How to use the FreeStyle Libre family of products

Learn how to use your FreeStyle Libre 3 or FreeStyle
Libre 2 system, including what it will reveal, how to
remove and replace your sensor, and more!

NOW APPROVED: The FreeStyle Libre 3 app‡  in iOS for daily insulin users
NOW APPROVED: The FreeStyle Libre 3 app‡  in iOS for daily insulin users
NOW APPROVED: The FreeStyle Libre 3 app‡  in iOS for daily insulin users

Start getting insights about your glucose levels without fingersticks*

Use your FreeStyle Libre 3 or FreeStyle Libre 2 system to see your glucose levels every minute§1-2, wherever and whenever§ you need to. Make more informed decisions with the FreeStyle Libre 3 appII or the FreeStyle Libre 2 app, which show you:

  • A current reading of your glucose levels1,2

  • A glucose trend arrow that helps you see if your glucose levels are steady, on the rise, or dropping1,2

  • A graph showing 8 hours of glucose history on the FreeStyle Libre 2 app¶1 or 12 hours of glucose history on the FreeStyle Libre 3 appII2

Watch to learn more about viewing your data on the FreeStyle Libre 3 appII

Customize your glucose alarms

The FreeStyle Libre 2 and FreeStyle Libre 3 systems feature optional, real-time glucose alarms#** that let you know when your glucose is high or low. The alarms#** will even trigger at night, so you or your child are covered around the clock.

Watch to learn more about how to set up your glucose alarms#**

Removing and replacing your sensor

  • The sensor is designed to stay on for up to 14 days. Your FreeStyle Libre 3 appII or FreeStyle Libre 2 app will alert you when it’s time to remove. Pull up the adhesive edge that keeps the sensor attached to your skin, then slowly peel from your skin in a single motion

  • When replacing your sensor, remember to choose a different spot on the back of your upper arm to apply the new sensor. This will help avoid skin irritation

  • Some products†† that can be helpful for removal, but are optional:

    • Baby Oil: Soft moisturizer 
    • Remove™ Adhesive: Removes adhesive residue on the skin 
    • UNI-SOLVE™ Adhesive Remover: Formulated to reduce adhesive trauma to the skin by thoroughly dissolving dressing

Get tips for applying your sensor:

Download the sensor application guide

Access tricks for keeping your sensor in place:

Download the adhesion guide

View and share glucose reports with your healthcare team

Use LibreView‡‡§§, the cloud-based diabetes management system to upload your data and create easy-to-read3 glucose reports for you and to share with your healthcare professional.

Man using LibreView to view his glucose report

Need more support?

The MyFreeStyle program will guide you through your journey with diabetes and teach you how to use your CGM system.
Let's go

Woman with CGM sensor

Have more questions?

We'll help you find the answers.
Explore FAQs

Man wearing a FreeStyle Libre sensor

FreeStyle Libre 2 and FreeStyle Libre 3 systems are indicated for use in people with diabetes age 4 and older.

Medicare coverage is available for FreeStyle Libre systems if their respective readers are used to review glucose data on some days every month. Medicare and other third party payor criteria apply.

Abbott provides this information as a courtesy, it is subject to change and interpretation. The customer is ultimately responsible for determining the appropriate codes, coverage, and payment policies for individual patients. Abbott does not guarantee third party coverage or payment for our products or reimburse customers for claims that are denied by third party payors.

* Fingersticks are required if your glucose alarms and readings do not match symptoms or when you see Check Blood Glucose symbol during the first 12 hours.

‡ Sensor is water-resistant in up to 1 meter (3 feet) of water. Do not immerse longer than 30 minutes.

§ Glucose readings are not available during 1-hour warm-up, when sensor is too hot or too cold, or when you see an error, “LO” or “HI” message, or no current glucose reading.

II The FreeStyle Libre 3 app is only compatible with certain mobile devices and operating systems. Please check our compatibility guide for more information about device compatibility before using the app. Use of the FreeStyle Libre 3 app requires registration with LibreView.

¶ The FreeStyle Libre 2 app is only compatible with certain mobile devices and operating systems. Please check our compatibility guide for more information about device compatibility before using the app. Use of the FreeStyle Libre 2 app requires registration with LibreView.

# Notifications will only be received when alarms are turned on and the sensor is within 33 feet unobstructed of the reading device. You must enable the appropriate settings on your smartphone to receive alarms and alerts, see the FreeStyle Libre 3 User’s Manual for more information.

** Notifications will only be received when alarms are turned on and the sensor is within 20 feet unobstructed of the reading device. You must enable the appropriate settings on your smartphone to receive alarms and alerts, see the FreeStyle Libre 2 User’s Manual for more information.

†† The information below does not constitute an endorsement of the manufacturer or the product quality. Abbott Diabetes Care is not responsible for the completeness or accuracy of product information. Product availability may vary by country and region. The manufacturer’s instructions for use of each product should be followed.

‡‡ The LibreView data management software is intended for use by both patients and healthcare professionals to assist people with diabetes and their healthcare professionals in the review, analysis and evaluation of historical glucose meter data to support effective diabetes management. The LibreView software is not intended to provide treatment decisions or to be used as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.

§§ The user’s device must have internet connectivity for glucose data to automatically upload to LibreView and to transfer to connected LibreLinkUp app users.

♢ Eligible patients will receive one (1) FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor or (1) FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor for users with a compatible mobile phone operating system at $0 copay. The expiration date of the voucher is 60 days from the issue date. This program is available for patients with Type 1, Type 2, or gestational diabetes. Patients ages 18 and older are eligible to sign up and receive an offer for the (1) FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor or (1) FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor. Patients ages 4-17 are eligible to receive an offer for the (1) FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor or (1) FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor through their parent or guardian. This offer is void where prohibited by law. Abbott may modify or rescind this offer at any time without notice. The discounts are not available to beneficiaries of Kaiser Permanente, Medicare, Medicaid or other federal or state healthcare programs, residents of Massachusetts, or US territories (other than Puerto Rico). The free (1) FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor or (1) FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor is provided as a sample and is limited to one sample per eligible person per product identification number. The FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor or FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor cannot be re-sold, traded nor submitted to any third-party payer for reimbursement and is not provided as any inducement for future purchases. The free sample card is not health insurance.

 

References: 1. FreeStyle Libre 2 User's Manual. 2. FreeStyle Libre 3 User’s Manual. 3. Unger, Jeff, Pamela Kushner, and John E. Anderson. "Practical guidance for using the FreeStyle Libre flash continuous glucose monitoring in primary care." Postgraduate Medicine 132, no. 4 (2020): 305-313. https://doi.org/10.1080/00325481.2020.1744393.

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