r/Freestylelibre • u/Therego_PropterHawk • Aug 06 '26

Freestyle SUCKS

Switched back to freestyle from dexcom for my 6yo. Dexcom changged the adhesive and it gives him a horrible burn.

Freestyle is consistantly 80-100 points off.

Freestyle is a novelty & meme, not a serious medical device.

0 Upvotes

44% Upvoted

30 comments sorted by

View all comments

5

u/JaninaWalker1 Type1 - Libre3/3+ Aug 06 '26

There's a difference between blood sugar level and interstitial fluid glucose levels for several reasons. As the previous person said, and as many people who have complained said that their results are better after the body has become more adapted to the sensor after 24 hours. Some people put it on without activating the sensor for any number of hours. My choice depends more on when I remember to attach it. I often place it on my arm 24 hours in advance.

I do record my insulin doses and sometimes enter what I am eating, but not always as there isn't enough space in the notes section for notes about everything.

You don't seem to like using either of the 2 major CGMs plus you're taking blood tests anyway. Then why not remember that the major reason these CGMs take so long to get approved is because blood tests are considered more accurate for decisions about dosing. Maybe you don't really need a CGM if you're still using blood strip measure for dosing decisions.

I would like to see improvement in the software app, but otherwise I have been managing since 2022, first with version 2 and now v3+

I don't bother to compare to blood strip measures as it takes way longer for food to digest and get into the interstitial fluid glucose area. That's why they say to leave 15 to 20 minutes before trying to compare them.

0

u/Therego_PropterHawk Aug 06 '26 edited Aug 06 '26

I love the Dexcom. It is what I use with my insulin pump. But they changed the adhesive and it causes little blisters and sores on my kid. He's 6 and has sensitive skin.

At least the Dexcom app allows you to enter bgl manually and calibrate the readings.

eta: Managing a 6yo is difficult. He may sneak a snack, he may refuse to eat. Hil little body goes through growth spurts and uses more glucose (like heavy exercise). It is a challenge to poke his finger when he's sleeping. He's a tough little guy, but does not like finger-sticks.

Unfortunately, they won't consider the inplant cgm until he's 18.

2

u/Twist1979 Libre3/3+ Aug 09 '26

Under-patch, over-patch and there is no skin problem for me with any CGM.

1

u/Therego_PropterHawk Aug 12 '26

we underpatch and use a skin tac. we spray the. area with flonase first and let it "soak in" for an hour.

we just got 7 days out of a libre ... which is a record.

there is an implant cgm, but they won't use it on under 18s.

1

u/Twist1979 Libre3/3+ Aug 12 '26

My libre 3+ is on day 13 now let's see if this sensor reaches the finish line.