Freestyle Libre 2 Continuous Glucose Monitoring Sensor

Key Information

The FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device that helps you to easily manage your blood sugar levels. This diabetes monitoring device allows you to receive real-time glucose readings that are sent straight to your smartphone or your FreeStyle Libre 2 reader.

The FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor helps to improve glucose control by keeping you updated with your blood sugar levels and, therefore, allowing you to reduce time in hypoglycemia. This device also allows you to see how factors such as activity, medication, and food are impacting your glucose levels. 

With its convenient design, it is easy to use and comfortable to wear with no finger pricks involved. In addition, it is proven to be capable of significantly lowering your HbA1c.

Usage Instructions

Preparing the Sensor:

• Before applying the sensor, ensure that the area where you plan to attach it is clean, dry, and free from creams, lotions, or oils.

• Gather the necessary equipment: the sensor pack, alcohol wipes, and the FreeStyle Libre 2 reader or compatible smartphone app.

Applying the Sensor:

• Open the sensor pack carefully, and remove the sensor from its protective packaging.

• Using an alcohol wipe, clean the application site, and allow it to dry completely.

• Attach the sensor to the cleaned area, ensuring it is firmly pressed against the skin. Hold it in place for a few seconds to secure it.

Starting the Sensor:

• Activate the sensor by scanning the sensor's QR code using the FreeStyle Libre 2 reader or smartphone app. This initiates the sensor and starts glucose monitoring.

Scanning and Getting Readings:

• To obtain glucose readings, you can either scan the sensor with the FreeStyle Libre 2 reader or use a compatible smartphone app if you've set it up.

• Hold the reader or smartphone close to the sensor to initiate the scan. You'll receive a real-time glucose reading, as well as information about trends in your blood sugar levels.

• You can scan as frequently as you like. However, you should scan at least once every eight hours to prevent gaps in your daily graph.

Configuring Alarms (Optional):

• If desired, you can set up alarms to notify you of high or low glucose levels and signal loss between the sensor and the reader or app. Follow the instructions provided in the user manual or app settings to customise alarms based on your preferences.

You can set up glucose alarms in two different ways. To set up alarms through the FreeStyle LibreLink app:

• Tap alarms in the menu section.

• Touch the ‘low glucose alarm’ and turn on the alarm. These alarms are off by default. However, the signal loss alarm is turned on when the glucose alarm is turned on.

• You can then scroll to select the low glucose value - the point at which your alarm will go off when glucose levels go below this point.

• Press ‘alarm tone’ and then choose the tone you would like.

• You can then set up your high glucose alarm using the same steps as above. 

To set up alarms on your FreeStyle Libre 2 reader:

• Touch the settings button.

• Touch ‘alarms’, then touch ‘change alarm settings’

• Turn on your chosen alarm, as they are off by default. The signal loss alarm is automatically turned on after setting up a glucose alarm.

• Use the arrows to set the low and high glucose alarm levels.

• You can then alter how the alarm works through the ‘sound and vibration’ menu.

Managing Data:

• Regularly scan the sensor to monitor your glucose levels throughout the day. This data can help you make informed decisions about your diabetes management.

Replacing the Sensor:

• The FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor typically needs to be replaced every 14 days. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for safely removing and disposing of the old sensor, then apply a new one following the steps above.

Warnings

The FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor can help you calculate an insulin dose through the system’s insulin calculator.  However, this feature must be set up by a healthcare professional experienced with the use of insulin.

Using the settings that they enter, the glucose reading from the blood glucose meter, and carbohydrate information added by the user, the insulin calculator found in the reader can calculate a recommended insulin dose.

Children between the ages of 2 and 12 can use the FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor. However, its use is limited to children who are supervised by a caregiver or are at least 18 years old.

The caregiver must assist and manage the child using the FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor and interpreting, or assist the child in interpreting the sensor’s glucose readings.