What to Know About the FreeStyle Libre GCM

When the FreeStyle Libre was approved by the FDA in 2017, it was considered the first-ever non-blood calibration CGM system. This means you don’t have to use a finger stick to provide a blood sample.

Instead, the monitor works via a small sensor placed just below the surface of your skin. You need to place the accompanying screen monitor above the system to get your glucose reading.

Each sensor lasts up to 14 days. After this time, you’ll need to replace it with a new one. You must continue to purchase new sensors, but you have to buy the monitoring system only once. The monitor itself runs on rechargeable batteries.

Here’s a breakdown of how to use the monitor.

1. Insert the sensor

To set up the FreeStyle Libre, you must first insert the sensor into your upper arm with an applicator that’s included with the set. The sensor itself is about the size of a coin and is applied just underneath the top layer of your skin. This process is said to be painless, but some users experience mild skin irritation.

2. Wave the monitor above the sensor

Instead of checking your glucose several times a day with a finger stick, you wave the monitor above the sensor in your skin to check your levels anytime you wish.

3. Set reminders for yourself

Since the FreeStyle Libre doesn’t have automatic alerts when your blood glucose is at dangerous levels, it’s important to set reminders to regularly check your monitor. You should check your levels at least every 8 hours.

4. Switch out the sensor

The original FreeStyle Libre allowed users to wear the sensor wire for up to 10 days before switching it out. Now, you can wear it for up to 14 days at a time.

Like traditional blood glucose monitors, the FreeStyle Libre gives you information about your sugar levels. It can indicate either hyperglycemia, where your glucose levels are too high, or hypoglycemia, where your levels are too low.

When used over time, the monitor can also help you see patterns in your blood sugar levels. For example, you may notice they’re stabilizing or trending upward or downward. Such information is crucial to share with your doctor to help determine your diabetes treatment plan.

Overall, users appreciate the functionality and ease of use of the FreeStyle Libre. But there have been reports of unusual fluctuations in glucose readings, especially during the last day of the sensor’s life.

Research behind the Freestyle Libre

Some promising studies point to the FreeStyle Libre’s connections to a reduced risk of diabetes complications.

For example, a 2020 study found a 52% decrease in hospital visits for ketoacidosis in people with type 1 diabetes and a 47% decrease in those with type 2 diabetes.

Despite its approval, the FDA still notes some risks associated with the FreeStyle Libre, including:

• skin irritation from where the sensor wire is inserted
• potential for false readings
• possible spikes or falls in blood glucose that aren’t detected until you wave the monitor in front of the sensor
• the possibility of blood glucose issues during sleep, in which the system won’t alert you (unless you’re using the Libre 2 or 3)

Abbott Laboratories, the company that manufactures the FreeStyle Libre, is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau. Also, the BBB page for the company shows multiple active alerts. None of the alerts are related to the FreeStyle Libre device, though.

While the BBB page features only 36 customer reviews, recent ones note some potentially life threatening inaccuracy issues with the device. Multiple people complain of faulty and failed sensors and mention having trouble getting replacement ones.

Abbott also has a low rating on Trustpilot, an average of 1.4 out of 5 stars. Most reviews cite poor customer service.

The FreeStyle Libre provides freedom from taking frequent blood samples throughout the day via finger sticks.

You may find the FreeStyle Libre easier to use if you have to travel. This CGM is also waterproof for up to 30 minutes at a time. You don’t have to worry about the sensor getting destroyed after a quick swim, shower, or bath. Avoid submerging the sensor beyond a few feet of water.

Who may want to consider other options?

This blood glucose monitor may not be right for all users. Given that there are concerns with the accuracy, your doctor may recommend a traditional blood glucose monitor if your condition causes frequent glucose spikes or crashes.

You may also consider having a backup monitor with traditional blood testing in case you experience symptoms of hypoglycemia that the FreeStyle Libre isn’t showing.

Note that the FreeStyle Libre isn’t approved for people on dialysis or pregnant people.

Once you purchase the entire system, you need to purchase only replacement sensors. Each sensor lasts for 14 days.

You’ll need a doctor’s prescription to buy the FreeStyle Libre. With private insurance, the monitor costs between $10 and $75 a month. This would equal about two 14-day sensors.

The monitor is also covered by Medicare, though you may still experience out-of-pocket costs for your diabetes care.

Aside from ease of use, the FreeStyle Libre has a lower cost than other CGMs.

The FreeStyle Libre is sold at pharmacies and medical supply stores. It’s not available on e-commerce or at big-box stores without a prescription.

Other technologies are also expected in the future, such as a laser technique known as Raman spectroscopy.

Depending on your diabetes treatment plan and health, your doctor may recommend a traditional blood-calibrating CGM that requires finger sticks.

How much does FreeStyle Libre cost?

Cost depends on whether you have insurance coverage. But the average list price for the device is about $70. Also, you have to pay for replacement sensors. According to Abbott, these can cost between $10 and $75 monthly, depending on your insurance coverage.

Do you have to be on insulin to use FreeStyle Libre?

Technically, you don’t need to be on insulin to use the Freestyle Libre. The device’s purpose, though, is to help monitor and regulate blood glucose levels in people who require insulin.

How often does the FreeStyle Libre take readings?

The device takes readings every minute.

The FreeStyle Libre is a blood glucose monitor that doesn’t require blood samples or finger sticks. The readings are based on a sensor on your arm continuously for up to 14 days at a time.

You can check your glucose levels any time, but you should do so at least every 8 hours. You can do this by waving the monitor in front of your sensor.

While the FreeStyle Libre is perhaps easier — and more affordable — than other types of glucose monitors, it may not be right for every person with diabetes. The system carries the risk of inaccurate readings and doesn’t automatically alert you if your glucose is at a dangerous level.

Talk with your doctor about the FreeStyle Libre and other options. They can help determine which system is right for you.