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Libre

T

TraceyA

New Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1
Hi, I have been using the Libre for a few years and not had any problems. Recently I have had 4 sensors which all only show a reading if I scan and are not alarming at all, and have the signal loss symbol in the top left hand corner constantly, has anyone else had this problem?

Libre always replace them, but I don't understand why it keeps happening, and they can give me no explanation for it.
 
Hi and welcome to the forum.

It sounds like it may be due to a recent Operating System update on your phone or perhaps you have added other blue tooth systems to your phone and the Libre one is the weakest and is dropping out.

Do you do automatic updates of your operating system on your phone or do you manually update. I think Abbott sent out advice not to automatically update until they advised people that their system was working with the new OS.
Sometimes shutting the phone right down and restarting it can help or uninstalling the LibreLink app and then reinstalling it. Unfortunately you will lose your date from the LibreLink app if you do the latter but it will still be on LibreView assuming that you have linked LibreView to your LibreLink app and your medical professionals will still have access to all the data in the LibreView site.
 
I’d reinstall the app, usually fixes things like this
 
I had tried that, but didn't make any difference. When I spoke to Abbott about one of the sensors they did say that it hadn't been tested with the latest OS version, so that could be the problem, it's just that this is the 4th sensor I have had the same problem with and am losing confidence a bit. Thank you both for your replies.
 
On the subject of these sensors, how much does it hurt when you whack them in ?
 
A couple of options spring to mind:
1. Beg, borrow, invest in a stand-alone reader - so you at least have that fall back possibility. I know that some people don't want the faff of needing a phone and a reader, as something extra to carry around. But needs must ....... I happen to find the Reader/Receiver option really useful from time to time
In principle your GP should be able to prescribe the reader. You are being provided with a medication (Libre 2) which is misbehaving and the one-off cost of a reader is small in relation to your care and wellbeing.

2. Consider switching to Dexcom One+, assuming your phone is compatible with that app. If it's not then the Dexcom One+ Receiver is a bit better than the Libre Reader. About the same cost (c. £50), but providing continuous readings in a smaller, lighter (so much less clumsy) device.
Dexcom One+ has the same tariff cost to the NHS as Libre 2+ and it is entirely in the gift of a GP to write the script. This was a major improvement from the spring revise to NICE Guidance Note (NG17), recognising that CGM users needed choice and that CGM could be (should be) prescribed by all UK GPs, not needing a Consultant to make a recommendation.

Three simple questions if I may, @TraceyA: roughly how long have you been T1, which part of UK do you live in
and is your phone operating system, Android, ios or something else?
 
Oh, and my apologies @TraceyA (forgetting some basic manners!) Welcome to the Forum.

It would also be sensible if you raised a Yellow Card about your 4 failed sensors. There is a complacency about the overall management of CGM by the NHS, in that no-one seems to have an overview of CGM provision, reliability and cost effectiveness. The supply contract place an onus on the patient to deal directly with the suppliers when there are problems - which is in complete contradiction with the normal legal sale of goods remit. Our only mechanism for telling someone within the NHS medications management is to raise a Yellow Card to the MHRA.

Yellow Card | Making medicines and medical devices safer

MHRA Homepage for reporting of suspected side effects or adverse drug reactions to any medicines or vaccines, as well as medical device incidents
yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk
In an ideal world if we all did that, each time there were medication failures (and CGM is a medication), then the MHRA would hopefully take notice and prod in the right places.
 
Proud to be erratic said:
It would also be sensible if you raised a Yellow Card about your 4 failed sensors.
Click to expand...
The thing is that the sensors have almost certainly not failed. The app is the weak link and Abbott's inability to adjust it for OS updates.
From what I understand, these sensors could still be scanned to get readings but the blue tooth connection has dropped out from the phone. It really annoys me that Abbott keep replacing the sensors when they are not usually the problem in situations like this. It is wasteful and they would be better off just supplying people with a reader so that they have a system that works at least until they can sort out their OS update issues. I certainly don't think that a GP should be prescribing a reader at the NHS expense. Abbott should and sometimes do supply them if customers have persistent problems and make a fuss.

I find Libre sensors incredibly reliable using the reader which is of course unaffected by OS updates and other things which can go wrong with phones. Yes, I have to scan to get readings but it is a minimal inconvenience to pay for the reliability I get from it day and night. I still have all the alarms no no loss there. I tried the phone app, but after 2 x 3 month trials I went back to using the reader with a happy heart. I love how small and light weight it is and easier to locate the NFC for scanning than the phone and can be used as a BG meter so isn't necessarily another bit of kit to carry if you use it as such and the battery on mine lasts nearly a week between charges, so there are lots of advantages to it. You do however have to download it to LibreView manually to transfer your data to the diabetes clinic, by plugging it into a desk top or laptop via USB cable.
 
rebrascora said:
The thing is that the sensors have almost certainly not failed. The app is the weak link and Abbott's inability to adjust it for OS updates.
From what I understand, these sensors could still be scanned to get readings but the blue tooth connection has dropped out from the phone. It really annoys me that Abbott keep replacing the sensors when they are not usually the problem in situations like this.
Click to expand...
I don't follow your logic.
There are a number of areas where there could be a problem with the Bluetooth signal
- the phone may not be receiving the signal. For example, this may be a fault with the phone or all of the Bluetooth receivers may be connected to other devices or Bluetooth has been switched off.
- the app may be at fault. For example, this may be a fault with the software or it may be an incompatibility with the operating system on the phone.
- the Bluetooth transmitter may not be working in the sensor. Just because the NFC (scanning) capability works does not mean the Bluetooth will work. The issue may be that the Bluetooth signal is not strong enough or not working at all. If this is the case, a reader will not help because it will not receive the alerts.

I do not know how you (or Abbott) can say whether the Bluetooth transmitter in the sensors have or have not failed without looking at the physical sensors.
 
I think when you get issues with 4 sensors in a row most likely from different batches, where they are all having the same issue, then it is likely some other part of the system than the sensor, where the fault lies.
 
SimonV said:
On the subject of these sensors, how much does it hurt when you whack them in ?
Click to expand...
There is no "whacking" involved.
The applicator quickly pushes the filament into your arm.
You can feel it a little but it is not painful (there is no "residual" ache) and the clunk the applicator makes distracts you.
 
rebrascora said:
The thing is that the sensors have almost certainly not failed. The app is the weak link and Abbott's inability to adjust it for OS updates.
Click to expand...
Sorry, @rebrascora, I don't agree. Can the user use their sensor? Clearly not in this case. So whether it's an app and tech problem with the phone is irrelevant.

PLUS how else can we patients represent our frustration to the segment of the NHS overseeing the supply of CGM to patients. I spent many years providing services to Gov't Dep'ts and always there was a Contract supervising individual who was closely involved in ensuring that the service was being provided. These individuals may not have been directly employed by the Treasury, but worked in response to Treasury Rules (not guidelines) in the same way that other Professionals adhere to appropriate standards. I searched my Integrated Care Board (ICB) as well as the NHS overall and was unable to find someone who by appointment or job title was taking responsibility for "value for money". The easy option is to be "recruited" by sales folk with siren voices offering better deals, but without taking ownership for the delivery of that deal.

Please tell me how else we can represent our medication problems?
 
Proud to be erratic said:
A couple of options spring to mind:
1. Beg, borrow, invest in a stand-alone reader - so you at least have that fall back possibility. I know that some people don't want the faff of needing a phone and a reader, as something extra to carry around. But needs must ....... I happen to find the Reader/Receiver option really useful from time to time
In principle your GP should be able to prescribe the reader. You are being provided with a medication (Libre 2) which is misbehaving and the one-off cost of a reader is small in relation to your care and wellbeing.

2. Consider switching to Dexcom One+, assuming your phone is compatible with that app. If it's not then the Dexcom One+ Receiver is a bit better than the Libre Reader. About the same cost (c. £50), but providing continuous readings in a smaller, lighter (so much less clumsy) device.
Dexcom One+ has the same tariff cost to the NHS as Libre 2+ and it is entirely in the gift of a GP to write the script. This was a major improvement from the spring revise to NICE Guidance Note (NG17), recognising that CGM users needed choice and that CGM could be (should be) prescribed by all UK GPs, not needing a Consultant to make a recommendation.

Three simple questions if I may, @TraceyA: roughly how long have you been T1, which part of UK do you live in
and is your phone operating system, Android, ios or something else?
Click to expand...
Hi, I have been Type 1 for 46 years, live near Cambridge and use IOS, I have been offered a reader by Abbott, so will take them up on that.
Proud to be erratic said:
A couple of options spring to mind:
1. Beg, borrow, invest in a stand-alone reader - so you at least have that fall back possibility. I know that some people don't want the faff of needing a phone and a reader, as something extra to carry around. But needs must ....... I happen to find the Reader/Receiver option really useful from time to time
In principle your GP should be able to prescribe the reader. You are being provided with a medication (Libre 2) which is misbehaving and the one-off cost of a reader is small in relation to your care and wellbeing.

2. Consider switching to Dexcom One+, assuming your phone is compatible with that app. If it's not then the Dexcom One+ Receiver is a bit better than the Libre Reader. About the same cost (c. £50), but providing continuous readings in a smaller, lighter (so much less clumsy) device.
Dexcom One+ has the same tariff cost to the NHS as Libre 2+ and it is entirely in the gift of a GP to write the script. This was a major improvement from the spring revise to NICE Guidance Note (NG17), recognising that CGM users needed choice and that CGM could be (should be) prescribed by all UK GPs, not needing a Consultant to make a recommendation.

Three simple questions if I may, @TraceyA: roughly how long have you been T1, which part of UK do you live in
and is your phone operating system, Android, ios or something else?
Click to expand...
 
rebrascora said:
I think when you get issues with 4 sensors in a row most likely from different batches, where they are all having the same issue, then it is likely some other part of the system than the sensor, where the fault lies.
Click to expand...
Hi, it is not 4 sensors in a row, but 4 over the last few months.
 
Thanks @TraceyA, good to hear that Abbott are stepping up and helping. Did their offer of a Reader come willingly and easily? It's useful to know if there is a germ of precedent for this, with so many users having having various connectivity problems?
 
Proud to be erratic said:
Beg, borrow, invest in a stand-alone reader - so you at least have that fall back possibility. I know that some people don't want the faff of needing a phone and a reader, as something extra to carry around. But needs must .......
Click to expand...
A reader is no different to scanning the phone though, as you still have to scan to see readings? You can’t use a reader as a fallback either, as you have to start the sensor with the reader to use it. If a sensor has been started by a phone you cannot use the reader for that sensor.
 
The reader does get alarms though whereas, if the blue tooth connectivity with the phone is an issue, you won't get alarms on the phone even though you can still scan to get readings via NFC
 
rebrascora said:
The reader does get alarms though whereas, if the blue tooth connectivity with the phone is an issue, you won't get alarms on the phone even though you can still scan to get readings via NFC
Click to expand...
You won’t get cgm for any sensor started on the reader, and you’d have to start every sensor with the reader, whereas this person is only having issues with occasional sensors.
 
helli said:
There is no "whacking" involved.
The applicator quickly pushes the filament into your arm.
You can feel it a little but it is not painful (there is no "residual" ache) and the clunk the applicator makes distracts you.
Click to expand...
I agree, it's not painful at all and very easy to apply 🙂
 
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