A Giant Leap For People With Diabetes

By Lynn Whitworth who lives with type 2 diabetes

Disclaimer: The information provided is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your healthcare professional about your diabetes management. Individual symptoms, situations and circumstances may vary.

Approved on 02/12/2022

A wealth of data I can act on and share

It was great for driving*, sport or any daily activity really. I wasn’t loading up on food just in case my glucose dropped anymore because I could see at a glance what I needed. 

I like the instant reading. And the HbA1c based on my readings I found good. But I felt the ability to add someone to the app, via LibreLinkUp§, who could be alerted to a hypo or hyper was a great feature. My diabetes team – both the hospital medical team and my GP surgery - are also able to see my readings so when I have my appointments, they can see trends and offer advice etc. ^{₼ φ}

I am completely up to speed with how my glucose levels are performing with just a quick flash of my phone over the sensor. I recently transitioned to the FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor with optional alarms^◊. The low glucose alarm is so good. I usually have it set to just before hypo range and I always carry dextrose with me so I can take action early. It also alerts me at night if my glucose levels drop.

Support from family and friends

My family and friends support me by being understanding of diabetes. They don’t mind me having to inject insulin prior to meals (in fact they usually remind me to take it), and they now advise on carb values of food they’ve prepared too.

When we go out for a day or at the weekend, they even plan stops for me to be able to eat and keep an eye on my glucose levels. 

From self-funding to FreeStyle Libre 2 on prescription

Over the years, my diabetes medication changed. I was no longer able to tolerate metformin. So the only option left to me was insulin. I asked if I could have the sensor on prescription but was told only people with type 1 diabetes get them.

I didn’t give up. I fought hard to get the sensors prescribed, with the help of Diabetes UK’s Flash advocacy pack (PDF, 297 KB), as I was no longer able to self-fund. I didn’t see why something which was a major leap forward in diabetes control was restricted. Eventually I was given my sensors. The authorisation had to come from the hospital diabetes team to my GP so it could be prescribed each month. 

For me, the FreeStyle Libre 2 system is a giant leap for people with diabetes. And I believe all people with diabetes should have this. Because we all end up with the same health-related issues caused by diabetes. If this can help us by gaining better control, we can delay or prevent some of those problems.

Lynn is based in North Wales. After a career in IT in the healthcare sector, she is now the main carer for her mother, who also lives with type 2 diabetes and some its complications. 

Lynn received a fee to write this blog. The views expressed are her own and not necessarily those of Abbott.