This video includes all FreeStyle Libre tips I learned throughout my "career". Let me know what you think and feel free to share your favorite tips! I always want to improve so I would love to hear your feedback to see whether there is anything I can do better in my future review videos. Please let me know! Love you all! I appreciate your support! If you enjoyed the video you might want to: - Subscribe to my channel by clicking this link ?sub_confirmation=1 - Say thank you and use the new "super thanks" feature. - Join as a channel member by clicking on the "JOIN" button below the video - Join my Patreon community www.patreon.com/typeonetalks - Schedule a private session with me calendly.com/typeonetalks Get you FreeStyle Libre sensors from US MED (the most trusted FreeStyle Libre distributor in the United States) www.usmed.com/typeonetalks Watch next: How I improved my insulin sensitivity 10 times ruclips.net/video/MSvddyJ9BBk/видео.html FreeStyle Libre 3 detailed review ruclips.net/video/UU6CRYiAwIY/видео.html
@@danielharper2376you can Google Libre 3 free trial. It will take you there. Note that I did it but my pharmacist told me that it only is free for government funding not to those patients with private insurance. I had to pay $35 per 1 sensor. This price is the max copay according to Abbot. If you pay more than $75 for 2 sensors, you can inform Abbot.
Excellent video and great tips. I've only been using Libre 3 for a week now but one tip I think you could add... Libre is an incredible tool for seeing how your body reacts to different kinds of foods. We all know that some foods can drastically affect your blood sugar while other foods have a very mild or no effect. But, I have encountered a number of surprises with different foods where my blood sugar was quite different from what I thought it would be... either higher or lower. People are different and knowing how your own body reacts to the foods you like will help you shape your diet for the best possible management.
When my dad was diagnosed as T2D, my mother was just overwhelmed with all the information. (In my parents' generation, wives were responsible for managing the whole family's health. Dad never took any responsibility for managing his health issues.) Mum met with dietitians, etc and just got more overwhelmed. But one time Dad was in hospital, his roommate was an elderly T1D. He had never married and lived with his sister who looked after him. She took pity on Mum and taught her how to manage Dad's diabetes. I really believe that peer to peer counseling is very important. Since I was diagnosed I have tried to pay it forward.
My doctor put me on FSL because she thought I might be pre-diabetic. For me it was eye-opening. I started to realize how I was eating and what was causing my glucose spikes. I began experimenting with different foods and how my glucose levels were changing with different meals. I challenged myself to eat in a way that would avoid the spikes. In three months my doctor said my blood test showed I was no longer in prediabetic range! But I asked my doctor to let me continue using the FSL. I want to be able to see what foods give me glucose spikes so I can make better choices and ultimately avoid becoming a type 2 diabetic. FSL is a great tool for that.
Great job! I just want to add: Dont let a quick blood sugar spike stop you from eating fruits and other healthy foods. Blood sugar spikes that quickly resolve themselves to normal levels are normal and part of a normal blood sugar response.
I have been using the Libre 1 system since Nov 2019, I remember watching one of your videos back then. I developed type 2 diabetes in 2019 with an A1C of 11.9 %, I was only on diabetic medications for 9 months, and since May 2020 I manage my diabetes with diet alone and naturally with a Libre sensor, this is what helped me put my diabetes in remission, My A1c remains around 5.8 to 6.1 % which is pre diabetes values and my New Endo explained something to me no one ever did, since over 35 yrs now I had a condition called reactive hypoglycemia, I landed in ER so many times in my 20's and 30's, I even had a cardiac arrest when my sugar level was down to 1.7 Canadian numbers, for USA it equals 31, that is when I was diagnosed on that day with the reactive hypoglycemia. No one back then told me that they now consider this condition as being pre diabetes, I was also on steroids for over 40 yrs due to autoimmune diseases (most people on steroids have high sugar levels I did not, so imagine my surprise to have an A1C of 11.9 % out of the blue when for 35 yrs I had low sugar levels, it was a shock for me. The CGM Libre is what helped me understand my own diabetes, put the type 2 in remission, but as per Endo my reactive hypoglycemia is now considered pre diabetic. He stated he will not give me medications until my A1C gets to 7.0 % and would not be sulfonylureas next, but rather a long acting insulin, reactive hypoglycemia is treated differently from type 2, so I learned something new in April 2023. He also stated he is proud of me for having changed the A1c from 11.9 to now being in pre diabetes ranges and this with diet alone, that he does not see this very often and encouraged me to keep doing what I am doing. I have autoimmune aquired gastroparesis, which means Gastroparesis is total oposite diet from type 2, so I created an in between diet for myself, using the CGM I know which foods i can or cannot eat. Our diabetes react differently to foods from one person to another, but 1 thing which truly helps is diet, or as i call it a new lifestyle, or better nutrition. Thank you so much for these videos. I am part of a diabetes group online. I used to help out a lot as i am a retired nurse. My stepson went into DKA in Feb so have been busy, his A1C was 12.9 %, when he arrived to hospital his sugar level was 49 or USA 882, he was in ICU 2 weeks heavily sedated, took 48 hrs of rehydration to revive him. I had to go live with them a few weeks as he used a walker. He is lucky to have survived, I tried to do diabetic teaching with him 2 yrs ago, he did not believe me, he wt 350 lbs, but he has turned himself around, walks well now, sugar levels are in the mid 5's, I am proud of the progress he made himself, we almost lost him, I gave him some of my extra Libre I accumulated over the yrs as when having radiology testing you have to take it off or wait to apply one if you are booked, I think the Libre is also what is helping him understand his type 2 diabetes. You are awesome and i just posted some of your video links in my support group for people to learn your tricks about the Libre system.
Just put my first Libre 2 on 15 minutes ago and found your channel when I looked up a Libre video on how to apply. I was impressed your tips. Thx so much, my new friend.
Using all of your videos Tom I have managed to be 100% in target every single day for 11 months now. My HBA1C is 5.6 / 5.7 and my average glucose is 6.5 I am so happy that I used your detailed knowledge to keep control of the diabetes monster. I do use a third party app which tells me my trend and value every 5 minutes - this is my micro management tool which I used to get my numbers under massive control. Thanks Tom for all your guidance via your fantastic videos.
@@SarcoidosisWarrior Sorry to hear that. Unfortunately having a serious disease does not make one immune from getting another. Hang in there. Do the best you can with what you got.
That's awesome. Seriously man, quite an accomplishment. What third party app are you using? I've been using diabox with a bubble mini for a while now. Used xdrip in the past with miaomiao. Just got prescribed the libre 3 this week, so I don't need the bubble anymore for Bluetooth but I'm still trying to figure out how to use a third party app for data collection and how to override the libre 3 app native alarms.
THANK YOU! This is all new to me at 60+ yrs old. Yes, it's the issue of trying to "teach an old dog new tricks". I've been having so many issues & all of these tips are very helpful.
If you need the over-patch, I suggest applying it halfway through the 14 day usage period. Otherwise, the adhesive of the over-patch becomes degraded at the same time as adhesive of the sensor puck. The sensors are calibrated at the factory. Abbott found it was less accurate to have the user calibrate it. Abbott used to sell a CGM (Navigator) that did require user calibration. In theory, it is not recommended to pre-soak the sensor for 24 hours because Voltage is not being applied to the sensor filament until it is activated. Doing so is not recommended by Abbott. Nevertheless, doing so appears to have the desired effect. This was a lot of good advice for using Freestyle Libre. I retired from Abbott Diabetes Care about five years ago. While there I volunteered as a clinical study subject for their Navigator and Libre testing.
I use an over patch that lets me leave the central circle paper. Then I change it halfway through without pull off the sensor. The sensors are too expensive to risk.
i guess it depends on on what kind it is, I only have 9 days left of my first libre and my overpatch isn't lifting at all. I took a while looking at reviews for overpatches before choosing one
I’m 68 and have just been diagnosed. I’ve been really nervous about using this and had trouble getting my Dr office to understand what I was wanting to use. You have calmed me down and explained so much. Thank you!
My wife started freeStyle Libre today. (After 28 years of pricking herself many times daily.) She uses Nr2 because N3 is not available in our health plan for now. Tnx for the great video it was a big help.
As I have to remove my son's sensor this evening, I found tips number 23 and 22 very useful . I also find that you speak a clear english, I almost understand everything even if I'm not a native english speaker. Thank you.
Bless you for making an easy to understand, accurate, and thorough video for what is a scary thing for first time users! Bless you. I learned a ton, got so many useful tips. THANK YOU!
I've used the replacement option twice when the sensor was giving weird errors, once was awful. The gentleman on the phone refused to believe the data i was giving him from my machine. He seemed more willing to believe my husband though when I handed him the phone and he read out the same data. Very frustrating but I got the needed replacement so it was worth the 45 min of pain. Be ready to be on the phone awhile!
Yikes, the fact I have to talk to someone on the phone to get a replacement means I will never, ever do it. Also that customer service rep is an asshole.
@cinnarose they Reps seem to be in a Spanish speaking country. Most likely I talked to this same man. He's rude & condescending to women. I stood up to him & told him off. He did apologize & thanked me for correcting him.
i was so frustrated with the libre 2 until i found your channel. The Presoaking tip has saved me SO SO much frustration. i am an anxious person and waiting 24 hours with only inaccurate reading was driving me crazy
I’m brand new at leaning into the seriousness of high blood sugar. Just received the Libre-3. Thank you for breaking it down including great tips. Reduced a lot of anxiety. Thank you!
My tip… order a box of 3m-1622W Tegaderm 1-3/4x1-3/4” from Amazon. Cut a little hole in the middle, line up the hole over the hole in the sensor so that the hole stays open, and gently cover the sensor. The Tegaderm is clear, feels and looks just like another set of skin, and you won’t have to worry one bit about snagging the sensor and having it fall off. I was having some inaccuracies and signal losses before using the Tegaderm. Now it is great! And I forget the sensor is even there! Also, I second your tip to put the sensor on the underside or inside of your arm. I am a side sleeper but don’t have the false compression low at night if I put the sensor just slightly towards the inside of my arm.
I was like that with the libre 2 . I wore it for 2 weeks and looked at it every 5 minutes . It drove me crazy to the point where I just took it off and I have never put it back on . I was diagnosed with type 1 a year ago at age 40 . I am thinking about putting it back on because the honeymoon period has ended and it seems like the real fight has begun now . I’ve just started watching your videos and you do create great confidence much better than the doctors
New information! Who knew about compression lows! I sleep on both sides and most all of my lows occur at 3am! Mind blown!!! 🤯 Thank you for your educational and entertaining videos! Wait....this may mean giving up my 2 Hershey's Minis that I keep handy....😢
I cannot thank you enough for your videos! The ones I have watched have been very helpful. This one, however, has been exceptionally helpful. What helps me the most, besides the good information, is that I truly feel your concern for me and for the other folks watching the videos. Thank you! I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes the other year and am still learning more about it and how to control it. The FreeStyle Libre 2 has been so helpful in my effort to control things and live a healthier life - though sensor failures still frustrate me at times. Thank you again so very much for all you are doing to help folks! May God bless you!
Hey there from New Zealand! I've just been fitted with the Libre 2 and I'm loving it!!! So much better than pricking my finger!! This video is full of so much useful and helpful information, I've subscribed to your channel to get my head around using the system.
Well done Tom. Great tips! Been on the Libre for more than 3 years now and by watching your videos I'm quite a pro haha! I'm following most of the tips and hacks you mentioned. Thanks for your guidance and support!
17:07 great tips. New user, found Libre 2 easy to use with reader and Libreview for reports. Can’t use my iphone because IOS 17.4.1 is not listed compatible. One hack I was shown was to hold the applicator firming against the sensor for 10 seconds that seems to “set” the adhesive more firmly. The concept of pre-soaking makes great sense. Thanks for your content very helpful and encouraging for a new user.
Very helpful advice. I have had my very first Libre 2 sensor fitted today! So your top tips are really useful to me. The hypo alarm has gone off three times already this evening though, and I already find them really annoying!!! Many thanks. Progress update: first sensor stayed on for 11 days, the second one for 2 days, the third one for 14 days, and the 4th lasted 20 minutes!!!
I have noticed in a lot of your videos you mention DYI, its not DYI its DIY short for "Do It Yourself" not Do Yourself It. Thanks for all your videos, they are a great help (my comment is to make them even Better as not many people know what DYI is but DIY everyone knows)
Internet slang has defined DYI as Do Yourself In. This is a general warning that actions have consequences that can be negative. For example, going out pub crawling can make you DYI, that is get in a fight or in other trouble.
I'd also mention that the sensors do not read the same (or even close) glucose readings as a manual finger prick test. I do this a few times to see the difference and the Libre 3 is alays 20-25 mg higher than the finger prick blood test. Many people think it is does the same type of test as a finger prick but it does not. The fine and thin needle doesn't test blood, but a fluid just under your skin so it's an approximation. The product documentation talks about this but many don't read it.
Wow thank you! Those are great tips. It never occurred to me that my Vitamin C is messing with my sensor. I cut the vitamin off 3 weeks ago and my sensor is acting more accurate.
Hi Tom, that is a great tips list. I'm a CGM newbie with a FSL3 and want to make the best use of the feedback it provides. My fingerstick readings (OneTouch Ultra) are done with alcohol wipe, dry, prick, squeeze, dry wipe, squeeze, sample and are quite consistent. My FSL3 readings are always between 5 and 22 mg/dl higher than fingerstick even allowing for the interstitial fluid delay. The shape of the graphs makes sense but not the vertical axis. Lots to learn and thank you for sharing your experiences in such a light and humorous manner!
I have recently picked up the martial art Brazilian jiu-jitsu, to keep my sensor on I wrap it with gauze and ace wrap. After long training I occasionally get those compressions lows. Even causing me to put a new one on. Thanks for letting me know about this now I know not to wrap it so tight!
These are some great tips! Do you have any tips for breaking the seal? I do not have the hand strength to break it, and it makes me very anxious to try to break it even with a butter knife. Thanks!
Aged pensioner in Au. Just got a LibreLink Freestyle 2 from Diabetic Educator for 2 week free trial. Not sure after that. I'm type 2 diabetes on insulin but not covered for Libre monitoring. No private health cover and so would be too expensive. Love the idea though to save doing finger pricks. Thanks for this video as great explanation on using.
This information very helpful my daughter just found out she’s a type 1 at 16 yrs old so all this is new to us we still learning first A1C was 20 went back to doctor A1C a 10 she go back in august praying it’s lower
I appreciated your comments a lot!! I'm new to this and I'm still afraid to put that on!! It looks so painful. But I had never heard that vitamin C can raise your sugars and I was taking too much! -Thank you for all the information. I'll get brave soon!
@@dbcollins6 , No, I have never gotten a bruise from it. Perhaps you pressed too hard or bumped your arm where it was applied. Sometimes I find dried blood after removing one but no pain. What is painful to me is a finger stick to test the old way.
You can also easily make your own overpatches from kinesiology tape as that is basically the same material the patches are made off. Just remember to cut a small hole for the sensor to breathe. I was nervous about sweating and/or bashing the sensor off, but patching over it helps a lot.
this is a great idea! sadly, it’s not chlorine or water friendly, it doesn’t last as long as a cheap patch from amazon does. only lasts an hour in a pool for me.
@@cocobaraxo hi Kim quick question please the cheap patch you get from Amazon. Does it have a hole in it for the sensor? I see that some patches say they do and some patches say they don’t have the hole and know what he’s of in the middle where the sensor would be do you know if the hole is necessary? I know in advance literature it says that it is but…..
@@lawnmowerman2199 hi, mine doesn't necessarily have a hole, but the area over the device/libre has a soft felt to not stick to and damage the device. my dad ordered a pack off amazon and it lasts 2 weeks and stays on in the water! i recommend getting a patch because i've ripped off the libre multiple times taking off a swimsuit, gymnastics leotard, and sports bra.
Thank you very much for this video and all the others. You have helped me understand my Libre2 much better and how to use your tips to control my type2 diabetes.
EyYo! - this is REALLY VERY AWESOME info, my new friend! I just put my mom's on for the very first time today and we probably should've watched this first lol. However, thank you for creating this vid! Much Obliged!!
I just started Libre 3 last week and LOVE this CGM! I have had two or three nights where I got a fake low. I have this under the fatty part of my arm, I don’t know if there is a actual place where we can stick these things and it not go off. Either way, this is a awesome video! I’ll be sure to incorporate the oil before taking it off. When I used Medtronics CGM, it left bruises. 😮 I so enjoy your videos thanks for supporting all of us!
Hi Tom, where is your old video on picking the perfect place to put your CGM? For the past many months, I've had so much difficulty with getting a new Libre 2 to work, so I'm looking for a new place .. back of arm not possible for me. I've been using other tips that you gave and I need to see that video again .. feel like I'm doing something wrong so please give me the link to a video where you show this thank you so much 🌼🌼🌼
Thank you so much : at the end you show exactly what I was looking for (not knowing it existed) : the complete report on freestyle web site, including all the notes I've been inputing in the app. All of that I will bring to my next doctor's consultation with true figures and something to work on with my dietitian !!
In Italy we have the sensors (and reader and sticks for the blood test) all for free. The readings go automatically to the hospital and to the diabetician that can change the prescriptions remotely. . Why? Because this practice lowers the hospitalizations of the patients and the medications for the damages a poorly controlled diabetes creates. The NHS has evaluated that it was an investment and economically advantageous.
I have had no problem getting a Libre 3 sensor to stick for the full 2 weeks. I wipe with alcohol, dry, and then place it. However, I do one other thing. I made a device that enables extra pressure to be applied to the adhesive ring. I took a short piece of 3/4” PVC pipe and turned the ID to 0.90” diameter for about 3/8”. For those who can’t handle US Customary units, 23mm diameter x 10mm deep will work. I put a slight round on the edges. The diameter allows pressing the ring whilst missing the sensor, after the sensor has been placed. Two or three seconds is all that is necessary. Alcohol does remove the glue. Put the swab on the glue residue. Let it dissolve the glue. Then wipe off. Let it be a solvent, rather than a scrub.
This was really helpful. I was not aware of a recycling technology program. I'm going to get on that right away. The sample program is also available in Canada!
I'm brand new to the Libre 3 so before watching your tutorial on the Libre 3 I just put it on my pectoral area and now I'm wondering if I Messed up. As I am not sure if the Libre 3 needs to be treated differently than the 14 day?
i was diagnosed with type 1 exactly 1 month ago . I'm considering getting a cgm to test what diffrent glycemic loads does to my blood sugar peak . like take 10 grams of pure glucose and see how much my bg goes up by (Gi of 100) and then eat popcorn with 10 carbs (55Gi) . that way i could exactly control where my blood sugar levels go ... mostly that is . would make an interesting video too if you use the cgm . i really wish i knew about glycemic load sooner . would've saved me allot of suffering after i eat
Thanks for those great tips tom! You were so right I was one of those people who use to use alcohol after taking off my sensor lol now I know warm water is better thanks so much. 🙏👍
I was given a Lebre3 while in the hospital recently. But Medicare doesn't cover the #3, because it doesn't use a separate reader. So, i am going with the Lebre2, it's covered.
You can use adhesive removers to clean the SkinTac off. I use one called Resolve. It comes in individual packets or a bottle to dispense. I wash with soap and water afterwards to make sure my skin is completely clean.
This video includes all FreeStyle Libre tips I learned throughout my "career". Let me know what you think and feel free to share your favorite tips! I always want to improve so I would love to hear your feedback to see whether there is anything I can do better in my future review videos. Please let me know!
Love you all! I appreciate your support!
If you enjoyed the video you might want to:
- Subscribe to my channel by clicking this link ?sub_confirmation=1
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Watch next:
How I improved my insulin sensitivity 10 times ruclips.net/video/MSvddyJ9BBk/видео.html
FreeStyle Libre 3 detailed review ruclips.net/video/UU6CRYiAwIY/видео.html
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I cant find the link to freestyle website, where do I need to go in order to get the free trial?
@@danielharper2376you can Google Libre 3 free trial. It will take you there. Note that I did it but my pharmacist told me that it only is free for government funding not to those patients with private insurance. I had to pay $35 per 1 sensor. This price is the max copay according to Abbot. If you pay more than $75 for 2 sensors, you can inform Abbot.
Excellent video and great tips. I've only been using Libre 3 for a week now but one tip I think you could add... Libre is an incredible tool for seeing how your body reacts to different kinds of foods. We all know that some foods can drastically affect your blood sugar while other foods have a very mild or no effect. But, I have encountered a number of surprises with different foods where my blood sugar was quite different from what I thought it would be... either higher or lower. People are different and knowing how your own body reacts to the foods you like will help you shape your diet for the best possible management.
Thank you
When my dad was diagnosed as T2D, my mother was just overwhelmed with all the information. (In my parents' generation, wives were responsible for managing the whole family's health. Dad never took any responsibility for managing his health issues.) Mum met with dietitians, etc and just got more overwhelmed. But one time Dad was in hospital, his roommate was an elderly T1D. He had never married and lived with his sister who looked after him. She took pity on Mum and taught her how to manage Dad's diabetes. I really believe that peer to peer counseling is very important. Since I was diagnosed I have tried to pay it forward.
My doctor put me on FSL because she thought I might be pre-diabetic. For me it was eye-opening. I started to realize how I was eating and what was causing my glucose spikes. I began experimenting with different foods and how my glucose levels were changing with different meals. I challenged myself to eat in a way that would avoid the spikes. In three months my doctor said my blood test showed I was no longer in prediabetic range! But I asked my doctor to let me continue using the FSL. I want to be able to see what foods give me glucose spikes so I can make better choices and ultimately avoid becoming a type 2 diabetic. FSL is a great tool for that.
Great job!
I just want to add: Dont let a quick blood sugar spike stop you from eating fruits and other healthy foods.
Blood sugar spikes that quickly resolve themselves to normal levels are normal and part of a normal blood sugar response.
@@DonQuiKong what is considered a quick resolution to a spike? How soon should a spike resolve itself?
Same here! Although I’ve just been wearing mine for 2 weeks. It’s amazing how much I’m learning and I want to wear mine forever! Hope she’ll let me!
I am doing this also for pre-diabetes.
I have been using the Libre 1 system since Nov 2019, I remember watching one of your videos back then. I developed type 2 diabetes in 2019 with an A1C of 11.9 %, I was only on diabetic medications for 9 months, and since May 2020 I manage my diabetes with diet alone and naturally with a Libre sensor, this is what helped me put my diabetes in remission, My A1c remains around 5.8 to 6.1 % which is pre diabetes values and my New Endo explained something to me no one ever did, since over 35 yrs now I had a condition called reactive hypoglycemia, I landed in ER so many times in my 20's and 30's, I even had a cardiac arrest when my sugar level was down to 1.7 Canadian numbers, for USA it equals 31, that is when I was diagnosed on that day with the reactive hypoglycemia. No one back then told me that they now consider this condition as being pre diabetes, I was also on steroids for over 40 yrs due to autoimmune diseases (most people on steroids have high sugar levels I did not, so imagine my surprise to have an A1C of 11.9 % out of the blue when for 35 yrs I had low sugar levels, it was a shock for me. The CGM Libre is what helped me understand my own diabetes, put the type 2 in remission, but as per Endo my reactive hypoglycemia is now considered pre diabetic. He stated he will not give me medications until my A1C gets to 7.0 % and would not be sulfonylureas next, but rather a long acting insulin, reactive hypoglycemia is treated differently from type 2, so I learned something new in April 2023. He also stated he is proud of me for having changed the A1c from 11.9 to now being in pre diabetes ranges and this with diet alone, that he does not see this very often and encouraged me to keep doing what I am doing. I have autoimmune aquired gastroparesis, which means Gastroparesis is total oposite diet from type 2, so I created an in between diet for myself, using the CGM I know which foods i can or cannot eat. Our diabetes react differently to foods from one person to another, but 1 thing which truly helps is diet, or as i call it a new lifestyle, or better nutrition. Thank you so much for these videos. I am part of a diabetes group online. I used to help out a lot as i am a retired nurse. My stepson went into DKA in Feb so have been busy, his A1C was 12.9 %, when he arrived to hospital his sugar level was 49 or USA 882, he was in ICU 2 weeks heavily sedated, took 48 hrs of rehydration to revive him. I had to go live with them a few weeks as he used a walker. He is lucky to have survived, I tried to do diabetic teaching with him 2 yrs ago, he did not believe me, he wt 350 lbs, but he has turned himself around, walks well now, sugar levels are in the mid 5's, I am proud of the progress he made himself, we almost lost him, I gave him some of my extra Libre I accumulated over the yrs as when having radiology testing you have to take it off or wait to apply one if you are booked, I think the Libre is also what is helping him understand his type 2 diabetes. You are awesome and i just posted some of your video links in my support group for people to learn your tricks about the Libre system.
Hello, I'm glad to read about you and your stepson's progress. If it is possible, do you mind sharing more about your diabetic group? Thank you.
Just put my first Libre 2 on 15 minutes ago and found your channel when I looked up a Libre video on how to apply. I was impressed your tips. Thx so much, my new friend.
Using all of your videos Tom I have managed to be 100% in target every single day for 11 months now. My HBA1C is 5.6 / 5.7 and my average glucose is 6.5
I am so happy that I used your detailed knowledge to keep control of the diabetes monster. I do use a third party app which tells me my trend and value every 5 minutes - this is my micro management tool which I used to get my numbers under massive control. Thanks Tom for all your guidance via your fantastic videos.
That is really impressive. No fear visiting your Endo.
@Dwight L Thanks Dwight - all of what I learned I use daily. Unfortunately I have a far more serious disease that I will never control.
@@SarcoidosisWarrior Sorry to hear that. Unfortunately having a serious disease does not make one immune from getting another. Hang in there. Do the best you can with what you got.
@@dwightl5863 Thanks Dwight You're very kind 😊
Keep fighting and my motto is
Never Give Up
Never Give In
That's awesome. Seriously man, quite an accomplishment. What third party app are you using? I've been using diabox with a bubble mini for a while now. Used xdrip in the past with miaomiao. Just got prescribed the libre 3 this week, so I don't need the bubble anymore for Bluetooth but I'm still trying to figure out how to use a third party app for data collection and how to override the libre 3 app native alarms.
THANK YOU! This is all new to me at 60+ yrs old. Yes, it's the issue of trying to "teach an old dog new tricks". I've been having so many issues & all of these tips are very helpful.
If you need the over-patch, I suggest applying it halfway through the 14 day usage period. Otherwise, the adhesive of the over-patch becomes degraded at the same time as adhesive of the sensor puck. The sensors are calibrated at the factory. Abbott found it was less accurate to have the user calibrate it. Abbott used to sell a CGM (Navigator) that did require user calibration. In theory, it is not recommended to pre-soak the sensor for 24 hours because Voltage is not being applied to the sensor filament until it is activated. Doing so is not recommended by Abbott. Nevertheless, doing so appears to have the desired effect. This was a lot of good advice for using Freestyle Libre. I retired from Abbott Diabetes Care about five years ago. While there I volunteered as a clinical study subject for their Navigator and Libre testing.
I use an over patch that lets me leave the central circle paper. Then I change it halfway through without pull off the sensor. The sensors are too expensive to risk.
@carlam6669 thanks for that info👍👍
i guess it depends on on what kind it is, I only have 9 days left of my first libre and my overpatch isn't lifting at all. I took a while looking at reviews for overpatches before choosing one
Excellent advice
I’m 68 and have just been diagnosed. I’ve been really nervous about using this and had trouble getting my Dr office to understand what I was wanting to use. You have calmed me down and explained so much. Thank you!
You may want to consult with a specialist that is familiar
Now you will be cure in 6 to 8 months looking for help about diabetes in you to is I lot of doctors that will help you ❤
My wife started freeStyle Libre today. (After 28 years of pricking herself many times daily.) She uses Nr2 because N3 is not available in our health plan for now. Tnx for the great video it was a big help.
“Stickiness” is a word 😊. It’s the noun that correlates to the adjective ’sticky’. Your English is fantastic and I ❤ your accent!!
As I have to remove my son's sensor this evening, I found tips number 23 and 22 very useful . I also find that you speak a clear english, I almost understand everything even if I'm not a native english speaker. Thank you.
Bless you for making an easy to understand, accurate, and thorough video for what is a scary thing for first time users! Bless you. I learned a ton, got so many useful tips. THANK YOU!
Just been diagnosed type 1 1/2 and am about to start insulin. Thank you for your video. Very helpful
I've used the replacement option twice when the sensor was giving weird errors, once was awful. The gentleman on the phone refused to believe the data i was giving him from my machine. He seemed more willing to believe my husband though when I handed him the phone and he read out the same data. Very frustrating but I got the needed replacement so it was worth the 45 min of pain. Be ready to be on the phone awhile!
Yikes, the fact I have to talk to someone on the phone to get a replacement means I will never, ever do it. Also that customer service rep is an asshole.
@cinnarose they Reps seem to be in a Spanish speaking country. Most likely I talked to this same man. He's rude & condescending to women. I stood up to him & told him off. He did apologize & thanked me for correcting him.
i was so frustrated with the libre 2 until i found your channel. The Presoaking tip has saved me SO SO much frustration. i am an anxious person and waiting 24 hours with only inaccurate reading was driving me crazy
I’m brand new at leaning into the seriousness of high blood sugar. Just received the Libre-3. Thank you for breaking it down including great tips. Reduced a lot of anxiety. Thank you!
Thank you for this video. I started using the Libre 3 a week ago. This video will very helpful as I begin my CGM journey.
Thank you for doing the research!
Thank you Ed!
My tip… order a box of 3m-1622W Tegaderm 1-3/4x1-3/4” from Amazon. Cut a little hole in the middle, line up the hole over the hole in the sensor so that the hole stays open, and gently cover the sensor. The Tegaderm is clear, feels and looks just like another set of skin, and you won’t have to worry one bit about snagging the sensor and having it fall off. I was having some inaccuracies and signal losses before using the Tegaderm. Now it is great! And I forget the sensor is even there! Also, I second your tip to put the sensor on the underside or inside of your arm. I am a side sleeper but don’t have the false compression low at night if I put the sensor just slightly towards the inside of my arm.
I was like that with the libre 2 . I wore it for 2 weeks and looked at it every 5 minutes . It drove me crazy to the point where I just took it off and I have never put it back on . I was diagnosed with type 1 a year ago at age 40 . I am thinking about putting it back on because the honeymoon period has ended and it seems like the real fight has begun now . I’ve just started watching your videos and you do create great confidence much better than the doctors
Thanks so much, new diabetic nurse!
New information! Who knew about compression lows! I sleep on both sides and most all of my lows occur at 3am! Mind blown!!! 🤯 Thank you for your educational and entertaining videos! Wait....this may mean giving up my 2 Hershey's Minis that I keep handy....😢
I cannot thank you enough for your videos! The ones I have watched have been very helpful. This one, however, has been exceptionally helpful.
What helps me the most, besides the good information, is that I truly feel your concern for me and for the other folks watching the videos. Thank you!
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes the other year and am still learning more about it and how to control it. The FreeStyle Libre 2 has been so helpful in my effort to control things and live a healthier life - though sensor failures still frustrate me at times.
Thank you again so very much for all you are doing to help folks!
May God bless you!
I always learn something from your videos, and, more importantly, I appreciate the support. Thank you!
Hey there from New Zealand! I've just been fitted with the Libre 2 and I'm loving it!!! So much better than pricking my finger!! This video is full of so much useful and helpful information, I've subscribed to your channel to get my head around using the system.
Well done Tom. Great tips! Been on the Libre for more than 3 years now and by watching your videos I'm quite a pro haha! I'm following most of the tips and hacks you mentioned. Thanks for your guidance and support!
17:07 great tips. New user, found Libre 2 easy to use with reader and Libreview for reports. Can’t use my iphone because IOS 17.4.1 is not listed compatible.
One hack I was shown was to hold the applicator firming against the sensor for 10 seconds that seems to “set” the adhesive more firmly. The concept of pre-soaking makes great sense. Thanks for your content very helpful and encouraging for a new user.
I’m waiting on my order to get here. That’s why I listen to you so I will know.
Thank you SO MUCH for your knowledge and information. SO helpful. I am a type 1 for over 50 years. Hugs from Chicago. P.S. Love your sense of humor.
Very helpful advice. I have had my very first Libre 2 sensor fitted today! So your top tips are really useful to me. The hypo alarm has gone off three times already this evening though, and I already find them really annoying!!! Many thanks.
Progress update: first sensor stayed on for 11 days, the second one for 2 days, the third one for 14 days, and the 4th lasted 20 minutes!!!
Did you contact Abbott to have them replaced?
I have noticed in a lot of your videos you mention DYI, its not DYI its DIY short for "Do It Yourself" not Do Yourself It. Thanks for all your videos, they are a great help (my comment is to make them even Better as not many people know what DYI is but DIY everyone knows)
Internet slang has defined DYI as Do Yourself In. This is a general warning that actions have consequences that can be negative. For example, going out pub crawling can make you DYI, that is get in a fight or in other trouble.
Is put on thigh or on abdomen good because I don’t want people know, I am a diabetic
@@anitaho3132 Why? its nothing to be ashamed of.
I never heard of Tip #14 "presoak"-ing a new sensor. Sounds great and I'll try it for my next replacement. Thanks
You're welcome!
Thanks!
Thank you!
I'd also mention that the sensors do not read the same (or even close) glucose readings as a manual finger prick test. I do this a few times to see the difference and the Libre 3 is alays 20-25 mg higher than the finger prick blood test. Many people think it is does the same type of test as a finger prick but it does not. The fine and thin needle doesn't test blood, but a fluid just under your skin so it's an approximation. The product documentation talks about this but many don't read it.
Agreed....it's annoying
Why wear one then🤷♀️
It's 20 minutes delayed since it measures interstitial fluid not blood
Wow thank you!
Those are great tips. It never occurred to me that my Vitamin C is messing with my sensor. I cut the vitamin off 3 weeks ago and my sensor is acting more accurate.
Hi Tom, that is a great tips list. I'm a CGM newbie with a FSL3 and want to make the best use of the feedback it provides. My fingerstick readings (OneTouch Ultra) are done with alcohol wipe, dry, prick, squeeze, dry wipe, squeeze, sample and are quite consistent. My FSL3 readings are always between 5 and 22 mg/dl higher than fingerstick even allowing for the interstitial fluid delay. The shape of the graphs makes sense but not the vertical axis. Lots to learn and thank you for sharing your experiences in such a light and humorous manner!
I just put my second FSL sensor on. (Been type 2 for years.) Do you still need help understanding the daily graph?
i like your style and how you educate. Thank you and greetings from Florida.
Danke!
Thank you!
I have recently picked up the martial art Brazilian jiu-jitsu, to keep my sensor on I wrap it with gauze and ace wrap. After long training I occasionally get those compressions lows. Even causing me to put a new one on. Thanks for letting me know about this now I know not to wrap it so tight!
These are some great tips! Do you have any tips for breaking the seal? I do not have the hand strength to break it, and it makes me very anxious to try to break it even with a butter knife. Thanks!
Aged pensioner in Au. Just got a LibreLink Freestyle 2 from Diabetic Educator for 2 week free trial. Not sure after that. I'm type 2 diabetes on insulin but not covered for Libre monitoring. No private health cover and so would be too expensive. Love the idea though to save doing finger pricks. Thanks for this video as great explanation on using.
This information very helpful my daughter just found out she’s a type 1 at 16 yrs old so all this is new to us we still learning first A1C was 20 went back to doctor A1C a 10 she go back in august praying it’s lower
I appreciated your comments a lot!! I'm new to this and I'm still afraid to put that on!! It looks so painful. But I had never heard that vitamin C can raise your sugars and I was taking too much! -Thank you for all the information. I'll get brave soon!
I just got mine today and I'm thinking I might make my husband apply it to my arm 😂
I was afraid, too, but I decided to do it anyway. Surprise! No pain. I have been using it for 4 years now, and I have never experienced pain.
@Kathy A have you ever gotten a bruise from it? My second application bled and bruised pretty bad 🤷♀️ But luckily, hardly even a pinch of pain!
@@dbcollins6 , No, I have never gotten a bruise from it. Perhaps you pressed too hard or bumped your arm where it was applied. Sometimes I find dried blood after removing one but no pain. What is painful to me is a finger stick to test the old way.
It's so fast that there's no pain. Finger prices hurt much more!
You can also easily make your own overpatches from kinesiology tape as that is basically the same material the patches are made off. Just remember to cut a small hole for the sensor to breathe. I was nervous about sweating and/or bashing the sensor off, but patching over it helps a lot.
this is a great idea! sadly, it’s not chlorine or water friendly, it doesn’t last as long as a cheap patch from amazon does. only lasts an hour in a pool for me.
@@cocobaraxo hi Kim quick question please the cheap patch you get from Amazon. Does it have a hole in it for the sensor? I see that some patches say they do and some patches say they don’t have the hole and know what he’s of in the middle where the sensor would be do you know if the hole is necessary? I know in advance literature it says that it is but…..
@@lawnmowerman2199 hi, mine doesn't necessarily have a hole, but the area over the device/libre has a soft felt to not stick to and damage the device. my dad ordered a pack off amazon and it lasts 2 weeks and stays on in the water! i recommend getting a patch because i've ripped off the libre multiple times taking off a swimsuit, gymnastics leotard, and sports bra.
@@cocobaraxo Hi Kim and thanks for responding!
Thank you very much for this video and all the others. You have helped me understand my Libre2 much better and how to use your tips to control my type2 diabetes.
Love your "Pancreas Co-Pilot" shirt! ❤
Great video. Thanks for all the work you do.
Thanks so much for these tips. Both my husband and I wear the Libre 2.
This is excellent. Thank you.
EyYo! - this is REALLY VERY AWESOME info, my new friend! I just put my mom's on for the very first time today and we probably should've watched this first lol. However, thank you for creating this vid! Much Obliged!!
I learned so much ! Thank you! Your videos are very valuable!
Your tips are fabulous.
I just started Libre 3 last week and LOVE this CGM! I have had two or three nights where I got a fake low. I have this under the fatty part of my arm, I don’t know if there is a actual place where we can stick these things and it not go off. Either way, this is a awesome video! I’ll be sure to incorporate the oil before taking it off. When I used Medtronics CGM, it left bruises. 😮 I so enjoy your videos thanks for supporting all of us!
How is libre 3? Is it true you also need a sensor?
@@Leopoetess I love Libre3! I've been wearing it now a few months, no the Libre3 is simply a CGM. You just need a mobile phone for the app.
@ShantiPatha🌻 I thought so, but someone at Edgepark said I would also need a sensor. Thanks.
Btw I've watched this video 4 times cause they're all great tips.
Thank you 4 days in and in love with my Libre 2 cant let my wife find out im in love with her too😍😍😍 thanks for your help
Hi Tom, where is your old video on picking the perfect place to put your CGM? For the past many months, I've had so much difficulty with getting a new Libre 2 to work, so I'm looking for a new place .. back of arm not possible for me. I've been using other tips that you gave and I need to see that video again .. feel like I'm doing something wrong so please give me the link to a video where you show this thank you so much 🌼🌼🌼
Thank you so much : at the end you show exactly what I was looking for (not knowing it existed) : the complete report on freestyle web site, including all the notes I've been inputing in the app. All of that I will bring to my next doctor's consultation with true figures and something to work on with my dietitian !!
In Italy we have the sensors (and reader and sticks for the blood test) all for free. The readings go automatically to the hospital and to the diabetician that can change the prescriptions remotely. . Why? Because this practice lowers the hospitalizations of the patients and the medications for the damages a poorly controlled diabetes creates. The NHS has evaluated that it was an investment and economically advantageous.
Love your video. So funny
and informative.
Thanks for the info on US Med. I've called them and got them working on supplying me with Libre 2 sensors.
I have had no problem getting a Libre 3 sensor to stick for the full 2 weeks. I wipe with alcohol, dry, and then place it. However, I do one other thing. I made a device that enables extra pressure to be applied to the adhesive ring. I took a short piece of 3/4” PVC pipe and turned the ID to 0.90” diameter for about 3/8”. For those who can’t handle US Customary units, 23mm diameter x 10mm deep will work. I put a slight round on the edges. The diameter allows pressing the ring whilst missing the sensor, after the sensor has been placed. Two or three seconds is all that is necessary.
Alcohol does remove the glue. Put the swab on the glue residue. Let it dissolve the glue. Then wipe off. Let it be a solvent, rather than a scrub.
This video was ver informative for a first time user. Thank you!!
Brilliant tip, Pre Soaker, will definitely be doing this in future. Thanks so much. x
Great video,very informative, thank you 👍 from the UK.
This was really helpful.
I was not aware of a recycling technology program.
I'm going to get on that right away.
The sample program is also available in Canada!
Excellent accurate info 😊
I feel there are too few alarms, so I'm currently developing my own app for libre with additional alarms, better graphs and more precise notes
I'm brand new to the Libre 3 so before watching your tutorial on the Libre 3 I just put it on my pectoral area and now I'm wondering if I Messed up. As I am not sure if the Libre 3 needs to be treated differently than the 14 day?
Great content as always..good job Tom! Your channel is a must watch for Type 1s.
that baby/coconut oil tip is a game changer
AWESOME INFORMATION!!!!! Thank you.
Thank you for your videos. I really learn so much from them, great ideas and I will watch this again!
i was diagnosed with type 1 exactly 1 month ago . I'm considering getting a cgm to test what diffrent glycemic loads does to my blood sugar peak . like take 10 grams of pure glucose and see how much my bg goes up by (Gi of 100) and then eat popcorn with 10 carbs (55Gi) . that way i could exactly control where my blood sugar levels go ... mostly that is . would make an interesting video too if you use the cgm . i really wish i knew about glycemic load sooner . would've saved me allot of suffering after i eat
Hi, question regarding tip #2 additional tools: diacent & gluco - could you please share more information (any links?), many thanks!
Thank you. Very well explained and helped me a lot.
Thanks for those great tips tom! You were so right I was one of those people who use to use alcohol after taking off my sensor lol now I know warm water is better thanks so much. 🙏👍
I use the Libre3. Thanks for the tips
Thank you! Your content really helps me!
8:25 How else will I sleep with the sensor, not laying on the back, if I have the sensor placed where you showed and recommended?
Thank you so much for the info! I especially appreciate the information on recycling the containers the CGM comes in
Hello, you have the best videos on here. I’ve been diabetic for 18 years and somehow I don’t qualify for a cgm. Not right
HG Alarms usually wake me up early morning around 4am but I ain't complaining. I'd rather know than not know.
is it wise to swim with the device or should I cover it with other water prof band aid?
This video has helped me tremendously!!! Thank you and this guy has a great sense of humor also 🙂
Thank you very much for all your tips. I have freestyle 1. I am calling to get Libre 3
You are very helpful! Thank you!
I was given a Lebre3 while in the hospital recently. But Medicare doesn't cover the #3, because it doesn't use a separate reader. So, i am going with the Lebre2, it's covered.
Your videos have been a big help to me. My a1c is now 6.7 working on getting it lower. I have a underactive thyroid so it can get a little harder.
Just got the sensor 3's. That one hurt lol but just wanted to let people know if your in the U.S and have medical the senor's are free now.
Excellent content. Thank you.
You can use adhesive removers to clean the SkinTac off. I use one called Resolve. It comes in individual packets or a bottle to dispense. I wash with soap and water afterwards to make sure my skin is completely clean.
Could you discuss tips for using CGM for Type 2 please. I am starting cgm to better manage my diabetes T2.
Is there any way to have a watch face for Libre 3?
👍 PRE ~ SOAKING 🤛
Hi, Tom. Thank you for all your hard work. I really appreciate all the videos you upload.❤
Very useful video, thank you for sharing!
Sehr hilfreich, danke. Meine Tochter hat den Libre 3 und manchmal macht er uns crazy 😰
Thank you for your tips. My son just started with the Libre 3 and had experienced some of the concerns you noted. 😊
Thanks for the feedback Nancy, all the best to your son!
Thanks for all the tips, Tom! They are really helpful for me ❤
Your a great man and my go to person for all my libre questions . Thank you
Thank you for your kind words my friend!
I like this and am experiencing the same as you diabetic for 40 years