If your insurance will not cover the Dexcom, I would wait for the Libre if they come to Canada soon. I checked the settings and unfortunately there is no way to change or adjust the contrast or background.
There is no need to use the touchscreen if you're only swiping the sensor for a reading. The touchscreen options are there to view things like history, trends and settings. However, you can also do this through the free software that's provided for Mac's and PC's.
Now this sounds like it might be a great solution for me and I want it lol. It's not like a CGM that constantly glares numbers at you, it's more IF you want it and need it less hassle than gettin' the kit out and having to test just scan your arm and you've got it and it's accurate!? Sounds pretty impressive and I'd love to at least try it if it comes to the US.
the NFC technology used to read and transmit the data is the same used by the new generation of iPhones. Maybe one day Apple and Abbot will allow them to talk to each other. Then your phone becomes your reader
I'm having a tough time imagining any reason -- other than deriving a revenue stream from selling the reader -- that this wasn't introduced with both an iPhone and Android app alternative for reading and analyzing the data (most Android phones have had NFC capability for several years already).
The processing power and resources are vastly greater in a smart phone than the proprietary Libre reader device. So much more could be done in terms of processing, analyzing, and presenting the data. Also, with direct internet connectivity, revolutionary capabilities are available that just aren't with a dedicated, "dumb" reader.
Finally, the system could support an "accessory" that would snap over the top of the sensor disc to provide continuous monitoring if needed. A simple device with a battery, NFC reader, and RF transmitter to send the data to a client device could perform the same function as a regular "swipe" with the reader, just do it automatically every 5 minutes or so (better yet, make it a configurable setting).
A device like this could transmit with Bluetooth, thereby leveraging that Smartphone app discussed above -- it can take it's data either by direct NFC from the sensor, or by Bluetooth from the CGM accessory snapped on to it.
Abbot has a brilliant platform here, and the real possibility to give Dexcom some stiff competition -- that is, if they get their heads on right.
Excellent points, Dave. I think I read that Apple was hesitant to open up the NFC functionality outside of Apple Pay in the beginning. Hopefully this will change, but I also really like your Bluetooth suggestion.
I've always been really good at doing math in my head - though not as good as I've aged. The only one I have problems with is Fahrenheit to Celsius. Funny story: One time I went to a hot tub in Guatemala and apparently it hadn't been used much because they had to heat it and I had to come back. I had lots of trouble getting in and staying in when normally I love really hot hot tubs or hot springs. They told me the temp in Celsius when I asked and a Guatemalan seemed to gulp when they said it. So walking home (about 10-15 minute walk) I kept trying to compute it and losing track in my head. I finally got it and realized why the gulp...it was 118 F!
I'm with you Zoe. When I lived outside the US I quickly gave up on trying to do the conversions and just remembered that 0=freezing, 21=comfortable and 40=hot! :-)
Sounds amazing! Does anyone know if the Libre is available again? I am thinking of coordinating some work travel to Europe to get one, but I can't seem to figure out if Abbott is distributing them again or if everything is still on hold. Thanks.
I'm in France and wanted to order but have been told that there is a waiting list. I signed up and they will contact me when there are sets available. The people who have signed up in January are being served now. So maybe a 2 month waiting time??
DiabetesMine reported on February 24, 2015, about the Advanced Treatments and Technologies for Diabetes (ATTD) conference in Paris last week. Here's the narrative about the Abbott Libre flash glucose monitor:
Abbott Libre Flash Glucose Monitor system – The Abbott booth was packed. Dr. Tim Bailey presented some results of a pilot study he conducted prior to the pivotal study that is currently ongoing for FDA clearance. Several people reported to me that demand is so great that Abbott cannot make product fast enough and that it is currently selling above list price on the secondary market. This product has the potential to significantly reduce the market for fingerstick blood glucose monitoring among patients on intensive insulin therapy.
I will be interested in the comparison after you update the Dexcom G4. I am finding it is incredibly accurate with my meter. Not having to calibrate the Libre is a great thing!
Looking forward to hearing more as your take this journey!
Indeed. Unfortunately, the Libre is in such high demand that it's still on backorder in all the European countries where it is currently approved. They'll have to work hard in improving manufacturing capacity once it is approved in the US. I know they are doing clinical trials in the here, so it's just a question of time before they launch.
I’ve been on the waiting list for 3 months and I phoned today and Abbott can give me no dates. has anyone else heard something?? When I signed up the waiting list was one and half months. Looks rather helpless!
Hi,
I received mine today but unfortunately the documentation is in German. Could you share the PDF again? I haven´t been able to download it
Thanks
Jofre
Hi,
I’m from Croatia, my daughter have diabetes 1 and we like to make order for Abbot Libre in Germany.
We found some contact for order, but they told us that only can be on mg/dl in Germany.
Please can you help us with advice how can make order for libre starter pack with sensors on mmol/L.
It depence on sensor or!?
Thank you in advance for help us!
@diabetesmy Since Germany was divided in the past we have both systems mg/dl and mmol/l in Germany. The sensors are the same for mg/dl and mmol/l. You just need to order the correct reader:
