It has not yet been approved for use by children younger than 18 years old. The FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system is intended to be used by adults with diabetes. Who Should Use the FreeStyle Libre System You’ll also want to check your levels with a finger stick if you suspect the FreeStyle Libre readings are not accurate, for whatever reason. If you experience symptoms consistent with either high or low blood sugars, do a finger stick check, regardless of what the display shows. The unit itself may prompt you to do so by indicating “Check Blood Glucose” on its display. However, there are some circumstances in which you will still need to prick your finger for a blood glucose reading, even while wearing the FreeStyle Libre. The beauty of this new system is that it does not require daily or twice-daily finger sticks for calibration or for confirming insulin dosages. Fingersticks Are Still Required, But Not as Often You will also see a graph with data from the past eight hours, so you can begin to detect trends and patterns. Once you’ve scanned the sensor, the handheld reader shows your current glucose levels, along with an arrow indicating whether your levels are stable or are trending up or down. You can scan the sensor an unlimited amount of times during its life (about 10 to 14 days). It can read through clothing, as well, which allows for more discreet testing. You simply hold it close to the sensor (within 1.5 inches) to initiate the scan. In addition to the sensor, the system includes a reader, which scans the sensor using NFC technology to receive glucose level readings from it. Apparently, the sensor may not function properly if placed in other areas. Other CGMs are often worn on other areas of the body, such as the abdomen, but that is discouraged with this system at this time. The FreeStyle Libre is only approved to be placed on the back of the upper arm. Insertion of the sensor is simple and painless. The sensor is a tiny filament (0.2 inches in length, about the thickness of a hair, according to a review on Diatribe) that penetrates the top layers of skin and reads the glucose levels in the interstitial fluid, rather than in the blood directly. Similar to other CGMs, the FreeStyle Libre is a small, round plastic device (called a “patch”) that adheres to the skin and contains a sensor, which is inserted into the skin. It is intended to help adults with diabetes achieve better glucose control without the need for finger sticks. This system, designed by Abbott, received FDA approval in September 2017. It does not require routine finger sticks for calibration or for insulin dosing. The FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System is a form of continuous glucose monitor that requires the user to “scan” the sensor to obtain current glucose readings. Medically Reviewed by Tamara Randall, MS, RDN, LD, CDE, FAND
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