I can’t say enough about how obsessed I am with the FreeStyle Libre https://www.freestylelibre.us!!! Wow!!! Finally something that is truly making my life easier when it comes to Beignet’s care. So here’s what we’ve learned after completing 2 – 14 day sensors:
- Beignet’s interstitial glucose readings when the sensor is placed on her neck area (just below to slightly under her collar) is really fairly comparable to real time blood glucose readings with her AlphaTrak2 meter. I found a mean difference of 42 on 33 different comparisons. And don’t forget the FreeStyleLibre tests interstitial and NOT blood glucose.
- Last weekend I got home from work and scanned and realized she had dropped to the 50’s while I was gone. I would never have known this if she weren’t wearing the sensor.
- Applying the sensor is pain free and actually really easy. Tissue glue is a must to make it stay for 14 days. Adhesive remover is also recommended to help remove it. Both available on Amazon.
- Abbott the manufacturer fully backs this product and will replace sensors that do not stay on for 14 days. We did not use tissue glue with our first 2 sensors and both were replaced at no cost (including shipping). Be sure and keep a copy of the sensor’s serial number in case you have to replace yours.
- Our sensor just survived a trip to the groomer on day 14! This was something I was definitely worried about. Very impressive that on the last few hours of the sensor, there was no issue with the sensor coming off or malfunctioning.
- Our sensor site is now on it’s 3rd sensor. I was a little concerned about my sweet girl having bald patches all over so I’m incredibly happy we’ve been able to use the same site. We are still growing out the area of our first sensor attempt that was seen in our last blog. This site was too low and also the numbers had lots of variance from her AlphaTrak overall.
- On the LibreView app, I can download the sensor readings from the reader device. I prefer to scan with my iPhone but I need the reader for her to be scanned while I’m at work or away from her for >8 hours or I lose data. The app is awesome! You can print out reports for your vet or even download an Excel file that will show you glucose numbers for every 5 minutes the sensor is on. https://www2.libreview.com
- The sensors are ironically significantly cheaper at CVS than Walmart ($75 vs $125). The reader was $80 at Walmart. You do need 2 separate prescriptions – 1 for the reader and another for the sensors. It should say to dispense 2 sensors if you want to get a months worth at a time. Also be sure the vet prescribes the newer 14 day sensor and not the older 10 day sensor.
So basically there are so many benefits. If only the FreeStyle Libre could alert us when our dogs are low! But for the price, the information, the peace of mind, and the fairly consistent numbers – it’s well worth it!
We trialed this device for our vet(s). I’m happy to share more detailed info and readings with any vets interested. Poor Beignet has been very difficult to control so with this device we will hopefully find the best control we can since I’m of the mindset that there is no such thing as a perfectly controlled diabetic dog.
Sincerely,
Devoted Doxie Mom
Beignet’s Best sensor location.
My best helper demonstrating how easy it is to use.
You need this to get the sensor to stay on! Click on pic above to purchase!
You need this to get the sensor to come off! Click above to purchase. This liquid version is recommended over the individual wipes.
Our first signs of lows with the FreeStyle Libre.
Diary of a Diabetic Dachshund 