Freestyle Libre 3 is an advanced blood glucose monitoring system that is designed to provide a more accurate and comfortable monitoring experience for people with diabetes. It offers features like Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) and accurate measurement, allowing for more timely and informed decisions about diabetes care. In this article, we’ll discuss the features, benefits, and best practices for using Freestyle Libre 3. Let's get started!
What is Freestyle Libre 3?
Freestyle Libre 3 is a revolutionary device that offers real-time diabetic management. It is a smart glucose monitoring system developed by Abbott Laboratories, allowing users to monitor their glucose levels with a 14-day continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system. The device can be worn on the arm, underneath clothing, and continuously sends glucose readings to a mobile application that can be conveniently accessed on a smartphone.
The Freestyle Libre 3 device is composed of a small sensor that is attached to the back of the arm and held in place with a sticker patch. It is designed to track glucose levels every 15 minutes and send them to the app every 8 hours. Additionally, the device has an alarm that alerts the user if the glucose levels reach a pre-defined low or high threshold.
The app also contains a data graph and digital diary, helping users easily understand their glucose levels and manage their diabetes effectively. The Freestyle Libre 3 system is designed to provide greater convenience and accuracy when monitoring glucose levels. The device has been approved in the US by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is CE-marked in Europe, meaning it is proven safe and effective for personal use.
Additionally, it is supported by several diabetes management platforms, allowing users to easily integrate their glucose data with other monitoring tools. Overall the Freestyle Libre 3 system is a revolutionary product that provides unprecedented convenience and accuracy for diabetic management. It helps users easily monitor their glucose levels and provides the peace of mind that comes with knowing that their diabetes is being accurately monitored.
Features of Freestyle Libre 3
Freestyle Libre 3 is the third generation of Freestyle Libre glucose monitoring systems, designed with the ultimate goal of reducing the burden of diabetes. This system comes with an innovative suite of features that make it a great option for those with diabetes. Let’s dive deep into these features.
Measurement Accuracy
The Freestyle LIBRE 3 system is designed to provide accurate measurements of glucose levels without the need for fingersticks. The system uses a patented factory-calibrated FreeStyle Glucose Sensor which records a steady stream of real-time glucose readings throughout the day and night. The glucose readings are compared to a calibration curve to provide a calculated glucose result.
The accuracy of the FreeStyle LIBRE 3 system is comparable to existing fingerstick-based glucose meters. Clinical studies have shown that the FreeStyle LIBRE 3 system is accurate within the range of 54 mg/dL to 440 mg/dL. Within this range, the absolute mean difference between the FreeStyle LIBRE 3 system and a fingerstick-based glucose meter is 6.4%.
At the low end of the range the FreeStyle LIBRE 3 system is accurate within 8.6%, while at the high end of the range, accuracy is within 3.2%. The accuracy of the FreeStyle LIBRE 3 system has been tested and proven in multiple clinical trials, making it a reliable and effective tool for managing glucose levels. By streamlining and simplifying glucose monitoring the FreeStyle LIBRE 3 system can help users better manage their diabetes and improve their overall wellbeing.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring
(CGM) is a feature available with the Freestyle Libre 3 system that allows individuals with diabetes to track their blood sugar levels in real time. The Freestyle Libre 3 system consists of a small, easy-to-use sensor that is inserted just under the skin and a reader device that allows the individual to check their glucose levels without having to prick their finger.
It is free from manual calibrations and can provide accurate readings of blood glucose levels over an extended period of time. This system provides several important benefits to individuals with diabetes. Firstly, it eliminates the need to manually check glucose levels over the course of a day. This eliminates the inconvenience of having to constantly prick the finger to test glucose levels, while still ensuring accurate readings.
Secondly, the Freestyle Libre 3 CGM system provides a continuous stream of data that can be used to make more informed decisions about diabetes management. This data can be used to identify patterns in blood glucose levels that can help individuals better manage their diabetes.
Finally, the Freestyle Libre 3 CGM system provides features such as alarms, reports and trend graphs that can be used to identify developing trends in blood glucose levels that can help individuals take steps to avoid potentially dangerous situations.
Compatibility with other Devices
The Freestyle LIBRE 3 is designed to work with a wide variety of compatible devices. The device is able to communicate with computers, smartphones, and other medical devices. With the Freestyle LIBRE 3, users are able to access their readings from a variety of devices, allowing for better tracking of trends and patterns.
The Freestyle LIBRE 3 is also compatible with a number of apps, allowing users to monitor their readings without the need for a separate device. The Freestyle LIBRE 3 is also compatible with a variety of smartwatches so users can easily keep track of their glucose level even when they are away from their device.
The device also features Bluetooth compatibility which allows users to sync their data with a compatible device. This allows users to access their readings even when they are away from their Freestyle LIBRE 3. The device also features a USB connection which allows users to transfer their data to other devices.
How to use Freestyle-LIBRE-3
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use the Freestyle LIBRE 3:
1. Insert Sensor: The first step is to insert the sensor. The small devices come with a special applicator that is designed to insert the sensor painlessly into the upper arm.
2. Connect Device: Once the sensor is inserted, it’s time to connect your device to the reader. You will need to use the provided USB cable to connect the reader to your computer or smartphone.
3. Activate the Sensor: After connecting the reader to your device, you will need to activate the sensor. This is achieved by pressing the “start” button on the reader and entering a unique code.
4. Keep Reader on Hand: You will need to keep the reader close at all times as it will be used to measure your glucose levels every 10 minutes.
5. Test Glucose Levels: To test your glucose levels, you will need to hold the reader with one hand and place your finger on the other hand against the sensor. This will give you an accurate reading.
6. Download App: You can also download the Freestyle-LIBRE app which will provide you with more detailed insights into your glucose levels. By following these steps, you can ensure that you are using the Freestyle-LIBRE 3 correctly and efficiently. The device is designed to provide accurate and reliable readings without the need for routine finger prick tests and can help you manage your diabetes more easily.
Best practices for accurate readings
When using the Freestyle Libre 3 system, it is important to understand that there are best practices for taking accurate readings. Taking measurements can only be done when the device is held firmly on the back of the upper arm for 10 minutes and with clean, dry skin. It is important to avoid using any other sensor site such as the palm, abdomen, thigh, or lower arm.
The device should only be used on one arm and it should never be worn on the arm that is used for physical activity, since movement can interfere with the readings. The sensor should not be exposed to any kind of trauma such as a strong impact or cut. Proper calibration of the sensor is essential to ensure accurate readings.
Calibration of the sensor should be done as instructed in the user guide. It is important to remember that if a calibration is not done correctly, readings may not be accurate. To further ensure accurate readings, it is important to regularly monitor the sensor’s signal strength. If the signal strength is weak, readings may not be accurate.
Additionally, it is important to replace the sensor in case of failure. The sensor should be replaced with a new one as instructed in the user guide. With proper care and maintenance, the Freestyle Libre 3 system can guarantee accurate readings with every use. It is important to follow these best practices as they can help ensure that the device is functioning properly, providing reliable readings.
Benefits of Using Freestyle Libre 3
For people with diabetes, the ability to accurately and conveniently track their blood glucose levels is essential. That is why Freestyle LIBRE 3 is such a valuable tool. This innovative device not only makes it easier to manage diabetes and stay on top of your health but also offers a variety of other benefits.
Improved Insulin Management
The Freestyle LIBRE 3 system offers numerous benefits to those managing insulin levels. It allows for discreet, non-invasive, and continuous glucose monitoring which can help individuals better manage their diabetes. The Freestyle LIBRE 3 sensor provides real-time glucose readings every fifteen minutes, with a 12-hour trend graph that can be accessed at any time.
This continuous monitoring feature allows for more accurate insulin dosing and can help individuals avoid hypoglycemic episodes. The system also allows for faster insulin absorption which is important for those who require rapid-acting insulin. Furthermore, the Freestyle LIBRE 3 alert system will send alerts to the user if their blood glucose level reaches a pre-determined threshold which can be an invaluable feature for people with diabetes.
The Freestyle LIBRE 3 system also has a Health Monitoring feature that can be used to monitor vital health indicators such as heart rate, blood pressure, and activity level which can help individuals better understand their overall health and make the necessary changes to keep it in check.
The Freestyle LIBRE 3 system also offers a host of other benefits such as customizable data display options, personal diabetes management goals, and a convenient mobile app that allows users to access real-time and historical data from anywhere. By using the Freestyle LIBRE 3 system, individuals with diabetes can take more control of their health and insulin management.
Reduced Risk of Hypoglycemia
One of the major benefits of the Freestyle LIBRE 3 system is its ability to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar can lead to lightheadedness, confusion, and more serious health issues. The Freestyle LIBRE 3 continuously monitors glucose levels, alerting the user in the event of low blood sugar through a smart device app.
The system also tracks glucose levels over the past 8 hours, giving the user valuable insight into their overall glucose levels. When combined with traditional finger pricks, Freestyle LIBRE 3 offers a comprehensive view of users’ glucose levels. The system will send an alert if glucose levels are too high or too low and users can also set their own thresholds, ensuring that they are warned if their glucose levels reach dangerous levels.
Users can also adjust the interval at which glucose readings are taken and can set additional alerts for their daily dosage reminders. The system also helps to identify patterns in glucose behavior that may have previously gone undetected. As well as offering users more control over their diabetes versus manual monitoring and finger pricking the Freestyle LIBRE 3 also helps to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia by giving users an up-to-date overview of their condition.
Enhanced Self-Monitoring
Unlike traditional blood glucose meters, the Freestyle Libre 3 detects glucose levels in the bloodstream and stores the results for later analysis. This allows users to more seamlessly and accurately track their blood sugar levels over time, without the need for regular finger-pricks.
The enhanced self-monitoring capabilities offered by Freestyle LIBRE 3 allow users to better identify patterns and trends in their glucose levels. By tracking their levels more regularly, users can learn to recognize high and low readings and make their own informed decisions based on these patterns. This helps users stay on top of their glucose levels and make changes to their lifestyle, diet, or medication when needed.
In addition to providing detailed information about the user’s glucose levels, Freestyle LIBRE 3 also allows users to share their data with their healthcare provider. This allows their provider to receive more frequent and detailed updates about the user’s glucose levels and make decisions regarding their care accordingly.
With the enhanced reporting capabilities offered by Freestyle LIBRE 3, users can more accurately track and monitor their diabetes care, while their healthcare provider can make more informed decisions based on the data they are receiving.
Comfort and Convenience
The Freestyle LIBRE 3 system provides users with a variety of comfort and convenience benefits. This system has been designed and developed to provide an easy-to-use experience with minimal hassle or stress. The reader device is designed for convenience and portability. It is compact and lightweight so it can fit into a pocket or bag, making it easy to carry and use wherever users go.
The device has a user-friendly interface and can store up to 90 days of blood glucose data so users can view their results on demand. The reader device also has alarm functions that can notify users when their blood glucose levels are out of range.
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Does it require a Prescription?
The Freestyle Libre 3 system is an integrated system of flash glucose monitoring which is an advanced form of diabetes management. It is available by prescription only and is primarily intended for managing type 1 and type 2 diabetes. This particular device is equipped with a built-in radio frequency identification (RFID) transceiver to continuously track the user’s glucose levels.
The data is then transmitted wirelessly to the Freestyle Libre 3 reader, where the user can access the results. In order to use the Freestyle Libre 3 system, a physician will need to prescribe the device to the user. The patient will then need to purchase the necessary supplies such as the reader and the sensor and will be instructed on how to properly use the device.
The Freestyle Libre 3 system is especially beneficial for those with type 1 or type 2 diabetes as it is less invasive than a standard blood test and can provide more accurate readings. It also allows users to monitor their glucose levels in real time, allowing them to make adjustments in their diet or activity levels. This can help those with diabetes manage their condition better and make better health-related decisions.
Are there any people who would be unable to have Libre 3?
One group that may not be able to use the Libre 3 is people who have had an islet cell transplant or an implantable insulin pump. This is because the device relies on a dual-hormone system to measure glucose levels which is incompatible with the two alternative options. Another group that may not be able to use Libre 3 is pregnant women, who need to monitor their glucose levels more closely but may be unable to use the system.
The Libre 3 requires a gap of at least eight hours before calibration which is not suitable for women who need their glucose levels monitored frequently. Children over the age of four can use the Libre 3, although there are some circumstances where it may need to be avoided. If a child has a particularly fragile skin or a sensory deficit then it could be more difficult for the child to use the device.
People who have allergies to adhesives may not be able to use the Libre 3 either. The adhesive used in the system contains acrylates and polyisobutene and it may cause allergic reactions in some people. Finally, people who have an insulin supply outside of the UK have to be aware that the Libre 3 is only available in certain countries.
People in the US, Europe, and Canada have the option to purchase this device but it is not available in other regions. Overall, while the Freestyle Libre 3 has many potential benefits there are some people who may not be able to use it due to their health or geographical location. It is important to understand the product and who it is suitable for before purchasing the device.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Freestyle Libre 3 is an incredibly useful device for those with diabetes. It has been designed with comfort and convenience in mind and provides accurate readings of blood sugar levels at all times. Continuous glucose monitoring is especially helpful for those trying to keep their glucose levels stable and under control, reducing their risk of hypoglycemia.
Furthermore, the data from this device can be used to make more informed decisions about insulin management, allowing for better results overall. Last but not least, it requires a prescription and is not suitable for everyone so it's important to consult a doctor before beginning with Freestyle Libre 3. Ultimately, this device can provide great value to those with diabetes so it's worth considering if you're looking for a way to better manage your health.
About The Author
Meet Dr. Ahmet Ergin a highly skilled and dedicated endocrinologist with a passion for diabetes care. Dr. Ergin earned his medical degree with honors from Marmara University in Istanbul. He completed internal medicine residency and endocrinology fellowship at Cleveland Clinic.
Dr. Ergin is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism due to his vast medical expertise. He's a certified diabetes educator, author of "The Ultimate Diabetes Book," and founder of "the SugarMD YouTube channel." Dr. Ergin offers exceptional diabetes care to his patients in Port Saint Lucie, FL, helping them manage effectively.
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