FreeStyle Libre 2 System

Your guide to the FreeStyle Libre 2 system

Welcome to the FreeStyle Libre 2 System

As the #1 sensor-based glucose monitoring system used worldwide¹, the FreeStyle Libre system has liberated millions of people with diabetes from the burdens of fingerstick testing.² We hope you enjoy your new FreeStyle Libre 2 system.

With the FreeStyle Libre 2 system, you can:

Get real-time glucose readings anytime³, anywhere⁴, right to your smartphone.⁵
Understand how your body responds to treatment, food, and exercise.
See patterns and trends and customise optional glucose alarms for lows and highs.⁶
Share insights with Healthcare Professionals.⁷
Get the complete picture of your glucose levels, not just a snapshot.

Key Components:

Applicator: Used to apply the sensor.
Sensor: Worn on the back of the upper arm.
The FreeStyle LibreLink app: Use your smartphone to see your data.⁵ The FreeStyle LibreLink app is free to download.⁸

Three Steps to Apply the Sensor

Wash, clean, and dry: Choose a flat spot on your upper arm. Shave and cleanse with non-moisturising, fragrance-free soap and water, then use an alcohol wipe to clean and let it air dry.
Prepare applicator: Open the sensor pack by peeling back the lid. Remove the cap from the sensor applicator. Align the dark marks on the applicator and sensor pack. Apply firm pressure and then lift.
Apply: Press the sensor firmly onto the prepared area. Listen for a click. After a few seconds, slowly pull back, leaving the sensor on the skin.

Watch the video tutorial on how to apply and replace your FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor ▶️.

Tips to Help Keep Your Sensor in Place

Before you apply the sensor:

Do not use body lotion or cream where you'll apply the sensor, as they may leave an oily residue on your skin.
Do shave any excess arm hair, as it can get caught between the sensor adhesive and skin.

Tips to help keep your sensor in place:

Be sure to select a site on the back of your upper arm that will minimise the risk of knock-off.
Be careful not to catch your sensor on a doorway, car door, seat belt, or furniture edges.
After a shower or swim, take extra care when toweling off to avoid catching or pulling off your sensor.
When dressing or undressing, be careful that you don't catch your undergarments on the sensor.

Watch the video tutorial on how to set up the FreeStyle LibreLink app and how to start your sensor ▶️.

Understanding Your Glucose Measurements

Why are FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor readings sometimes different from a fingerstick blood glucose test?

Blood glucose and sensor glucose are closely related but not identical. The glucose measured by the FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor has made its way from the blood into the interstitial fluid. This takes a little time, and so the sensor glucose reading always lags behind the blood glucose reading of a fingerstick test by about 2.1 minutes for children and about 2.4 minutes for adults.¹ When your glucose levels are stable, the two readings may be very similar. If glucose levels are rising or falling, the two readings may be different.

This is completely normal, particularly after meals, after taking insulin, or after exercising. Although the readings may differ slightly, the FreeStyle Libre 2 system is accurate¹ and safe to dose insulin from your sensor glucose result.

Diagram Description: A detailed illustration shows a cross-section of skin, depicting the sensor filament inserted into the interstitial fluid layer, just below the skin's surface. The diagram labels 'Skin', 'Cells', 'Interstitial fluid', 'Glucose', and 'Capillary', illustrating how glucose moves from the blood capillary to the interstitial fluid where it is measured by the sensor. The sensor filament is noted as being less than 0.4 millimetres thick and inserted 5 millimetres under the skin surface.

Watch the video explanation ▶️.

Capturing Your Data

Real-time glucose readings are automatically updated every minute and sent directly to your smartphone.¹

With the FreeStyle Libre 2 system, you get minute-to-minute glucose readings anytime², anywhere³ – to help you manage your diabetes more confidently.

Quickly see how diet, exercise, stress, insulin, medication, and other activities affect your glucose levels, so you can take appropriate action.

You can also scan for glucose readings anytime², even during a signal loss. This allows you to fill in up to 8 hours of missing data, so your glycaemic picture is complete.

The FreeStyle Libre 2 system enables the user to learn about how diet, exercise, insulin, and other activities affect their glucose levels.
The trend arrows show the direction that glucose is heading, supporting insulin management decisions.
Optional glucose alarms⁴ let you know the minute your glucose is too low or too high.

Diagram Description: A smartphone screen displays the FreeStyle LibreLink app interface. The main area shows a current glucose reading of '6.2 mmol/L' with a trend arrow indicating the glucose level is stable. Below this is a graph displaying 'Up to 8 hours of glucose history'. An option to 'ADD NOTE' is available. To the right, a legend explains the meaning of trend arrows: ⬆️ Glucose is rising quickly, ↗️ Glucose is rising, ➡️ Glucose is changing slowly, ↘️ Glucose is falling, ⬇️ Glucose is falling quickly.

Understanding Your Data

Reports that can easily and quickly provide the answers you need.

Diagram Description: The page presents three types of data reports: 1. Daily Patterns: A line graph illustrating glucose fluctuations over a period (e.g., January 4 - April 4, 2021), showing trends in hypoglycaemic and hyperglycaemic levels. 2. Daily Graph: A line graph showing glucose readings throughout a single day (e.g., December 21, 2020), detailing how glucose values fall within the target range. 3. Average Glucose: A bar chart displaying average glucose readings for different periods of the day and across multiple days (e.g., January 4-18, 2021), with an overall average noted.

Time in Range

What is Time in Range?

HbA1c is your average glucose over the past two to three months. But a normal HbA1c doesn't mean your glucose is within your target range today¹, which is where Time in Range can help.

Time in Range is the percentage of time that a person spends with their glucose levels in a target glucose range. Work with your Healthcare Professional to set your target glucose range.

The FreeStyle Libre 2 system automatically calculates the percentage of time you spend in, above, or below target range, e.g. 3.9-10.0 mmol/L.

Diagram Description: A report titled 'TIME IN RANGE' for the period 1-14 February 2023 is shown. It displays the percentage of time glucose levels spent in different ranges: >13.3 mmol/L (6%), 10.1-13.3 mmol/L (16%), 3.9-10 mmol/L (75%), and <3.9 mmol/L (3%). The target range is explicitly stated as 3.9-10.0 mmol/L.

Why is Time in Range important?

Every 10% increase in Time in Range results in ~0.8% decrease in HbA1c in type 1 and type 2 patients².
Every 5% (~1 hour per day) increase in Time in Range is associated with clinically significant benefits¹.
Spending more Time in Range can reduce long-term eye and kidney health complications³.
Guidelines recommend spending at least 70% of your Time in Range (3.9-10 mmol/L)¹,⁴.

It's Easy to Set Alarms on Your Phone¹

The FreeStyle Libre 2 system has optional glucose alarms that provide a safety check every single minute. These are off by default and can be customised. To receive alarms, your phone should be within 6 metres of you and unobstructed at all times. If your phone is out of range of your sensor, you may not receive glucose alarms.

Diagram Description: A series of five screenshots illustrates the process of setting alarms in the FreeStyle LibreLink app. Step 1 shows the 'Alarms' menu. Step 2 shows how to activate the 'Low Glucose Alarm' and notes that the 'Signal loss alarm' is automatically enabled. Step 3 demonstrates scrolling to select a 'Low Glucose Value'. Step 4 shows selecting an 'Alarm Tone'. Step 5 indicates setting the 'High Glucose Alarm' similarly.

Digital Health Tools

Easily Monitor Your Glucose on Your Smartphone Anytime, Anywhere, and Share Results

The FreeStyle LibreLink app and the LibreLinkUp app are available for Android and iPhone.

FreeStyle LibreLink App

Easy monitoring³: One app allows you to monitor and share your real-time glucose readings.⁴
Phone displays the current glucose reading, trend arrow, high and low glucose alarms, and up to 8-hours of glucose history.
Easy to add notes to track food, insulin use, exercise, and other events.
Get glucose alarm notifications right on your compatible smartwatch.⁵-⁷

Data captured with the FreeStyle LibreLink app is uploaded wirelessly and automatically³ to LibreView.

LibreLinkUp App

Easy connection: Share real-time glucose levels with your loved ones for peace of mind.⁷,⁸
With the LibreLinkUp app, you can share your glucose readings and alarms with your family and friends. Ideal for parents² and caregivers, the LibreLinkUp mobile app allows them to keep up-to-date with your glucose levels, wherever they are.³

LibreView

Easy insights⁵: Share real-time glucose readings with your healthcare team for more effective consultations.⁶
A free and easy way to view your glucose data online.¹
LibreView allows you to share data with your Healthcare Professional easily when you connect with their LibreView Practice.¹
Readings are automatically² uploaded so you can have more informed virtual and in-person treatment conversations.

Signing Up for LibreView: If you already have a FreeStyle LibreLink account, you can sign in to LibreView with the same credentials. If not, you can sign up to LibreView directly on the LibreView website.

Glucose Pattern Insights Report

Discover glucose patterns and trends so you can make informed decisions about your health.

Diagram Description: This page shows a sample 'Glucose Pattern Insights' report generated by LibreView. It includes sections for 'Time in Ranges and Glucose Statistics' (displaying percentages for various glucose levels and an average glucose value), 'Considerations for the Clinician' (listing potential factors like medication and lifestyle), and a 'Glucose Patterns' graph showing trends over a 14-day period. The report identifies glycaemic patterns and highlights important trends.

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