How does the Freestyle Libre work?
The sensor uses a thin, flexible filament inserted just under the skin to measure glucose every minute.
How do you use The Freestyle Libre CGM?
Use the handheld reader to scan the sensor with a painless,4 one-second scan to replace fingersticks.*
Sensor Application
How is the sensor applied to the body?
The sensor is applied to the back of the upper arm with a simple, disposable device called an applicator. When the sensor is applied, a small (5mm) filament
is inserted just under the skin, and held in place with a small adhesive pad. Most patients don’t feel pain when applying the FreeStyle Libre sensor.*
Is it necessary to apply a sensor in a different location if I feel discomfort or in case of a mis-application?
To prevent discomfort or skin irritation, you should select a different site other than the one most recently used.
When applying the sensor to my arm, do I need to stretch or pinch the skin?
No, there is no need to stretch or pinch the skin to apply the sensor. The sensor should be applied only on the back of your upper arm. Avoid areas with scars, moles, stretch marks, or lumps. Select an area of skin that generally stays flat during normal daily activities (no bending or folding). Choose a site that
is at least 2.5 cm (1 inch) away from an insulin injection site. To prevent discomfort or skin irritation, you should select a different site other than the one most
recently used. For more information please refer to the FreeStyle Libre User’s Manual.
Patient Wear
Will the user feel the sensor while wearing it?
The portion of the sensor that gets inserted under the skin is less than 0.4 millimeter wide (1mm is about the thickness of a few strands of human hair) and it’s inserted only about 5mm under the skin, so most people will not feel the sensor while it is being worn.*
Were there any skin reactions reported by patients wearing FreeStyle Libre sensors?
Mild skin irritations, such as erythema, edema, rash, bleeding, itching, induration, and infection were reported around the insertion site and adhesive area by a moderate frequency of subjects (5 out of 48 or 10.4%).*
Can users bathe, shower, swim or exercise while wearing a sensor?
Yes. The sensor can be worn while bathing, showering, swimming or exercise. The sensor should not be taken below 1 meter of water (3 feet), and should not be submerged in water for more than 30 minutes. The adhesive is designed to keep the sensor securely and comfortably in place for up to 10 days after the start-up period.
How long can the sensor be worn?
The disposable sensor is designed to adhere to the back of the upper arm and provide accurate glucose readings for up to 10 days after the start-up period. After the 10 days, the user removes the sensor by peeling off the adhesive pad.
How do you remove the sensor?
Pull up the edge of the adhesive that keeps the sensor attached to the skin. Slowly peel away from the skin in one motion. Note: Any remaining adhesive residue on the skin can be removed with warm soapy water or isopropyl alcohol.
What if the user needs to remove the sensor before 10 days (or if it falls off)?
Users should remove the sensor and start a new sensor. The reader will identify that it is a new sensor and ask users if they want to start it. If a sensor falls off before 10 days have completed, then the user should call Customer Service at 1-855-632-8658.
What Do I Do If My FreeStyle Libre Sensor Falls Off Or Is Damaged?
If this happens to you, contact Abbott (the manufacturer of these CGM systems) here for a free replacement. Abbott’s customer service department is available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern on all days except holidays.
