Living with a Freestyle Libre NFC No-Prick Diabetic Blood Glucose Monitoring system
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 ต.ค. 2024
- Arms-on with the Freestyle Libre - and how it has improved my life.
A full demonstration including how to apply and remove the NFC sensor. For more information see: www.freestyleli...
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Brief Update Feb 2016
Since making the video I've continued to pay for the sensors each month and the system is still working very well for me. I haven't had any problems. There's also an app for smartphones coming soon which will allow the sensor to be read by a phone, doing away the need for a separate reader. It's called LibreLink
+Techmoan Really cool technology thanks for the videos! Keep it up.
+Techmoan Here were i live in Sweden i could get one for free. But i prefeer the old systems.
+elevatorJach Diabetic pumps come with an automated version of this constant blood-check system, right? An ex of mine had one of those - and now a couple of friends of mine have them too... (Basically the pump adapts to your blood glucose levels, as I've understood it.)
+morpheox Well, I have no idea on that subject.
+morpheox Now it was not said but I assume this sensor measures levels from blood. The pump ones (I have one) measure from fat tissue. The difference is that the fat tissue one has a delay and is less accurate so it can be used to get long time graphs but wont work for immediate monitoring. Also pumps do not change dosages on this info, only log it. Some might have a shutoff on low lvls but nothing more. Unless someone has just recently developed a new system I have not come across.
Thank you for your contribution to this topic! This condition runs in my family, seeing multiple members deal with it makes one realize it affects us at large. My mother lost a dear friend after long complications due to diabetes. Seeing her lose limbs, experiencing diminished eyesight, and a general decline that seemed to drag on was difficult to witness. I've learned lessons in diligence and resiliency seeing people suffer around me, that I may continue to help and maintain my own health. A very heartfelt thanks!
Don't worry, you can manage your eating habits if you know your CGM in every 5 minutes. trust me i was also surprised before i started using the Libre Sensor with BluCon NightRider. Even i can go for outing with full relaxed mind. blucon nightrider gets the data from sensor and transfer it to mobile in every 5 minuets. Cheers! hope my experience will help you.
I have type 1 too. In Belgium I get the libre on the health service. It's amazing. It makes life so much easier. For the first time in 30 years i feel confident that I know where my sugar is going. Life changer.
I turned off subscriber alert on this video so that only people with an interest in diabetes will discover this - This way the comments stay on track for people to discuss the video and issues relating to diabetes.
Techmoan While I'm not diabetic myself, I knew someone who died in his sleep because of complications from diabetes. (Like those dips in glucose levels you've noticed.) This is the kind of tech that really should be the norm for people with diabetes, since it's going to give you tons of valuable information you'll need to stay alive. Is it known if the manufacturer will ramp up production to lower the price per unit?
Fortunately you didn't get one of these from eBay, like the cheap Chinese dashcams... That might not be very safe. LOL :)
SeanFromPVD As far as I know the manufacturer was overwhelmed with interest in the product and opened a new production facility to meet the demand - the waiting list system is to ensure that it's first come-first served until the production is able to meet demand. Given the interest in the product they don't need to lower the price to generate any extra sales at the moment. As always though things progress and given the interest in device like this, it seems likely to become a lot more commonplace in coming years and as with most things that should in turn bring down the price.
When I mentioned price, I meant production cost, so they could possibly lower the price to consumers. Obviously they wouldn't need to worry about selling something this revolutionary, but some people may not be able to afford it, and for something this important to health I think accessibility is important.
SeanFromPVD I have no special insights into what's happening inside the company that manufactures these, I'm just a customer, however I do hope that prices come down at some point.
Techmoan Hi! My girlfriend has been using these since May this year and like you she says they are a life changer! Initially her graphs were all over the place but being able to see the trends has now enabled her to make changes and pretty much keep her graphs within the target band.. at least for 60% of the time. My girlfriend points out though that the DVLA doesn't recognise scanned results as accurate enough so you should to do a finger prick test before and every 2 hours whilst driving.. which is a bit of a pain.. Just hoping the NHS will fund these one day! Good luck with yours!
T1 33 years here. We've gone from chem stips to this. I just started on this 2 system 1 month ago (in canada), works like a charm through a thick parka at -30C.
Hope this helps. Cheers.
chem strips i rember testube 5 drop urine 10 drop water and keytone pill result 2 plus negitive
HI TANYA MARIA CASTILLO
ILOVED VIDEO
I honestly have no clue how your medical devices and supplies are covered in the UK, but if you can, you should really look into a continuous glucose monitor. They are quite simply, amazing. Granted, they certainly have their problems, and the technology has room for improvement. Sensors can go bad, accuracy can be off at times, and the high/low predictions can be overly aggressive, but the complaints are minor compared to the benefits. It is quite literally a lifesaver. Also wanted to mention how much I enjoy your channel. Thank you for all the content!
28 September 2017. Abbott received permission to market the Freestyle Libre in the US yesterday. I was an R&D scientist at Abbott Diabetes Care working to improve conventional finger stick meters, as well as working on the beginnings of the search for a continuous glucose monitoring system that became the Libre. It was gratifying work, and I am so pleased to see that people like you, who are very conscientious about management of the disease, are reaping the benefits of this new technology. ATB
Techmoan, I am not a diabetic. I have always enjoyed watching your videos, and I wanted to watch this out of curiosity. Excellent review. As a non diabetic, I learned a few things from this. Keep up the good work, love the videos. Matt from the US.
Love your gadget reviews,didn’t realise you were type 1.Just came across this by accident as hoping to get a Libre in the near future.Thank you for being so informative.Been diabetic myself for over 20 years now and surprised to see how much your readings mirrored mine.Thanks again and all the very best.
I diagnosed with type 2 about one year ago then my doctor suggested me to use Freestyle Libre sensor and Ambrosia Blucon device for check glucose values on phone as well as watch. Now, I am able to share my glucose values with my loved ones and doctor as well through Ambrosia FollowBluCon app.
Absolutely correct. No more finger pricing with Libre sensor but you can share your readings with only one loved one. My mom and my girlfriend also my endo wanted to follow my readings which was not possible with Libre sensor alone. Somebody in my office suggested me to use Blucon of Ambrosia company, USA as there device give automatic readings without scanning the sensor also I can share my readings with 5 caregivers. I'm very happy with the device as monitoring my BS is more easy also my caregivers are relaxed.
I'm not diabetic myself, but I found this video very enlightening. To be honest I hadn't fully appreciated what constant vigilance and management is required throughout the day, of someone living with Diabetes.
But what really hit home was the regular cost involved with the blood-testing, - I really hope a more dynamic, cheap (pref. free), and much less invasive form of testing is brought to market soon.
Mat, thanks for the review of FreeStyle Libre. My daughter was diagnosed type 2 around 18 months ago, no family history, not overweight and only in her early twenty's. She was given medication to control it which tbh has done nothing other than give her some pretty awful side affects. After seeing your review I ordered the starter pack and after a bit of a wait the FreeStyle Libre arrived last week and immediately confirmed meds are doing nothing. The lowest she has been is 9 and the highest is 21 with the norm being around 15. The sensors may be a bit on the expensive side but what price can you put on health. She is now recording what she eats to see if that has any effect and will be taking that along with the print-outs from the FreeStyle Libre to her next docs apt, hopefully this will lead to a change in her treatment to something which is effective. Bit of a long msg but I just wanted to thank you and let you know you now have me as a Patreon. Thanks again.
+Andy Robinson thanks Andy...and I agree 100%, what price can you put on health. Many people spend this more on cigarettes or down the pub.
I know I'm late but I really hope your daughter is doing better. It really sounds like she needs to be placed on a different medication.
Wow very helpful! Thanks for the video! I'm a pharmacist and one of my patients asked me how to use this machine and I unfortunately had to tell him I wasn't familiar with it :( But this was very informational, I feel like I can accurately counsel my patients on its use now. Thanks again!
I had no idea you were a diabetic! I've been Type 1 for almost 10 years now, and a continuous glucose monitor is my dream. Here in Canada, we don't get much coverage for the costs of testing supplies, so something like this would be prohibitively expensive for the average person, but I'm hoping it becomes available at a reasonable cost soon. Good for you, and I'm glad it's making a positive impact on your health!
Rob Maeder how old were you when you got diagnosed with it?
Ive been a subscriber for a while, and after reading a norwegian diabetes article, i was to click a videolink, and i suddently heard the techmoan intro sound, i was floored! and better, this device is without a doubt on my list to get, thanks to you im really looking forward to it, thank you!! i loved your content already, but this made me a true fan of yours, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Thanks - I'm still using it and love it. It really takes a lot of worry away.
I'm so glad I come across this video, I usually watch all your action cam videos, I was diagnosed with type 1 yesterday and find it annoying pricking my finger 4 times a day, I knew there was something easier out there I came the right guy
You have to test your blood normally before driving because if your sugar is low the DVLA won't accept the reading from the libre as the results run about half an hour behind as they come from interstitial fluid glucose levels and don't change as quickly as normal blood glucose readings when our blood sugars are becoming low,therefore to avoid any accidents always test normally with your blood glucose monitor,if running low eat appropriate carbohydrate ,wait 45 mins,recheck blood glucose with normal monitor,and carry on driving if reading is above 6mml.
This freestyle libre has really helped me sort out my overall Hba1c and makes it easier to realise if my blood sugar is going up or down as sometimes I have given extra insulin to lower my levels and ended up hypo as the libre showed me that my blood sugar was on its way down anyway.Well worth every penny.
Thanks for the info, I am using the FreeStyle Libre Pro sensor with Ambrosia BluCon device in India. I get glucose readings on my phone and watch every time. The app shows how exercise, food, insulin impacts our blood glucose values. BluCon helps me a lot with my diabetes.
Great video was always.
Not even diabetic and I'm still interested, lol
Me too, lol.
brokenSCART
I got it and it sucks. lol
Mee too
I am a type 1 diabetic myself and this video was really informative and interesting to me. I now plan to try and get a Freestyle Libre. Thanks!
i have the freestyle libre, it is waterproof but when you submerge it you should cover it up bbecause it can fall of (sensor)
I love your description of diabetes. I don't have it myself, but much of my family does, so I can appreciate the sentiment.
Thank you for making this video. I hope it helps someone who too has diabetes to find out about this "gadget" and live an easier life.
easier? like it's not easy to prick finger :D
I just found this as I'm researching diabetic tools whilst being diagnosed with T2 at a rather young age of 25 due to my family consisting of a lot of diabetics and it being genetic according to the doctors. Thank you for this review!
This is absolutely best glucosimeter available despite of one annoying feature. I'm type 2 diabetic and have tried Libre, but had to switch back to fingertip meter as for some reason the adhesive on sensor caused allergic reaction on my skin making skin to feel and look like it was burned. I sent feedback to manufacturer and they answered they've received lot of similar complaints. I hope they'll develop the sensor which has hypoallergic adhesive.
I have to post an update to this, as I got a chance to try Libre 2 and as a matter of fact that version does have an adhesive which doesn't irritate my skin.
@jimlips (you've deactivated replies) - Your theory about the lifetime of the sensors makes perfect sense. I have no idea about a US release, but no doubt it will take a quite while to get something like this approved by the FDA, however the company is struggling to meet European demand at the moment, so they'll need to get on top of that first. The other device you mention is not available in the UK, so this is the first time I've been able to buy something like this.
Techmoan
- I can't figure out how activate replies, sorry. Maybe you can assist?
jimlips they seem to work fine
Techmoan Hello finally available in the USA. Has the phone app become available in the UK? Have you done or given thought of an update?
The Android app has finally become available in the US a few weeks ago too! For some reason it took forever for Android app to be approved even though IOS had it.
I used to think twice before finger stick test and wished that we should have such a device which could give us readings without pricking the finger and Abbott has made it easy by launching Libre sensor. There is only one lack point in Libre is you have to scan it every time to get the readings. To avoid scanning I started using Blucon on top of my Libre sensor which transmits readings to their phone app every 5 minutes and readings with HI and LO value without scanning the sensor. Now it has become more easy to manage the T1D easily. Also, my 5 caregivers can follow my readings remotely.
I watched this video when it was uploaded and was only mildly interested. 2 years later, as a fairly newly diagnosed type 1 diabetic, I loved it :)
Thanks for the video Matt, I believe it is really of great interest to many people (whether for themselves, family or friends) and coming from an actual user and not a corporate marketing department makes it pretty impartial in my view. It seems to have great potential to improve the reading regime which in turn can improve management. I also think the system will progressively become cheaper and more accessible once its use becomes broader and especially if it is supported by National Health Care Systems.
A very important video among so many other extremely interesting ones that you have uploaded.
Thanks again.
This is an awesome bit of kit, and it's great to hear that it's making your life so much better overall. My father has been diagnosed Type-II diabetic. I wonder if he'd tolerate this device being stuck to him...
. I have been a diabetic for 50 years . Freestyle Libre up to now is absolutely fantastic . It has made me more confident with my low blood sugar readings. which i can deal with much quicker.it costs lot more then i can afford with being pensioner .VAT exception helps a little .Please with the Libre for the younger diabetics specially if it go's on NHS .Regards BST
Good old Freestyle to come out with this. I swear they always make the best meters. Around a year after I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes I discovered the Freestyle Lite. It takes so much less blood than the other meters. The actual poking devise though was awful. I quickly made my own little kit with a Accu-Chek Milticlix for drawing blood and the Freestyle Lite for testing it. Thank you so much Techmoan for making this video. I was waiting for someone to make a continuous glucose monitor without the need to keep using finger pricks. I had no idea Freestyle had done it until I saw your video.
I have been using Blucon nightrider from last 2 yeasrs. It is working great with my Libre and give me readings every time on my phone as well as watch without any issues.
I am a patient of type 2 diabetes and using a Libre sensor with Nightrider BluCon to get real-time and continuous glucose monitor. Also, I always do calibration with my Linkblucon, when I see the difference in readings.
I am a bit of a gadget geek so have always liked your reviews.
And was very pleasantly surprised you had reviewed this... It is easily the best review I have seen on the Freestyle Libre. I am currently using the Accu Chek Mobile and have ordered my Freestyle Libre this morning :)
Been watching the channel for a while now and was recently diagnosed as type 1. I never knew you had diabetes. Glad I found this video since I just ordered a libre.
Nice video, I am using Freestyle Libre US 14days with Ambrosia Blucon over 8 months now, it converts Libre sensor into a full CGM and you will be able to see glucose readings every 5 minutes on phone and watch without scanning the Libre sensor. Now I don't need to scan the Libre sensor and gets reading every 5 minutes on my iPhone
I have a 28 year old daughter who has had type one diabetes since she was one year old. We went through blood sticks and multiple insulin shots throughout her life. Her diabetologist believed in moderate control rather than strict control and was able to deal with her diabetes to the point where she is able to live without the sequela associated with long-term diabetes. She now utilizes an insulin pump which combines insulin delivery based on continuous blood sugar monitoring. This has her A1 C in the normal range
just got mine today. excited!!! thanks for the very informative video. better than the leaflet! hoping its as easy and more importantly as accurate as your experience with the libre.
Appreciate your video.
I'm using Ambrosia's NightRider Blucon with Freestyle libre sensor and it's surprising how it gives me the readings on my mobile app without scanning. Moreover, it connects with my Apple watch directly whenever I go out for a run.
Thank you so much for this video. I've been diabetic type 1 for 16 years. I recently got this on a months trial and also have found this device extremely helpful. I can gain So much information that I never had before. Luckily I got mine on the NHS and I hope others can too. The only problem is the DVlA currently don't recognise this as a suitable device for testing whilst driving .... I'm a bus driver and have to check my blood glucose 4-6 times a day. But in my opinion this devise as shown in this video gives lots more information to what is going on than the standard blood glucose monitors. So at the moment I have to use both but fingers crossed the DVlA will also see the benefits of this devise.
I'm getting this device next Wednesday and I'm actually so excited to get it. I was watching reviews of it since I've found out I'm getting it and your review has been, by far, the best! Thank you! If you're still using it, i would love to hear a brief update on your thoughts with it now.
I attended a meeting with a rep from Abbott Healthcare yesterday (31/8/2017) and she was saying that the sensors should be available on the NHS in the UK just after Christmas 2017. They won't be widely available to everyone on prescription but will work on a similar process to insulin pumps whereby you'll have to put forward a good case to your diabetes team for having the sensors.
Fantastic, I wish I could afford the monthly costs of the sensors. I also suffered hypos at night. Switched to taking long acting insulin in the morning. Solved the problem. I also have type 1 and other endocrine issues.
Dear Techmoan, thank you very much
for your revelation of being Type I Diabetic. You have are in my thoughts and deepest understanding as a fellow
Diabetic, Type II, now for 17 years and
going on 2 years on Insulins, fast acting for meals, and long term for 24
hours plus more recently Victoza because my Glucose figures were high
as I am Insulin resistant, and in April
2018 my A1C was over 11. I have been
as low as 7, which I am told is fairly well controlled for a Diabetic. I was
just tested again at the US Veterans
Administration for my A1C, and I hope
with my improved Glucose readings around 100, and lower, US readings, I
will be doing better. I use the the Accu-
Chek Guide meter now which replaces my previous Accu-Chek meter, using
strips 4 times a day, wirelessly putting
my readings on my Galaxy Note 8 app,
but your FreeStyle seemed a good way
to continuously check your Glucose.
We enjoy your videos on the various subjects and the puppet skits too.
Born in London in 1944. Cherrio.
Techmoan I am not a diabetic but I found this review very informative and will share it on my social media. Thank you very much for taking the time to deviate from your usual programme of camera reviews :) (I'm a big fan of your esoteric/obscure/classic audio reviews and other gadgets.)
I have had one of these for just over two weeks now and I love it! As you say, its so convenient to to able to test whenever and wherever you are! Just great! wish i had this years ago :)
Hi, just to say here in France I'm still using it. Just had a medical to exchange my UK licence for a French one & the docteur was impressed-now have a licence for life instead of the UK year one. Now have much better control & just invested in a Samsung S7 Edge so I can use the LibreLink & also an unofficial app called Glimp that you can use for longer than 10 days at your own risk accuracy-wise. There's a FaceBook Abbott Freestyle Libre users group that has lots of useful info. Thanks again to Techmoan for the video that I found encouraging re the sensor application.
I've been a subscriber for a while now and only just found this video. I've been following this device for years and it's finally available stateside. so glad to see a trusted review. can't wait to talk to my Dr about it
this is pretty amazing stuff being diabetic and poking your finger 3 times a day is hard work and messy too i am only 30 years old recently diagnosed with diabetes, its a hybrid even doctors are trying to find if its type 1 or type 2 always hoping for new stuff to make our life easier stay strong diabetic peeps
I've been a subscriber for a long time now, and really enjoy each and every one of your videos. I had no idea you were a type 1 diabetic like me, and only found this because youtube suggested it to me after I watched a video about how to insert the sensor for the Dexcom G4 CGM system, which I'm trialing at the moment. The Libre is certainly appealing, but as I have a lot of trouble with hypos, I prefer the idea of CGM as it can alert me when needed, and that's why I've chosen the Medtronic 640G insulin pump, which I'll be starting later this year, as it can be used with their CGM and suspend insulin delivery when it detects a hypo.
Anyway, fantastic video, thank you so much for this. As CGM is rather expensive here in Australia, I sincerely doubt I'll be using it full time, most likely leaving it for when I'm sick or during the initial 2 weeks with my insulin pump, I'll probably get the Libre for the rest of the time rather than going back to pricking my fingers lots of times a day.
If anyone hates finger prick tests like me, or your loosing sensation in your finger and want easy alternative site testing look at the product called the genteel. It for the lack of a better description is basically a pricker with a spring loaded syringe that creates a vacuum and draws a drop of blood out.
This means you can test anywhere you normally wouldn't get blood easily, arms, legs, stomach, shoulder, palms of hands, forearms ect and it is from my own experience 100x less painful than on the fingers when I test on my upper arm.
You should check out Blucon Nightrider with libre sensor, it's more easier to use. Gives you alarms for out of range readings and also connects directly with apple watch.
No more finger pricks and scanning!!
My patients and I have been wondering about this product. Thank you so much for the great introduction to it!
This does look life changing: as a type 1 diabetic myself I think this looks brilliant. Thanks for the video!
emeraldstars345 I'm glad I could show it to you and I'm glad my diabetic consultant mentioned it to me - always happy to pass on useful info.
I've got one of those as well. Here in Sweden it does not cost me anything (other than tax). That includes the sensors. The measurement is different than that of the blood measurements. Therefore the range is limited and accuracy is good only in the mid-range. Also the actual value might be higher or lower than displayed. And there is time-delay on the readings. Removing the sensor is best done using baby oil and working it off from your skin gradually. As a protective bag you can use a cell-phone bag. Those will also let you to get the touch-screen to react. The battery life of the me meter is actually very good, much better than you suggested in the video. Here in Sweden I have entered a code in the PC-software (or Mac) that allows my doctors to access all uploaded data from the device over Internet. That is very nice. Especially if you enter how much you have eaten too. I got a course at my local hospital on how to calculate that. Now my doctor has all data and can give me medical
Nice video, I diagnosed with T1 and use the FreeStyle Libre sensor with Blucon transmitter, I track blood glucose readings on watch and phone constantly and the phone beeps at night when the glucose is out of range.
This is a great video.
I am finally convinced to switch to Libre.
Just have to wait till it comes to Australia....
Thanks for posting.
Did you ever end up getting a Libre? How'd it work out for you?
My doctor advised to use the NightRider BluCon with FreeStyle Libre sensor to CHECK readings on my phone directly without scanning the Libre sensor and without any beeps. I bought it from Ambrosia System based in San Francisco. It converted the FreeStyle Libre Sensor into a Full CGM. Now I don't need to scan the Libre sensor and check readings directly on my iPhonex.
My gf uses a Insulin Pump, great invention, damn expensive price. Maybe you should look into one? Her sensors are new and tinier then yours. Her's goes on her stomach area, won't get knocked off so easily. Wireless sending data to the pump itself. This is great for Type 1 because it will keep you from getting to low at night time. Would help save more lives. She also changed her diet and doesn't require as much insulin as before. More veggies and less red meat.
I love my Libre too! You still have to do a fingers tick before driving in order to comply with DVLA rules - a Libre swipe or CGM trace won't cut it at the moment. There is a huge user group on Facebook called Abbott Freestyle Libre Users.
I bought it for my wife. She has been using it now 4th sensor. Our experience is not really great. it is ok... What we experiened, 1st sensor was not accurate. it was showing always 20-30% lower value than test strip. 2nd Sensor showed always around 10-20% lower value as well. luckily 3rd sensor was workig fine. 4th one was the worst. it is showing 30-40% lower value than strips values.
We have complained to manufacture. in their point of view it is all fine. up to 44% inaccuracy is acceptable value in 3rd attached day. so it means that if you get 45 mg/dl you may not know if you need to eat or not. it could be around 80 mg/dl. we also compared with test trip "freestyle precision". Freestyle libre is keep showing big different value than that. for example . 64/43, 161/126, 66/42, 84/53, 85/47, 108/88, 81/54, 80/60 mg/dL. left is test stip vavlue, right is libre value. so be awre that you might need to eat or make a correction or could be fine. btw, up to 2 days it is showing bigger wrong value. so it's working life time is actually 12 days. I hope th 5th sensor is better. I feel like a buying a lotto. :( my wife is little bit thin. maybe that is the reason? how is the other little thinners? are you getting accurate value?
Jinwoo Wang May i respectively ask how much you paid for it? I want to buy the same thing for my little son. Thank you.
The reason is simple. The system measures the glucose present in cells, the capilar test (blood) is more accurate.
In a few words, cells are fed by blood with the fuel they need (glucose/sugar...), so if your wife shows low ou high levels you need to check with a test strip to be sure, if those levels need to be corrected or not.
I also had this problem.
In case of doubt always check with a test strip.
They're not meant to get rid of finger pricks. The freestyle libre simply reduces the amount of finger pricks you do in a day. If you're feeling ill, or don't trust the sensor, double-check with a test strip.
Really big thanks for introducing me to this device. Ordered it right away. Again, million thanks to You my good sir!
Got approved for mine today very excited now after watching this video
This is fantastic i'd heard of this devise and was very keen to see a comprehensive review. It was mentioned in my carb counting course and there is talk of it going on the NHS once the price has reduced.
In the case of my sister it is actually less expensive than using test strips from the same brand. The difference is that her health insurance pays the strips, which are less convenient, more expensive over the same period of time and give you much less dense read out intervals. All that aside though, yes they are a life changer! My sister has Type 1 since she was 5, she now is 21. The next big thing is the integration of the insulin pump into the system.
You can use Ambrosia Blucon with Libre sensor and check glucose readings on your apple watch without even your phone in every 5 minutes. I wear my watch day and night just to avoid missing any alarm when my phone is not with me. It is working great with my watch.Also, their customer service is great they give prompt reply as I've experienced.
Thanks TECHMOAN for a brilliant most informative video. My son is a type 1 diabetic and just came out of A&E after his latest hyperglycemic episode (38.8!). He doesnt test, I checked his meter and he only tested 5 times in nearly 2 months ( but he has 1001 reason why!). I've ordered one of the kits for him anything that makes it easier to test with no more finger pricking etc has got to be a winner
all Matt's ideas for sharing infos are spot on! :) 👍
Really interesting to learn about these new blood readers, very expensive but really cool and useful for diabetics!
I do not have diabetes but still watched this anyways because this is really fascinating tech to watch a video about.
I didn't realize my favorite tech reviewer was a fellow diabetic !!!!
Displaying the blood sugar trend looks really useful, having to test multiple times to find out if I'm on the way up or down is a real gripe. There's only so much surface area on my fingers to prick before they start feeling like pincushions for a voodoo enthusiast.
Nice video. I use Libre and I love it!
Nice. I hope there will be a permanent solution for diabetics in the future. A bionic organ perhaps.
Aging Reversed at that stage people might just renewable anyway. these are scary and interesting times
Aging Reversed Insulin pumps aren't perfect, but come pretty close to being an artificial pancreas!
There's always a pancreas transplant, risky though.
A plant based whole foods diet.
Im a diabetic and my life is kind of garbage
That's really fascinating. Makes me glad that those with diabetes have this and also makes me glad that if I ever did have diabetes I'd have resources like this.
My a1c is currently 13... you aren't doing bad at all, keep it up !!!
How in the world do you have a 13 A1C
I've had the T1D since June or something and my A1C is 6
The best demo I've seen so far...I'm really hoping my medial will help me with the costs...I'm presently using the Freestyle Linux which acts pretty much the same except I give it the carbs I'm going to eat and it tells me how insulin to take...thatoesnt seem to happen with this system..but I will try and work this out..thks again well done!
Very interesting and informative video! Thank you! My 4 year old son use Dexcom G5 CGM. No need to do manual scans, and as a follower I can keep constant track of his glucose and set custom alarms for high/low.
Only downside is the requirement for two daily calibrations (finger prick) and relatively short bluetooth range. He has to be close to either his hand unit (like the Libre scanner) or iphone that uploads data to the cloud and followers.
Sensors last a week, but can be restarted as many times as you feel safe doing it i suppose... The adhesive usually starts to peel after two-tree weeks or so.
Transmitter lasts 3 months or so, but believe can be hacked with a new battery and used with 3:rd party applications.
I'm a little sad actually to hear about these things costing people money; guess everyone simply can't afford!
Taxes here in Sweden pays for everything, witch basically means there isn't anything like poor or rich in the society. Everyone is more or less equal and have the same conditions.
Hey,
I'm having a chat with my diabetic roomie, he's also got type one diabetes, so this brought me here; but he informs me that you should have a high fat content snack before bed, because apparently it takes longer to digest, so it'll give you a boost in the middle of the night.
Cheers, mate!
My wife has diabetes. Thanks very much for sharing this information. I always enjoy your videos but this one in particular is very useful. I'll need to find out if Austrian health insurance covers it.
What an excellent device. Pity the sensors are so expensive. However, I suppose you might only need to use that intermittently for maybe a week or so at a time until you've adjusted an stabilised your diabetes management.
Seeing you post this video reminds me how many type 1 diabetics are out there and how they can be anyone, even popular TH-camrs :-) I watch most of your dashcam and action cam videos.
I'm also a type 1 diabetic and I also use the Mobile meter and the Libre. I've been using the Libre since last October as soon as it was released. If you don't mind me asking, how many sensors have you used so far? The reason I ask is, a lot of people have been suffering from skin reactions to the Libre, myself included. It was my 6th sensor that had the first reaction, all the rest before that didn't react at all. Ever since the 6th one the reaction got worse, to the point where I couldn't use the Libre anymore. Or so I thought! I'm now using a skin barrier spray, then a Compeed blister plaster, then the Libre on top of that and Rock tape to secure it to my arm. This is working really well so far and is allowing me to continue using the Libre. I would hate to be without it long term, so I was so happy to find this bodge of a solution. A tip to help reduce the chance of a reaction would be to not use the alcohol wipe before application as the alcohol dries out the skin and increases the chance of a reaction.
Like you, I find the trend arrow to be one of the most helpful things that the Libre provides. To do a blood test and get a number and not have a clue if you rising or falling and how quickly can be so frustrating. This helps reduce the anxiety and really helps me tweak and improve my levels. Knowing what happens throughout the night is amazing. This info really helps tweak my background insulin and work out reasons why I might be going high or low in the night. For example, I've found that if I eat pizza in the evening I can go very high 6 or 7 hours after eating it, which was a real eye opener. The only downside I've found is, that mine always read lower than my actual BG levels in the night. For example, I could wake up and test with the Libre and it might say 3.5 but my actual BG level is 5.5mmol, or the Libre might be reading very low at 2.5 but my actual BG level is 4.5mmol. This is frustrating for analysis reasons as it looks like I'm having hypos when I'm not. Some people have suggested this could be due to sleeping on the sensor during the night, but I'm not sure how conclusive this is.
Regarding driving with the Libre, it's annoying that the DVLA don't recognise it as a valid check of glucose levels, a blood test still has to be done before driving even if the Libre says you're high enough to drive. I believe a blood glucose test is required every 2 hours when driving long journeys also. Also just to note, so there's no confusion, the Libre doesn't test Blood Glucose levels, it tests the glucose level within the interstitial fluid, which is quite different. A lot of people have been confused, annoyed, angry even, that the Libre sometimes doesn't give the same results as a BG tester does when done at the same time as they don't realise the interstitial fluid reading can be 5-15mins behind the Blood Glucose level. This is one of the reasons why the DVLA insist on a Blood Glucose check before driving and not an interstitial fluid glucose check.
I'm looking forward to when Abbott release an app which allows the use of NFC capabilities built into smartphones, just to save on having to carry another device when the phone can do it all. I know Apple have the NFC function locked down to Apple Pay only currently, but I'm sure they'll relax this at some point in the future. Someone has already made an unofficial Android App for the Libre, so I think it's only a matter of time until it's officially supported.
If you're on Facebook I'd definitely recommend joining the FB Group 'Abbott Freestyle Libre Users' as there is a tremendous wealth of knowledge on the Libre within the group and any question, simple or complex, is usually answered very quickly.
If you're not on Facebook I'd recommend the diabetes.co.uk forum which has a Freestlye Libre thread, currently with 171 pages and still going. This too contains a huge amount of valuable information on the Libre and lots of people's thoughts, experiences, advice, trials and tribulations etc.
Regarding travelling with the Libre, I've been through a few airports and had no problem whatsoever. I've heard that the sensor shouldn't go into the full body scanners, but it's fine going through the metal detectors, which I can say it always has been for me. Strangely enough though, in case people haven't heard, DON'T go through Library scanners with the Libre on, you know the detectors which go off if you've taken a book without it being checked out properly. These scanners have instantly killed lots of people's sensors. Abbott have replaced these sensors, no questions asked, but it's still a lot of hassle if you can avoid it.
A quick thing about recycling the plastic bits. The grey section contains the needle which has been retracted into it. This shouldn't be going into plastic recycling due to the needle, this needs to go in a sharps container, or some people might argue it's OK in the regular bin as the needle is encased within the plastic.
1 tip from me would be to insert the sensor, then leave it 24 hours before activating it, as Abbott themselves have said that the accuracy within the first 24-48hrs can be quite a way out due to the trauma that it caused under the skin by the needle at insertion.
I seem to have written quite an essay there, my apologies if I've bored anyone to sleep with this comment. I could go on for ages about all the improvements I would make to the reader, but I'm not going to bore you with all those as well ;-)
A big thumbs up from a fellow type 1 diabetic. Another great review!
Get Revved that's a lot of info, but it's all very useful. I'm due to replace my second sensor this evening. The only reactions I've had are a red lump where the first sensor was in the skin. Hopefully this will fade over time. At least it lets me know the spots I've used already. The forums (like most forums) seem to concentrate on the negatives so I prefer to avoid them and learn from my own experiences. The Libre is an amazing device and I know it's just the latest development in diabetes monitoring. Things are improving all the time and I'm glad there are companies out there prepared to bring devices like this to market.
Hi Techmoan! I’ve been a fan for a while, and binged many of your videos..
Love your channel! Seriously one of my favorite TH-cam channels.
Saw your latest video you briefly mention blood sugar. Then discovered this video. I’m also a T1, and a physician. Nice to see this from a fellow t1.
Curious if you’ve ever tried out a Dexcom? I’ve used different models for years. It’s nice since it truly reads your glucose continuously, not just when you flash the monitor like the Libre... it can even wake you up at night. Sends all your data to your phone or a special device from dexcom. Recently, I’ve also gotten, I guess you could call a low-tech glucose monitor, a trained diabetes-alert dog! She is actually MORE accurate and quicker then my Dexcom (which like the Libre reads interstitial fluid, not blood, and is about 20-30 min behind glucose). She’s trained to alert me above 120mg/dL or below 70mg/dL.
Through using a Dexcom and a low carb diet I’ve gotten my a1c consistently around 4.8% and my Dexcom glucose averages are usually in the 80s and 90s with a very low standard deviation(around 20-25).
Hope to see more diabetes tech videos from you, and if you ever want to connect and chat about diabetes, I always enjoy that.
I’ve been pondering making my own diabetes videos for a while and have a bunch of topics written down I want to cover, maybe you’ve just given me a little motivation to get started!
Gosh, that would be so amazing! I live in Canada and I can see this improving lives!!! It would be great for it to be available here in Canada!!
Seems like a smart bit of kit. Glad its made such a diffrence for you.
Been a subscriber to you for quite a while now and never knew you were a fellow T1. I've been on a pump for about 5 years now. This past week I've been on a Dexcom G4 CGM. I had no idea how magnificent a CGM (or the hybrid-ish Libre) could be. What a lifechanger.
CatLord I was looking at the G4, but couldnt find a way to get hold of one in the UK. It was whilst discussing this with my doctor that he put me on to the Libre and I'm so glad he did.
Techmoan Over this past week, I've come to the conclusion that if I were given a choice between my pump and the CGM, I'd ditch the pump and go back to 8-12x injections a day and keep the CGM. Its made that much of a difference in just my week on it so far. Absolutely amazing piece of tech.
*edit* -- also, the sensor attaches very similarly as my pump does. To remove the sensor, try rubbing the sticky cloth-pad with an alcohol wipe to saturate it, then peel an edge, then pull it off. To get the residual goo off of your skin, the quick & cheap way of getting rid of it is a bit of mineral oil on a cotton ball. It'll come right off.
CatLord Thanks for the tips. I think we are in agreement over the difference that these new monitoring systems make - the one big thing they've given me is more confidence.
Techmoan Not just confidence in general, but I'm confident that having the information this device (CGM) supplies me will no doubt extend my life span.
Very good. It helps when people do videos after they have figured out how to use the thing rather than do an unboxing, guess and do it wrong!
Fascinating.
a) I had no idea you could get a reading without actually drawing blood.
b) I had no idea how much you have to watch your glucose levels (I have never known a Type 1 diabetic very well). I imagine that can be rather constricting at times.
Though I guess you get used to it.
Very useful. I don't have diabetes but my friends do. I'll pass this link to them. Really nice product.
Brilliant video! I've got a son age 4 with type 1 and we getting freestyle tomorrow, haven't done the training to use it yet.
Spot on video mate, thanks
This was great, been searching for "is the dexcom g6 available in australia?" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you ever come across - Camebattian Mysterious Convenience - (search on google ) ? It is a smashing one of a kind guide for discovering how to end your diabetes problem minus the hard work. Ive heard some amazing things about it and my mate got great results with it.
Cheers for this, I been tryin to find out about "how long does a dexcom g5 sensor last?" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Ever heard of - Camebattian Mysterious Convenience - (just google it ) ? It is a smashing one of a kind product for discovering how to end your diabetes problem minus the headache. Ive heard some decent things about it and my buddy got amazing success with it.
@@gustavocastroortiz7645 another spam-you can't get rid of type1 diabetes
after watching this i order one straight away!.... also looked on a freestyle navigator 2 but it was a huge price difference... for the libre reader and 1 sensor i payed 1500 skr including transport ( live in sweden) only order reader and 1 sensor for test the system and see if it is something that can improve my bad diabetes type 1...
I had a trail on this for 2 weeks from diabetic clinic as they would have liked me on it, and it was great but i could keep it up myself as it cost $100 a month in Australia. And its not covered by diabitic australia, or my disablitiy pension card. But it would have been great for me as i have to take my reading so many times a day and only can use one hand for finger pricks.
Hi, thanks very much for this. I've been Type 1 for 51 years, now live in France & have just ordered one to play with. Can see the Abbott Freestyle French videos BUT could not see the UK ones despite using 'Strong VPN'-'this video is not available in your country'-grrr!
So your guide is excellent for me-thanks so much!
Just got mine today here in France where we live. All the meter instructions are in French & you can't change them & neither can you alter the readings-at least I can't & neither can their Helpline. Very small-minded of Abbott I reckon.
Love your reviews! Very happy for you (and others) who's lives are improved by technology like this. I do not have diabetes but if I did I would surely be seeking a device like this.
Like uninformed views about diabetes,etc. The multi national food factories want you to believe that they are not turning diabetes type 2 into the next $-income drug industry for their healthy growth & survival.
Almost everyone will experience Type-2 diabetes in times of old age or poor health. It is not a binary on-off condition. Biologically it is an analog life description, with hopefully few of us ever experiencing the extremes of the condition.
These are really cool - wish these would come down in price. The other systems are even more expensive.
Part 2: medical advice as well. This gadget has really made a BIG change in how I control my diabetes!
Thanks so much for this review. It is very thorough and explains everything i probably should know about using mine when i begin next week. I love the fact you are professional about it. Others made me watch them opening the package and using alcohol wipes etc. Think i already know how to do that. Anyway, looking forward to better blood sugar control. Thank you!!
I like this review. Not something I can afford in my future but the technology is cool. If I can I think I would like a CGM instead of having to scan all the time. My HA1c is so much worse than yours but every diabetics has their own concerns of course. I like how thorough your review is.
I always do calibration with my Ambrosia LinkBluCon app for higher accuracy of blood glucose values and when ever the readings are showing incorrect. My libre and Blucon helps me a lot to monitor my glucose values on my phone and watch.