March 02, 2023
free style libre sensor life extension methods 1. Communities and forums for diabetics and programmer technicians helping to extend the life of diabetic electronic devices.
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Backdate Bluetooth meter
Expiration date
Place sensor in a good location
Check with finger prick
Allow sensor time to settle in
All answers
FreeStyle Libre 14 day sensors
FreeStyle Libre 2
LibreLink smartphone application
LibreLinkUp app
LibreView website
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Research
Source: "Defective Freestyle Libre sensors" (from reddit, r/diabetes)
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Replace faulty sensors
- Abbott seems to have been replacing them (at least until now)
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Place sensor in a good location
- About an inch below deltoid on the muscle on backside of arm
- Not too far down, otherwise shirt cuff rubs sensor
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Check with finger prick
- Within first 24 hrs of application
- Check first day of application
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Allow sensor time to settle in
- 12 hour warmup may not be enough
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Treat sensor readings as “close enough”
- Don’t correct for lows without confirming with finger prick
Source: "Scan limit on freestyle libre?" (from reddit, r/diabetes)
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DIY setups to extend the life of a Libre sensor
- These setups scan frequently
- The energy to do the reading comes from the reader - not the libre sensor
- The sensor lasts 14 days because that’s how long the battery can continue running the part that checks your blood sugar before crapping out
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Device that a third party manufacturer makes
- Attaches to the sensor and allows connection to the center via Bluetooth
- Allows the sensor to last 28 days instead of 14 days
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Filament that sits under the skin starts to degrade over time
- Accuracy degrades when exceeding the FDA’s sanctioned lifecycle
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Scanning the sensor frequently will not reduce data accuracy
- Can scan up to 300 times in a 14-day period without any issues
- Can upload data to Libre view software for graphs and charts
Source: "Whats the deal with the Freestyle Libre 2 US mo..." (from reddit, r/diabetes)
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Miao Miao Bluetooth Transmitter
- Supports a few different apps (android and iOS) as well as the freestyle libre 1 and 2.
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Use LibreLink app
- Sucks less than the stupid handheld scanner
- Can do a screen cap and zoom in to see readings
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Buy Freestyle Precision Neo Test Strips
- Records finger sticks and creates graph
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Glimp App
- Can get data from libre when scanned via NFC
Source: "FreeStyle Libre sensor malfunction/replacement" (from reddit, r/diabetes)
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Communities and forums for diabetics:
- Reddit user mentioned that they contacted Abbott Diabetes Care for a replacement sensor at no charge, and Abbott is sending them a box to return the faulty sensor to them for testing.
- Reddit user mentioned that they haven’t lost confidence in the system after their sensor malfunctioned, and that it is full of tech and sometimes shit happens.
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Programmer technicians helping to extend the life of diabetic electronic devices:
- Reddit user mentioned that they are using the Libre to get a better handle on why their glucose readings have been so erratic and what foods are causing that to occur.
- Reddit user mentioned that they won’t be travelling without their test strips anymore, as it could have had terrible results for a Type 1.
💭 Looking into
What are the technical requirements for the LibreView website?
💭 Looking into
What are the risks of using an expired FreeStyle Libre 14 day sensor?
💭 Looking into
What coupons and discounts does www.diabeticoutlet.com offer for FreeStyle Libre Sensor 14-Day Supply?
💭 Looking into
What information does www.testebs.tk provide regarding extending the life of diabetic electronic devices?
💭 Looking into
What topics and discussions related to extending the life of diabetic electronic devices are discussed on Reddit?
Source: "FreeStyle Libre Sensor" (from web, www.freestyle.abbott)
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Finger pricks
- Finger pricks are required if glucose readings do not match symptoms or expectations.
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Water-resistant
- Sensor is water-resistant in up to 1 meter (3 feet) of water. Do not immerse longer than 30 minutes. Not to be used above 10,000 feet.
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Painless
- In a study conducted by Abbott Diabetes Care, 92% of patients surveyed (n=119) patients agree that it was painless or almost painless to apply the sensor.
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Compatible operating systems and browsers
- The LibreView website is only compatible with certain operating systems and browsers. Please check www.LibreView.com for additional information.
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Compatible mobile devices and operating systems
- The FreeStyle LibreLink app is only compatible with certain mobile devices and operating systems. Please check the website for more information about device compatibility before using the app. Use of FreeStyle LibreLink requires registration with LibreView. Automatic upload requires a wireless internet connection or mobile data connection.
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Compatible mobile device and operating systems
- The LibreLinkUp app is only compatible with certain mobile device and operating systems. Please check www.LibreLinkUp.com for more information about device compatibility before using the app. Use of LibreLinkUp and FreeStyle LibreLink requires registration with LibreView. The LibreLinkUp mobile app is not intended to be a primary glucose monitor: home users must consult their primary device(s) and consult a healthcare professional before making any medical interpretation and therapy adjustments from the information provided by the app.
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Accuracy of a 14-day factory-calibrated continuous glucose monitoring system
- Alva S. et al. 2020. Accuracy of a 14-Day Factory-Calibrated Continuous Glucose Monitoring System With Advanced Algorithm in Pediatric and Adult Population With Diabetes.
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Scanning every 8 hours
- For a complete glycemic picture scan once every 8 hours.
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Reader range
- The reader can capture data from the sensor when it is within 1cm to 4cm of the sensor.
Source: "FreeStyle Libre Sensor 14-Day Supply - Diabetic..." (from web, diabeticoutlet.com)
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FreeStyle Libre Sensor 14-Day Supply
- Includes 1 sensor, 1 applicator, 2 alcohol wipes, and product information card
- Rapid Results: 1 second scan results, unlimited readings during 14 day lifespan
- Continuous Monitoring: Stores glucose readings every 15 minutes
- Small, discreet sensor: size of 2 stacked quarters, scannable through clothing, stays in place for full 14 days
- Accurate readings: offers accurate readings between 40 mg/dL and 500 mg/dL
- Simple and painless application: A thin filament sits just below the skin to measure interstitial fluid
- 14 day battery life, adhesive backing, water resistant
- Compatible with FreeStyle FreeStyle Libre Reader and the LibreLink smartphone application
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Compatible Devices
- Compatible with both Apple and Android devices through the LibreLink app
- View current glucose reading, glucose trend chart, 8-hour glucose history, and add notes to track food, insulin use, exercise, etc.
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Coupons and Discounts
- Available through Diabetic Outlet newsletter, bundle discounts, and quantity discounts
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Traditional Glucose Meter and Test Strips
- Advised to use a blood glucose meter in the following situations: experiencing symptoms that are not consistent with readings, first 12 hours of wearing the sensor, reading does not include a number
Source: "Freestyle libre 14 day. Is it possible to exten..." (from reddit, r/diabetes_t1)
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It is not possible to extend the life of a sensor an extra 2 days.
- According to a user, the sensor will automatically expire after 14 days and there is no way to reconnect it.
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The calculation for most insurances is to not exceed 30 days.
- Three sensors exceed a 30 day supply.
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If you only receive a 28 day supply, you may be eligible for refill on day 28.
- This is according to a pharmacy tech and may not be the same for all insurances.
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You may be able to extend the life of the sensor by connecting it to a MiaoMiao for up to 12 hours.
- This was suggested by a user.
Source: "Do FreeStyle Libre 14 day sensors have an expir..." (from reddit, r/Freestylelibre)
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Backdate the Bluetooth meter:
- You need to backdate your Bluetooth meter (FreeStyle Libre 2 standalone meter, not mobile phone) prior to the sensors’ expiration. As far as the date I opted for, I only told the meter it was one year prior.
- It is possible to activate and use expired series 2 sensors.
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Expiration date:
- The expiration date is shown on the black bottom panel of the box, on the upper right side under the lot number.
- It is also shown on the sensor label itself.
- The expiration date is more of a (the product is 100% guaranteed sterile). So after expire date the risk of infection increases.
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Communities and forums:
- Reddit user posted a question asking if FreeStyle Libre 14 day sensors have an expiration date, if unused.
- Reddit users provided answers and shared their experiences.
💭 Looking into
What is the best way to extend the life of the FreeStyle Libre sensor?