Since the post I did last year “ Diabetes & I” I have gained more confidence in discussing my condition and my experiences of living with diabetes. In November 2017 I had the privilege of being selected to trial the Freestyle Libre glucose monitor. This is a new innovative machine that does not require you to test your glucose levels by pricking your finger!
Instead you have a small sensor attached to your arm which monitors the glucose in your body and get a reading within seconds, which is amazing!
My diabetes in the past has been fairly controlled and my Hba1c (which is the average blood glucose reading in a month) has been good. However, I was experiencing a lot of hypos (extremely low blood sugar levels) which was potentially distorting my fairly good Hba1c.
I had seen the Freestyle Libre advertised literally everywhere so I asked my Consultant if I could trial it as it is, unfortunately, not entirely funded by the NHS for everyone to use. I had a history of hypos especially at night and was unaware of being in a hypo due to being asleep. My Consultant agreed the Freestyle Libre would be a good way to see the patterns in my sugar levels and amend my insulin requirements accordingly.
I was already familiar with the Freestyle company as I’ve been using their blood glucose monitors since 2005 and the amazing thing is that I can still use my testing strips in the Libre from my old monitor if needed so they won’t be going to waste.
The Libre uses interstitial fluid (which is basically fluid around our bodies cells that contains glucose not blood) to test the levels of glucose. This is supposed to be more accurate compared to a blood sugar reading which has a 2mmols difference in the results.
The sensor is the size of a 10pence coin and can only be placed on your arm, I tend to have mine situated at the back of my arm so it’s easier to scan. Although I would’ve preferred if it was more discreet (like my pump which I have on my stomach) but I have gotten used to it being on my arm now. I have noticed that I get asked more questions about the sensor due to it being visible but I have gained the confidence in being proud to tell people about it.
The sensor lasts 2 weeks and there is no issue with water interfering with it so you can bathe as normal. The monitor has a countdown which lets you know when it is time to put a new sensor on, so for those of you who forget to change your lancets (me) this is very useful.
Whenever you scan your meter it tells you using an arrow the direction your glucose is going in, so whether it is going high, low or staying on that level. This for me has been so vital when trying to avoid hypos, as the sensor is on me 24/7 it manages to calculate when I’m going low. Which gives me more control on preventing hypos happening.
Although with me having less hypos I have found I have had a peak in high glucose levels which I am working to figure out, I mainly put it down to the stress I experienced this year doing my Masters.
It also shows your average glucose reading in a clear way that is similar to what a Diabetic Consultant would view at clinic.
What I love the most about this machine is the ease of being able to check my glucose levels wherever, without having to deal with discreetly pricking my finger several times just for one blood sugar reading to go through.
It has come in handy on a night out when I know I’ll be drinking alcohol, I can monitor safely. Or if I’m doing daily activities and feel myself going low I can just scan and sort myself out straight away.
After having this monitor for nearly a year I have become so accustomed to having it that I am dreading being told to go back to finger pricks. Within 3 months of using the Libre my fingertips were soft and clear of black holes from the constant finger pricks.
I have had the opportunity to experience travelling abroad with the Libre within a day of being given it which I was anxious about. You can go through the security barriers with the Libre it does not affect the sensor at all. As it is a new device and I know people are only really aware of insulin pumps I made sure I gave the guards a heads up before going through the barriers.
Due to this being a fairly new device the DVLA have not updated their requirements for diabetic drivers, so unfortunately if you was to use the Libre to check your glucose levels before driving it would not meet the guidelines, so you must revert back to your normal blood glucose monitor.
With there being so many benefits to having this device it is such a shame that it is not available on the NHS for all diabetics to use. I think it would definitely be beneficial for parents with young children who are diabetic so they can keep an eye on their child’s glucose levels, especially at night without disrupting their sleep. Something that used to always annoy me when I was young. Also, the general ease of managing their child’s diabetes. This is similar to other CGM (continuous glucose monitors) that I have not yet used but have read that it is just as good as the Libre. However, I still feel that diabetics should have the option to have the Libre available to them on the NHS like other products.
The UK Prime Minister, Theresa May has made sure she has the benefit of having a Libre but has neglected those diabetics living in this country that cannot afford such.
The link below is the most recent petition to get the Libre available on the NHS. There have been several petitions made to the UK government for the Libre and other CGMs to be on the NHS that have been rejected and closed.
I would appreciate it if you would sign the petition as it would help not only me, but the millions of diabetics living in the UK.
https://www.change.org/p/jeremy-hunt-freestyle-libre-senses-free-on-prescription-in-all-health-areas
UPDATE: Thank you to those that have signed the above petition, Freestyle Libre is now available in the UK on prescription for those patients that are eligible. Speak to your Consultant or GP to see if you too can get the Sensor. I have been successful in getting the sensor on prescription now that my free trial has finished.
* If you have any questions about the Libre or Diabetes in general message me on the links below to my social media’s *
khadija mary xo
khadija mary 
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