The freestyle 3 is terrible. I never should have changed from the 2. I have gone through 4 sensors and it all starts with critically low reading that Abbott says it take 12-24 hours to calibrate. So I lose a half day or whole day of my two weeks right of the get go. After 6 days it says it wasnt reading my sensor and to replace with a new sensor. I called in again and once again I have to get interogatted with a battery of questions?...I replace and the next sensor read low reading so when I put it on at 2 in the morning the low glucose went off. At 430 an alarm went off and said not reading sensor and to replace. It has done this 3 times. The libre 2 is so much more reliable!
Maybe a solution for the calibration is to stick the sensor on your skin on the day before your other one expire. Than you activate it after 24 hours. Maybe this will work??
In the US, and I got a sample from a doctor. Thank you for making this video! You seem very honest and genuine. Abbott should pay you for your great ideas for improvements, i think you are right on point! I am excited to try the 3 now!
Tom, you've been a big help as I got started- at the age of 70, after being a Type 1 for nearly 66 years!- with my first CGM. And I will just say that this 70-year-old loves her iPhone and is thrilled that it can do this wonderful thing for me. It is my hope that my husband won't have to pull me out of hypos anymore in the middle of the night, which is one of the reasons I got it. And also pricking my fingers, well, I have done it long enough! I can't thank you enough for your wonderful explanations and your honest, fair opinions.
This video was very challenging to make as it required a huge amount of research, testing, and editing. But I enjoyed every second of making it. If you enjoyed the video you might want to: - Watch me inserting my first FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor (link in video description) - Share this video with your diabetic friends who might be interested in FreeStyle Libre 3 - Subscribe to my channel by clicking this link ?sub_confirmation=1 - Say thank you and use the new "super thanks" feature. - Join as a channel member by clicking on the "JOIN" button under the video - Join my Patreon community (link in video description) Love you all! I appreciate your support!
Tom, I would like to thank you for your openness, honesty and practicality in comparing both the Freestyle and Dexcom systems, it helps me a lot. I'm a senior and NOT as computer literate as I possibly should be but hey, we're not all perfect--but I try. That's where you come in; your concise and down-to-earth explanations make life with this disease much more manageable; it affords me peace of mind. Thank you, young sir and I bid you well. God Bless. Fr. Len, OC
Tom- you are providing insight and sharing real world experience that is undoubtedly highly beneficial to a massive number of people who would otherwise be required to figure out how to acquire the knowledge that you offer us in a way that requires nothing of us beyond simply viewing your content. You do an excellent job with your presentation and we are lucky to have you available to us. Thank you and please keep up the great work.
Tom, since you mentioned it in your video, you should know that you can go to your iPhone settings, go to notifications, find the libre app, then switch on critical alerts. This will allow the app to ring for alarms regardless if your phone is set to vibrate as you explained. It will bypass the general phone notifications even if a focus mode is on or the phone is on silent.
Your reviews are second to none! I appreciate that you do thorough research on whatever you are reviewing. Many you tubers do not. Keep up the outstanding work my friend.
This is a great video. Thank you so much, I’m looking forward to when it eventually comes to the UK. I’m currently on Libre 2 and I buy stickers off Etsy to make it colourful. It’s great because all these small businesses are run by other type 1 diabetics so feels good to support them.
Love my FL3 and Significantly better than Minimed CGM Sensors that are larger, don't last as long (3 to 7 days), requires recharging (with a Battery that only last 1.5 years), and are significantly more uncomfortable. Freestyle Libre 3 are perfect size, BLE provided the perfect auto interaction, and yes I agree alarm customization still doesn't exist though we can now adjust to tolerance ranges. Thanks for the info on Libre Link, that I hope is still available now in 2023. My wife maybe interested in this and help keep tabs on my readings especially if she can adjust the Alarm sounds and notifications. Keep up the great work.... 😀
I can confirm the Libre 3 I just picked up in the United States, California to be exact; there were no alcohol wipes anymore. luckily I had some alcohol and low lint paper towels to make my own.
Hey Tom, thanks for the video. I am still using Free Style libre 1 here. In Thailand it's not that easy to get your hands on this bad boy! I have to import it from Hong Kong. But I am glad with it already 😊I hope my brother in law who lives in Sydney will be able to send me the 2 soon 🤞And most importantly I just got my HbA1c result this morning: Woooooohooooo it dropped from 6.5 in July to 5.4 (my free style libre estimation was 5.1, so quite accurate!) ✌I am so happy! Hard work is paying 👊
I loved your comment about the color and the use of stickers etc. In the summer when I'm wearing sleeveless outfits I use temporary tattoos on my sensor to turn it into a "fashion accessory". I've often thought this would be good for children that have to wear the sensor. A Batman logo etc....
Hi Tom, I'm from the US & they stopped adding the alcohol wiped for my Libre 2 sensor. Medicare (insurance for us seniors) has not approved covering the Libre 3 yet, so I'm stuck with the 2. Keep up the great work!! 😎
I'm using a freestyle libre (older model) and yes, you can lift with it on! I admit that I was worried my first few times, that it wouldn't stay in place, but I've had zero issues.
@@signupisannoying Hi sorry this message got away from me, I do a range but I'm a pretty small female, so most of the time I'm not lifting more than about 60lbs in total (I do pull ups though, so about 130) I do the full bodybeast workout package and I've had no trouble with it throughout any of them. I've yanked my monitor out once, and it was because I had my arm tossed over the back of a wooden chair with a lip. I kind of dragged and caught it, and ripped it just out enough.
I wore Freestyle Libre and Freestyle Libre2 for years. I recently switched to the Dexcom7 and I know this for a FACT, the Dexcom 7 surpasses the Libre in accuracy and ease of use.
same between Libre 1 & 2, they SHOULD be the same accuracy but they aren't. We find Libre 2 is much more BG levels that go straight up all of a sudden or straight down out of no where. I am so excited for Libre 3 to monitor my daughter's BG!! So excited!!
Your videos are awsome I learn so much I'm a bladder cancer survivor with a neo bladder made from part of my intestine and also have diabetes type 2 when I go to you tube I always first look for your videos I use the freestyle 14 day sensor with 10 units of lantus solostar pen I'm in the U.S.A. and I'm waiting for freestyle libre 3 and my insurance to cover it and for the FDA to approve it your fan.
Great review, I almost exclusively use my smartphone to scan my libre, however with one significant exception... university exams. The lack of a reader that can be used in that circumstance (or similar ones, such as customer facing workplaces where mobile use is discouraged) would be a big problem for me.
I can see how it might be less private in that sense bjt pretty sure a teacher that is i formed could be asked to come by the desk for readings when needed jn an exam. Also at work at least jn Europe it is illegal to not let your employee check as jt would be discriminatory
I live in South Africa I was given a libra two sensor to try out for 14 days I am a blind person if you use an iPhone then you don’t need the text to speech feature it works perfectly with VoiceOver
Tom, thank you so much for this. I've really been struggling with the size of the lebra 2 and getting it caught but can't wait to try this. I'm so lucky in the UK where u live because the NHS makes everything for type 1 diabetics for free. This means I won't struggle with money and expensives. I love your videos. There entertaining and education 😊
FYI: sep 2023: not avail in portugal I am new to the whole Diabetes and CGM stuff, trying to verify whether i have LADA, T1.5 ...and your channel is my major source of reliable information. Thanks a lot!
Have enjoyed your detailed explanations of both CGM products. I’m probably considered a Type 2 and monitoring food shows to control Diabetes. I’m convinced from what I’ve seen with myself that my problem is “Insulin Resistance”. Have briefly tried a number of things which seemed to cause health problems while controlling Blood Sugar. All of them aren’t being used any longer. BS last time checked was acceptable and prior experimenting showed me what future goals should be. Interest in using a CGM is to learn how life style effects my BS. This isn’t as simple as it sounds because there are other factors involved, some beyond my control that affect Blood Pressure which effects other functions. However in learning about the Sensors, I’m thinking each sensor includes a tiny battery and memory chip. It’s probably surface mount type technology to give its small size. My thoughts are the 14 days reflects best battery life cycle. To extend beyond 14 days would require RF charging similar to how Apple offers charging. This might require adding hardware to the sensor to be able to charge. But the Memory would need to be reset and some sort of reset function would be required. Disposable 14 day sensors helps pay for sensor development but eventually a resetting sensor might be offered. There’s a serious warning with linking CGM systems to Wearable Insulin Pumps that everyone needs to be aware of. Concept of course offers automatic control but the entire process currently is flawed. Current Radio Frequency transfer of data is vulnerable to Hacking! Plus ALL Mobile Devices have built-in Hardware/Software Backdoors. It doesn’t matter who they were designed for as top level Hackers are using these backdoors for criminal acts. Ex, if I have a heart RFID Sensor placed under my skin to track heart Data, this would be used to measure effectiveness of DEW attacks. DEW=Direct Energy Weapons. Use of DEWs is more common then thought and responsible for many sudden deaths. Over or under dose of Insulin is very possible through using designed in Backdoors in our Mobile devices. It’s best to stay away from these types of conventions for now. Marty Didier
Libre 3 was just approved by FDA here in the usa. Looking forward to trying it out when it's available this year. Thank you for giving us heads up review of libre 3.
Looks like I’ll be waiting awhile since I live in the US. Love that it’s so small. I have a lot of issues with knocking them off my arm. I’ve tried an adhesive patch, but it starts coming loose after a week….and yet I can’t remove it because it sticks to the sensor! I wish a patch would come in the box with the sensor - one that sticks to the skin, but NOT the sensor, so you can remove it when it starts to look ratty. I was happy to hear that the price should be about the same, since I have to pay for mine.
Hey Janet... maybe we can buy in bulk and have sent to the us in the U.S.! :) I love the small sensor! Doesn't make sense why we can't have this technology??
My doctor had me try this last January and I had a reaction to the adhesive that is used to hold the sensor in place, After calling the 800 number if any problems develop I was told to discontinue the use of it and too contact my doctor. My doctor agreed that it was not a product I would be able to use. So it's back to finger sticks for me.
i am soo excited for this product. being in canada im also thinking 2023 if we are lucky. i really hope they accelerate this and forget the 2 altogether (some countries didnt get the 2 yet)
Tom's videos are so good I can't stop myself from clicking the Like button on a new video in the first few seconds before I've even seen anything useful, I just now it's definitely *gonna* be helpful.
I had a continuous issue with Libre 2's where they would fail early, sometimes even within a week. Since moving to Libre 3, every one I have used so far has lasted the entire 2 weeks.
Hi, I've been using the Libre 2 for about a year. I've had numerous issues with failed sensors on the Libre 2 that I never had with the Libre 10 day or 14 day systems. It happened again this morning-12 hours after application the reader said: "Your sensor is not working. Please remove your sensor and start a new one". Abbott always replaces,, but this is inconvenient. I use the reader and prefer that to a phone, but I'm willing to try the 3 & use my phone for greater accuracy. Question- Does anyone know if there are fewer sensor failures with the Libre 3 than the Libre 2 ?
I want one today!!! Sounds like all the features are there but I am worried about one thing. If it gives me my level so often, will I get obsessed with checking it to often and making insulin injections based upon them. Good comment to watch the trends. We just got Libre 2 in Canada and can't wait for the Libre 3. Libre system has changed my overall control dramatically and confirmed by my A1C test, I am looking forward to the next generation of glucose monitoring. Thanks Tom for all the great videos and diabetic experiences you have shared with all of us.
I don't think making medication (insulin) decisions in short intervals would be the thing to do. One would literally be "chasing your tail". You see glucose going down, you eat. 15 minutes later when the carbs start working and glucose starts rising and you take insulin and glucose starts down again. You are now in a never ending loop. Both food and insulin need time to work one way or the other. I could see this happening if you wanted extremely tight control. There are a number of considerations to take into account. That is why, in my opinion, a closed loop system is so valuable. Seems the Libre 3 would be a good fit in that type of system. IMHO
I like how much smaller the Libre 3 looks & that it doesn't require constant scanning of the device to see where your numbers are. But I, like the people who aren't so into smart phones, would like the option for an actual meter device. I work as a massage therapist & due to smart phones having cameras, we aren't allowed to have phones in our therapy rooms for liability & privacy reasons. Also currently have an Android phone, LOL. I've chosen the Libre systems as the adhesive is one I don't have a reaction to, so have kept with them for that mostly. Thank you for all the information & tips!
I already brought this point to Abbott's attention as I received this feedback from many users. Thank you for pointing that out again, I think it is a very important point!
I have this issue 8:09 with Freestyle Libre 2 in general, I am suffering from anxiety and seeing this with the arrow down really sucks. Makes me think I am about to have a hypo and makes me panic eat to then see the arrow shooting upwards. Freestyle Libre is something we all needed but it really makes me overthink.
It’s super frustrating that the product is not available in the USA. Freestyle Libre (1) has been very helpful in managing my T2 and keeping my A1c under 7. Thanks for mentioning your IG. Just started following.
Your up to date information is helpful. I am disappointed that in Libre 3 Abbott hasn't give the individual the opportunity to turn off the alarm when there is a gap in monitoring. I am still on the first Libre and have had to turn my phone off so that the alarm doesn't go off in the middle of the night. The other issue for me is the packaging. The package holding the instal part is almost impossible for me to open. I have arthritis in my hands. I have had to use pliers to open it. The company needs to make it easier to open. Thanks for your info.
My question to you is why don't you want an alarm to wake you at night. I get you don't want to be awaken but doesn't the alarm tell you that you are out of range and need to do something about it? Especially when going low.
@@dwightl5863 The alarm that goes off is not about low blood sugar. The alarm announces that there is a gap in monitoring. And it is loud! This generally happens in the middle of the night and wakes me up. It was scary the first couple of times it happened. I have the app on my smart phone and the phone may be in another room. My app is set to go off if my blood sugar goes low. But this alarm isn't about that.
@@pamsinclair2055 I now understand your original post. Agree it would be good for those informational type alarms be more customizable. Makes one wonder if the developers of these applications even test their apps.
As a type one diabetic for fifty years now, I an date my life with diabetes " from the days dinosaurs roamed the earth." I have been blessed with tech advances coming just when I needed them, such as the first glucometer coming literally the year before I began to have children. This series of Libres have been such a godsend to someone who hS to be responsible for being the liver, pancreas and food intake systems just to stay alive. No more finger sticks (scanners can no longer read my finger prints from scarring), no more pain and blood. I keep it with me and check many times a day instead of just four. The feeling of power and control has been psychologically healing. My motto has always been "I don't suffer with diabetes, diabetes suffers with me!" And I have had marvelous adventurous, international life in spite of people telling me I would probably end up in a care facility...thank you so much for your channel. I feel I have a new friend in my journey!!
This sounds great but I'm very disappointed that the software won't be open to 3rd party apps. I'm a devout DiabetesM user and will choose to stick with Libre1 to be able to continue using it for management.
Great video. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have known what a "compression low" is. Abbott doesn't seem to want to even acknowledge those happen. This review of the Libre 3 is spot on. Thanks again.
I have been following your videos for a while now and love how you go into depth about the libre system I currently have the libre 2 and after watching your video I can’t wait for it to arrive in the uk thank you Tom
I can now confirm that the android version from the google play store works on my android 8.1 phone with NFC and bluetooth. NFC is used once to activate the sensor, bluetooth to get the current value. You can disable bluetooth until you want to have a new value, the old values will be stored in the sensor (up to 8 hours I think) and will then be added to the curve.
Great video. It is exciting to see the smaller size vs the libre 2. Completely agree there should be some type of sticker to blend with our outfit or skin tone. I am first generation american..my parents immigrated from Germany. Seems like there are more advanced diabetes care options in Germany. Maybe I'll see if mom can contact some relatives in Germany to send me the Libre 3 :)
Looks great! I use Libre 2 and two things I hate about it are: 1) It is still sort of inaccurate, during fasting it's OK (usually 0.5 to 1 mmol lower than it actually is) 2) the touch screen does not always follow
I have to say I love my Libre2 though. My HgbA1C is 5.9 after using it for 3 months. It was 6.1 using a glucometer but it was so much more work. I remember having diabetes before there were even glucometers so I still consider a glucometer a God send.
Thanks for all this info. I just got the libre 3 prescribed and they do have a reader now for it. I can say I do love libre 3 better then any others I’ve used due to it being alot smaller.
Very useful. However, other than the small size, I’m disappointed that Abbott haven’t improved the app e.g to include multiple alarms and extra trend arrows (similar to Diabox app). FYI when flying, we won’t normally be allowed to use Bluetooth during take off, landing or taxi-ing. (Shouldn’t be a major problem.)
@@TypeOneTalks Perhaps it’s a U.K. only rule? Once the aircraft has taken off (safety belts can be unclipped) then it’s permitted to use Bluetooth device.
A couple things I've noticed with Libre 3 - sensor placement is huge and there's a couple good TH-cam videos that do a better job then the info coming with the sensor describing how to place it. If I'm dehydrated the sensor is not as accurate - makes sense the way it works. Don't expect the reading to be an exact match for a finger stick since it's a different location and different blood flow then a finger stick. I'm more interested in what the differential is between the Libre3 and a finger stick. the difference stays pretty consistent. To know the difference, I do one finger stick with a new sensor, AFTER the first 12 hours, I subtract that differential to know what a finger stick would be. The differential can change with each new sensor but I think the location, my hydration play into that. There's something called out in the video that I've also found to be the case - sensor compression. That's where you end up sleeping on the sensor causing it to compress the sensor deeper onto the arm. Yes, this can cause false lows. If your like me place the sensor on the side you are less likely to sleep on. Also since I'm not on insulin and a type 2 I turn off the first low blood glucose alarm. It's not as critical for someone on the right dosage (for them) of metformin.
I suspect I won’t get the 3 here in Florida until 2023 at least. I like having a reader as a backup for my phone (which I lost a few months ago, but that’s the first time I’ve lost any cellphone and someone found and returned it). On the whole I’m looking forward to the 3. Currently my target range is 70 to 100 mg/dl but the Libre usually reads 20 points too low. I hope that that improves.
I also have the same problem. Have been using Libre 1 for more than 6 months and have found out that Libre reads 20 to 25 points less than finger blood. I now automatically note 20 points higher in my diabetic apps. 😊 🙏
Hi Tom, Found your channel recently and love it ! I've had T1D for almost 50 years. I've been using the Libre 2 for about a year. I've had numerous issues with failed sensors on the Libre 2 that I never had with the Libre 10 day or 14 day systems. It happened again this morning-12 hours after application the reader said: "Your sensor is not working. Please remove your sensor and start a new one". Abbott always replaces failed sensors, but this is inconvenient. I use the reader and prefer that to a phone, but I'm willing to try the 3 & use my phone for greater accuracy. Question- Are there fewer sensor failures with the Libre 3 than the Libre 2 ?
🌼 Thanks, Tom .. it is Jan 2024 now .. just got my first Libre 3 .. I will follow your tips & hope I am as happy with Libre 3 as you are .. I did not hear you mention specifically how you felt Libre 3 was for type 1 diabetics, if I overlooked it, I'm sorry .. thanks for your great advice .. in US, my Libre 2 still comes without alcohol .. can't wait to try my Libre 3 .. Happy New Year to you and your family 🌼
Hoping to see libre 3 soon in usa. We just got approval for Android apps and iOS apps for libre 2 in the USA recently. So let's see how long it will take for libre 3 to make it here in the usa. As the USA has a big population of type 2 and type 1 diabetes community and liberate 3 hopefully being here would improve that and give more tools for diabetes management. Looking forward to more videos from you. Take care.
Hey Tom thanks for your top-notch video guides. Very helpful indeed. Like yourself Type1 for a big chunk of my life, since 1966. I practice a lot of water sports like surf, kite, WingFoil and I must admit it’s a relatively easy means to scan a phone over a wetsuit. In a situation like this would you advocate the use of an Apple Watch? I’ve been using the libre2 for a short period of time living in Fr (4mths) no V3 yet but looking forward to it whenever it drops. Certainly some slick advantages via the Freestyle but still struggling wearing a plastic button on my arm 24/7 & the 2 to 4 hr stints I do in the water are not overly phone friendly. Freedom for me comes at a price of being disconnected from a phone hence my question re the watch. All the very best from Montpellier 🤙🏻
Hi Tom, you made a very good video about FSL3. I have a question about the accuracy of FSL3. In your video you told us that the accuracy is fine. Currently, I use FSL2 (FreeStyleLibre 2). If my blood sugar is high, e. g. 250 mg/dl (measured by finger pricking), the FSL2 measuring device shows me 205 mg/dl. These deviations happen regularly, if my blood sugar is on a high level. Similarly, if my blood sugar is low, e. g. 75, the FSL2 measuring device shows me 59 mg/dl or less. What experiences do you have about the accuracy of FSL3 in the cases of (very) high or low levels of blood sugar? It would be nice if you made a statement about that topic in one of your next videos. Best regards from Germany
Thank you for your kind feedback my friend! To be honest I did not have many readings outside of ideal range but from what I can tell FSL 3 is not very different from FSL2 in this repsect. Having said that my readings have been fairly accurate with both the 2 and the 3. Hope this helps!
Thank you for this video. I ve been using this for 4 sensors now but i had no idea about the hba1c new name. Best of health and many more videos to come!
I would like to thank your for your videos refence control of diabetes, I have late onset type 2 diabetes, which started when I was 63yrs old, brought on by severe stress, I was going through. But, I have struggled with the control as I use a combined short/long acting insulin, thus maintaining control is a challenge, thus, I have experienced several HYPOS, fortunately my body tells me when this is happening, usually between 3 > 2 ml, (at these levels I am non responsive and slipping further, apparently quite quickly) but, neither I nor the observer do not know how severe the drop is and if it is continuing, fortunately, on each occasion, there has been somebody around that could see what was happening and took corrective action to prevent me slipping further into unconsciousness, had they not been there and acted quickly, I would not be typing this comment. The devices you have shown could be the answer for better control and a reflection which caused the spikes. and indicators to changes I have to make in my lifestyle. But, after looking at the prices of the devise, it is not affordable for me, I am now in my mid 70's and my weekly UK pension is £149, which means I cannot afford the initial price of £500+ or the monthly refill of £145. In the UK the NHS does NOT support this device and for several years now, medication support has been reducing to the point whereby I have to pay for my prescriptions and a lot of medication is NOT available on prescription, including insulin. At £145 per month for patches is NOT affordable as this is 25% of my monthly Pension. If the manufacturers "Dexcom" are reading this, perhaps there is a discount programme you can apply to UK pensioners? Because, at the moment Diabetic control is akin to playing Russian Roulette with the control you never know if the chamber is empty or loaded with a HYPER.
I live in the US and just received my Free Style Libre 3. NO Alcohol wipes were included in the sensor package. Not a problem as i have a good supply of them for my insulin injections.
I am seeing this 1 year after you made this video. I'm using the libra 3. I like the convenient and accurate readings. The only thing I don't like is the draining of my phone battery.
so excited for when this comes to the US! hoping they let us change the alarm sound by then though because i practically crap my pants when i get alerts with that sound
Thanks for the review, i was considering changing from libra 2 to Dexcom. I have so many faults with libra 2. Had lots of hypos and the alarm doesn’t even go off. Have just been 2.8 all night and my alarm only went off after I had woke this morning. Libra 3 looks better but think I will try Dexcom 1st.
With regard to the poor graph and alarm options in the Libre App, you can consider trying the Shuggah app instead. I switched from the Libre app to the Shuggah app when I got my Libre 2 chip to receive live bloodsugar on my phone/watch (similar to what the Libre 3 chip does) and it has AMAZING alarm options, just to mention a few; fast drop / raise, low, very low and high, very high alerts. Plus you can assign custom alert sounds and there are many options for the sound to chose from. I haven't tested the Shuggah app with the Libre 3 chip, but I can verify that it works very well with the Libre 2 chip.
I actually had a very bad experience with Shuggah.. because the libre 2 only saves 8 hrs of data. After scanning the Shuggah app I had trouble scanning in the libre app after 8 hours. After finally connecting with the libre app again, I was not able to connect to the Shuggah app ánd lost the alarms for the 13 days left on my sensor🥲.. maybe I didn’t use it correctly..!
@@daisy9168 I didn't experience issues with scanning directly on the Libre2 chip from the Libre-app while using Shuggah. However I did experience issues connecting the Libre2 chip to Shuggah and there are generally two things that you can do to fix that: 1) Most important; you should disable bluetooth for the Libre-app when you setup the Libre2 chip with Shuggag. You do this in the iOS settings, search for the Libre app and turn off Bluetooth. 2) Data from your chip might not show up in Shuggah after connecting the chip; in this case, delete the connection and try it again a few times. It usually works after a few retries.
Just found your you tube channel. Type I since 1960 (my mom, ironically, worked with Dr Joslin). I'm looking forward to watching your videos. Greetings from "Lost" Angeles.
Yes you can lift with it. Way better than the Libre 2. Not falling off from sweating etc, not ripping off etc. in the USA they are not providing the alcohol wipes anymore either. Thanks EU Anyone who actually knows Dom Mazzetti knows nobody really lifts bro.
I've been using a Freestyle Libre 2 system for more than a year and in general have been happy with the included reader. While the touch screen can be very finicky it gets the job done and as I hate iPhones it lets me avoid having to shell out hundreds of dollars every time Tim Cook decides he needs a new Ferrari and makes the current iPhone obsolete. Several things I absolutely HATE about the reader however are 1) The feature that shuts the reader off automatically after a very short time. For those of us with difficult to control diabetes we need more than a few seconds after taking a reading to decide how much insulin to take. 2) After taking a bG reading the very first thing I want to do is look at the previous two readings so as to detect the trend. The reader does not allow you to simply scroll back but rather requires a multi key press sequence to access previous readings. This is a real PITA on days when my bG starts bouncing around! 3) The very wide range of the reader graphs makes no sense whatever! While I suppose there are people who require a range of 50-350 mg/dl I am sure that many others are able to keep their bG within a much tighter range and such a broad range makes it very hard to assess the significance of bG changes in the graph. 4) As with so many medical devices there is a "Big Brother Knows Best" attitude wired into the Libre 2. To wit the user has no ability to change the data! So if you mistakenly key in the incorrect amount of an insulin injection you can't fix it. Ditto if you forget to enter an injection you can't go back and enter it. Etc!
Thank you for the video. Everyone's experience varies, but personally, I've tried both the original libre as well as libre 2, and the accuracy was pitiably lousy on both (multiple sensors, at that). Until Abbot creates a Libre generation that allows for calibration, I'm never buying another sensor, and my suspicion is that they do not allow for this because they know that their sensors not only do not measure accurately, but also VARY WILDLY in degree of inaccuracy, from one day to the other. What's the point of calibration when the exact same sensor can miss by 40 mg/dl one day, 20 the other, be spot-on the day after that, and miscalculate by 30 the next one? It would be pointless. Perhaps, if they manage to create sensors which even when inaccurate, have a relatively consistent degree of difference, they will finally allow for calibration. Right now I'm sure the device may be helpful for those taking insulin by showing general trends, but for those of us not on insulin, who wanted to use it for glucose monitoring, it's practically useless.
I'm starting my 5th week (3rd FL3 CGM) and it regularly reads my glucose higher than a traditional strip glucometer. For example, 85 mg/dL (strip glucometer) vs 112 (FL3).
I have both Libre 3 and the Dexcom G6. I really wanted to love the new Libre device which was recently released in the US because it’s very affordable in comparison to Dexcom but have gone through 2 sensors with Libre 3 and they are not accurate. Libre 3 is providing False readings after days of installation. Here are my results. Libre 3: 64mg. Dexcom G6: 107mg. One touch finger prick: 108mg. My Dexcom is very accurate and we are happy with the product but it’s very costly. I guess you get what you pay for.
I've had 4 sensors lose accuracy after 1 to 3 days, going from close to my blood glucose meter, to measuring 40-50 points lower. Twice the app alarm went off when the sensor reported 54 and when I immediately checked with a finger stick, the actual value was 98. I've had 12 sensors so far, and when they work they're invaluable in helping me track my glucose. So much so that by watching what I eat and exercising I've brought my A1c down from 8.1 in March to 5.3 in November. The failure rate of sensors is not good in my experience.
Thank you for the bit about not having wifi on for the Libre3 to work. Once this pandemic is over, I plan to travel if it's affordable, either by flapping wings or sailboat, so knowing that that it'll still keep on ticking makes me breath a sigh of relief. To think, I never had this technology until 10 years ago, after being diabetic for 55 years already. I've become hooked to technology, and how it aids me in better health outcomes as I become an old fart !
One downside to not using the reader: if your smartphone is not on Abbott Labs' list of approved devices and you have a sensor failure or error, the odds are good that Abbott will refuse to replace the sensor because your phone isn't on the list. Having the reader eliminates that issue, freeing the end user to run the app, as I will, on an "unapproved" phone.
![PURPEECH - นี่ฉันเองคนที่... (It's me) [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/NuhHd0hOOg8/mqdefault.jpg)
The freestyle 3 is terrible. I never should have changed from the 2. I have gone through 4 sensors and it all starts with critically low reading that Abbott says it take 12-24 hours to calibrate. So I lose a half day or whole day of my two weeks right of the get go. After 6 days it says it wasnt reading my sensor and to replace with a new sensor. I called in again and once again I have to get interogatted with a battery of questions?...I replace and the next sensor read low reading so when I put it on at 2 in the morning the low glucose went off. At 430 an alarm went off and said not reading sensor and to replace. It has done this 3 times. The libre 2 is so much more reliable!
The alarm goes off when it loses signal and usually if you hold the phone up to the monitor it will reset and be fine.
@@Capt.Tony00 do you need to have your phone near you in your pocket then?
Maybe a solution for the calibration is to stick the sensor on your skin on the day before your other one expire. Than you activate it after 24 hours. Maybe this will work??
Not true@@Capt.Tony00
In the US, and I got a sample from a doctor. Thank you for making this video! You seem very honest and genuine. Abbott should pay you for your great ideas for improvements, i think you are right on point! I am excited to try the 3 now!
Tom, you've been a big help as I got started- at the age of 70, after being a Type 1 for nearly 66 years!- with my first CGM. And I will just say that this 70-year-old loves her iPhone and is thrilled that it can do this wonderful thing for me. It is my hope that my husband won't have to pull me out of hypos anymore in the middle of the night, which is one of the reasons I got it. And also pricking my fingers, well, I have done it long enough! I can't thank you enough for your wonderful explanations and your honest, fair opinions.
This video was very challenging to make as it required a huge amount of research, testing, and editing. But I enjoyed every second of making it. If you enjoyed the video you might want to:
- Watch me inserting my first FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor (link in video description)
- Share this video with your diabetic friends who might be interested in FreeStyle Libre 3
- Subscribe to my channel by clicking this link ?sub_confirmation=1
- Say thank you and use the new "super thanks" feature.
- Join as a channel member by clicking on the "JOIN" button under the video
- Join my Patreon community (link in video description)
Love you all! I appreciate your support!
Hi!Thank you for your video!I have a problem with my libre3(signal loss).How can I solve this problem on my iPhone?
hey man are they sold in The UK?
Are you close enough with your phone? If it is still not working sensor might be faulty:(
Should be soon if not sold yet. I saw they are making them available around this time.
Do you like the Libre 3 better than the g6 now that you have tried them both?
Tom, I would like to thank you for your openness, honesty and practicality in comparing both the Freestyle and Dexcom systems, it helps me a lot. I'm a senior and NOT as computer literate as I possibly should be but hey, we're not all perfect--but I try. That's where you come in; your concise and down-to-earth explanations make life with this disease much more manageable; it affords me peace of mind. Thank you, young sir and I bid you well. God Bless. Fr. Len, OC
Thank you so much for your kind words my friend.
Tom- you are providing insight and sharing real world experience that is undoubtedly highly beneficial to a massive number of people who would otherwise be required to figure out how to acquire the knowledge that you offer us in a way that requires nothing of us beyond simply viewing your content. You do an excellent job with your presentation and we are lucky to have you available to us. Thank you and please keep up the great work.
Thank you so much for your kind words my friend. Your ongoing support means the world to me! Happy hump day!
Tom, since you mentioned it in your video, you should know that you can go to your iPhone settings, go to notifications, find the libre app, then switch on critical alerts. This will allow the app to ring for alarms regardless if your phone is set to vibrate as you explained. It will bypass the general phone notifications even if a focus mode is on or the phone is on silent.
Thank you for that. Very helpful!
Your reviews are second to none! I appreciate that you do thorough research on whatever you are reviewing. Many you tubers do not. Keep up the outstanding work my friend.
Thank you so much for your kind words my friend!
This is a great video. Thank you so much, I’m looking forward to when it eventually comes to the UK. I’m currently on Libre 2 and I buy stickers off Etsy to make it colourful. It’s great because all these small businesses are run by other type 1 diabetics so feels good to support them.
Thank you for your kind words Louise and sharing your experience! Take care!
Love my FL3 and Significantly better than Minimed CGM Sensors that are larger, don't last as long (3 to 7 days), requires recharging (with a Battery that only last 1.5 years), and are significantly more uncomfortable.
Freestyle Libre 3 are perfect size, BLE provided the perfect auto interaction, and yes I agree alarm customization still doesn't exist though we can now adjust to tolerance ranges.
Thanks for the info on Libre Link, that I hope is still available now in 2023. My wife maybe interested in this and help keep tabs on my readings especially if she can adjust the Alarm sounds and notifications.
Keep up the great work.... 😀
I can confirm the Libre 3 I just picked up in the United States, California to be exact; there were no alcohol wipes anymore. luckily I had some alcohol and low lint paper towels to make my own.
Same
Hey Tom, thanks for the video. I am still using Free Style libre 1 here. In Thailand it's not that easy to get your hands on this bad boy! I have to import it from Hong Kong. But I am glad with it already 😊I hope my brother in law who lives in Sydney will be able to send me the 2 soon 🤞And most importantly I just got my HbA1c result this morning: Woooooohooooo it dropped from 6.5 in July to 5.4 (my free style libre estimation was 5.1, so quite accurate!) ✌I am so happy! Hard work is paying 👊
Amazing results! Keep it up my friend!
I loved your comment about the color and the use of stickers etc. In the summer when I'm wearing sleeveless outfits I use temporary tattoos on my sensor to turn it into a "fashion accessory". I've often thought this would be good for children that have to wear the sensor. A Batman logo etc....
Thanks for watching and sharing!!
now i want a batman one lol
Hi Tom, I'm from the US & they stopped adding the alcohol wiped for my Libre 2 sensor. Medicare (insurance for us seniors) has not approved covering the Libre 3 yet, so I'm stuck with the 2.
Keep up the great work!!
😎
I'm using a freestyle libre (older model) and yes, you can lift with it on! I admit that I was worried my first few times, that it wouldn't stay in place, but I've had zero issues.
Thank you for the info! How much did you lift? I tried pull up and it worked just fine. 140 lb, 10 pull ups.
@@signupisannoying Hi sorry this message got away from me, I do a range but I'm a pretty small female, so most of the time I'm not lifting more than about 60lbs in total (I do pull ups though, so about 130)
I do the full bodybeast workout package and I've had no trouble with it throughout any of them. I've yanked my monitor out once, and it was because I had my arm tossed over the back of a wooden chair with a lip. I kind of dragged and caught it, and ripped it just out enough.
I wore Freestyle Libre and Freestyle Libre2 for years. I recently switched to the Dexcom7 and I know this for a FACT, the Dexcom 7 surpasses the Libre in accuracy and ease of use.
It's also much much much, much more expensive!
@@rm19660 300 dollars
same between Libre 1 & 2, they SHOULD be the same accuracy but they aren't. We find Libre 2 is much more BG levels that go straight up all of a sudden or straight down out of no where.
I am so excited for Libre 3 to monitor my daughter's BG!! So excited!!
I am excited for you and your daghter as well. Wishing you both all the best!
Your videos are awsome I learn so much I'm a bladder cancer survivor with a neo bladder made from part of my intestine and also have diabetes type 2 when I go to you tube I always first look for your videos I use the freestyle 14 day sensor with 10 units of lantus solostar pen I'm in the U.S.A. and I'm waiting for freestyle libre 3 and my insurance to cover it and for the FDA to approve it your fan.
Thank you so much my friend!
im 19 and i prefer the reader because i am clumsie and my phone often gets rendered useless and the reader would be a life saver
your video's have helped me to realize it 's possible to live with this and not just give up. not joking you helped so much.
Great review, I almost exclusively use my smartphone to scan my libre, however with one significant exception... university exams. The lack of a reader that can be used in that circumstance (or similar ones, such as customer facing workplaces where mobile use is discouraged) would be a big problem for me.
How do you scan after the firs scan? The app doesn’t give me scanning option,it stays in glucose numbers.thank you
I can see how it might be less private in that sense bjt pretty sure a teacher that is i formed could be asked to come by the desk for readings when needed jn an exam. Also at work at least jn Europe it is illegal to not let your employee check as jt would be discriminatory
I live in South Africa I was given a libra two sensor to try out for 14 days I am a blind person if you use an iPhone then you don’t need the text to speech feature it works perfectly with VoiceOver
Tom, thank you so much for this. I've really been struggling with the size of the lebra 2 and getting it caught but can't wait to try this. I'm so lucky in the UK where u live because the NHS makes everything for type 1 diabetics for free. This means I won't struggle with money and expensives. I love your videos. There entertaining and education 😊
FYI: sep 2023: not avail in portugal
I am new to the whole Diabetes and CGM stuff, trying to verify whether i have LADA, T1.5 ...and your channel is my major source of reliable information. Thanks a lot!
Have enjoyed your detailed explanations of both CGM products. I’m probably considered a Type 2 and monitoring food shows to control Diabetes. I’m convinced from what I’ve seen with myself that my problem is “Insulin Resistance”. Have briefly tried a number of things which seemed to cause health problems while controlling Blood Sugar. All of them aren’t being used any longer. BS last time checked was acceptable and prior experimenting showed me what future goals should be. Interest in using a CGM is to learn how life style effects my BS. This isn’t as simple as it sounds because there are other factors involved, some beyond my control that affect Blood Pressure which effects other functions.
However in learning about the Sensors, I’m thinking each sensor includes a tiny battery and memory chip. It’s probably surface mount type technology to give its small size. My thoughts are the 14 days reflects best battery life cycle. To extend beyond 14 days would require RF charging similar to how Apple offers charging. This might require adding hardware to the sensor to be able to charge. But the Memory would need to be reset and some sort of reset function would be required. Disposable 14 day sensors helps pay for sensor development but eventually a resetting sensor might be offered.
There’s a serious warning with linking CGM systems to Wearable Insulin Pumps that everyone needs to be aware of. Concept of course offers automatic control but the entire process currently is flawed. Current Radio Frequency transfer of data is vulnerable to Hacking! Plus ALL Mobile Devices have built-in Hardware/Software Backdoors. It doesn’t matter who they were designed for as top level Hackers are using these backdoors for criminal acts. Ex, if I have a heart RFID Sensor placed under my skin to track heart Data, this would be used to measure effectiveness of DEW attacks. DEW=Direct Energy Weapons. Use of DEWs is more common then thought and responsible for many sudden deaths. Over or under dose of Insulin is very possible through using designed in Backdoors in our Mobile devices. It’s best to stay away from these types of conventions for now.
Marty Didier
Type 2 is fully reversible with diet. A keto/carnivore/low car diet will reverse it.
Libre 3 was just approved by FDA here in the usa. Looking forward to trying it out when it's available this year. Thank you for giving us heads up review of libre 3.
It was approved for libre 3 in USA and will be available this year in 2022
It's available!
Looks like I’ll be waiting awhile since I live in the US. Love that it’s so small. I have a lot of issues with knocking them off my arm. I’ve tried an adhesive patch, but it starts coming loose after a week….and yet I can’t remove it because it sticks to the sensor! I wish a patch would come in the box with the sensor - one that sticks to the skin, but NOT the sensor, so you can remove it when it starts to look ratty. I was happy to hear that the price should be about the same, since I have to pay for mine.
Thank you for sharing! I totally agree with you!
Hey Janet... maybe we can buy in bulk and have sent to the us in the U.S.! :) I love the small sensor! Doesn't make sense why we can't have this technology??
You can get patches that don’t stick to the sensor on Amazon.
My doctor had me try this last January and I had a reaction to the adhesive that is used to hold the sensor in place, After calling the 800 number if any problems develop I was told to discontinue the use of it and too contact my doctor. My doctor agreed that it was not a product I would be able to use. So it's back to finger sticks for me.
i am soo excited for this product. being in canada im also thinking 2023 if we are lucky. i really hope they accelerate this and forget the 2 altogether (some countries didnt get the 2 yet)
100% agreed! Thanks for watching!
Hi, I am recently diagnosed as diabetes. I am inspired watching your video to beat diabetes and live normal life. Keep sharing you past experiences.
Thank you so much for your kind words my friend. Welcome to the community!
Been using this new sensor for 2 months now. The accuracy on this thing is nothing short of amazing! Abbot really did an amazing job.
I’ve used 4 sensors now and two have been very accurate and two have read all over the place. Sensor quality/accuracy seems hit or miss.
Tom's videos are so good I can't stop myself from clicking the Like button on a new video in the first few seconds before I've even seen anything useful, I just now it's definitely *gonna* be helpful.
Libre 3 works perfectly on the thig as well. Tested and compared with a Dexcom G6.
Great! Thank you for sharing!
Excellent information. I have followed you since LIBRE 1 CAME ON THE SCENE. i really appreciate your common language and thorough evaluations.
You are most welcome. Thank you for your kind words my friend!
I had a continuous issue with Libre 2's where they would fail early, sometimes even within a week. Since moving to Libre 3, every one I have used so far has lasted the entire 2 weeks.
Hi, I've been using the Libre 2 for about a year. I've had numerous issues with failed sensors on the Libre 2 that I never had with the Libre 10 day or 14 day systems. It happened again this morning-12 hours after application the reader said: "Your sensor is not working. Please remove your sensor and start a new one". Abbott always replaces,, but this is inconvenient. I use the reader and prefer that to a phone, but I'm willing to try the 3 & use my phone for greater accuracy. Question- Does anyone know if there are fewer sensor failures with the Libre 3 than the Libre 2 ?
59 years old and I love the Libre 3 with my smart phone!
YES!! I can't wait for the 3USA release, I love the Libre 2 It is a game changer in. my T2D management
Great to hear that!
im glad you pointed out the NFC req cause most affordable android phones dont have it.
I want one today!!! Sounds like all the features are there but I am worried about one thing. If it gives me my level so often, will I get obsessed with checking it to often and making insulin injections based upon them. Good comment to watch the trends. We just got Libre 2 in Canada and can't wait for the Libre 3. Libre system has changed my overall control dramatically and confirmed by my A1C test, I am looking forward to the next generation of glucose monitoring. Thanks Tom for all the great videos and diabetic experiences you have shared with all of us.
You are most welcome James. Thank you for your kind words and sharing your experience my friend!
I don't think making medication (insulin) decisions in short intervals would be the thing to do. One would literally be "chasing your tail". You see glucose going down, you eat. 15 minutes later when the carbs start working and glucose starts rising and you take insulin and glucose starts down again. You are now in a never ending loop. Both food and insulin need time to work one way or the other. I could see this happening if you wanted extremely tight control. There are a number of considerations to take into account. That is why, in my opinion, a closed loop system is so valuable. Seems the Libre 3 would be a good fit in that type of system. IMHO
I like how much smaller the Libre 3 looks & that it doesn't require constant scanning of the device to see where your numbers are. But I, like the people who aren't so into smart phones, would like the option for an actual meter device. I work as a massage therapist & due to smart phones having cameras, we aren't allowed to have phones in our therapy rooms for liability & privacy reasons. Also currently have an Android phone, LOL. I've chosen the Libre systems as the adhesive is one I don't have a reaction to, so have kept with them for that mostly. Thank you for all the information & tips!
I already brought this point to Abbott's attention as I received this feedback from many users. Thank you for pointing that out again, I think it is a very important point!
Probably best if you as a user reach out to them too. The more feedbacks they have that match the bigger the chance of them changing it faster
I have this issue 8:09 with Freestyle Libre 2 in general, I am suffering from anxiety and seeing this with the arrow down really sucks. Makes me think I am about to have a hypo and makes me panic eat to then see the arrow shooting upwards. Freestyle Libre is something we all needed but it really makes me overthink.
It’s super frustrating that the product is not available in the USA. Freestyle Libre (1) has been very helpful in managing my T2 and keeping my A1c under 7.
Thanks for mentioning your IG. Just started following.
Thank you for the follow!
Your up to date information is helpful. I am disappointed that in Libre 3 Abbott hasn't give the individual the opportunity to turn off the alarm when there is a gap in monitoring. I am still on the first Libre and have had to turn my phone off so that the alarm doesn't go off in the middle of the night. The other issue for me is the packaging. The package holding the instal part is almost impossible for me to open. I have arthritis in my hands. I have had to use pliers to open it. The company needs to make it easier to open. Thanks for your info.
You are most welcome. Thank you for your kind words my friend!
My question to you is why don't you want an alarm to wake you at night. I get you don't want to be awaken but doesn't the alarm tell you that you are out of range and need to do something about it? Especially when going low.
@@dwightl5863 The alarm that goes off is not about low blood sugar. The alarm announces that there is a gap in monitoring. And it is loud! This generally happens in the middle of the night and wakes me up. It was scary the first couple of times it happened. I have the app on my smart phone and the phone may be in another room. My app is set to go off if my blood sugar goes low. But this alarm isn't about that.
@@pamsinclair2055 I now understand your original post. Agree it would be good for those informational type alarms be more customizable. Makes one wonder if the developers of these applications even test their apps.
As a type one diabetic for fifty years now, I an date my life with diabetes " from the days dinosaurs roamed the earth." I have been blessed with tech advances coming just when I needed them, such as the first glucometer coming literally the year before I began to have children. This series of Libres have been such a godsend to someone who hS to be responsible for being the liver, pancreas and food intake systems just to stay alive. No more finger sticks (scanners can no longer read my finger prints from scarring), no more pain and blood. I keep it with me and check many times a day instead of just four. The feeling of power and control has been psychologically healing. My motto has always been "I don't suffer with diabetes, diabetes suffers with me!" And I have had marvelous adventurous, international life in spite of people telling me I would probably end up in a care facility...thank you so much for your channel. I feel I have a new friend in my journey!!
This sounds great but I'm very disappointed that the software won't be open to 3rd party apps. I'm a devout DiabetesM user and will choose to stick with Libre1 to be able to continue using it for management.
Let's see what happens in the future. Libre 3 is still new. Things might change... Good luck!
Great video. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have known what a "compression low" is. Abbott doesn't seem to want to even acknowledge those happen. This review of the Libre 3 is spot on. Thanks again.
Thank you very much for this excellent video. It is really informative.
You are most welcome. Thank you for your kind words my friend!
I have been following your videos for a while now and love how you go into depth about the libre system I currently have the libre 2 and after watching your video I can’t wait for it to arrive in the uk thank you Tom
Thank you so much for your kind words Anne! This means a lot! Wishing you all the best!
@@TypeOneTalks Magyari Fordito
I’d love to see you compare G6 and libre 3.
I will get on it then:)
I can now confirm that the android version from the google play store works on my android 8.1 phone with NFC and bluetooth. NFC is used once to activate the sensor, bluetooth to get the current value. You can disable bluetooth until you want to have a new value, the old values will be stored in the sensor (up to 8 hours I think) and will then be added to the curve.
Great video. It is exciting to see the smaller size vs the libre 2. Completely agree there should be some type of sticker to blend with our outfit or skin tone. I am first generation american..my parents immigrated from Germany. Seems like there are more advanced diabetes care options in Germany. Maybe I'll see if mom can contact some relatives in Germany to send me the Libre 3 :)
Thank you so much!
Looks great! I use Libre 2 and two things I hate about it are: 1) It is still sort of inaccurate, during fasting it's OK (usually 0.5 to 1 mmol lower than it actually is) 2) the touch screen does not always follow
I look forward to the 3. But, I expect that it won't be available in USA until 2024... as we JUST got the Libre 2... :(
Pessimist, 2023 is quite likely, maybe the end of 2022
I have to say I love my Libre2 though. My HgbA1C is 5.9 after using it for 3 months. It was 6.1 using a glucometer but it was so much more work. I remember having diabetes before there were even glucometers so I still consider a glucometer a God send.
I agree, Kipp. At least 1 1/2 years because of the app.
L2 just coming out here in Canada
I’ve been using the 2 for at least 6 months
Thanks for all this info. I just got the libre 3 prescribed and they do have a reader now for it. I can say I do love libre 3 better then any others I’ve used due to it being alot smaller.
Very useful. However, other than the small size, I’m disappointed that Abbott haven’t improved the app e.g to include multiple alarms and extra trend arrows (similar to Diabox app).
FYI when flying, we won’t normally be allowed to use Bluetooth during take off, landing or taxi-ing. (Shouldn’t be a major problem.)
Thank you for sharing. I was not aware BT is not allowed on a plane.
@@TypeOneTalks Perhaps it’s a U.K. only rule? Once the aircraft has taken off (safety belts can be unclipped) then it’s permitted to use Bluetooth device.
@@tonytoo9999 Maybe... I am not an expert in this area:)
No one has to know
A couple things I've noticed with Libre 3 - sensor placement is huge and there's a couple good TH-cam videos that do a better job then the info coming with the sensor describing how to place it. If I'm dehydrated the sensor is not as accurate - makes sense the way it works. Don't expect the reading to be an exact match for a finger stick since it's a different location and different blood flow then a finger stick.
I'm more interested in what the differential is between the Libre3 and a finger stick. the difference stays pretty consistent. To know the difference, I do one finger stick with a new sensor, AFTER the first 12 hours, I subtract that differential to know what a finger stick would be. The differential can change with each new sensor but I think the location, my hydration play into that.
There's something called out in the video that I've also found to be the case - sensor compression. That's where you end up sleeping on the sensor causing it to compress the sensor deeper onto the arm. Yes, this can cause false lows. If your like me place the sensor on the side you are less likely to sleep on. Also since I'm not on insulin and a type 2 I turn off the first low blood glucose alarm. It's not as critical for someone on the right dosage (for them) of metformin.
I suspect I won’t get the 3 here in Florida until 2023 at least. I like having a reader as a backup for my phone (which I lost a few months ago, but that’s the first time I’ve lost any cellphone and someone found and returned it). On the whole I’m looking forward to the 3.
Currently my target range is 70 to 100 mg/dl but the Libre usually reads 20 points too low. I hope that that improves.
Thank you for sharing your experience! Much appreciated!
I also have the same problem. Have been using Libre 1 for more than 6 months and have found out that Libre reads 20 to 25 points less than finger blood. I now automatically note 20 points higher in my diabetic apps. 😊 🙏
Your a great help to people like me, a prediabetic trying to stay out of trouble. Thanks.
Hi Tom, Found your channel recently and love it ! I've had T1D for almost 50 years. I've been using the Libre 2 for about a year. I've had numerous issues with failed sensors on the Libre 2 that I never had with the Libre 10 day or 14 day systems. It happened again this morning-12 hours after application the reader said: "Your sensor is not working. Please remove your sensor and start a new one". Abbott always replaces failed sensors, but this is inconvenient. I use the reader and prefer that to a phone, but I'm willing to try the 3 & use my phone for greater accuracy. Question- Are there fewer sensor failures with the Libre 3 than the Libre 2 ?
🌼 Thanks, Tom .. it is Jan 2024 now .. just got my first Libre 3 .. I will follow your tips & hope I am as happy with Libre 3 as you are .. I did not hear you mention specifically how you felt Libre 3 was for type 1 diabetics, if I overlooked it, I'm sorry .. thanks for your great advice .. in US, my Libre 2 still comes without alcohol .. can't wait to try my Libre 3 .. Happy New Year to you and your family 🌼
I don't have a mobile phone. Can I still get a CGM and use it ?
Yes at least I was given a receiver
@@Speedylipper Interesting. Thank you.
Hoping to see libre 3 soon in usa. We just got approval for Android apps and iOS apps for libre 2 in the USA recently. So let's see how long it will take for libre 3 to make it here in the usa. As the USA has a big population of type 2 and type 1 diabetes community and liberate 3 hopefully being here would improve that and give more tools for diabetes management. Looking forward to more videos from you. Take care.
Thank you so much for your kind words and sharing your experience from the US my friend. Wishing you all the best!
Hey Tom thanks for your top-notch video guides. Very helpful indeed. Like yourself Type1 for a big chunk of my life, since 1966. I practice a lot of water sports like surf, kite, WingFoil and I must admit it’s a relatively easy means to scan a phone over a wetsuit. In a situation like this would you advocate the use of an Apple Watch? I’ve been using the libre2 for a short period of time living in Fr (4mths) no V3 yet but looking forward to it whenever it drops. Certainly some slick advantages via the Freestyle but still struggling wearing a plastic button on my arm 24/7 & the 2 to 4 hr stints I do in the water are not overly phone friendly. Freedom for me comes at a price of being disconnected from a phone hence my question re the watch. All the very best from Montpellier 🤙🏻
Dom Mazetti integration is gold🤣👌🏻
Thank you! I think you are the only one who commented on that one!
Hi Tom, you made a very good video about FSL3.
I have a question about the accuracy of FSL3. In your video you told us that the accuracy is fine.
Currently, I use FSL2 (FreeStyleLibre 2). If my blood sugar is high, e. g. 250 mg/dl (measured by finger pricking), the FSL2 measuring device shows me 205 mg/dl. These deviations happen regularly, if my blood sugar is on a high level. Similarly, if my blood sugar is low, e. g. 75, the FSL2 measuring device shows me 59 mg/dl or less.
What experiences do you have about the accuracy of FSL3 in the cases of (very) high or low levels of blood sugar? It would be nice if you made a statement about that topic in one of your next videos.
Best regards from Germany
Thank you for your kind feedback my friend! To be honest I did not have many readings outside of ideal range but from what I can tell FSL 3 is not very different from FSL2 in this repsect. Having said that my readings have been fairly accurate with both the 2 and the 3. Hope this helps!
Good overview of the sensor. Really appreciate your perspective as I am starting my first patient on Freestyle libre.
Well not for me. I don't have a cell phone and I don't want one. The reader was just fine for me.
Sorry to hear that! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for this video. I ve been using this for 4 sensors now but i had no idea about the hba1c new name. Best of health and many more videos to come!
Thank you so much for watching and sharing your experience!
I would like to thank your for your videos refence control of diabetes, I have late onset type 2 diabetes, which started when I was 63yrs old, brought on by severe stress, I was going through.
But, I have struggled with the control as I use a combined short/long acting insulin, thus maintaining control is a challenge, thus, I have experienced several HYPOS, fortunately my body tells me when this is happening, usually between 3 > 2 ml, (at these levels I am non responsive and slipping further, apparently quite quickly) but, neither I nor the observer do not know how severe the drop is and if it is continuing, fortunately, on each occasion, there has been somebody around that could see what was happening and took corrective action to prevent me slipping further into unconsciousness, had they not been there and acted quickly, I would not be typing this comment.
The devices you have shown could be the answer for better control and a reflection which caused the spikes.
and indicators to changes I have to make in my lifestyle.
But, after looking at the prices of the devise, it is not affordable for me, I am now in my mid 70's and my weekly UK pension is £149, which means I cannot afford the initial price of £500+ or the monthly refill of £145.
In the UK the NHS does NOT support this device and for several years now, medication support has been reducing to the point whereby I have to pay for my prescriptions and a lot of medication is NOT available on prescription, including insulin.
At £145 per month for patches is NOT affordable as this is 25% of my monthly Pension.
If the manufacturers "Dexcom" are reading this, perhaps there is a discount programme you can apply to UK pensioners?
Because, at the moment Diabetic control is akin to playing Russian Roulette with the control you never know if the chamber is empty or loaded with a HYPER.
I live in the US and just received my Free Style Libre 3. NO Alcohol wipes were included in the sensor package. Not a problem as i have a good supply of them for my insulin injections.
I am seeing this 1 year after you made this video. I'm using the libra 3. I like the convenient and accurate readings. The only thing I don't like is the draining of my phone battery.
so excited for when this comes to the US! hoping they let us change the alarm sound by then though because i practically crap my pants when i get alerts with that sound
Thanks for the review, i was considering changing from libra 2 to Dexcom. I have so many faults with libra 2. Had lots of hypos and the alarm doesn’t even go off. Have just been 2.8 all night and my alarm only went off after I had woke this morning. Libra 3 looks better but think I will try Dexcom 1st.
Thanks for the awesome video, Tom! Looking forward to seeing your video comparing FSL3 and Dexcom G6
Thank you my friend!
Thank you for your complete and honest reviews. This information has enlighten myself to this new world.
Abbott just announced the Freestyle Libre 4, which additionally will measure ketones in the same profile as FSL 3.
With regard to the poor graph and alarm options in the Libre App, you can consider trying the Shuggah app instead. I switched from the Libre app to the Shuggah app when I got my Libre 2 chip to receive live bloodsugar on my phone/watch (similar to what the Libre 3 chip does) and it has AMAZING alarm options, just to mention a few; fast drop / raise, low, very low and high, very high alerts. Plus you can assign custom alert sounds and there are many options for the sound to chose from.
I haven't tested the Shuggah app with the Libre 3 chip, but I can verify that it works very well with the Libre 2 chip.
I actually had a very bad experience with Shuggah.. because the libre 2 only saves 8 hrs of data. After scanning the Shuggah app I had trouble scanning in the libre app after 8 hours. After finally connecting with the libre app again, I was not able to connect to the Shuggah app ánd lost the alarms for the 13 days left on my sensor🥲.. maybe I didn’t use it correctly..!
@@daisy9168 I didn't experience issues with scanning directly on the Libre2 chip from the Libre-app while using Shuggah. However I did experience issues connecting the Libre2 chip to Shuggah and there are generally two things that you can do to fix that: 1) Most important; you should disable bluetooth for the Libre-app when you setup the Libre2 chip with Shuggag. You do this in the iOS settings, search for the Libre app and turn off Bluetooth. 2) Data from your chip might not show up in Shuggah after connecting the chip; in this case, delete the connection and try it again a few times. It usually works after a few retries.
@@TheKaninmanden Thanks for the tips!
This video has made me decide to change from the original Libre to the Libre 3
Just found your you tube channel. Type I since 1960 (my mom, ironically, worked with Dr Joslin). I'm looking forward to watching your videos. Greetings from "Lost" Angeles.
I currently use 2, and I like it. I think 3 is much improved and more discreet
I imagine the rubber around the hole would be for water proofing/water resistance. Great video btw, keep up the good work!
Great point! Thank you for sharing James!
@@TypeOneTalks thank you!
Yeah, I agree and even if they had different themes of sensors like Disney or Olympics or the NFL teams that way you could switch it up
I don't understand. Why do you need to be behind a wall (with a good Bluetooth connection) if the reader is on you?
Yes you can lift with it. Way better than the Libre 2. Not falling off from sweating etc, not ripping off etc. in the USA they are not providing the alcohol wipes anymore either. Thanks EU
Anyone who actually knows Dom Mazzetti knows nobody really lifts bro.
They stopped giving the alcohol wipes in the libra 2 in USA California. I'm waiting for my insurance to cover the libra 3.
Great video with educational presentation.
Thank you so much Tom.
I've been using a Freestyle Libre 2 system for more than a year and in general have been happy with the included reader. While the touch screen can be very finicky it gets the job done and as I hate iPhones it lets me avoid having to shell out hundreds of dollars every time Tim Cook decides he needs a new Ferrari and makes the current iPhone obsolete. Several things I absolutely HATE about the reader however are 1) The feature that shuts the reader off automatically after a very short time. For those of us with difficult to control diabetes we need more than a few seconds after taking a reading to decide how much insulin to take. 2) After taking a bG reading the very first thing I want to do is look at the previous two readings so as to detect the trend. The reader does not allow you to simply scroll back but rather requires a multi key press sequence to access previous readings. This is a real PITA on days when my bG starts bouncing around! 3) The very wide range of the reader graphs makes no sense whatever! While I suppose there are people who require a range of 50-350 mg/dl I am sure that many others are able to keep their bG within a much tighter range and such a broad range makes it very hard to assess the significance of bG changes in the graph. 4) As with so many medical devices there is a "Big Brother Knows Best" attitude wired into the Libre 2. To wit the user has no ability to change the data! So if you mistakenly key in the incorrect amount of an insulin injection you can't fix it. Ditto if you forget to enter an injection you can't go back and enter it. Etc!
I use the libre 2. I bought a reader, but don’t use it. I would be happy to mail to it someone who needs it.
Thank you for the video. Everyone's experience varies, but personally, I've tried both the original libre as well as libre 2, and the accuracy was pitiably lousy on both (multiple sensors, at that). Until Abbot creates a Libre generation that allows for calibration, I'm never buying another sensor, and my suspicion is that they do not allow for this because they know that their sensors not only do not measure accurately, but also VARY WILDLY in degree of inaccuracy, from one day to the other. What's the point of calibration when the exact same sensor can miss by 40 mg/dl one day, 20 the other, be spot-on the day after that, and miscalculate by 30 the next one? It would be pointless. Perhaps, if they manage to create sensors which even when inaccurate, have a relatively consistent degree of difference, they will finally allow for calibration. Right now I'm sure the device may be helpful for those taking insulin by showing general trends, but for those of us not on insulin, who wanted to use it for glucose monitoring, it's practically useless.
Libre 3 just approved by FDA in USA, it will be available in October this year
I'm starting my 5th week (3rd FL3 CGM) and it regularly reads my glucose higher than a traditional strip glucometer. For example, 85 mg/dL (strip glucometer) vs 112 (FL3).
I have both Libre 3 and the Dexcom G6. I really wanted to love the new Libre device which was recently released in the US because it’s very affordable in comparison to Dexcom but have gone through 2 sensors with Libre 3 and they are not accurate. Libre 3 is providing False readings after days of installation. Here are my results. Libre 3: 64mg. Dexcom G6: 107mg. One touch finger prick: 108mg. My Dexcom is very accurate and we are happy with the product but it’s very costly. I guess you get what you pay for.
I've had 4 sensors lose accuracy after 1 to 3 days, going from close to my blood glucose meter, to measuring 40-50 points lower. Twice the app alarm went off when the sensor reported 54 and when I immediately checked with a finger stick, the actual value was 98. I've had 12 sensors so far, and when they work they're invaluable in helping me track my glucose. So much so that by watching what I eat and exercising I've brought my A1c down from 8.1 in March to 5.3 in November. The failure rate of sensors is not good in my experience.
I’ve used three Libre 3 sensors and had issues with all three of them. I’ll go back to the 2
Love the libre 2, did not even know about the 3. Thanks for the vid.
Incredible review! Thank you!
Thank you for the bit about not having wifi on for the Libre3 to work. Once this pandemic is over, I plan to travel if it's affordable, either by flapping wings or sailboat, so knowing that that it'll still keep on ticking makes me breath a sigh of relief. To think, I never had this technology until 10 years ago, after being diabetic for 55 years already. I've become hooked to technology, and how it aids me in better health outcomes as I become an old fart !
Thank you for sharing!
Great thank you , you bring a lot of valuable info to Diabetics with this very educational videos
Tom, the libre2 now updates automatically every minute if activated by your phone so maybe they added the technology from the libre3 to the libre2.
One downside to not using the reader: if your smartphone is not on Abbott Labs' list of approved devices and you have a sensor failure or error, the odds are good that Abbott will refuse to replace the sensor because your phone isn't on the list. Having the reader eliminates that issue, freeing the end user to run the app, as I will, on an "unapproved" phone.