day in the life with freestyle libre 2
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Abbott Diabetes Care, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
My motto for life has always been to “live life to the fullest.” When I was newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, it made me feel like I was always carrying around a giant burden. I felt I had a constant reminder of my chronic illness with all the supplies I had to bring with me. I hated carrying my glucose meter, test strips, and finger pricker everywhere I went. I hated stopping whatever I was doing to take a few minutes to test my glucose levels. I hated having to test in public or inconvenient places. I felt that my life’s motto was taken away from me, preventing me from actually living my life to its fullest. Not only was I scared of using needles, but I was also terrified of wearing diabetes medical devices on my body. Back then I didn't like the idea of having something on me all the time and was nervous to see it on my body.
Until one day a fellow diabetes friend dared me to finally try a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), and I FINALLY did it! Little did I know that I would instantly fall in love with the technology, and I have never looked back since! It was the best decision I have made for my lifestyle and diabetes management.
I had been using the FreeStyle Libre 14 day system for about a year and I absolutely loved it! But there was one major thing that I was personally missing for my management – alarms.
Many times, I would be going about my day and not realize that my glucose levels were trending high or low. So, when the new FreeStyle Libre 2 system came out and included optional, real-time glucose alarms*, I hopped right on it!
I have always been an active person (hiking, camping and running are my jam), so the fact that I could be in middle of a hike and easily †1 scan my Freestyle Libre 2 to check my glucose levels without stopping was a game changer for me. I could quickly test anytime ‡ and not have it interfere with what I was doing! Sometimes, I’m not able to feel that I am high or low^ during rigorous activities, so being able to have my alarms on to alert me prevents any surprises. My FreeStyle Libre 2 system helps me stay in the moment, enjoy myself, and not constantly think about what my glucose levels are doing.
Here are the overall 5 top reasons why I love my FreeStyle Libre 2 system:
1. It is so easy and painless †1 to put on a sensor.
To be honest, I was mentally preparing for the worst when I was putting on my first sensor ever. As I closed my eyes, clenched my teeth, and braced for the pain, I pressed the inserting button, and bam! No pain, nothing! I was shocked! So now every time I put on a new sensor, I do it with no fear or hesitation! Feels pretty nice to have it be that easy!
2. I love how small, thin, and comfortable †1 the sensor is.
As a young adult who likes to be fashionable, I like how my sensor doesn't bulge out from my clothes.
It is discreet and unnoticeable. The thinness** also prevents the sensor from being caught on clothing or bumped on doorways causing it to rip off. I never get a sore feeling in my arm from the sensor. I often forget I even have it on! I can lay on it, tap it, and not feel any difference!
3. I’m fingerstick-free for 14 days §3 !
I love how long the sensor lasts and STAYS on, at least for me, for a full 14 days. It’s the longest-lasting CGM sensor (40% longer than others ||3,4 ) and it really makes a difference to not have to change a sensor so often. I’m also a big fan of the sensor placement on the back of my upper arm. It is a great place that is discreet †1 , out of the way of clothing snags, and it is in an area that doesn’t sweat heavily when working out.
3. I’m fingerstick-free for 14 days §3 !
I love how long the sensor lasts and STAYS on, at least for me, for a full 14 days. It’s the longest-lasting CGM sensor (40% longer than others ||3,4 ) and it really makes a difference to not have to change a sensor so often. I’m also a big fan of the sensor placement on the back of my upper arm. It is a great place that is discreet †1 , out of the way of clothing snags, and it is in an area that doesn’t sweat heavily when working out.
5. Unsurpassed 14-day accuracy 3 and lower A1C †5,6
I truly love I can wake up in the middle of the night to easily †1 scan my FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor and trust that it’s correct and accurate3 , and then do the necessary. I’ve been able to noticeably see better control of my numbers and reach my target A1C †5,6 !
Using a continuous glucose monitor like the FreeStyle Libre 2 system truly makes a big difference in my overall diabetes management and lifestyle. It’s so refreshing and relieving to be able to use something that can support me instead of just being an extra burden. I am very thankful for the fact that diabetes technology continues to evolve, improve, and make our hard lives with diabetes a little bit easier, letting us continue to live our lives to the fullest! My FreeStyle Libre 2 system has helped more than just with my diabetes management; it’s given me back my freedom!
If you’re interested in trying FreeStyle Libre 2 system yourself for free ¶ , visit myfreestyle.us to see if you’re eligible.
Disclaimers/References:
* Notifications will only be received when alarms are turned on and the sensor is within 20 feet of the reading
device.
† Data from this study was collected with the outside US version of the FreeStyle Libre 14 day system. FreeStyle Libre
2 has the same features as FreeStyle Libre 14 day system with optional real-time glucose alarms. Therefore the study
data is applicable to both products.
‡ Glucose readings are not available during 1-hour warm-up, when sensor is too hot or too cold, when you see an
error or "LO" or "HI" message, or no current glucose reading.
^ Alarm notifications depend on the threshold set by the user.
** FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor has the thickness of two stacked quarters.
§ Fingersticks are required if your glucose alarms and readings do not match symptoms or when you see Check Blood
Glucose symbol during the first 12 hours.
|| Based on comparison to Dexcom G6.
¶ Eligible patients will receive one (1) FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor and reader at $0 copay. The expiration date of the
voucher is 60 days from the issue date. This program is not available for patients with gestational diabetes. Only
patients 4 and older are eligible to receive an offer for the FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor and reader. This offer is void
where prohibited by law. Abbott may modify or rescind this offer at any time without notice. The discounts are not
available to beneficiaries of Medicare, Medicaid or other federal or state healthcare programs or residents of
Massachusetts, Puerto Rico and other US territories. The free FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor and reader is provided as a
sample and is limited to one NDC per eligible person. The FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor and reader cannot be re-sold,
traded nor submitted to any third party payer for reimbursement and is not provided as any inducement for future
purchases.The free sample card is not health insurance.
Haak, T. Diabetes Therapy (2017): https://doi.org/10.1007/s13300-016-0223-6
Bolinder, J. The Lancet (2016): https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(16)31535-5.
FreeStyle Libre 2 User’s Manual
Dexcom G6 CGM User Guide
Evans, M. Diabetes Therapy (2020): https://doi.org/10.1007/s13300-019-00720-0.
Kroeger, J. Diabetes Therapy (2020): https://doi.org/10.1007/s13300-019-00741-9.
Visit http://www.freestylelibre.us/safety-information.html for safety information.