, they won’t read actual blood glucose measurements even though they are supposed to, and the programming on them is very sloppy. The sensors especially the 14 day sensors, seem to fail with alarming regularity; I have had two prematurely fail within the last 3 months.
Worse yet, when I called Abbot customer service to discuss, I was treated by the rep as if I was a complete idiot. When I tried reaching out to customer care management, never got a response.
I can not recommend this product, and am switching to Dex-Com
FreeStyle Libre has changed my Dad’s life. We can now take a relax sleep. Without FreeStyle Libre we could not manage his high and low alerts during night all of a sudden but since he is using it, we are quite satisfid. His BG level is now under control. It took a huge turning point when we started using FreeStyle Libre Sensor with Ambrosia’s Blucon. It is a CGM device and good combination which gives readings on phone every five minutes without scanning the sensor. We experience it is more comfortable to use. Also, my dad can get readings on his smart watch still he doesn’t scan his sensor. Through this he is able to manage diet and life style. We as caregiver can also follow his readings. Cheers ! just shared my experience.
Really David… How it exactly work? How to buy it? Do I need to get prescription from my Endo? Where is the manufacturing company? Is it available in Greece? I am sorry for asking so many question at the same time but excited to know more about it.
I have been using the freestyle for about 1 year I have had to contact the company on 3 different occasions with the sensor not working . Overall I really love the freestyle but I think done improvements will need to be made to the overall whole sensor and the adhesive on the sensor I currently have the marked of the sensor on both arms and I have had over 3 blisters with drainage coming from both of my arm from where the sensor I will be sharing the information with my doctor.
I have never experience any problems with getting a replace sensor for the damaged one. I have pictures to shoe the blister marks on both arms, and I just really hope that they can get that problem corrected because I really enjoy using this system it is easier and more convenient for me. I really have mix concerns about the reading of the sensor as a whole. thank you
I have tried the Libre and find the convenience of the product very helpful, however I am utterly dismayed at how much single use plastic is in the product!!!!!! At least provide the applicator multi use, but to have to have so much plastic waste every two weeks to me is not worth the convenience of the product. I think we should be more concerned with the plastic waste we are putting into our environment. I’m going back to testing strips.
ive been using life libre for 6 weeks and im having swelling in both wrist swelling badly with a lot of pain.remove meter from right arm and the swelling went away in 2 days now able to use right hand again.Left hand still notable to use.Can you explain to me why i am having these sympton My name is John living in Barrie ontario.
I received a meter with a defective sensor. It measured very high int eh 300s. I used a blood testing meter and my reading was 63 resulting in a diabetic reaction. Called twice to get a replacement sensor and both times I was iasked so many stupid questions for an hour. Try another meter, the help you get with questions makes you feel like a criminal.
Did my initial education at Doctors office and we were guided as we fitted the sensor for the first time. My sensor fell off in 30 minutes.
The readings are not reliably accurate. The product often creates a skin reaction that takes weeks to heal. The service line is rude and the company does not stand behind their product. I don’t see the point in this product if one cannot reliably manage our health with its use. Having used the sensors for over 4 months I can say that accuracy is not reliable and when a sensor does not work we are told just to wait 24 hours and see if it then works. While I understand their are technical reasons why the sensor may not initially work after 60 minutes (or up to 24 hours) then the company should build it so that we get what we pay for; 14 days of accurate readings.
I can’t imagine buying a thermometer that might be 50-70% off in accuracy let alone a product on which patients manage their diabetes.
There are too many issue concerning the way this product has been managed by the company which is a shame because it has the potential to be a game changer.
The standard for a medical product accuracy has to be much higher and the company should immediately replace a sensor that does not work with 10-15% accuracy without putting the onus on the consumer.
This is NOT good…a reading of 55 with LOW glucose warning on my Libre, followed up within 5 minutes with a “normal” reading of 125 on my trusted, but older, OneTouch VerioIQ. Fortunately, I know what it feels like to have low glucose and I felt NONE of the symptoms. My advice…hang on to your old monitors…so happy I kept mine…you really need to “double-check” when you have these “false readings”…!!! One feature of the OneTouch that I wish the Libre had, is the ability to calibrate it to insure the accuracy.
I’m glad I came across this web site documenting the problems with this CGM and company that puts it out and provides customer support. I currently use the Dexcom G6 which I was forced to switch over to earlier this year from their G4 unit. I loved using their CGM units for 15 years, but have had nothing but problems with their latest unit the G6. Dexcom is phasing out their G4 and G5 units and will only support the G6 now on. The issues I’m having with their G6 is making me consider switching to a different CGM, but from all the testimonials herein, it looks like Abbott’s unit is definitely not the one for me.
Just called Libre customer service to report two 14 day sensors that reading 50 to 60 pts lower than 2 pin prick meters. After 20+ minutes, I ended the call because of the rude interrogation by the Libre customer service police. I called to report a problem and never asked for a replacement sensor.
BUYER BEWARE… these sensors are not always accurate! IMO, these sensors should not have received FDA approval.
I am going back to Dexcom.