I have been using the Libre system since August. 50% of the sensors used have failed. Abbott replaced them but that is not the point. It is the aggravation that goes with a failed sensor.
None of the sensors have been anywhere near accurate but that was OK with me because I could see the direction, if I was climbing, still climbing, when I peaked, the time frame until I was back down, etc. When the sensor indicated I was leveling off at the top of a spike, or beginning a downward direction, then I would do a finger stick to get an actual blood glucose value. I could compensate for the inaccurate values. (And before anyone jumps in to alert me to the time lag between blood levels and interstitial levels, yes, I am aware.) THAT was not the source of the very inaccurate differences in values.
All the above being said, I was still thrilled to have the Libre system and be able to watch the direct and trends.
Then we get to today and I am thoroughly disgusted with the product and plan to write Abbott regarding their sensors. I applied a new sensor Tuesday evening, waited the 12 hour warm up, and all was going well, until last night and all through today. The sensor was “working”, (sort of) - - giving me a value, but not only was it an inaccurate value, but direction had ceased completely. The sensor said I was 79, moments later, 81, minutes later, 78, and continued for hours hovering around 80. I knew I was no where near 80 and did a few finger sticks during the same time frame. I was in the 200’s and climbing. I was OK before with wrong values but to not register such a rise is NOT acceptable. After about 24 hours of this, the sensor has suddenly begun to move in the direction of my blood glucose.
What good is this system if you can’t rely upon it at all?
I will discuss this with my endocrinologist next week as he uses the professional version with some patients. I wonder if the information he is receiving is just as poor as what I have experienced. When the information sent to him is not verified with the patient’s blood glucose, maybe he is unaware of the lack of reliability of the system.
I have read from many here that the Libre system works GREAT for them. My 3 months of use has proved just the opposite for me thus far. I may ??? (not sure) give the 14 day sensors a try before I give up completely on the Libre system.
I thought this was the answer to my prayers over the past 12 years of wishing I had access to a CGM. If it were giving me accurate direction, I would be happy but even THAT is now in question. I am so very disappointed now and was so thrilled initially.
Any one else having problems with their Libre system sensors?