Freestyle Libre 2 system for diabetics – our honest review
Being diabetic is hard, and it is a complicated illness. Despite insulin being used to control diabetes since 1922, it can sometimes feel like there hasn't been much progress made since then. For most diabetics, it has always been a case of pricking a finger several times a day and taking readings using a test strip. It's messy, inconvenient, and frustrating.
That's why technology like the Freestyle Libre 2 is so exciting. For diabetics, the prospect of not having to take several daily finger prick tests to keep on top of their glucose levels is a total gamechanger. So with all that said, we wanted to review the Freestyle Libre 2 system to see how it works and if it is any good. Let's get into the review:
What do you get in the box?
In terms of what you get in the Freestyle Libre 2 box, it is quite simple - you get the Sensor Applicator, the sensor pack and a product insert. There is also a leaflet with instructions but it is all pretty straightforward.
How does the Freestyle Libre 2 work?
The Freestyle Libre 2 sensor is pricked into the back of your upper arm using the applicator (pictured), which you then dispose of. Each sensor is supposed to last for up to 14 days before needing to be changed. You can then download the FreeStyle LibreLink app and scan the sensor with your phone to get glucose readings. You can also choose to have an alarm for when glucose readings are too high or too low.
What are the Trustpilot reviews like for the Freestyle Libre 2?
Anything else to mention?
In general we actually found the website quite unhelpful - there is a mention of an FAQ/Video section which sounds helpful, but the button takes you straight to a pop-up contact form. This goes along with what many of the Trustpilot reviewers mentioned.
Update for 2024 - what about the Freestyle Libre 2 Plus?
If you've been using a Freestyle Libre 2 for a while now, you might have recently received a letter like this (pictured) providing information about the new Freestyle Libre 2 Plus system. From what we can see, it has a duration of 1 day more than the standard system, but apart from that is pretty much the same in terms of size and design. If anything, the only major difference we can is the price - apparently, the Freestyle Libre 2 Plus system will cost £50 more per device. Not sure we'll be trying this one!
Final thoughts
Having technology like the Freestyle Libre 2 should be really exciting for people living with diabetes, but it seems like there is still a long way to go before this product is perfect.
Finn H
Finn is the editor of You Well and has been writing about travel, health, and more for over 10 years.
10 Comments
Linette Caudill
I was so excited about the Libre 2 CGM! But I have had it for two days, and it is wildly inaccurate, so what’s the point? I’m actually sticking my fingers more than before to check the readings against my glucometer. Very disappointing!
Glazebrook Kenneth
This product is not reliable. It might last a few hours or days, rarely lasts the 14 days. The adhesive with the product it’s great so they tell you to buy the Freestyle Sensor Covers wjich if you are single adds to the difficulty. It the sensor gets bumped or caught when undressing the sensor fails. I am currently researching other products as the last three sensors have fail first last 6 hours, second 3 days and the last seven days. Of the 12 I have purchased only 3 have lasted the 14 days at $100 each they should have better quality
Kar
Tested with several freestyle libre 1 and 2 sensors. There’s no way on earth this system should be getting the rave reviews it is getting on most sites, and the negative trustpilot reviews prove this perfectly well. Not only is it prone to failures and errors, it is completely unreliable with a huge variability of error from one day to the next, too. Like Linette wrote, you end up doing more finger pricks than before to check the readings. It is a complete garbage system, but a very good marketing campaign.
Jeremy Bowers
Love it but wish it would last more then a few days. Just started my a new month of sensors and the first one only lasted 15 minutes before coming off my arm.
Mary E. Strome
I put on two Sensors and they both read Not compatable witrh the reader. Is it old, is it what? What do I do????
Mary Burns
Very unreliable whats th point in them when I have to prick my finger to get the right reading.
MJAnspacher
What they said, and much more! Not a good fit for me, and based on my obervations, for anyone looking for a quality CBGM.
The only pro I have is that is saves me from poking holes in my fingers many times a day. Well, mostly
Cons:
The first sensor used fell off in the shower after less than 13 days.
The battery charge is ridiculously short, mine needs to be recharged every three or four days (at the most inopportune times)
This thing is close to 20% inaccurate, scanning incorrectly over the entire range.
Scan numbers are replaced by “HI” over 350. How am I supposed to calculate an insulin dose for HI?
It alarms about losing connectivity with the sensor while recharging. Am I supposed to have a USB charging port installed on my body? Or maybe a really long extension cord…
Today, after less than a month of use, the display has failed completely and is just white with a couple of thin verticle lines.
The display is painfully small. After all, most folks who’ve had diabetes for a while have eye damage. I need to use a +2.5 magnifier to see anything on the display.
My final comment is, why should someone suffering all the inconveniences of diabetes have to settle for a diabetic aid designed by folks who don’t understand diabetes?
MJA
Aniko
I am so disapointed & upset, I have had 4 & 3 were faulty, one fell off after 5 days, the next was giving lows below the set figure, same with the 3rd, going off at 3.9 instead of 4.5. I thought the first one worked but my sugars were always 20 & above, cause if you don’t fill up on sugar garbage, glucose tubes in hospital, the app just keeps alarming & my sugar is always sky high. I’m never putting another one, I’m not feeding my body all that sugar for a stupid sensor that does not work. Hate it.
Colin Pike
The sensor reading are inaccurate , sensor was reading 14 and finger prick was 10 , so still need to take fingers prick to check real ti e blood sugars
Linda
The Freestlye Libra is a joke. It is inaccurate, unreliable, flimsy, too much trouble to use. I have used 8 sensors and only one las lasted the 14 days. It says on the scanner that the sensor is not available for at least 10 hours after placing it. The alarm on the monitor goes off many times, mostly due to ‘Signal loss”. this occurs when i go from one room to another. Very inaccurate, I am doing more finger sticks now that I was before because of error messages on the scanner. I do not trust Libre 2 and this is a major problem. It is a waste of insurance and Medicare funds. Should be taken off the market.