I have now been wearing the Freestyle Libre flash monitor for ten days and have some initial thoughts to share.
I wasn’t sure what to think of the Libre before using it. I had heard stories of people absolutely loving it and other tales of people not really being all that impressed. I was certainly excited to try it, as I am with any new technology and was interested to see how my experience compared with friends who had already had a go.
I went in with a very open mind, albeit a mind that has been completely and utterly won over by Dexcom and CGM technology.
Overall, I love this device and can see why, where and how it would be brilliant for some people and now, after a week and a half, have a better idea of where it fits in my diabetes management.
The Good
The insertion was simple. I could go into a whole lot of detail about how it works and what it looks like, but a very clever young lady has made a very cool video of it and she is far cuter than me. You can see it at the end of today’s post. (The caveat to this is that Ms Pumplette in the video is under 18 years and, at this stage, the Libre only has TGA approval (i.e. in Australia) for adults.)
I will just add that it was completely painless for me. As in: Did. Not. Feel. It.
The device is discreet. I have mine attached just under my upper arm, so it is completely hidden, even when wearing a short-sleeved shirt. This placement also means less likelihood of ripping it off on a doorframe or similar. The profile of the Libre sensor is fabulous – tiny, flat and completely unobtrusive. (But if you would like to pimp it, of course there is a cottage industry making lovely patches to stick either over the top of the white disc, or to augment the tape around it.)
I have found the device to be incredibly accurate – when compared with both my BGL meter and Dex. We were warned that new sensors could take up to 24 hours to start to read accurately, however I found the new Libre sensor to sync with my devices as soon as the 60 minute warm up period was over.
Obviously, one of the biggest selling points of the Libre is its convenience and there is a lot to be said for the incredible ease of just scanning a device over my arm rather than doing a BGL check.
I had a couple of Dex-less days and found that the Libre was brilliant, especially considering that within 2 hours of my last Dex sensor dying, I had a horrid hypo that left me feeling vulnerable and scared and more than a little fragile. I had the Libre scanner in my back pocket (replacing my iPhone as the reader for my Dex) and was scanning every 30 minutes or so which was very reassuring.
The less good (I am reluctant to use the word bad here)
The cost is going to prove prohibitive, with sensors coming in at $95 each, which is above both Medtronic and Dex sensors. Being factory set, there is no possibility of extending the 14-day sensor-life. I’ve not used Medtronic sensors for a while now, but from what I read, most people get a max of 14 days out of theirs. I get about 21 days from a Dex sensor – at which point I rip it out because I start to get a little grossed-out. (But I do know people routinely leave theirs in for longer.)
The reader/scanner for the Libre is $95 and is rechargeable. This is certainly a point of difference when comparing with CGM transmitters, which have a battery life of either 3 or 6 months (depending on the product you use), and cost significantly more. (Add a CGM receiver to the cost and the price goes up a whole lot more.) This is where the affordability of the Libre runs rings around the CGM devices.
I just want to quietly flag supply issues which I hope will not be a problem here in Australia. The Libre is not quite available for purchase here in Australia, but is only weeks away. At DX2Sydney, I asked if there are any supply concerns similar to those that plagued the product’s release in the UK and EU and was assured that there really should not be here in Australia. I suspect that part of the reason the launch was not immediately after TGA approval was to make sure that there would be product available.
The verdict for me
So, is this a product I would continue to use? Well, yes. And no.
I really like and I trust the Libre. Accuracy for me is THE most important measure when it comes to any diabetes device (whether that be measuring my glucose levels or delivering insulin). From that perspective, I found this to be a winner.
But the lack of alarms is a problem for me. As someone with impaired hypo awareness, being able to catch those lows is important and I can’t do that without a system that warms me. The Libre doesn’t do that.
HOWEVER – this is not a CGM device and therefore, I understand I need to frame it in that way. This is a replacement for BG monitoring and BG monitors do not alarm and I have no expectation that it will. Despite being a sensor, the Libre is meant a substitute for finger pricks and meters. Currently, I check my BG twice a day to calibrate my Dex. If I was not wearing CGM, I would absolutely use Libre over a BGL meter any day.
Pumplette talks Libre
DISCLOSURE (again!!)
DX2Sydney was being coordinated and run by Abbott Diabetes Care. The costs for me to attend the two day event (travel, accommodation, meals and transfers) were covered by Abbott. All attendees received Freestyle Libre products (one scanner and two sensors) so we could trial the new device.
There was no expectation that I would write about the event or my thoughts of the device. Abbott may have paid for me to attend, but they did not pay for my words on this blog, social media activity or anywhere else. I like to share, so that’s why I decided to write about my experience.
Diabetogenic 
16 comments
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May 23, 2016 at 6:23 pm
Ashley
Adorable video!
My feedback on the Libre is pretty similar to yours. I’ll write about it soon!
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May 23, 2016 at 7:54 pm
phillybuzzter
Hi Renza, coming from starting with the Libre due to the costs of entry, I’ve attached my take on the device vs Dexcom G4. http://bit.ly/d_dvl
Your comment on supply shouldn’t be an issue. They’ve just announced that existing customers can buy 10 sensors, so production issues seem to have abated.
If you decide to continue to use it, I’d be interested in seeing your take on adhesive reaction as that is something that seems to have affected a fair few European users.
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May 26, 2016 at 2:38 pm
RenzaS
Thanks for you comments – all useful and interesting.
My first sensor is due to be changed later today, and I am interested to see what is going on under that tape! It is still very firmly stuck to my skin. I’ve not had any feelings of irritation, and I don’t usually react to tape, but I have heard that the Libre tape is affecting some people. Will let you know.
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May 29, 2016 at 11:48 pm
davidburren
Where have Abbott made such statements? I registered my Libre interest with Abbott months ago via their website, but have heard nothing lately.
I’m glad Renza has been able to share some info!
I’m REALLY hoping I can get my hands on it within the next 3 weeks (before I head to Arctic and then to Iceland for 6 weeks: my control during these expeditions can be a challenge so I’m looking forward to the extra help). I’m reduced to checking the Libre website daily in the hope that I can finally order it!
What qualifies me as an “existing customer”/etc? Can you direct me to a useful Abbott contact?
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May 29, 2016 at 11:53 pm
RenzaS
Hi David. Thanks for your comment. All I know about the Libre official launch is what is available on their website (http://www.freestylelibre.com.au). There is a contact number at the end of the page. Good luck – it certainly may be very useful for you in your upcoming travels.
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May 25, 2016 at 6:39 am
carmygee
Thanks Renza. I’ve been waiting to hear feedback on no finger stick technology. Hopefully things will keep marching on and they will be able to add the alarms to this technology.
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May 25, 2016 at 7:31 am
Jorge Lacomba
Hi, now there’s a project at github in order to make a little item to convert the FS libre into a cgm monitor with alarms via nightscout, mostly for night. Take a look here:
http://joernl.github.io/LimiTTer/
I’m planning to build my own and it’s really interesting.
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May 25, 2016 at 9:25 am
phillybuzzter
I’ve had a go at this already. It’s quite interesting but sometimes a bit flaky. There are still a number of different but viable approaches being looked at by a few people and it’s not yet clear which will become the reference architecture.
Still, if we can turn the Libre sensors into a cheap form of real CGM, that’s a shot in the eye for both Dexcom and Medtronic… I wrote a bit about my attempts on my blog.
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November 17, 2016 at 11:44 pm
Ky yuille
Your kidding me. This sensor over 14 days not accurate plus toooo expensive. I bought 2 machines but they won’t accept 1 back for a refund, get it no refunds +61425710644 give me a call if you want truth? Don’t buy it ky
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November 17, 2016 at 11:46 pm
Ky yuille
Your kidding me. It does not over 14 days show accuracy. Don’t buy it
Ky
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February 9, 2017 at 1:42 pm
vk3dap
I feel that I can not afford the sensors for ongoing bg measurement. I have an appointment with my endocrinologist soon and she is suggesting I try byetta. Hence I put on a sensor, followed the instructions to fire it up (it takes 60 minutes) and when I measured my bgl in the morning it read 2.2 – down in hypo territory. I did not have the usual symptoms of a hypo, but took corrective action anyway. To make a long story short, I find that there is a discrepancy of 2 mmol/l between the Freestyle Libre and my Performa (finger stick meter). More than a bit worrying.
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April 21, 2017 at 7:17 pm
henry benjamin
Don’t buy it. The deliver the sensors by DHL and if you are not at home it becomes a pain to get them back and if you have to be in! I also I checked it against the proforma and there is a sizeable variance. Back to the pro-forma as the DHL method failed to get my sensors in time for my leaving for holiday
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July 21, 2017 at 11:29 am
Banana guy
Thanks for the feedback all. I am looking at this device not as my daily driver but for when I travel, the pain of being on a plane and getting the kit out frustrates me a lot. I would mainly do it on holidays and think it could be really good.
I travel on planes 80+ times a year for my job and if it were to work on my upcoming holiday well enough I may be convinced to go all in. My paranoia though would mean that I am sure I would check with strips a few times per day anyway.
Would be nice to have it on NDSS. I look at the cost benefit analysis for the government and it makes sense. One day in hospital =$2000. if these things get people to take more notice of their BGL many hospital stays may be avoided as well as complications. $2500 minimum per person per year (if they actually all last 14 days). gets prohibitive for many people
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August 11, 2017 at 10:32 pm
On the edge.
Only 2 mmol/L vk3dp? The first sensor I had varied by as much as 7 mmol/L. The second one is far more accurate.
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November 21, 2017 at 2:16 pm
Paul Vickers
I did a one sensor trial in October prior to my Endocrinologist appointment. I also checked readings for many of the Libre scans with my Performa and Optium meters and at the same time doing a scanner blood test. I also recorded all data on a spreadsheet that included time, insulin, meals and activity.
I found the Libre very helpful with the timing of injections and when I should not be making NovoRapid corrections. Because I experience many Hypos when I am working physically hard (I have good Hypo awareness at a Perfoma reading of 2.8 mmol/L), the directional arrow showed me when I could start work again. The graphics trends were also a good feature of the scanner.
Although I gained good information from the trial, there are many areas, in my opinion where things could be improved.
The accuracy of the Libre scans compared to my meter readings near or in the Hypo zone plus readings above 9.5 mmol/L left a lot to be desired.
The Libre Blood Test could be very different to the scan and meter readings (Mainly always Lower in the Hypo Zone). There was correlation when readings were in the normal range and both meters read the same.
The Scanner and Scanner Blood Tests readings of under 2.8mmol/L were not correct because I can not drive a cane harvester at 2.8 mmol/L Performa reading. I suffer from neuropathy in my feet if my readings go above 9.0mmol/L for a period of time so I target a lower BGL.
There was no provision to enter the units of Basal insulin (Levemir) and I change my Levemir injections both am and pm on a daily basis according to my meter readings and daily physical activities.
Entering data when working in sunlight was difficult and the ability to change data was not possible.
Because the arrow direction is Linear e.g., flat arrow Change Less than 0.06 mmol/L per mim, could give a false sense of security. At 4.0 mmol/L, I could be heading towards a fast falling Hypo within 10 minutes if I am active.
The expense of $104 for a sensor makes it to expensive when I have to pay full price.
At present strips are free because I have reached my PBS Safety Net.
I would like to see other options similar to the Libre available for Type 1 diabetics.
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August 22, 2018 at 4:14 am
John
I live in the USA. Thankfully my insurance covers my sensors and I was able to get a free meter with a coupon. The sensors here only last 10 days, and the first 12 hours is a warm-up/calibration period, so in reality it’s only 9 1/2 days of use per sensor. It has been very accurate for me with a bit of a lag due to testing interstitial fluid rather than blood, so lows are more of an issue there but with knowing this I’m able to adjust based on how I feel and with an occasional finger stick I can be very precise. I’m pleased with mine so far but wish the USA wasn’t so backwards with our insurance and healthcare coverage, maybe we can get 14 days usage and a 1-2 hour calibration some day, but I won’t hold my breath, I may just need to move instead. 🙂
I’ve been using mine on my thighs mostly, they didn’t stick on my arms as well and after having to tape one in place for 9 days I tried my legs (after reading other success stories) and it has been just as accurate and it stays in place much better, and is also less noticeable so less people randomly asking me about it (unless you like that sort of attention, I don’t).
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