The FreeStyle Libre iPhone App is here, finally! I am so excited you guys! Now, there’s no excuse for me to not scan my sensor. I always have my phone with me and I no longer have to bring the FreeStyle Libre meter with me anymore.
I have been using the FreeStyle Libre for about 4 months now and I can definitely say that it is a game changer. If you are not using it, you should really consult with your doctor to see if it’s a right fit for you. I personally do not like testing my bloodsugar by pricking my fingers 4+ times a day. With the FreeStyle Libre, you can place the sensor on the back of your arm and not have to replace it again for 10 days. The 14 day sensors are also now available in the US. I’m going to ask my doctor to switch it over when I see him next week.
Download the FreeStyle Libre iPhone App
I downloaded the FreeStyle Libre iPhone App yesterday and it’s been great. Again, I don’t carry the meter anymore but it is in my bathroom ready to be used if needed. It’s pretty similar to the FreeStyle Libre meter and has the functionality of the LibreView webpage.
Gallery of in App images
Pros for the FreeStyle Libre:
- 1 time sensor insertion every 10/14 days vs 4+ needle pricking a day.
- Scan your sensor with your iPhone or Android. There is no need to carry around your meter. (Again, please discuss this with your doctor since it’s always a good idea to check your blood sugar using traditional methods if you don’t feel right.)
- Scan your sensor once every 8 hours. The FreeStyle Libre sensors will hold the latest 8 hours of data. For example, if you scan at 8:00 AM but forget to scan until 8:00 PM, it will only report on the latest 8 hours which is from 12:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Your data from 8:00 AM until 11:59 AM will not be available.
Cons for the FreeStyle Libre:
- The sensor is large (relative term) and visible. If you’re the type to feel like everyone is looking at you, you will feel like some people are staring. I have gotten some looks and stares. Only one person has asked about it though, a 4 year old. I told him it’s my medicine and he accepted that answer. I’ve come up with lots of answers to tell adults though. None of them true, of course: I’m a Cyborg; I’m doing a beta testing of always being monitored by a famous social media app. Fun stuff!
- There is an initial 12 hour warm up period where the readings are unavailable. During this time, I test my blood sugar traditionally. I try to time this period at night so that majority of the warm up period is while I’m asleep. Again, talk to your doctor about the best time for YOU to do the warm up period is.
- The sensor might come off before the 10/14 day life span is up. This just happened to me this weekend. I woke up and the bandage was missing and had to look under the covers to find it. I think it was because I had done a lot of exercise sweating and I also swam with my son in the pool. I’m going to call Abbott (the manufacturers of FreeStyle Libre) to find out what can be done. I’ll update you guys with the results once I find out. I initially did a search and found that there are arm wraps and bandages that you can use to cover the sensor.
Have you guys been using the FreeStyle Libre and App? Let us know what you think. Also, if you’ve found hacks that the rest of us don’t know, please share those too.
