Freestyle Libre 3
FreeStyle Libre 3 is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system that you wear on your skin. It's designed to replace fingersticks for people ages 4 years and older with diabetes. It measures your glucose level every minute throughout the day to better help you manage your blood sugar. The FreeStyle Libre 3 system uses a sensor that's attached to your skin, which can be scanned and read using an app on a smart device (e.g., smartphone). It doesn't include a reader, and it's important to check phone compatibility to make sure the FreeStyle Libre 3 app will work properly.
What is FreeStyle Libre 3?
What is FreeStyle Libre 3 used for?
- Monitor glucose levels
How FreeStyle Libre 3 works
The FreeStyle Libre 3 system is made up of two parts that work together to measure and record your glucose levels throughout the day.
- Sensor: The sensor is attached to the skin on the back of your upper arm to measure your glucose levels from just below the skin.
- FreeStyle Libre 3 app: The app on your smart device displays and stores the readings.
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Pros and cons of FreeStyle Libre 3
Pros
- Lessens the need for fingersticks
- Sensors only about the size of two stacked pennies
- Stores up to 14 days of glucose level data
- Displays glucose level every minute on your smart device
Cons
- Only works with an app on a compatible smart device
- Intense exercise can make your sensor loose
- Sensor must be stored between 36 F and 82 F to work properly
- Must wait 60 minutes after placing a new sensor to check glucose
Pharmacist tips for FreeStyle Libre 3
How to set up your FreeStyle Libre 3:
- The FreeStyle Libre 3 system only works with an app on a smart device (e.g., your smartphone). Download the FreeStyle Libre 3 app to pair with your sensor and see your glucose readings.
How to start using your FreeStyle Libre 3:
- When you're ready to insert your FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor, first wash and dry your hands. Choose the place on the back of your upper arm where you want to insert the sensor and wipe the area with an alcohol wipe. Then, unscrew the cap from the sensor applicator and push down firmly against your skin to apply the sensor.
- Gently pull the applicator away from your body. Make sure the sensor is secure. Watch this video to learn more about applying your sensor.
- If you just applied a new sensor, follow the instructions on your FreeStyle Libre 3 app to scan your sensor and activate it for use.
- Each time you apply a new FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor, you'll need to wait 1 hour before you can check your glucose readings with the FreeStyle Libre 3 app on your smart device.
- To check your glucose reading, open the FreeStyle Libre 3 app or go to the app home screen.
How to remove FreeStyle Libre 3 sensors:
- You'll need to replace your FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor once every 14 days, or sooner if it becomes loose.
- To remove the sensor, find the edge of the adhesive on your sensor and pull up on it. Then, slowly peel the sensor off your skin.
- When applying a new sensor, choose a place on the back of your upper arm that's different from the most recent position. This will help prevent skin irritation.
- Screw the used applicator and lid back together and throw it away in a sharps container or yellow biohazard bag. Your used sensors can be wiped down with disinfectant and thrown away as electrical waste, like a battery.
Common questions about FreeStyle Libre 3
The sensor should be placed on the back of your upper arm. Choose a site that has a low risk of the sensor being knocked off. Make sure your skin is fully dry before applying the sensor. Don't place the sensor on other sites on your body because this might cause your glucose readings to be inaccurate. To prevent skin irritation, rotate sites on the back of your upper arms between applications.
Each FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor lasts up to 14 days. You'll need to replace your FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor every 14 days. After this time, your glucose readings might not be accurate.
FreeStyle Libre 3 has an overall mean absolute relative difference (MARD) of about 7.9%. The MARD is the typical measurement used to test how accurate a CGM is. It compares the difference between the glucose level measured by the CGM and glucose level of the blood. The smaller the MARD, the more accurate the CGM. Based on industry standards, a CGM with a MARD less than 10% is considered to be fairly accurate and reliable. Keep in mind that the readings might be different from the numbers you get from a fingerstick test for a few different reasons. If you aren't sure if the result is correct from your sensor, always do a blood glucose fingerstick test to confirm. This is especially important if you have symptoms of low blood sugar.
The sensor takes readings of your glucose level every minute. It also updates them in the app every minute. However, the readings are stored every 5 minutes for up to 14 days in the app.
The sensor is water-resistant, and you can wear it while bathing, showering, and swimming. However, you shouldn't take it deeper than 3 feet of water or let it be in water for longer than 30 minutes.
If you're using a new FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor, there'll be an 1-hour warm-up period after you put it on. This means it'll take 1 hour for it to provide glucose readings, because it needs time to get used to your body. During this time, you can still test your blood sugar levels using a separate glucose meter and test strips. Please note that the FreeStyle Libre 3 doesn't include a built-in glucose meter like previous models (e.g., FreeStyle Libre 14 Day, FreeStyle Libre 2).
Both CGMs can measure glucose levels every minute for up to 14 days, and include water-resistant sensors that are placed onto the skin of the back of your upper arm. However, there are a few differences between them: (1) The FreeStyle Libre 2 offers an optional handheld reader instead of using the app on a smart device, but the FreeStyle Libre 3 doesn't work with a reader (you must use it with an app on a smart device). (2) Compared to the FreeStyle Libre 2, the FreeStyle Libre 3 is the newest, smallest, and thinnest CGM. If you have questions, your provider can help you select the best CGM for your needs.
FreeStyle Libre 3 and Dexcom G6 are two different brands of CGMs that take your glucose levels throughout the day. But they do have their differences: (1) FreeStyle Libre 3 can only be used in people 4 years or older, but Dexcom G6 can be used by children as young as 2 years old. (2) A new FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor takes 1 hour to start working, while a new Dexcom G6 sensor takes 2 hours to pair with its receiver. (3) FreeStyle Libre 3 provides glucose readings every 1 minute, while Dexcom G6 provides readings every 5 minutes. Read this article for more information and talk with your provider to choose the right CGM for you.
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Risks and warnings for FreeStyle Libre 3
FreeStyle Libre 3 can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Warning for medical tests and imaging
You must remove FreeStyle Libre 3 before getting a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scan, or high-frequency electrical heat (diathermy) treatment. These medical tests might damage the sensor and cause incorrect glucose readings. If you're scheduled for any medical tests or imaging, let your provider know that you're using FreeStyle Libre 3.
Warning for security machines
If you're going through security, such as at the airport, let the security personnel know that you're wearing a CGM. Don't go through (or put any part of the FreeStyle Libre 3 system through) any body scanners or X-ray machines. Instead, request that they use another method for screening. It isn't known how X-rays or other scanners affect FreeStyle Libre 3, and they could damage the sensor and affect its performance.
Low or high glucose levels
If you have symptoms of low or high blood sugar and they aren't matching up with your FreeStyle Libre 3 readings, always do a fingerstick blood sugar test and contact your provider. Make sure to have a separate blood glucose monitor at home, since the app doesn't provide one.
Missed alarms
FreeStyle Libre 3 has optional alarms that must be turned on in the app if you want to use them. In order for you to get alarms, your phone must be within 33 feet of you at all times. Make sure that the Bluetooth setting on your smart device is turned on. Keep your device charged and turned on.
Risk of vitamin C causing false glucose readings
Taking vitamin C (ascorbic acid) can affect the accuracy of the glucose readings from FreeStyle Libre 3. If you take more than 500 mg of vitamin C while wearing the sensor, your glucose readings might be falsely high. This can raise your risk for dangerously low blood sugar levels. Before taking any supplements, check how much vitamin C they contain. Vitamin C is commonly found in multivitamins and cold remedies. If you're not sure, ask your pharmacist for help.
Skin irritation
The FreeStyle Libre 3 sensors have an adhesive that keeps them attached to your skin. If you notice redness, swelling, or a lot of irritation around or under your sensor, remove the sensor and contact your healthcare provider.
Don't reuse sensors
The FreeStyle Libre 3 sensors are only meant for single use. Don't reuse or share them with anyone else. If you reuse them, you might get inaccurate glucose readings. Reusing or sharing sensors raises the risk of infection. If your sensor becomes loose, remove it and apply a new sensor.
FreeStyle Libre 3 dosage
Box| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 glucose meter of sensor | 2 boxes | $149.72 | $74.86 |
| 1 glucose meter of reader | 1 box | $73.45 | $73.45 |
Typical dosage for FreeStyle Libre 3
- People ages 4 years and older: Place a new FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor on the skin of the back of the upper arm once every 14 days.
How much does FreeStyle Libre 3 cost?
$73.45
FreeStyle Libre 3 contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because FreeStyle Libre 3 will not be safe for you to take.
- Use with automated insulin dosing (AID) systems
- Getting magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scan, or high-frequency electrical heat (diathermy) treatment at the same time
- Age 3 years or younger
- Currently pregnant
- Currently on dialysis
- Currently seriously ill
What are alternatives to FreeStyle Libre 3?
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