Freestyle Libre - Sensor failure rate of 40%

[Bruce Stephens]

Whilst I am finding the original model pretty reliable, I do understand that some people seem to be having problems with the Libre 2

For what little it's worth, Libre 2 seems to be working fine for me. I'm noticing the wait and try again in 10 minutes messages much more often, but I think that's more the change in algorithm than anything to do with the sensors.

 

[AnnSebastian]

When it works - the Libre Freestyle is absolutely brilliant - I’d even say ‘life-changing’. When it doesn’t - it’s totally demoralising - well it is for me anyway. LibreFreestyle customer services could certainly use some ‘streamlining’ People with conditions like diabetes often feel particularly vulnerable and need to trust the agencies they rely on to survive.

There is global competition from different corporations to become ‘market leaders’ of this type of device. If there is one company prepared to prioritise ‘customer services’ for me at least? I’d be their biggest fan.

Bottom line as far as I’m concerned is - inform yourself of all the options as best you can - check out opinions of different ‘experts’ then use the best information you’ve found to make your own choices.

As you learn more, you may choose differently and take different paths.
All I can say is - using the Libre ‘free sample’ gave me the option to ‘change my life’ if I chose to take it - just by giving me enough information to be able to ‘take back control’. But we’re all different.

But don’t be dazzled by global corporations - great if they offer innovative ways to manage medical conditions - but still hold them to account. 🙂

 

[grovesy]

For what little it's worth, Libre 2 seems to be working fine for me. I'm noticing the wait and try again in 10 minutes messages much more often, but I think that's more the change in algorithm than anything to do with the sensors.

I sometimes have this problem too! It mostly happens when I check after my daily walk.

 

[AnnSebastian]

Like Mike said, I have been using them since 2015 and have had very few failures, that said it seems that from the postings I have seen on here some people just dont get on with them, the message you are seeing is most likely there is a quick movement in your BG either up or down, dont sweat it and stress yourself, a finger prick would be a good way to go if your worried and give the Libre another go in half an hour.
Calculating an average from 2 sensors is not going to give you real reflection I have used roughly 170 and my failure rate comes out about 0.11 from the 20 I have had an issue with, also I have used Libre 1, Libre 2 and now I'm using Libre 3 so I have good experience from them all.
best of luck getting to grips with them and dont give up too soon

They are not that easy to apply.
If you make a mistake, which can happen, you’re advised to remove the sensor and apply another.
At £50.

 

[Paulbreen]

They are not that easy to apply.
If you make a mistake, which can happen, you’re advised to remove the sensor and apply another.
At £50.

I would say for some people that would be an issue, I used to install them on the recommended site on the back of my arm and this was always a little difficult, for the last 3 or 4 years I put them on the side of my chest just under my arm, reading are always pretty much the same as an finger prick so I dont worry too much about accuracy.

 

[rebrascora]

I don't find it difficult at all to install them. I put my hand of the arm I am applying it to, on my opposite shoulder, reach underneath that bent elbow with my other hand with the applicator, look in the mirror to see where I want it (avoiding moles etc) and apply it.

 

[MikeS]

Interesting that you mention prescriptions. My GP's surgury sent me a circular recently that specificallyy addressed the Libre and made it clear that if one fails then you can contact Abbott directly to get a replacement. Is this a result of more people now being able to get them on prescription and contacting their GP when a sensor fails?

I'd not previously discussed it with my GP and already knew that I'd be able to get replacements directly from Abbott. Diabetic Nurses at clinics seem to go out of their way to tell patients this if and when discussing Libre sensors.

That’s obvious? Why would a doctor or nurse want to waste time dealing with a faulty device you are purchasing direct from the device manufacturer?

 

[rebrascora]

That’s obvious? Why would a doctor or nurse want to waste time dealing with a faulty device you are purchasing direct from the device manufacturer?

Many people have them on prescription and if you don't then you should ask about it because the new NICE guidelines should enable all Type 1s who will benefit from Libre to get it on prescription.
Health Care Professionals have far too much to do without chasing up Abbott about faulty sensors and Abbott need to speak to the patient to get appropriate data from them so it really isn't a job for HCPs even when getting them on prescription.

 

[Kaylz]

That’s obvious? Why would a doctor or nurse want to waste time dealing with a faulty device you are purchasing direct from the device manufacturer?

The poster wasn't buying direct from the manufacturer they were receiving it on prescription and many that get it on prescription aren't aware Abbott need contacted for replacements not the GP

 

[rayray119]

I would say for some people that would be an issue, I used to install them on the recommended site on the back of my arm and this was always a little difficult, for the last 3 or 4 years I put them on the side of my chest just under my arm, reading are always pretty much the same as an finger prick so I dont worry too much about accuracy.

i know of other people that have found them difficult to apply too it seems that some people find it really easy compared to other sensors some the other way round.

 

[Loobyloo]

I have never had trouble applying or getting them to stay on even in the shower. What i have trouble with is accuracy or rather lack of. I am now on 4th sensor and never had an accurate one. The last was worst reading 87% hypos when in fact i was 7-8mmols on meter. I have had up to 5 mmols difference on the readings compared to my Gluco Navii meter.
Abbott customer services are good at replacing (prob very used to it) but to be quite honest i can't be bothered replacing any more. Good idea and love not having to jab but i will perhaps try again in future if something more accurate comes along. I know some people get on very well with them. i for some reason don't.

 

[Annemarie]

I just had a disastrous day with 5 Libre sensors that either wouldn’t stick, fell off or kept repeating try again in 60 minutes. abbots are sending replacements

 

[nonethewiser]

I just had a disastrous day with 5 Libre sensors that either wouldn’t stick, fell off or kept repeating try again in 60 minutes. abbots are sending replacements

Patience of a saint, would have given up after 3.

Be interesting to know why some peeps have nothing but trouble with device where as others dont, self included, most peculiar mama as one famous Beattle once said.

 

[Annemarie]

I’ve had Libre Sensors for 4 years, mostly I sing their praises and still feel they gave me part of my independence back, however, there have been a few issues (including me falling into a doorway and knocking it off). A friend’s husband was on the research team nearly 30 years ago so a lot of work went into their production,
Which Beatle was it?

 

[helli]

I would be looking at myself if 5 fell off in one day, especially when so many people have no problems
Do I have stability problems which need to be investigated if I knock them off?
Is my skin greasy so should I be using a different soap?
Was my arm completely dry when the sensor was applied?
Do I have overly hairy arms which need to be shaved?

I appreciate there are times when there are faults but my nature is to consider my own faults before others' when something keeps going wrong for me but not most other people.

(Personally, I have been using Libre for a number of years and only knocked one off. Once I taught myself to be careful when dressing, they seem to stick like limpets to my arm.)

 

[helli]

Many people have them on prescription and if you don't then you should ask about it because the new NICE guidelines should enable all Type 1s who will benefit from Libre to get it on prescription.
Health Care Professionals have far too much to do without chasing up Abbott about faulty sensors and Abbott need to speak to the patient to get appropriate data from them so it really isn't a job for HCPs even when getting them on prescription.

Please bear in mind that the new guidelines you mention are draft guidelines which have not yet been published.
I believe they are due to be ratified at the end of this month but, history has shown us different CCGs interpret NICE guidelines differently, money for something like this does not grow on trees and additional technology is only useful if people know how to use it so training will be required. It will take some time for CGMs (or LIbre) to be available for more people with Type 1 when these guidelines are published.

Unfortunately, mainstream media has got hold of this story and reporting it as if on 1st April everyone with Type 1 will using CGMs.

But that should not stop us encouraging someone with Type 1 to request to have Libre on prescription.

 

[trophywench]

Having reported a failure this afternoon which they are going to replace so that's fine, I happily agreed to take part in the telephone feedback. Give a score between 1 and 9 - gave all of em a 9, but their system could not recognise me saying nine!

 

[Kaylz]

Having reported a failure this afternoon which they are going to replace so that's fine, I happily agreed to take part in the telephone feedback. Give a score between 1 and 9 - gave all of em a 9, but their system could not recognise me saying nine!

I've never had the option to say it, always to press the number on the keypad, I can tell you after my issues they do not get 9's across the board

 

[trophywench]

Well I did wonder when it didn't work but I assure you I did not hear that instruction until the very end thing, when I was told to either press 1 or 2 on my keypad for either yes or no. Mind you, in the prerecorded preamble when I first got through on the phone, it was very stilted with gaps in the message.

Shan't be losing any sleep about it anyway.

 

[Proud to be erratic]

I've never had the option to say it, always to press the number on the keypad, I can tell you after my issues they do not get 9's across the board

Nor mine. Also had highish failure rate. I always give a 9 to the last question, how well was my problem managed, otherwise 4 out of 9 to things like 'how satisfied was I with the product' and for the following up 'say in your own words why .... ' I say poor reliability of an otherwise potentially great product.

I'd like to think they get the spirit of that message, but alas I think Abbott are in the sensor business for the profit, without much regard for what patient's actually require. Has anyone seen any requests for feedback to Abbott on their product? It seems to me that L2 was an opportunity to provide a reader commensurate with the technology of the last 10 years, rather than that of the early Nokia phones from 20+ years ago.

I started to track down the NHS manager who had the responsibility for this contract thinking (perhaps naively) that there would be someone who could be nudged to take on more oversight and responsibility. Then my son-in-law drew my attention to the £ millions that the NHS was paying Abbott every month since the start of Covid for "PPE", enough per month to cover the entire Libre provision for a year at the most generous estimate of price and quantities. His judgement was that I'd be wasting my time, a point I (reluctantly) agree with; far bigger money flowing to get any sense of responsibility for this 'trickle'.