FreeStyle Libre 3 Tutorial: How to Get Started

How to apply FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor, download and set up the FreeStyle Libre 3 app, and get started with this CGM system in less than 5 minutes.

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Watch next:

0:00 How to get started with FreeStyle Libre 3 in 5 minutes
0:27 Download and install FreeStyle Libre 3 app
1:38 How to apply FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor
2:29 How to activate FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor
3:35 How to set alarms on FreeStyle Libre 3
4:32 How to change target glucose range on FreeStyle Libre 3
4:58 How to receive blood glucose readings with FreeStyle Libre 3
5:22 Avoid these critical FreeStyle Libre mistakes

I regularly release videos covering diabetes topics. Let me know if you have any questions or topics you would like me to cover. I really appreciate your input!

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and my videos are not medical advice. What works for me might not work for others. Please consult your medical professional regarding your diabetes treatment. Note that the content of this video was not discussed with or approved by Abbott. I just use and love their products and share my personal experience.

Disclosure: Links in the video description might include affiliate links (I will receive a small provision if you use these links for your purchase). I am not affiliated with Abbott, the manufacturer of the FreeStyle Libre CGM system.

#typeonetalks

[Lindsay]

I just applied my first Freestyle Libre 3 sensor (which is also my first CGM sensor ever) and this video was so helpful. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I've watched many of your videos since my recent type 1 diagnosis and they've been super helpful and reassuring.

[MrBrewsk]

This is good info. I've been using a Freestyle Libre for a couple years now and it really does help me control my sugar. My A1C when started was 9.2, and now is at 5.8. The Skin Grip patches will help me because of where I work as it does get very hot and a lot of machinery. I've knocked off several sensors walking in between machines. Great video.

[A.TAYLOR]

This is by far the most simple CGM I have encountered. Minimal and in one. I think I will mention switching to this one to my doctor over my Dexcom G6. I also love the Skingrip brand patches! ❤

[reborncreativerecyclingltd]

Great videos and advices. I am diabetic 2 since 2018 but recently I needed to start to use insulin. I am using FreeStyle Libre 2 for 3 weeks now and I am impress how easy is to understand everything with your videos and help of local Diabetic Clinic. Thank you ! 😊

[chrisperez]

Dude!!! You are Awesome!! I just upgraded from the sensor 2 to 3.. I've many problems with the 2, so hopefully!! This new one works for me!! I Appreciate all your help that you do!!! I'll post a follow up.. Fingers crossed the sensor 3 works well :) I'm type 1 diabetic, 30+ years and know the struggles :( A1c has been under 6 for around 10 years now :)

[whoknowsvee]

just discovered your account and finding out you speak czech (i am czech) made my entire day!

[wolfgangpfeifer]

Preliminary remark: I have been using a Dexcom G6 sensor for two and a half year and have been able to significantly improve my blood sugar management (last visit to the doctor: HbA1c: 6.1, TIR 91% for the last 2 months). Now I have received a free FreestyleLibre 3 (FSL3) from Abbott and I have been using it for 10 days (4 days left). The FSL3 sits on the upper arm, the G6 on the abdomen. With the G6 on the upper arm I had less accurate values and some irritation (slight pain at the injection site).
My experiences and observations until now:
The application of the FSL3 is obviously easier (significantly smaller, automatic transmission of sensor parameters at startup, start time 60 vs. 120 minutes, running time 14 vs. 10 days). This was to be expected and will only change to a limited extent with the G7 (size then like the FSL2 and transmitter integrated, start time 30 minutes).
What initially irritated me, were the significantly higher blood sugar values that the FSL3 indicates when the blood sugar is above 100 during the day (plus 20-50 compared to G6 and also against measurements of glucose in the blood). This may also be due to deviations of the special sensor. Unlike the G6, however, I have no possibility to calibrate the FSL3-sensor.
When I get up in the morning (before injections and breakfast), the FSL3 shows a strong increase of the blood sugar, while the values of the G6 only increase moderately. Example: Values when waking up round about 90, before breakfast at the G6 120, at the FSL3 160. My suspicion is that in the FSL3 an algorithm corrects the measurement result upwards when blood sugar levels rise. This suspicion was substantiated by the following situation: I had set the high alarm to 250. The FSL3 app warned me, showing a value of 254 while the G6 only showed 192. Since the insulin was still working, I waited for the further development. The blood sugar level then dropped again and in the FSL3 app the curve was corrected downwards, the highest point was about 230, so the higher values had been corrected downwards.
Another example of the use of algorithms: There was a low alarm on the FSL3 (my limit value 70) at a value of 67, which was also displayed on the G6 with a value of 66 (very good matching values). After one minute, the FSL3 showed a value of 79, after another minute again a value of 67. In the graphical display of the values, however, the higher value was no longer displayed as a peak.
These experiences and observations have convinced me, to stay with the Dexcom G6 and wait for the G7.

[ezzzyyy]

This help me a lot I am not a person with diabetes however I am working as customer service representative support united states this help me familiarise myself on how this fsl 3 works

[Berre]

Great tip. I just figured that out today by myself and wish I had seen your suggestion earlier!

[kraidith]

I was using the Dexcom g6 before this so thanks for the video

Hi Tom, another great YouTube. Abbott should be paying you some money for the quality of information you provide to your listeners. I got more out of your videos. Then I did with Abbets video. I like your step by step approach.

[AzeemKhan-gcvp]

Just installed Freelibra 3 after your video,

[cdavis]

Great vid. Libre2 only here. iPhone app turns off alarms. Only alarms when I close app. Reloading did help alarms, just lost iOS app data. Eager for Libre3.

[AmanoEu]

I hope 1 day Abott will upgrade every user from the 1st two versions to the new libre 3, unless the user prefers previous versions. ( I can't imagine why anyone wouldn't use the new version though). Many thanks for your great information!

[camillaflorentz]

I can’t wait for it to lounge in Norway 😊

[msnelson]

I look forward to availability in the US once FDA approves it. Like the smaller size. Thank you for sharing your informative video. 😊

[terencehawkes]

Paul, I know you have decided not to post videos anymore, but darn I sure miss your informative work!

[Karelife]

Thank you for making the whole process much easier. I sleep on my left arm all night so is it ok to just use it on my right arm to prevent it from being squished?

[angellozano]

This is going to be my very 1st time applying and using, my glucose is been bad since I married and I'm starting to monitor more have my doctor adjust my insulin. But does it text😊 blood or interstitial fluid

[BNJA]

Love your videos and appreciate all your information. But I have to say after giving the FreeStyle a try I can't recommend them. The first one I had stopped working after 3 days (out of pocket $73 - down the drain). I did use your method of being sure it's secure and won't come off. That worked! But the sensor didn't.