11–20 of 81 posts
Blog post: https://richardsprague.com/notes/cgm/cgm_analysis/
Slides from presentation last week: https://www.slideshare.net/richardsprague/quantified-self-se...
He also tweets about it: https://twitter.com/sprague
The Freestyle Libre requires a prescription (why?) — is there another similar system that does not?
No. In the US, all similar products require a prescription. This is by far the best available option (no fingerstick calibration, longest-lasting sensor, easy mobile app, etc.). Basically, get this one. It’s $80 including 1 month of sensors. I believe the thinking is that people need a professional to discuss results with. I understand that perspective, but I don’t agree with it, and I definitely don’t agree that hav…
I mean... yes. They're a prescription medical device used by Type 1 diabetics to stay alive.
Here's a second non-diabetic who tracks their glucose with the same non-invasive device and started analyzing it. Blog post: https://richardsprague.com/notes/cgm/cgm_analysis/ Slides from presentation last week: https://www.slideshare.net/richardsprague/quantified-self-se... He also tweets about it: https://twitter.com/sprague
> The sensor is applied to the back of the upper arm with a simple, disposable device called an applicator. When the sensor is applied, a small (5mm) filament is inserted just under the skin, and held in place with a small adhesive pad.
'Inserted just under the skin' means it's still invasive, but that sounds nicer than regular needle-sticks so perhaps 'less-invasive' would be a more accurate description.
Here's a second non-diabetic who tracks their glucose with the same non-invasive device and started analyzing it. Blog post: https://richardsprague.com/notes/cgm/cgm_analysis/ Slides from presentation last week: https://www.slideshare.net/richardsprague/quantified-self-se... He also tweets about it: https://twitter.com/sprague
It seems to still be invasive: https://www.freestylelibre.us/support/faq.html#faqTabstab-3 > The sensor is applied to the back of the upper arm with a simple, disposable device called an applicator. When the sensor is applied, a small (5mm) filament is inserted just under the skin, and held in place with a small adhesive pad. 'Inserted just under the skin' means it's still invasive, but that sounds nicer than regular…
For clarity: the measurement you pasted is the length of the filament. The width/thickness is ridiculously tiny. Basically, this product has the same UX as a nicotine patch.
It's reliable enough - the biggest downfall is that it's around 15 minutes behind real-time, ie, what you can measure with blood. Sometimes it can feel 'stuck' too, and change rapidly between a short amount of time.
The second model, which I am waiting to try, includes Bluetooth alerts if a trend high or low is detected. This may make it even more useful.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
No. In the US, all similar products require a prescription. This is by far the best available option (no fingerstick calibration, longest-lasting sensor, easy mobile app, etc.). Basically, get this one. It’s $80 including 1 month of sensors. I believe the thinking is that people need a professional to discuss results with. I understand that perspective, but I don’t agree with it, and I definitely don’t agree that hav…
Dexcom has a similar sensor on the market that’s approved for insulin dosing decisions. I don’t know if any of the other continuous monitors have that particular feature which might be important to those who take fast insulins.
The problem with Dexcom is the price. A sensor should be replaced every week and costs 80€, the transmitter turns off after three months and costs between 300-400€. If you understand what you're doing, you can easily extend the sensor lifetime to 3-5 weeks and transmitter to 6-8 months.
My take to this is, every T1 deserves a Dexcom system from the insurance. It easily saves your life and makes the control much easier.
The Freestyle Libre requires a prescription (why?) — is there another similar system that does not?
No. In the US, all similar products require a prescription. This is by far the best available option (no fingerstick calibration, longest-lasting sensor, easy mobile app, etc.). Basically, get this one. It’s $80 including 1 month of sensors. I believe the thinking is that people need a professional to discuss results with. I understand that perspective, but I don’t agree with it, and I definitely don’t agree that hav…
As a side note, I think this requirement is completely bogus. You should be able to get any "read-only" medical device you want, anytime you want, especially in a country where there is no universal healthcare. I see a contradiction where on one hand the authorities say: we have to protect you so that you don't harm yourself and on the other the same authorities say: your health is your responsibility and we want nothing to do with it.