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Hello, new to the site. Looking for shared experiences of using libre2 which I started a few weeks ago.

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Diane of the North

New Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1.5 LADA
Hello, new to the site, diagnosed with LADA 2015. Recently started using Libre2, interested in others experiences.
 
Well generally, my experience is good - but we all have to appreciate that Libre readings don't give 100% reliable blood glucose measurements - and that it is less reliable at lower numbers ie under 4ish and higher ones in the teens and above, so if it says we're either, best check with a fingerprick test.

Very good for spotting trends over a period so informing basal rate adjustments for me.
 
@Diane of the North I like my Libre a lot and find it pretty accurate, with the caveats mentioned above. I love the alarms and the direction arrows are extremely useful. I’d panic without it now.
 
Hi and welcome from me too.

Love, love, LOVE my Libre although I only have the original model without the alarms.... but not bothered about those anyway. I find it is usually within about 1 mmol (usually reads a bit lower than finger prick) when levels are nice and stable and in range, but reads lower below range ie hypo and slightly higher above range (mid teens). You do need to understand it's limitations and when you need to double check with a finger prick. It has been a game changer for me in managing my diabetes. I think it is really important to understand how it works though and not be tempted to over react to the info it gives.
What is your experience so far?
 
Welcome to the forum @Diane of the North

I’ve been using Libre (and various other sensors) off and on since 2014 as funds have allowed. I now find them a pretty essential part of my diabetes management toolkit. I can get by on fingersticks alone, but it’s a struggle as a lot of the techniques I have developed involve the ability to glance at your BG levels whenever you want to.

There’s a thing with me waffling on about it here:

https://abcd.care/resource/mike’s-experience-freestyle-libre
 
Hello, new to the site, diagnosed with LADA 2015. Recently started using Libre2, interested in others experiences.
My experience is that Libre 2 is neither accurate nor reliable, but I still wouldn't be without it.

My current sensor 4 days ago started 2+ pts above actual when mid range and 1 pt above when low. Today its 1 pt above actual mid range but 2 pts below in low range! This scenario makes it really difficult to continue with this sensor - its happened before; I'm getting low alarms in the night when I'm not low (but must finger prick to check) then the reverse as my actual BG picks up to the 7s. My reliability is such that over 16 months I've had over 50% failures; Abbott have replaced all of those. None have fallen off (they imitate limpets on me) they have either just abruptly stopped early or become unreasonably inaccurate.

However, I am a huge supporter of the concept of CGM. Despite my gloomy perspective I am in no doubt that being able to get a fast snapshot that gives a figure, the trend and indicative rate of change has greatly improved my ability to manage my DM. My HbA1c results confirm that but for me more significantly my erratic BG behaviour is less so. I persevere with sensors that are inaccurate, mentally tracking the differential and ignoring some of the unsatisfactory LibreView statistics, eg far more low glucose events than have actually occurred. Eventually I have to give in. Its a nuisance having to replace a sensor very early (manageable of course) I need a full day after fitting for it to bed in and become steady and its yet another aspect of unpredictable daily DM management.

I do not think my experience is because I'm T3c with no panc'y; I just think the Libre isn't great on my body but have no experience with any other sensor.

I do not wish to put you off Libre, I just want to help you manage your expectations and encourage you to work with it as best you can, should you find it not as accurate or friendly as you anticipate.
 
can be hit and miss for myself. find that it always read higher than finger prick when im low and reads lower than finger prick when I am high. nothing to do with delay. I have had fingerprick readings of 2.7mmol and the libre graph will never register below 4 for that period of low which can be frustrating. Due to being unable to calibrate with the libre app I started using the xdrip app(3rd party) to get more accurate readings and found I was hypoing near 10% of the day whilst the libre app told me all was well! confirmed with finger pricking.

overall its good to see trends and make decisions, especially for testing basal needs but as far as accuracy goes I guess it just varies from person to person, sensor to sensor. I've had 8 replacements since last July for different issues
 
Hi @Diane of the North

I have used the Libre for quite a few years now. As they are measuring interstitial glucose rather than blood glucose there is rarely a close match, but generally pretty good when within range, and giving warnings when going out of range to enable me to take action.

I focused on the patterns which helped me to identify appropriate timings for my pre bolusing for meals, and also to identify foods that were particularly ‘spike’ on my BG post meal. I also liked being able to see my levels and direction of travel instantly when playing sport. A quick check at the change of ends helped head off any problems.

I had not realised how important it was to manage the frequency of hypos until reading posts on here. It prompted me to lift targets when necessary, and focus on both ends of my range. The Libre or other sensors can help with this. If the adhesive is an issue on whatever sensor used there are barrier creams and also you can put a tape that you are okay with in between as a sandwich.
 
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