The FreeStyle Libre is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system that measures your glucose levels every 15 minutes and displays them on a handheld reader or a compatible smartphone app. It is a great alternative to traditional blood glucose meters, which require you to prick your finger to get a reading.
What is Freestyle Libre?
The FreeStyle Libre system consists of two parts: a sensor and a reader. The sensor is a small, flexible filament that is inserted just under the skin on the back of your upper arm. It measures glucose levels in your interstitial fluid, which is a fluid that surrounds your cells. The sensor sends glucose readings to the reader every 15 minutes.
The reader is a handheld device that displays your current glucose level, a trend arrow indicating whether your glucose levels are rising or falling, and a graph of your glucose levels for the past 8 hours. You can also use a compatible smartphone app to view your glucose data.
Key Features of the Freestyle Libre 14 Day Sensor
The Freestyle Libre 14 Day Sensor boasts several compelling features that make it an attractive choice for diabetes management:
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14-Day Wear: The sensor offers up to 14 days of continuous glucose monitoring, eliminating the need for frequent sensor changes.
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Painless Application: The sensor is easy to apply and remove, minimizing discomfort.
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No Finger Pricks: Unlike traditional blood glucose monitoring, the Freestyle Libre 14 Day Sensor eliminates the need for routine finger pricks.
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Real-Time Glucose Data: The sensor provides real-time glucose readings, allowing users to make informed decisions about their diabetes care.
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Trend Arrows: The sensor displays trend arrows, indicating whether glucose levels are rising, falling, or stable.
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Glucose History: The sensor stores glucose data for up to 90 days, enabling users to track trends and patterns.
Pros and cons of the FreeStyle Libre
Pros:
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No finger pricks
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Continuous glucose monitoring
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Easy to use
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Water-resistant
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Painless application
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Affordable
Cons:
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Sensor can fall off
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Sensor can be inaccurate in some cases
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Can interfere with MRI scans
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Not covered by all insurance plans
How to use the FreeStyle Libre monitor
To use the FreeStyle Libre monitor, you will need to:
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Apply the sensor to the back of your upper arm.
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Wave the reader over the sensor to get a reading.
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View your glucose data on the reader or smartphone app