Has anyone else used the FreeStyle Libra?

[1st Paradox]

So... a few months back I was asked to take part in some user testing of the new FreeStyle Libra. This clever little device was put on my arm and sat there for 2 weeks while it took constant reading of my BG, bye bye finger pricks. Without a doubt during this period I had the best control I have ever had over my D. Linking it to my phone with the provided app made it all the more less of a hassle.

A Little info about it...

The sensor is literally placed on the back of your upper arm (about the size and thickness of a £2 coin) with a small plastic fibre type needle on the back of it, this device continuously measures the glucose concentration in your interstitial fluid.



It can be used with a sensor or a Android/Apple phone. You just hold the device to it and within 3 seconds or so, the device beeps and you have a reading.

You can scan as often as you like (literally one after another after another after another... you get the point) it lasts for 2 weeks then you just peel it off, throw it away and put a new one on.

But now the trial is over and at a whopping £57.95 for a single sensor I'm not too sure I can justify it.

I was just wondering if anyone else has used one or is currently in use and how they are finding it. I suppose I am trying to get some more info and experiences to help me to decide if I should spend over £100 a month to check my levels.

 

[Ljc]

I am a convert 🙂 I'm on around my 5th sensor now. I find the graph to be the most informative. I am on insulin,
it has helped me head off a few hypo's before they really got started. its also helping me sort out a couple of problems.
Though I am well pleased with my Libre, imo for most T2s it is a bit of an overkill, however when its helping a person gain far better control then it is the right piece of kit for them . it is rather expensive to fund isn't it, Some on here use It part time
For those of us who are meds that can cause hypo's it does not do away with finger pricks entirely.
I have a thread about my Libre here
https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/boards/threads/me-and-my-new-libre-freestyle.64959/

 

[Northerner]

Lots of people here using the Libre - on the whole the verdict is good 🙂 Latest gripe about it is if you buy in bulk the use by dates are often very tight

 

[Robin]

Peanuts I know, but if you buy the sensors, when you check the 'I have diabetes' box, it takes the VAT off which brings the price down to just under £50.
I'm a convert too, it's helped me sort out my overnight hypos without having to set the alarm for 3am to test, and is just so much quicker and more convenient during the day. I tend to use one once a month, and rely on finger pricks for the fortnight in between each one.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

I've been using one off and on for occasional 'resets' since 2014. Once every couple of months kept it affordable. It I could afford it I would have used full time as my levels and BG management were always much improved in the second week of each sensor.