At last!.....

[RodSW]

Hello all. After thinking about it for some time, I've actually signed up and joined the forum. Today, 4th February I mark the 32nd anniversary of my initial diagnosis as a diabetic. Probably like many of you, sometimes I think I know all there is to know, at other times I realize that I know so little. Hopefully I can learn from some of your experiences, perhaps you can gain something from mine. I look forward to getting a bit more involved!

 

[Kaylz]

Hi @RodSW and welcome to the forum, cute cat there in your avatar pic! 🙂

How are you managing your diabetes? MDI? Pump? Do you use a Libre or CGM?

Sorry I sound nosy but just want you to feel welcomed xx

 

[RodSW]

Hi there, I inject NovoRapid and Lantus and I've been using the Libre system for the past three years. I'm still not a total convert to or champion of Libre. I've been let down by it a few times, including a few sensors that have just dropped off in hot weather (here in the UK and abroad). I've also had a few read failures when you have to try again in 10 minutes. This always seems to happen when I'm dropping towards a hypo. That's why I still maintain a small stock of good old fashioned finger pricking strips. I never travel anywhere without some.

The cat is called Taylor and is indeed very cute and therapeutic if ever I feel stressed. She is named after my daughter's favourite artist, Taylor Swift!

 

[Kaylz]

I too use NovoRapid but I use Tresiba as basal, I have also been using the Libre system for almost 3 years as well, 2 years with L1 and almost 1 year on L2, I understand the not a convert, the members know my troubles, 18 replacement sensors out of a total of 22 since I was switched to L2, 17 for ending early at varying periods and 1 that failed after the warm up, I can't say I've had one fall off though 🙂

We have a cat called Bubbles, we didn't name him, we took him on when he was 3, I've been around animals since I was born so I can't imagine life without a pet

How is the diabetes care where you are based? xx

 

[PattiEvans]

I've been let down by it a few times, including a few sensors that have just dropped off in hot weather (here in the UK and abroad). I've also had a few read failures when you have to try again in 10 minutes. This always seems to happen when I'm dropping towards a hypo. That's why I still maintain a small stock of good old fashioned finger pricking strips. I never travel anywhere without some.

Hi @RodSW - I don't really think many people would want to be without strips, even with a Libre. If I am going abroad or it's very hot I stick a circular patch of Opsite clear film over the Libre - first cutting a little circle of thin card to place directly over the sensor in case I need to peel the film off and then it won't pull the sensor out when I do. Cutting the film into a circle reduces the chance of the edges of the film peeling. Since doing this I'[ve not lost a single one.

I'd been using the Libre for years before I found the training academy videos. From them I discovered that you get the "scan again in 10 minutes" message when your BGs are rising or falling fast - hence why it happens when you are dropping towards hypo.

 

[RodSW]

I too use NovoRapid but I use Tresiba as basal, I have also been using the Libre system for almost 3 years as well, 2 years with L1 and almost 1 year on L2, I understand the not a convert, the members know my troubles, 18 replacement sensors out of a total of 22 since I was switched to L2, 17 for ending early at varying periods and 1 that failed after the warm up, I can't say I've had one fall off though 🙂

We have a cat called Bubbles, we didn't name him, we took him on when he was 3, I've been around animals since I was born so I can't imagine life without a pet

How is the diabetes care where you are based? xx

Wow, I would have given up with Libre on that basis! I admire your persistence. In the past when I've had to phone up to get a replacement I've always got the feeling that they think I've done something wrong. It's a lot easier now that you just fill out an online form.

The diabetes care, I think is pretty poor here, even allowing for the past two years of pandemic. I'll be adding to the thread about annual checks soon as mine have just dropped off the radar.

 

[RodSW]

I'd been using the Libre for years before I found the training academy videos. From them I discovered that you get the "scan again in 10 minutes" message when your BGs are rising or falling fast - hence why it happens when you are dropping towards hypo.

I didn't know that, so thank you. Surely though, the time when you really need it to work is when your levels are falling quickly?! It's a great idea in principle but further refinements are necessary and I'm sure that they're constantly looking for ways to improve it.

 

[PattiEvans]

I do think they are researching and refining it. The Libre 3 is out already in some countries.

 

[Kaylz]

Wow, I would have given up with Libre on that basis! I admire your persistence. In the past when I've had to phone up to get a replacement I've always got the feeling that they think I've done something wrong. It's a lot easier now that you just fill out an online form.

The diabetes care, I think is pretty poor here, even allowing for the past two years of pandemic. I'll be adding to the thread about annual checks soon as mine have just dropped off the radar.

It's a great tool when it works and to be honest I couldn't deal with the numerous finger pricks in a day if I didn't have it, my bloods can be very unpredictable and drop like a brick and I suffer contamination OCD which is considerably worse these days with the pandemic so my hands aren't really in the state to be relying solely on finger pricking, I guess I've been lucky with their customer service as I've never been left feeling like that but glad you have a way around it

Please do add your experiences 🙂

Also @Pattidevans there is someone in the UK that was receiving a trial of the L3 sometime this week, they posted in the UK Libre group on Facbook and sure enough the app is available on Android but sadly there is no Apple version released as of yet

@RodSW what do you use for scanning your Libre? If you use a phone there are apps available that allow you to run the L2 as a CGM directly via the bluetooth and you can also calibrate the sensor with a finger prick with them xx

 

[PattiEvans]

lso @Pattidevans there is someone in the UK that was receiving a trial of the L3 sometime this week, they posted in the UK Libre group on Facbook and sure enough the app is available on Android but sadly there is no Apple version released as of yet

Yes, I saw that. The discussion that ensued seem to imply that it wouldn't be as available as previous versions as it was more expensive for the NHS. Nick Cahm is a good one to listen to, he knows his stuff and talks to all the right people (like Partha Kar).

 

[Kaylz]

Yes, I saw that. The discussion that ensued seem to imply that it wouldn't be as available as previous versions as it was more expensive for the NHS. Nick Cahm is a good one to listen to, he knows his stuff and talks to all the right people (like Partha Kar).

Yeah Abbott themselves have said it won't be prescribed, it will be for those with more complex needs, on a pump etc and go through the same as how you obtain a pump, its a real shame as I can't see why its anymore expensive here when its the same price as L1 and L2 in other countries, I'm using Diabox now so I have that CGM function anyway but that isn't the point lol xx

 

[rebrascora]

Hi and welcome from me too.

I am a relative novice compared to you as I am just coming up to 3 year Diaversary next week. I have learned masses from the lovely people on this forum who share their experiences but always more to learn, so hope I can benefit from your experience too.

I am a total Libre convert..... but I am still on the original and whilst I have been authorized for the upgrade to Libre 2 I am not in a hurry for it to happen after reading of some of the problems people like @Kaylz have had and I don't feel I need the alarms as I have pretty good awareness at the moment (long may it last) and I don't find hypos as horrid as many people seem to.... which I know is dangerous mental territory but surprisingly I feel very confident dealing with them. I get more anxious about my levels going high and not coming down but rarely go above 10 these days. I follow a low carb higher fat way of eating though, so it may be that because I don't use a lot of fast acting insulin and my body breaks down protein instead of carbs for glucose that it acts as a buffer to stop dramatic drops.
I use an arm strap to protect my Libre as I lost a couple in the shower when I forgot which arm it was on and scrubbed a bit too hard and I caught a couple in clothing and a feed bin pulled one off, so the arm strap has been invaluable and not lost one since getting it. It gets pinged on a bra strap occasionally but it's only the Libre strap that pings and the Libre sensor remains safe. Would highly recommend an arm strap for it if you have had problems with adhesive or catching them. It is like a little clock face which has an adjustable elastic strap attached and it perfectly fits over the face of the sensor. Come in a multitude of colours so you can loud and proud or discrete or match it to your outfit!

Anyway, I have waffled on far too much about myself on an opening post so will just say make yourself at home and if you fancy getting to know us better, make your way to the Group 7day waking average thread and post your waking reading and whatever plans you have for the day or anything else you want to share. It's a bit like a virtual coffee morning for those of us who self test. The 7-day average bit has mostly gone by the bye, so just jump in with your waking reading tomorrow if you fancy it and you will soon get the hang of it. Will post a link below...

https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/boards/threads/group-7-day-waking-average.20148/page-4174#post-1144143

Maybe see you there...

 

[nonethewiser]

sometimes I think I know all there is to know, at other times I realize that I know so little.

Isnt that so, same with all things in life my friend.

Just past 40 years with type 1, like yourself seen few changes in that time, all positive might add as tech now is amazing.

 

[gll]

Just wanted to say hello and welcome 🙂

I would strongly advise you not to post in the waking thread, they will all have you playing wordle and other addictive games
Jokes aside, the daily thread is my lifeline and just has become an essential part of my morning routine, hope to see you over there 🙂

 

[helli]

Welcome @RodSW and Happy 32nd Diaversary.

I think the great thing about the forum is that you can be as involved as you want - you can be a member of the "Waking Thread" (not the be confused with "Walking Dead" ) or just drop in when you want. It's pretty friendly here.
Great to have you on board.

 

[Flower]

Hello and welcome @RodSW glad you've joined us

Congratulations on 32 years of Type 1, I hope the years have been kind to you.