Libre Help

[Jacen017]

Hi guys,

I've been using the Libre 2 for about 4 days now and the readings are very different from my fingerprick.

I understand that the reader is behind because it doesn't measure the blood but the low alarm is constantly going off. When I test I'm usually about 2mmol higher than what it says.

Is this normal? I want the low alarm to wake me at night if I'm going low but it's becoming a bit tedious that it wakes me saying I'm hypo when I'm actually above 5mmol.

I don't think it's to do with how I'm sleeping as it does it during the day as well.

Is this 2mmol variance a normal thing?

This was yesterday.

 

[helli]

Some people find Libre is a bit erratic for the first couple of days after inserting (I insert mine 48 hours before activating for that reason) but 4 days after inserting, it should be more accurate. So, no, that is not normal.
In your position, I would call Abbott and report it as a dodgy sensor. They are usually pretty good at replacing faulty ones.

 

[Jacen017]

Thanks Helli!

They are sending a new one out.

 

[trophywench]

They are less accurate when either high (Over 10) or low (Under say 4.5ish) but I have to say, the Libre 2 is generally more accurate than was the Libre 1, for me anyway. But having said that nowhere near accurate enough to base insulin dosing on personally.

 

[nonethewiser]

Worth reporting sensor, find libre 2 very accurate, rarely bg test now just occasionally to check that sensor is within range.

 

[Jacen017]

Almost all of the sensors I have used, since I started using them in 2017, have been out by at least 1 or 2 in either direction. I don't mind as I use xdrip which I train with finger prick readings. The xdrip graph is much closer to finger readings and good enough to guide insulin dose.

What's xdrip?

 

[Jacen017]

Thanks Benny, the days are complicated enough for me as it is right now haha.

I'll look into it when I've got everything a bit more routine.

 

[Norfolklou]

how much do they cost to run with strips etc please

 

[EmmaL76]

I had this all the time when I first started using them, no idea why, but touch wood the last 4 months or so have been bang on virtually every time. Silly question, but it is on your arm isn’t it? it’s just that tried it on my belly once, thought I was cured till i realised my belt has been squashing it and causing the low readings

 

[helli]

how much do they cost to run with strips etc please

Sorry, I don't understand your question.
Libre is a CGM which does not use test strips.
For the price of the Libre sensors, this is on their website.

It is recommended for someone with Type 1 to test highs and lows with test strips before correcting.

 

[grovesy]

You can you the reader as a separate blood glucose monitor, I buy my strips from Amazon for around £12 for 50.

 

[Jacen017]

I had this all the time when I first started using them, no idea why, but touch wood the last 4 months or so have been bang on virtually every time. Silly question, but it is on your arm isn’t it? it’s just that tried it on my belly once, thought I was cured till i realised my belt has been squashing it and causing the low readings

Yup, currently have one in both arms as the first is about to wear out. I can't believe it's already been 2 weeks!

 

[EmmaL76]

Yup, currently have one in both arms as the first is about to wear out. I can't believe it's already been 2 weeks!

Honestly I had quite a few problems with mine initially, was always on here moaning about it… it works fantastic for me now, as long as I don’t catapult it off with my bra strap !

 

[Brava210]

I use Libre 2 with Diabox which sends the BG reading to your phone Automatically every 5 minutes


from the Sensor.