Here is the background – I’m on an insulin pump, a medtronic one. I occasionally use the Enlight continuous glucose monitors (CGM) that integrates with the pump – however they cost about £50 each and not generally available on the NHS.
I use the sensors when I’m out on a long run or testing the settings on my insulin pump. Technically they should only last 6 days but I’ve found putting it on the upper arm makes it more reliable and I’ve eeked out over 3 weeks, much to the disgust of my diabetic nurse – who in summary told me that it was licensed for use there, I could get an infection and my arm might fall off (the latter a bit poetic!).
I’m on the last of these sensors and thinking should I try out the Dexcom system which is reputedly more accurate / reliable and online users report 1 month use per sensor. Similar cost. Then Abbott brought out this new system called the Libre.
A local Type 1 diabetic group in Lancaster had a rep from Abbott along to demo the units and I was keen to check it out – perhaps this was an alternative.
Whats the fuss? well Abbott are selling this as a replacement for finger prick testing. Yet it takes a reading every minute (CGM is 5 mins). Its not quite live as a CGM as you have to wave the reader past the sensor to download the most recent data.
I’ve just fitted the sensor so need a bit of time to evalute it. But here are my thoughts so far.
Advantages
- Its cheaper to run than a CGM although with the ability to extend life of Enlites its about the same.
- You don’t need to calibrate the device
- You can ditch the finger pricking kit – almost as it doesn’t cover driving but one thought is just leave finger pricking kit in car.
- From reports its more accurate than CGM
- The reader works as a finger prick meter but need the strips
Disadvantages
- Its not testing BLOOD glucose so there is a lag against real time
- For some really odd reason the meter only stores the most recent 90 days worth of data. I say odd because the cost of storage is so low for this amount of data – its just daft. Suspect some data protection reason or something equally stupid.
- Another bit of kit to carry – ALTHOUGH in theory can ditch finger pricking kit.
- The reader has a USB port that is not covered – for me popping it in my pocket whilst running on a damp night it could easily get damaged. Just a little rubber cap would have done nice.
Its worth stating particularly for those who have not used a CGM the inserting the sensor is almost pain free. The sensor is not obtrusive and fair less likely to be knocked like the enlite.
Initial thoughts, its great – the cost is making it more more affordable to a lot more users and the initial outlay is considerably less than the CGM offering.
Yep I know its not a CGM – it doesn’t give live data but it does give the same data which would be used to review what is happening during the day.
Back in a few weeks with a bit more detailed report on how well it works.
These blogs are worth a read
http://thetangerinediabetic.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/libre-fgm-v-enlite-cgm.html
http://www.everydayupsanddowns.co.uk/2014/10/abbott-freestyle-libre-results-vs-bg.html
Facebook Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/748445301888935
