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Making the switch to the Libre 2 CGM system can be a big change, and it’s important to make sure you have all the information you need before making any decisions. In my last article, we talked about the pros and cons of Libre 2, but you may still be on fence, and that’s totally understandable. So, today we’re going to help your decision making process by giving you 5 questions that you should ask yourself to determine if the Libre 2 system is the right choice for you.
1. Do you mind pricking your fingers every day?
For some people, pricking your finger constantly every day is more than an inconvenience. One of the biggest differences between the Libre 2 system and other glucose monitoring systems is that it does not require a finger prick every day. This is because it uses a painless sensor to seamlessly monitor the glucose in the interstitial fluid (ISF) rather than the blood.
Using the Libre 2 means that you won’t have to test your blood directly, for the most part. Using lancets may still be necessary for some situations such as during the 60-minute warm-up period when you apply new sensors to your skin, when your readings don’t match your symptoms, and when the Libre meter displays a “check blood glucose” symbol.
It’s also a good idea to double-check your blood sugar levels when you get a hypoglycemic reading of less than 4mmol/L. This ensures that you’re getting the most accurate information to keep you safe.
In short, if you don’t like lancets and want to avoid them as much as possible, then the Libre 2 may be a good choice for you. If you don’t mind pricking your finger then move on to question 2.
2. Is it important for you to track what’s triggering a spike or a drop in your readings?
The Libre 2 system is very good at giving you constant feedback on your glucose levels and overall health. This means that if you see a spike or a drop, you can immediately take a step back to determine the cause. You can then take a corrective action to keep everything on track. In some cases, this feature allows you prevent life-treating situations or a trip to the emergency room.
It’s important to note, though, that sensor readings lag slightly behind traditional finger-pricking. Things like eating, exercising, and insulin injections can all change your blood sugar levels quickly, so if it’s important to see your results immediately outside of stable occurrences using a conventional test.
The great news is with the Libre 2 Reader, you’ll have the option to perform a conventional test. But, keep in mind that you’ll only be able to use the Freestyle Precision Neo Test Strips, so make sure to keep some strips handy.
3. Do you like to exercise more freely and with less worry about fluctuating glucose levels?
The Libre 2 system is perfect for people who like to exercise, as it can help you monitor your glucose levels during and after your workout. With other glucose monitors, you must stop what you’re doing and prick your finger every time you want to check your levels. This can be a real pain, especially if you’re in the middle of a workout.
With the Libre 2, you wear a sensor for 14-days, which allows you to simply check the reader or smartphone app to get a reading. Additionally, the Libre 2 system comes with alerts you can set that will let you know when your levels are too high or too low. This is perfect for people who want to exercise without having to worry about their glucose levels.
4. Do you prefer to be more discreet about your diabetes?
The Freestyle Libre 2 CGM is as discreet as any glucose monitoring system can get. The sensor is small and placed on the back of the arm. It can be worn under clothes, meaning that no one will know that you’re wearing it unless you tell them. Because of this, you don’t need to carry or dispose of lancets and test strips every time you need to check your levels.
The Libre 2 reader is also small and can easily be carried in a pocket or purse. You can also opt out of the reader and use the Libre smartphone app instead for an even more discrete option. Just make sure that your phone is compatible with the app before you skip the reader.
5. Do you value keeping your health information organized and easily accessible?
The Libre 2 system automatically saves all your readings (about 1,440 a day) to the reader or the smartphone app. This means that you don’t have to manually write down your readings every time you check them. You can also see a trend of your readings over time, which can be helpful in managing your diabetes.
There you have it. If you answered yes to all these questions there is no doubt the Freestyle Libre 2 is the right choice for you. If you said no, check out the 5 affordable ways technology can help you manage your diabetes.
Robin is a creative individual who enjoys writing and is always looking for ways to hone her skills and share her knowledge with others. She has been writing casually and professionally for over 10 years in a variety of topics including health and wellness.
