Libre 3 Review: Smallest CGM with Shocking Flaws

The Libre 3 CGM is the smallest sensor on the market — but does it work?
I have a love/hate relationship with Abbott's Libre 3 CGM.

Yes, it's very small, but size isn't everything? CGMs also need to be reliable! Certainly, all CGMs have flaws and the LIbre 3 is no different. But a few of the flaws in the Libre 3 seem very obvious to me and I hope Abbott improves them in their upcoming LIbre 3+ sensor coming later this year.

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DISCLAIMER: This video is not medical advice. Ginger Vieira is not a doctor. Please consult your healthcare team before making any changes to your healthcare regimen.

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[SeeSaw]

I'm on my 3rd libre 3 and am having a significant issue. For the first 3 or 4 days, the numbers are somewhat accurate. But around day 5, the libre 3 vs accu-check finger stick difference starts to grow. My sensor ends in 10 days and it's been giving me a reading of 53 - 54 since last night, but my finger stick has been 105-110. The alarm went off so many times last night that I finally just turned off my phone. I'm a long haul truck driver and not getting adequate sleep isn't an option. I have contacted Abbot but all they do is tell me to remove the sensor and mail me a new one. But it goes to my house and I don't get it for several weeks because, again, I'm a long haul truck driver. At the moment the libre reading is 60 below my finger stick reading.

[martijobarrett]

Hi! 🖐😃Thanks for all the great info! T2D since 2000 here ... 54 yof.

I am just about to put on my first CGM (Libre 3 Plus) I'm looking forward to your review on that one! 🙃👍

[mrsdisney]

T2D here. I switched from Libre 3 to Dexcom G7. Dexcom is way more accurate in my opinion and I like that you can calibrate it of it isn’t. Also love the direct to Apple Watch capability (even when it wasn’t direct). Wearing a CGM has been game changing for my diabetes health. I think all diabetics should have the choice to wear one (covered by insurance). I love your videos by the way.

[carolroy-amorim]

Ginger, I heard you say you can’t shut the alarms off .If I put the do not disturb on, My iPhone, it does not alert me. I am not on the Libre 3. I am on the Libre 2 and I’m in Canada, so I’m not sure if that makes a difference or not.

[ericinla]

FYI - They finally updated the Libre 3 phone app last week (9/15/24). After 11 months of no updates. They fixed most of the issues with the app you mentioned in your video.

[gerwood]

also have the Libre3 and have experienced the same issues except for the last 5 hours with the sensor. part of a T1D group that meets monthly and we have a Dexcom rep in the group. he says that the Dexcom7 does the same concerning adjusting highs to what they really were.
one issue I have experienced is on sensor change day. after the interminable 12 hour warmup is complete, the sensor will occasionally give you fake high readings. if you correct based on that, it can lead to trouble. double check highs/lows with strips more than I ever thought I would.

[jeffgilmore]

Agree with everything but would add that Abbott needs a direct to smartwatch solution just like the Dexcom G7. Perferably an Android watch...

[SusanneWallraff]

Thanks, you are right, I use the libre 3 with the camaps fx app (Ypsomed pump) and have the same issues while exercising …especially when my training gets intense it’s quite often loosing the signal or sensor error….thats annoying!

[MrWez]

im sure my libre 2 has options for like 20 sounds .. all from my samsung messaging / notification sounds .. just checked and i have around 50 to pick from .. also have option Alert or Silent .. .. i click alarms .. then select which alarm like low sugar .. then under sounds mine says Alarm tone so i click on that and i have alert or silent at the top then sound and ive got pulse beam selected but if i click on that i have options for loads .. options are custom which has 3 libre tones and a few other then galaxy / calm / fun / retro and option of silent

[KenAlvis-ki]

Just used my first libre 3 plus. First couple of days, it was very inaccurate. Through day three it may show 220 and my Freestyle Lite meter would show 170. 3+ would show 170...finger stick showed 140. After a few days, the numbers were almost the same, so I quit pricking my finger and trusted the 3+. Then when I got to day 14 (sensor good for 15 days), the 3+ reading showed my level was 53. Ate a few grapes (7) and 15 minutes later it read 170. Then all day it stayed constantly at 160-170 even though I knew my diet should not result in those levels. Got home from work, the Reader (not the app) showed 170. Stuck my finger...124. This morning...day 15, the 3+ shows 163 and the finger prick shows 118. Summary...first and last day or two are inaccurate but the middle 10 days were pretty close.

[jayjaykay]

I am switching to Dexcom G7 after 2 years of Libre 3. It is so inaccurate, that I need to prick at least twice a day. Also on average only 1 out 5 is working the full time of 14 days. For most of them after 5 to 7 days it alarms preferrably in the night to exchange because it does no work anymore. I am really fed up with it. Before I have used the Dexcom G6, which worked much better, but because of the bigger size made the skin irritation unbearable for me. So I am hoping that the G7 will be an improvement - also it can be calibrated.

[midtownbrownstyle]

The app is not great, especially the alerts. I wound up disabling them entirely and installing the Sweet Dreams app that I had more control over.

[copski]

With all the cash spent whilst developing the actual sensor, you would think they might build a decent app 🙄

Thanks for the video, i think I'll stick with L2 for the time being.

Can you not turn off bluetooth on your phone if you really don't want to be disturbed by alarm?

[Alicia_Kanis]

I still have spots on my arms from 2-4 months ago. My diabetes educator's advice? Just try it on your abdomen. Uh, no, thank you!

[gerwood]

also have the Libre3 and have experienced the same issues except for the last 5 hours with the sensor. part of a T1D group that meets monthly and we have a Dexcom rep in the group. he says that the Dexcom7 does the same concerning adjusting highs to what they really were.
an issue I have experienced is on sensor change day. after the interminable 12 hour warmup, sensor will occasionally give you fake high readings. if you correct based on that, it can lead to trouble. double check highs/lows with strips more than I ever thought I would.