FreeStyle Libre Accuracy Issue / 6 Tips For Accurate Sensor Readings

My 6 favourite tips how to improve accuracy of FreeStyle Libre when my sensor readings are off.

By following these tips I have been able to significantly enhance accuracy of my FreeStyle Libre sensor readings or at least obtain a sensor replacement from Abbott, the manufacturer of FreeStyle Libre sensors. These tips work for all versions of FreeStyle Libre, including FreeStyle Libre 1, FreeStyle Libre 2, and FreeStyle Libre 14 days in all major countries.

0:00 Intro
1:30 Don't expect Libre sensor readings to 100% match blood glucose reading from a glucometer
2:28 Libre sensor reading are taken from interstitial fluid which causes a slight delay in sensor glucose compared to blood glucose levels
3:13 Impact pf beauty products, medication and temperature changes on FreeStyle Libre sensor accuracy
4:30 Stay hydrated to ensure better accuracy of FreeStyle Libre sensor data
4:53 FreeStyle Libre sensor calibration (using Miao Miao 2, and 3rd party apps such as xDrip+, Tomato, or Glimp)
6:10 My favourite tips for Libre accuracy: Request a free sensor replacement from Abbott
8:42 Watch my 4 week FreeStyle Libre accuracy challenge

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3rd party apps discussed in the video:

FreeStyle Libre terms and conditions discussed in the video (UK version):

Other versions of FreeStyle Libre terms and conditions can be found here:

Thank you very much for watching! Please, share this video with anyone who might be struggling with FreeStyle Libre accuracy.

I regularly release videos covering type 1 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 affiliated with Abbott, the manufacturer of Freestyle Libre sensors. I am not a medical professional and my videos are not medical advice. Please consult your medical professional regarding your diabetes treatment. Description section of my videos includes affiliate links. If you use these links for your purchase I will receive a small provision and you can support my channel.

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[TypeOneTalks]

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[melindadalessandro]

I found that by drinking quite a bit of water throughout the day has made a big improvement in readings between sensor and blood sugar readings. At first I was skeptical but tried for a few days and was pleasantly surprised. Thank you for all the information you provide.

[teresa]

Tom, you are my new favorite person! I've been Type 2 for at least 10 years. I took Ozempic for 1.5 years and had to give it up due to extreme side effects. Too bad because that was doing wonders for my A1-c. I have always struggled with my blood sugar numbers. Hard to make sensible food choices, not drinking enough water and a sedentary lifestyle. This week, I am doing a trial of the Libre 2 Freestyle and have been watching your helpful videos. The accuracy is more than 15% off and last night was 50 points difference. I remember you briefly explaining this in another video, but this video is VERY helpful at understanding the process. Thank you so much for helping people like me! I'm going to be looking up all your videos. Bless you! (I live in North Carolina, USA)

[stephanierishel]

I’m watching from USA, in Mississippi. I’m Type 2 and I am currently using the Freestyle Libre 2. I’m new to it, but just experienced a low of 65, so I compared it to my glucose meter, and it read 115. Lows are not normal for me. Your information helped tremendously. Thanks

[lucieni]

A very good evening from the U.K. Ascorbic acid is the chemical name for Vitamin C and salicylates topically used help break down hard skin or exfoliate but taken orally it’s Aspirin! As far as Libre goes we only have the first edition available here and I personally use it as a good ballpark figure. If I go high or low I fingerprick to confirm whether to treat or not. Happy Sunday!

[sarjakshah]

Hi Tom

New to your channel (from India and just became a user of freestyle libre) for a few months and found it to be entertaining and more importantly informative.
Thanks for doing so

[brdhrse]

Just started with FSL2 (in the US) and find it off by about 30 points from finger stick (lower). Like the hydrated tip and may try on outside of arm with next sensor. We are just starting all this with my 85 year old father, a steep learning curve for us! Many thanks for the tips.

[williambuckley]

Hi Tom, thanks for this Video, they all help. I am in Australia and I am using the Libre 2. I because I didn't know about this system at all I am happy to go by the readings I get. Just using the finger prick for years I knew didn't work well for me especially with my diet etc. I am quite blind in my left eye but using this system, I am feeling a whole lot better and my left eye believe it or not is improving slightly. Thanks for doing what you are doing, I think you are supplying a great service to the world community and I am more than happy for being a patreon and doing my bit to support you in your endevours for helping others in the world community of diabetics.

[sushilover]

thank you for all your videos ive been type 1 since 1997 and i struggle with my diabetes alot now then at the start so your tips are helpful and hopefully ill be getting the transmitter soon once the funds are good to get it. will help me to see where my sugars go up and why or down to low and then i can work on that! and btw thank you for your comment back on that video u did about the transmitter ive been on the senor for 2 months now

[kizzihogan]

I've only had problems with Freestyle Libre2. I'm in the United States. On average every sensors has been around 60 points off. Example, finger prick = 144, sensor check = 199. It is so frustrating!

[ronb]

Thank you Tom, I knew you would have helpful information. I am using Freestyle Libre2 in the United States. My FSL2 readings were very similar to blood glucose readings in the beginning, but now it seems my FSL2 readings can be 49 compared to a blood glucose reading of 109. I know I need to drink more water so this is one thing to work on. Again, Thank You!

[shehnazshiraz]

Hi Tom. I follow your channel from Singapore. Currently using Freestyle Libre 1.

[Hanai]

Your 6 tips are GREAT! I was diagnosed with Type 2 at the start of Pandemic, and got NO help or instruction other than finger stick once a day! I fought for over a year to get a FSL 2, and have paid out of my pocket for several months. It's a total game-changer, but this last 14 day sensor has been wildly inaccurate. You have explained more important information in this video than I got in 2 years! Thank you and I'll be back to download the links! ❤

[tonytoo]

Thanks. U.K. Libre 1 at the moment.

I’ve found Abbott to be very good at replacing faulty sensors, but it takes about a week so I always have a spare just in case. (Annoying when I have to self fund).

My own favourite top tips are to apply sensor the day before activation and to stay hydrated. I agree with accuracy: try doing a finger prick test on your left and then right hand immediately- you’ll probably get a slightly different result (I just tried it and found a 0.3mmol/L variation) 😀

[JamesPearsonUK]

Your videos have been so helpful. I was diagnosed T1 in March (age 38)

[williamwalton]

Scottland UK. Accuracy is a must that is why we pay big money for if not Accurate they only worth a trip to the BIN. I have just ended my first 14 Lebra 2 so far all good Tom (keep the good work up thank you)

[charlesleaf]

Am in the US.. Am using FreeStyle Libre 14 day and am wearing my first sensor which seems to be working fine. Thanks for your videos and keep them coming..

[alisalee]

Thanks Tom! Your videos have really helped. I’m in the US and have started using the Freestyle Libre 2 on my father in law. His readings have been off but I think that maybe we should move the sensor to his legs because he doesn’t have much muscle or fat on his arms. I’ll try the thigh next time.

[kelleyilar]

Hi hoping your doing well
Like your show
I just started my new libre 2 for the first time ever. You give great advise but i noticed my meter and my glucos meter are different by 30 points higher on my glucos meter should i be concerned?
Would like your input. Thanks kelley😀

[filippolion]

Hi Tom. I can confirm that with FSL2 the lag is 5 mins. In our experienxe usually interstitial measurement is slightly higer than blood measurement