Are you thinking of getting started with Freestyle Libre sensors and you want to learn more about their pros and cons?
I put together a brief overview of key advantages and disadvantages of FreeStyle Libre sensors.
The points below are based on my 3 years’ experience living with the FreeStyle Libre sensor on my arm. I hope they will help you decide if FreeStyle Libre is the right way to go for you.
Advantages of Freestyle Libre sensors
Let’s start with the things that I really like.
FreeStyle Libre sensors improved my diabetes management
- Since I have started using the sensors my blood sugar levels have been more stable and I experience less hypos and high blood sugars.
- With Libre, you can check your blood glucose numbers and trends 24/7. You can make real time decisions anytime you want without having to stop whatever you are doing and pulling out your glucometer.
- I have been able to identify sudden spikes and drops which I was not aware of before. These were cased by various foods like pizza, fruit, and orange juice. I also realized that I was not applying my insulin early enough before meals.
- Once you start using the sensors, you can more easily spot various patterns and trends at certain time of day or due to physical activity.
- My HbA1c improved from high 50s to high 40s during my first year. At the time of writing this article my A1c is 42. Libre also shows you prediction of your A1c which is quite reliable and the results have been closely comparable with the actual test for me.
- You can share results with your doctor or your loved ones using LibreLinkUp app on your phone. You can add up to 20 people who can see your blood sugar readings anytime you scan the sensor.
Freestyle Libre sensors are easy to use
- Once you get started there is no need for finger pricking anymore. Also, no calibration is needed as all sensors are factory calibrated. You can check your kids’ blood glucose at night without waking them up.
- The sensor applications is extremely. You just put two pieces of plastic together and insert in the sensor in your arm. Watch this video where I demonstrate how to insert the sensor.
- I do not feel any pain while inserting or using the sensors. There is no needle. It’s just a piece nylon that I apply under my skin and I forget it is there most of the time.
- The sensor has a size of a small coin. It is very flat and I find it convenient to wear. It is also waterproof so you can shower and swim with it.
- You will find the sensors very discreet. You can easily hide them under clothes or on the insight of your arm if you want to. You can take reading through think clothes without any issues.
- The choice is yours, you can keep it hidden or choose to show it off! I find scanning the sensor way cooler than pricking my finger and I am not embarrassed to check my sugar levels in public anymore.
- I also started to talk more openly about my diabetes since I’ve had the sensors. I have more confidence showing off Libre rather than my pricking my finger and taking by blood out of the finger in front of others.
Cost of FreeStyle Libre
- The system is covered by health insurance in many countries. So if you qualify you might be able to use it without any additional costs.
- If you need to purchase it is relatively affordable and in fact a lot cheaper than Dexcom currently.
FreeStyle Libre community
- 1.5 million users in 46 countries use the FreeStyle Libre sensors. I like to go “Libre spotting” and I realized so many people use these little white buttons. It is so easy to get into conversations and even make friends through Libre.
- I very much enjoy the great community around my YouTube channel and really appreciate everyone’s support, input, and questions and comments related to Libre.
- You can also find many Facebook groups where users share their tips and experiences with Libre sensors which I find very helpful.
Abbott continues improving this product
- The FreeStyle Libre manufacturer, Abbott, is currently launching the second generation of FreeStyle Libre with optional low and high alarms in many European countries.
- Abbot is also working with Tandem (insulin pump manufacturer) on an integrated solution which will allow for reliable and secure communication between the insulin pump and next generation FreeStyle Libre system, which would give people with diabetes the ability to improve their diabetes management – think connected and automated insulin delivery system. This would be a great improvement.
Disdvantages of FreeStyle Libre sensors
Libre sensor is attached 24/7
The sensor is attached to your body 24/7 and can not be taken off. Once you take it off you can not use it again and you need to start a new one.
Freestyle Libre is not a CGM
Libre is not a CGM (continuous monitoring system) but a flash monitor. Which means that it doesn’t continually send the data from the sensor to the reader or mobile phone. The data are only stored for 8 hours. You have to scan at least 3 times a day (every 8 hours) to capture all data using your reader or your phone. The data is then saved on the reader or phone. I usually scan much more. So it is not a major issue for me.
No alarms unless you have Freestyle Libre 2
First generation does not have alarms so you are not warned when you are going too low or too high. You can solve this issue by purchasing the second generation or a third party device, like Miao Miao or Blucon Nightrider.
Interstitial fluid is not blood
Readings are not taken directly from your blood but from interstitial fluid. This means that your readings are approx. 10-15 delayed compared to the actual blood sugar. Libre does make any predict or modelling but shows readings with this delay. If you want to understand more watch this video which demonstrates the differences between blood and interstitial fluid readings.
Accuracy issues?
Some users reported significant differences in readings from Libre vs. their glucometer. This may happen if a sensor is faulty but I didn’t see this happen very frequently. Abbott does a good job of replacing any faulty sensors at no cost.
Ruined Libre sensors
A lot of users have issues with their sensors getting ripped out. I had that happened too and this is the most discussed topic in the Libre community. I wrote a separate article with tips to eliminate this issue. Check it out!
Conclusion
For me the advantages above clearly outweigh the disadvantages and that is why I have been using Freestyle Libre for 3 years.
But you have to decide for yourself based on your preferences and your lifestyle.
If you are getting started with Libre I wish you all the best!
Here is a video where I discuss FreeStyle Libre sensors pros and cons in detail.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and everything here is my opinion in my own words. On this page, I am sharing my diabetic journey with you and do not provide medical advice. Certain links on this page are discount links and/or affiliate links. When you use affiliate links for your purchase I will receive a small provision from the seller.