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Freestyle Libre or Dexcom G6

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

Nicole__

New Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1
Hey everyone, I am new to the forum but have been type 1 for 22 years, I am currently using the libre sensor but my problem is it falls off and I have only managed to keep it on for 7 days at the most...does anyone use the Dexcom and managed to get it through NHS? I have read more positive reviews for the Dexcom but it’s quite expensive for me to fund it by myself...any help or info would be appreciated 🙂
 
I have asked my DN before and she said no...I now have a new DSN so no harm in asking I guess, I have a hypo everyday and usually feel symptoms around 2.4 so surely I should qualify...my sugars are either high or low never much in range so the alarms would be good. I will drop my DSN a email. Thank you for replying 🙂
 
Nicole__ said:
I have asked my DN before and she said no...I now have a new DSN so no harm in asking I guess, I have a hypo everyday and usually feel symptoms around 2.4 so surely I should qualify...my sugars are either high or low never much in range so the alarms would be good. I will drop my DSN a email. Thank you for replying 🙂
Click to expand...

Are you on a pump or injections? Drop them an email as there is definitely no harm in trying.
 
I use the Libre and tape over it with physio tape bought from Amazon. Various colours.
Cut a hole in the middle for the Libre vent. The tape lifts up around the edges eventually but easy enough to cut off the stray bits or replace tape.

My issue is the door frames or sofa arm rest. Sometimes i catch it and then am glad its taped down.
 
CALSHOT said:
I use the Libre and tape over it with physio tape bought from Amazon. Various colours.
Cut a hole in the middle for the Libre vent. The tape lifts up around the edges eventually but easy enough to cut off the stray bits or replace tape.

My issue is the door frames or sofa arm rest. Sometimes i catch it and then am glad its taped down.
Click to expand...
I have been using tegaderm but still having issues...I always hit my sensor on door frames too a lot of people seem to have the same issue...another thing is you can’t be in the water very long with the sensor.
 
I’m always astonished at the folk who can’t walk through a door. In any event, if you are afflicted with this, attach the sensor to the back of the arm rather than the side. That’s the cheapest option. I self fund the Libre, so I suppose I’m more financially wary about door frames attacking me.

Probably later this year, the Libre 2 will arrive which has got alarms, and is Bluetooth, rather than the current close field system, so you don’t need to wave your reader or phone over your arm. All at no extra cost, so as not to frighten the NHS. Better than the Dexcom, you don’t get a lump under your T-shirt.
 
Hi.
If your readings are too high or too low, it maybe that your basal insulin dose needs adjustment. Have you done any basal testing recently and which basal insulin are you on. My levels are starting to be much less variable now that I am getting more confident with adjusting my basal doses. Much better to work on stabilising levels than relying on technology to warn you although I appreciate that the latter is hugely beneficial.
 
mikeyB said:
I’m always astonished at the folk who can’t walk through a door. In any event, if you are afflicted with this, attach the sensor to the back of the arm rather than the side. That’s the cheapest option. I self fund the Libre, so I suppose I’m more financially wary about door frames attacking me.

Probably later this year, the Libre 2 will arrive which has got alarms, and is Bluetooth, rather than the current close field system, so you don’t need to wave your reader or phone over your arm. All at no extra cost, so as not to frighten the NHS. Better than the Dexcom, you don’t get a lump under your T-shirt.
Click to expand...
I have mine on the back but still manage to catch it on doors or clothing it’s a nightmare! I thought the libre 2 was already out but then maybe I was looking at the USA...the Dexcom can go on the stomach or arm I’ve been told so at least we get a choice where to wear it.
 
rebrascora said:
Hi.
If your readings are too high or too low, it maybe that your basal insulin dose needs adjustment. Have you done any basal testing recently and which basal insulin are you on. My levels are starting to be much less variable now that I am getting more confident with adjusting my basal doses. Much better to work on stabilising levels than relying on technology to warn you although I appreciate that the latter is hugely beneficial.
Click to expand...
I have a food diary I am currently doing and then got to send it to my DSN so they can work out if I need more or less...I’m using Levemir...I love the cgm but I would prefer it with alarms just so I wouldn’t be so anxious all the time.
 
Nicole__ said:
I have mine on the back but still manage to catch it on doors or clothing it’s a nightmare! I thought the libre 2 was already out but then maybe I was looking at the USA...the Dexcom can go on the stomach or arm I’ve been told so at least we get a choice where to wear it.
Click to expand...
Bruce Stephens said:
I think it's out in a few countries in Europe. Or maybe just Germany. (I think they have general EC approval, so it's their choice when they release it.)
Click to expand...

Only Germany at the moment I think?

Yes, they have the CE Mark for Europe-wide distribution, but I think they are doing a more gradual ‘phased release’ than they did with Libre1 (where we were one of the first 4-5 countries IIRC)
 
CALSHOT said:
I use the Libre and tape over it with physio tape bought from Amazon. Various colours.
Cut a hole in the middle for the Libre vent. The tape lifts up around the edges eventually but easy enough to cut off the stray bits or replace tape.

My issue is the door frames or sofa arm rest. Sometimes i catch it and then am glad its taped down.
Click to expand...
I caught mine on the door frame on Tuesday it’s still stuck to me and I actually struggle getting mine off so I think this might make that easier for me for once ha!
 
PhoebeC said:
I caught mine on the door frame on Tuesday it’s still stuck to me and I actually struggle getting mine off so I think this might make that easier for me for once ha!
Click to expand...
Wish I had that problem haha I’ve taped over mine with tegaderm but I can see the libre tape has come away from my skin so the only thing holding it in place now is the tegaderm...the libre just doesn’t seem to like sticking to me ha
 
Hi, I've been reading these posts. Never new of this type of CGM until now. Is it available on the NHS for T2?
Thinking of giving it a go, even if I have to self fund.
Chris.
 
No, most Type2 do not get prescribed meters or test strips on the NHS. Type 1 do not all get then either.
 
I've been given meters, strips and needles previously but can't really sustain that for the level of monitoring I think I require, it's not always practical.
 
Irish-Chris said:
I've been given meters, strips and needles previously but can't really sustain that for the level of monitoring I think I require, it's not always practical.
Click to expand...
I have too in the past but had to also self fund more. I have just had them removed as I am no longer on hypo causing medication.
 
Hi I was prescribed the Libre and used it for about 6 months. Following Animas withdrawing from the market i had to change pumps. My Diabetic clinic were allocating the Tandem Tslim as replacements and in preparation for that switch I was also switched over to the Dexcom G6. Which is better? I lean towards the G6 but that is primarily based on its integration with the insulin pump and the use of my iphone as a receiver which means unlike the Libre i don't need to carry around an aextra device (however having said that I do carry the Libre receiver around with me for finger reading / Ketones if necessary). I have never had issues with attaching or keeping sensors attached although i do know others do have issues (its mentioned every day on the Facebook group page.....). More people should have access the G6 was a godsend when i had a bad week in November and had to increase my insulin by over 300% - not something i would have confidence to do without CGM.
 
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