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Size of arms and freestyle libre

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This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.

curlygirl

Well-Known Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1
Does anyone know if someone with very thin arms would be able to use the libre? I know that some children use it and therefore it perhaps would not make any difference, but I wondered if there would be a reason that this would affect it, either with accuracy, or with the sensors being comfortable etc.
Thanks
 
The little needle that the system uses is about 3mm long, just long enough to get through the skin into the subcutaneous tissue. Unless completely starved or as they say in the trade cachexic, there should be enough subcutaneous tissue to give an accurate reading - or as accurate as the Libre can be, given its 10 or so minute delay between it and a fingerprick test.

Hope this helps.
 
Does anyone know if someone with very thin arms would be able to use the libre? I know that some children use it and therefore it perhaps would not make any difference, but I wondered if there would be a reason that this would affect it, either with accuracy, or with the sensors being comfortable etc.
Thanks

Curly - I'm a very slight build, and I wondered that too, but you shouldn't have any issues.
 
My arms are quite thin. There's nothing on the back of my arms where the sensor goes. Well, there must be but it just feels like bone. Occasionally get a dull ache when the sensor is applied but this wears off after a while. As for accuracy - for me it can be fine sometimes and other times somewhat adrift. Not sure that's anything to do with my arms though.
 
Thanks for your replies, I am a little apprehensive about trying it as I already find some cannulas cause a lot of pain especially if I roll over them in bed,and wonder if the sensor would do the same, but maybe give it a go and see.

I appreciate your time.
 
It doesn't hurt when you roll over in bed on it. Guaranteed. I do it all the time.
 
Thanks for your replies, I am a little apprehensive about trying it as I already find some cannulas cause a lot of pain especially if I roll over them in bed,and wonder if the sensor would do the same, but maybe give it a go and see.

I appreciate your time.

The Libre is approved for use by children, from aged 4, so it's likely there will have been many slight little people in the studies conducted to gain/consent to approval. I feel confident parents wouldn't persist with it if it was hurting their child.
 
Status
This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
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