Kenneth has been using the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus for two months after being diagnosed with Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA) in 2009.
Benefits
The FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus helps me manage my blood sugar levels because I can then identify what caused my highs and lows. When I eat something, I can see soon afterwards how it affects my blood sugar levels.
I’ve worked out that I need a higher ratio of protein to carbohydrate, which I agreed with my healthcare team, and my blood sugars are more stable as a result.
I drive for a living, and now I no longer need to prick my fingers eight times a day. It gives a good guide to what my sugar levels are during the day, and if the reading is 5mmol/l I know I’m OK to drive.
I work at supermarkets and I drive to six or seven different ones every day. My job is quite physical. I burn a lot of calories, and my sugars can suddenly drop without warning, so it’s helpful to have the glucose alarm that the device provides. If my blood sugar levels go below a certain level, my phone will beep and I know I need to eat some Slow-acting carbohydrate.
I haven’t had a hypo (low blood sugar) while I’m driving but the alarm would let me know I needed to stop on the side of the road and treat a hypo if necessary
My healthcare professional can also see my glucose data so they can help me tweak my insulin doses, if necessary. This was particularly helpful when I switched insulins.
Limitations
There are no limitations for me in terms of the actual device. It works well for me, and I found it easy to set up and use the app which shows the glucose readings on my mobile
My Libre 2 Plus is funded by the NHS. But I’d say it’s a limitation that not everyone with diabetes can get this device on the NHS.
When I asked my GP for funding for a CGM, I think it helped that I’d tried a CGM before in a free trial and I could say it had worked well for me. I think being on insulin was the deciding factor. But I did push for the device.
(Find out about who may qualify for a CGM on the NHS).
What led to you using tech?
Having to test blood glucose every two hours because of my driving, after being moved to insulin about eight months ago, which made me more prone to hypos. Before I was taking Metformin and Glipizide.
