LATEST ARTICLES

Freestyle Libre Tips – Your Libre Falling Off, Try This!

Mark Hanlon
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Freestyle Libre Tips – Your Libre Falling Off, Try This!

The Freestyle Libre is a sensor that helps those with diabetes monitor their glucose levels. It is a painless and easy-to-use device that can be worn for up to 14 days. However, there are some things users should know in order to get the most out of their Libre experience. Here are some tips and hints to help you stay on your diabetes game and help stop your Libre Sensor from falling off before 14 days of use.

DISCLAIMER: I have included links to my Amazon Store where you can purchase many of the items suggested. Looking for accessories for your FreeStyle Libre – look here.

Ensure the sensor area is clean, dry, and lotion free

Use alcohol wipes before you put on your Freestyle Libre
Use alcohol wipes before you put on your Freestyle Libre

To help prevent your Freestyle Libre from falling off, it is important to ensure that the Libre sensor area is clean and dry before applying a new sensor. This means no lotion, oils, hair, soap or makeup on the skin where you plan to place the sensor. I recommend washing the area with plain water and mild soap then patting it dry with a clean towel prior to applying the sensor. If your skin is particularly dry, you may need to moisturize it a few hours before applying the sensor. Just be sure to give the moisturizer time to soak in completely so that it doesn’t interfere with the adhesive. Finally, be sure to use both alcohol pads to remove any oils left on the skin. This will help keep your Libre working for two weeks. If you use Skin-Tac, another pre-adhesive, or other cover for your Libre, you can also try  – this unique formula effectively removes even the most stubborn adhesive residue leaving the skin clean, dry, and without a greasy film.

Need the sensor to stick better, pre-treat with Skin Tac

You may also want to pre-treat the sensor area with Skin Tac  , which is a hypoallergenic adhesive wipe or liquid that can be found at most pharmacies. This will help add another layer of adhesion to the sensor and help keep the edges of your Libre Sensor in place to reduce the chances of knocking it off or being caught on a piece of clothing. Be sure to wait at least one hour after applying the Skin Tac before getting the sensor wet such as having a shower, a swim, or excessive sweating.

Keep the applicator, its great for pressing the edges of the adhesive

Finally, be sure to keep the sensor applicator that comes with your LibreSensor. You can reuse each disposable applicator to help keep lifting edges of your sensor from lifting up! The Libre sensor applicator can be used to help press the sensor adhesive back into place if it starts to lift. Voila! Good as new! And you’ve saved money too by helping you Libre Sensor last the full 14-days!p

Watch for lifting edges around the sensor

Watch the edges around your FreeStyle Libre for loose adhesive. Add kinesiology tape or a patch to help it last the remainder of your 14 days.
Watch the edges around your FreeStyle Libre for loose adhesive. Add kinesiology tape or a patch to help it last the remainder of your 14 days.

Once you have applied the sensor, it is important to pay attention to any lifting edges over the 14 days your sensor is active . If you notice that the sensor is starting to lift at an edge, simply press it back into place with your finger or a blunt object like the end of spoon. You may also want to consider using kinesiology tape (i.e. KT Tape ), which is a hypoallergenic medical tape that can be found at most pharmacies, to secure any edges that are lifting. It doesn’t look sexy, but it is inexpensive and it works. owever, there are other products available such as Patchabetes , RockDex, or SimPatch  which are designed to cover the Libre and Libre 2 sensor with a protective bandage.

It is also important to protect your Libre from water damage until the adhesive has dried. Avoid swimming or taking showers for at least one hour after applying the sensor. You may also want to consider wearing a water-resistant bandage or covering over the sensor with a waterproof sticker if you are lucky enough to be going on vacation or regular access to a pool.

Can I go swimming with my Freestyle Libre

Yes, swimming is allowed with your Libre Sensor. Kinesiology tape works here too as our Libre Sensor are water resistant and designed to get wet. Just keep in mind that the sensor will continue working as long as it is not submerged more than 3 feet (1 meter) or kept underwater longer than 30 minutes at a time.

The Freestyle Libre is a wonderful tool for those with diabetes who want an easy and painless way to monitor their daily glucose levels. By following these simple tips and hints, you can make sure that you get the most out of your Libre experience and help your Libre Sensor last 14 days.

Cover photo credit: John Valette: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-orange-tube-dress-smiling-8343887/

How to Zwift run on any Treadmill

Mark Hanlon
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How to Zwift run on any Treadmill

Did you know that your compatible Garmin watch is everything you need to Use Zwift virtual running on your treadmill?

There are several Garmin Forerunner and Fenix watch models that will work with Zwift when your Garmin watches built-in Virtual Run feature is enabled. To figure out if your watch is supported, check the list at the bottom of this post – click here.

What is Garmin Virtual Run?

Select Garmin watches can be paired with compatible third-party apps, such as Zwift, via Bluetooth to transmit pace, heart rate, and cadence data by using the Virtual Run activity profile. You can use this feature with the internal sensors in your Garmin watch, or when the watch is paired with external sensors such as a heart rate monitor or foot pod.

Follow these steps to configure your Garmin watch to run on Zwift:

  1. Press the Start button on the top right of your Garmin watch.
  2. Press the Down button on the bottom left until the + Add appears.
  3. Press the Start button.
  4. Press Down until you highlight Virtual Run.
  5. Press the Start button.
  6. HINT:Select the Start button again to set Virtual Run as a favorite.
  7. Start a run using Virtual Run
  8. On your tablet, laptop, or smartphone, open the Zwift app or another virtual training app
  9. Follow the on-screen instructions to start a running activity and pair the devices
  10. On the watch, select START to start the activity timer
  11. After you complete your run, select START/STOP to stop the activity timer on the watch

What Can I Do if My Recorded Distance Is Wrong or different from Zwift Run?

When running indoors on a treadmill, the final distance reported from your watch may not match what is displayed on the treadmill. This can be caused by the make, model, or calibration of the treadmill.

How to calibrate your Garmin watch with your Treadmill distance?

If the watch has detected a distance of at least 1 mile or 1.5 kilometers, it will have an option to ‘Save and Calibrate’ when you stop the activity timer on the watch. After selecting ‘Save and Calibrate’ the watch allows you to input the distance reported by the treadmill. This will calibrate the watch to improve the distance accuracy for future runs at a similar pace. This feature will not correct or adjust any lap data that was recorded during the activity prior to calibrating (pace/speed per lap, average heart rate per lap, calories per lap, etc), nor will it correct or adjust the data that has already been recorded in any virtual training app.

NOTE: This feature is only for calibrating the accelerometer in the watch. The option to ‘Save and Calibrate’ will not be available if you are using a foot pod.

Do Virtual Run Activities like Zwift (Run or Ride) Count Towards Training Status, Training Effect, or VO2 Max?

Virtual Run activities, like A Zwift run or ride, recorded on your watch can produce a Training Effect and contribute towards Training Load as well as your Training Status.

However, these activities will not be able to populate a Training Status if you do not already have one, nor can they provide a VO2 max estimate. To obtain a VO2 max estimate, runs must be recorded outdoors with GPS tracking and heart rate data.

What Garmin Watches are compatible with Zwift?

The Garmin Virtual Run feature is currently available on these Garmin smartwatches. For convenience I have included links to my Amazon Store.

  • fenix 7 series
  • fenix 6 series
  • Forerunner 55
  • Forerunner 245 & 245 Music
  • Forerunner 745
  • Forerunner 945 & 945 LTE
  • Descent Mk2 series
  • Enduro series
  • MARQ collection

HINT: For the best experience, confirm you have the latest Garmin software for your watch, sync with the Garmin Connect app or with Garmin Express.

If your Garmin watch does not have the Virtual Run feature, you are not out of luck. Zwift has a reasonably priced foot pod that will do the trick on their Zwift Shop.

How to add a GPX Club Route or Course to Garmin Edge and Forerunner Watch

Mark Hanlon
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How to add a GPX Club Route or Course to Garmin Edge and Forerunner Watch

Adding your weekly running or cycling club GOX route to your Garmin Edge or watch is an easy 9 step process. In this post we will provide you with detailed step-by-step instructions on how to add an existing route to your Garmin Edge Cycling computer or Garmin Forerunner running watch. Part two of this post and YouTube video show you how to use the save GPX route or course with your next run or ride.

As both a runner and a rider I use courses in different ways. While cycling, using a course gives me a heads up of the next turn and way-finding. As a runner – my courses help me understand my route in a race and more importantly using PacePro, helps keep me on track of my goal race time or pace.

In this post you will learn how to:

  • How to Add a GPX route or course to your Garmin Edge or Forerunner
  • How to Use a GPX route or course as a run or a ride with Garmin cycling computer or running watch?

How to add a GPX route to your Garmin Edge or Forerunner?

Before you can use a GPX route for you next run or ride you need to add your club route to your Garmin watch or Edge cycling computer. Follow these simple steps before your next group event.

1) Click on the link for your group ride. The link will open up the Garmin Connect app on your mobile device and display the route.

For example here is a route that is in my backyard: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/77591841https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/77591841

Image of a link to a saved route on Garmin Connect you would like to add to your Garmin Edge or Forerunner.
Choose the link to your group ride

2) Bring Up the Menu. Choose the three dots in the top right of your screen to bring up the Garmin Connect menu. Under the menu you have three options.

  • Duplicate The Route – Will save the route to your Garmin Connect Account
  • Send to Device – The route will be saved on your Garmin device the next time you sync it. In my case I am given the option to send the route to my Garmin Fenix watch or my Garmin Edge 530 cycling computer.
  • Share – Send the route to another friend via text, Facebook, WhatsApp, Email or your favourite messaging program.

In our case – choose send to device to set the existing route (or course as Garmin calls it) to your watch or Edge cycling computer the next time you sync with Garmin Connect of Garmin Express.

Choose Send to Device to add a GPX route to your Garmin Edge or Watch

3) Choose your Garmin Device. A list of all of your registered Garmin devices will come up after you choose send to device. In my case my Garmin Edge 530 cycling computer and my Garmin watch (Fenix 6). Similarity, your Garmin Forerunner or other compatible Garmin watch would be listed.

Choose which Garmin Device you would like to send the GPX route to.

4) Sync Your Garmin Device. Start Garmin Connect or Garmin Express and sync your Garmin watch or Edge cycling computer.

Sync your Garmin Forerunner or Edge device to add the new route.

You will receive a message that the your route will be available on your Garmin watch or cycling computer the next time you sync with Garmin Connect.

Once you have a route saved to your Garmin watch or cycling computer, follow these steps to steps to follow the route on your next ride or run.

How to Use a Route as a run or a ride with Garmin Edge or Forerunner?

Follow these steps to activate a course or route that is saved in your watch or cycling computer to your next run or ride. See our YouTube video at the bottom of our post. If you still need to add the course to your Garmin, check out the first part of the post up above.

1) Put your watch or Edge device into activity mode by pressing the button on the top right.

2) Choose your activity – either a run or a ride

3) Don’t start your activity yet – press the up-button to enter the “Options” mode.

4) Choose “Courses” from the Options, and press the activity button to choose the route you would like to use.

5) Before you start the Route, there are a lot of great features you can review such as:

  • Do Course
  • Pace Pro – Set the goal pace or time for your route
  • View a Map
  • Do the course in reverse
  • Elevation Plot
  • View Details on the climbs across the route such as length, average grade, and more.

Follow along with our YouTube video on how to use a route with your next run or ride.

A YouTube video showing how to activate a saved route for your next road or run.

I hope you found out tutorial helpful in adding a route or course to your Garmin Edge cycling computer or Garmin Forerunner Watch.

5 Tips For Running During the Holiday Season

Mark Hanlon
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5 Tips For Running During the Holiday Season

Our friends at Canadian Running have provided us with 5 great tips to to help balance your running and running training with your life over the holiday season.

The holidays can be a busy time of year full of family commitments, get-togethers and of course, shopping. Even in the age of COVID-19, the calendar fills up quickly this time of year. While for many runners the season brings a welcome opportunity to re-connect with friends and family, the packed schedule can make it difficult to stick to your usual running routine. Use these tips to balance your running schedule with your other commitments so you can enjoy the holiday season.

The 5 tips to help you keep tuning through the holiday season are:

  • Plan Ahead – Use your calendar and plan when you’re going to go for a run.
  • Be flexible – Be more flexible when finding time to fit your runs in. If you are going to be out late, enjoy yourself, and plan your run for later in the day.
  • Adapt your runs and workouts – Something is better than nothing. We will feel energized and our happy running selves even if we need to plan for a short run.
  • Pack accordingly – If you are travelling over the holidays. Make a packing list, check it twice, and be prepared. You would hate to forget your compression socks.
  • Relax – The holidays can be a busy, stressful time, and running should be helping to relieve some of that stress, not add to it. If you need to skip a few runs here and there in favour of spending quality time with friends and family, do it.

Check out the entire amazing article by Brittany Hambliton here at Canadian Running. Read the entire article now.

Source: https://runningmagazine.ca/sections/training/5-tips-for-running-during-the-holidays/

Image source:

Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-with-white-sunvisor-running-40751

Tips on how to Give and Earn Ride On’s in Zwift Cycling App

Mark Hanlon
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Tips on how to Give and Earn Ride On’s in Zwift Cycling App

Here are the 4 easiest ways to give ride ons in the Zwift Cycling and Running App. Ride-on’s are the virtual kudos or thumbs up in the highly popular Zwift virtual cycling app.

Table of Contents

Ever wonder how your friends have dozens of Zwift ride on after a ride? By far the easiest way to give Ride Ons is with Zwift Companion!

How to Give Multiple Ride Ons at One Time

From the live ride screen in the Zwift Companion App you can tap the white circle around your location arrow to give Ride Ons to up to 5 nearby Zwifters. Share the love!

I love doing this when you are passing a group of riders – share the love and get pockets full of Ride Ons back.

How to Give Multiple Ride Ons at One Time (Source Zwift.com)

How to Give a Zwift Ride On to a nearby rider?

Using the companion app – To give a Ride On to a nearby rider by going to the “Nearby” tab, tapping a name in the list, then tapping the blue Ride On button:

How to Give a Zwift Ride On to a nearby rider? (Source Zwift.com)

How to Zwift Ride Ons while you are out of the saddle

The Zwift Companion App also lets you give out Ride Ons when you’re not using Zwift. Just tap the Ride On button below the “Zwifting Now” bar to give a Ride On to every Zwifter you follow who is currently active on Zwift.

How to Zwift Ride Ons while you are out of the saddle and away from the computer (Source Zwift.com)

How to give a Ride On in Zwift

Also, by tapping “Zwifting Now” you can select a specific Zwifter to give them a Ride On. Talk about picking favourites!

How to give a Ride On in Zwift (Source Zwift.com)

You can give a Ride On to someone in-game by following a couple of steps:

What are the benefits of receiving a Zwift Rode Ons?

  • Click or tap a Zwifter’s name to select them.
  • See the thumbs-up button to the left of their name? Click or tap that to give them a Ride On.
  • Your camera is now centered on the other rider. Select “Return to me” in the bottom left corner of your screen to put the view back on you.
  • If a rider accomplishes a goal or gets a personal record, you might see a spray of confetti along with a thumbs-up icon beside their name. This lets you quickly give them a Ride On without changing your view.

When you receive a Ride On, your Drop rate doubles for 15 seconds. Receive a Ride on while climbing a steep hill and you’ll really earn those Drops quickly!

How to use Ride Ons to increase my Drop Rate?

What a fantastic idea by Zwift to use Ride on kudos to boost the in-game currency (drops of sweat). By giving a ride on a 15-second boost to your drop rate, it encourages us to encourage others. The next time you are racing down the descent after climbing Alpe du Zwift, remember to give out “Ride Ons” to those riders still battling to the summit.

Find Me On Zwift

Feel free to send some Ride Ons my way. Find me on Zwift.

TIP | How to move Safari Search Bar to Top of the Screen in iOS 16

Mark Hanlon
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TIP | How to move Safari Search Bar to Top of the Screen in iOS 16

A recent iOS 15 update to Safari (this also applies to iOS 16) on your iPhone or iPad has moved the search bar to the bottom of the screen. The following steps will help you restore the default top location of the Safari Tab Bar.

How to move Safari address bar to top of the screen on your iPhone or iPad

How to move the Safari Address Bar to the top of the screen in iOS 15 & 16

  1. Click on the two AA beside the address bar.
  2. On the tool bar that popped up, select Show Top Address Bar.
  3. Done – your Safari address bar is now on the top of your Safari screen in iOS 15 or iOS 16.
Choose Show Top Address Bar

How do I upload my hike from AllTrails to Strava?

Mark Hanlon
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How do I upload my hike from AllTrails to Strava?

Here are 12 steps to help you take an AllTrails Activity and add it to your Strava account. After all, we love the Strava Community for kudos.

AllTrails helps people across the globe soak in the outdoors. however, how do you add an All trails hike to your Strava App. The AllTrails app provides detailed, hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos crowdsourced from a community of over 20 million hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers, and trail runners. With over 100 thousand trails, users can filter to find the route that’s right for them, and hit the trail with confidence. Anywhere in the World, you can find your next hiking adventure.

However, once your AllTrails hike is done, how can you upload your AllTrails Activities to Strava?

12 Steps on How to Upload your AllTrails Activity to Strava?

  1. Log in to AllTrails.com
  2. Explore your AllTrails Activity History
  3. Choose Download Route from Left Side of the Screen
  4. Choose GPX Track and save the file to your computer
  5. Log in to Strava.com
  6. Choose the orange + “plus” icon from the right-hand side of the screen to upload an activity
  7. Choose UPLOAD an Activity
  8. Upload a Activity to Strava as a FILE
  9. Select the GPX File we saved to your Computer from AllTrails
  10. Change the Activity Type to Hike and Add a Title
  11. Save and View your AllTrails Hike in Strava
  12. Enjoy your Strava Kudos for your AllTrails Hike

I hope you found these steps helpful in helping you add an AllTrails hike to your Strava account. If you are looking for my recommended list of running and hiking equipment check out our Online Store.

If you have other hints and tips, please mention them in the comments below.

Note: Registered users on AllTrails.com can download files of their own activities and maps, from any trail page, and/or from other member’s activities or maps. However, this is only available on https://www.alltrails.com/ not in the apps.

Hint: How to setup iPhone Focus Settings and Freestyle Libre on iOS 15 or 16

Mark Hanlon
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Hint: How to setup iPhone Focus Settings and Freestyle Libre on iOS 15 or 16

Not receiving FreeStyle alarms after upgrading to iOS 15 or iOS 16 on your iPhone or iPad, check out these three tips from Abbott. The following important information released by Abbott applies to using your Freestyle Libre and iOS 15 or iOS 16 (iPhone) users only.

Android users can disregard these steps.

Apple released iOS 15, which introduced two major changes to Notifications on your iPhone called Focus. Focus allows your to adjust how your phone respond during certain times of the day such as during work, driving, or sleeping but limiting the number of notifications you receive on your phone. I use the feature daily while working to silence phone calls, unless they are from one my my “Favourites” and other apps.

This same features impacts your ability to receive time-sensitive notifications from the FreeStyle LibreLink, FreeStyle Libre 2, and LibreLinkUp apps, such as glucose alarms.

Abbott advises that if you are running iOS 15 or iOS 16 on your iPhone, it’s important to correctly configure your settings for Notifications and Focus so that you can receive time-sensitive notifications from your apps.

Note: Although these steps are a direct copy and paste from Abbott’s Email, as our glucose devices are considered medial devices, please make your own decision on the best settings for your Libre and Libre 2 app.

Follow the steps below to configure Apple iOS 15 or iOS 16 settings to work best with your Freestyle Libre 2. Abbott recommends the following settings in your iPhone to receive FreeStyle Libre alarms after upgrading to iOS 15. If you require additional support contact Abbott through the typical channels.

How to adjust iOS Focus Settings to Work with Freestyle Libre

1. Adjust your SCHEDULE SUMMARY in iOS 15 or iOS 16 to work with Freestyle Libre:

  • Tap Settings > Notifications > Scheduled Summary > Turn off apps in the “Apps Summary” list

2. Make Changes to IMMEDIATE DELIVERY in iOS 15 or iOS 16 to work with Freestyle Libre:

  • Tap Settings > Notifications > FreeStyle LibreLink / Libre 2 / LibreLinkUp > Notifications > Turn ON Immediate Delivery

3. Ensure you adjust FOCUS MODE in iOS 15 or iOS 16 to work with your Libre Notifications:

  • Tap Settings > Focus > (Select a mode) > Add apps to the list of “Allowed Apps” for each mode

4. Alternative Configuration in iOS 15 to work with your Freestyle Libre:

Alternatively, in the app, you can go to Alarms via the main menu and turn on “Override Do Not Disturb” to always receive glucose alarms from FreeStyle Libre 2 sensors. These notifications will always make a sound, even when your phone is in Do Not Disturb mode.

Freestle Libre 2 - Disable Do Not Disturb in iOS
Tip: Freestyle Libre 2 for iOS – Override do not disturb settings in the app.

Where can I get more assistance adjusting Focus Settings to work with Freestyle Libre?

If you need further assistance configuring your iPhones Focus settings to work with Freestyle Libre, please contact Abbott Customer Support:

Canada:

Customer Service at 1-888-205-8296, Monday-Friday, 8 AM-9 PM; Saturday, 9 AM-5 PM; and Sunday, 9 AM-2 PM Eastern Standard Time.

All other areas:

Contact your normal Abbott technical support number located on the side of your Libre Box.

The Diabetes App: New Desktop Version and Updated Application for 2021

Mark Hanlon
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The Diabetes App: New Desktop Version and Updated Application for 2021


Be sure to check out the new The Diabetes App (TDA). Congratulations to the TDA team on a one-year anniversary and the release of their new desktop and update to their ios and Android application that connects the diabetes community from around the globe. The Diabetes App is a free social networking app dedicated to educating and empowering the diabetic community.

*this new version of the app has since been recalled, users are currently connecting with The Diabetes community on The Diabetes App*

The TDA Developers

The TDA launched just over a year ago in Toronto, Canada, in June 2020. In this time, the Diabetes App has gained over 10,000 users, forming a community of resilience, awareness, and empowerment for diabetics across the globe. When launched, The Diabetes App was created as a mobile application. It was a hybrid between a social media platform and a source for information and resources. This app and website designed for diabetics and their caregivers included:

  • Diabetic friendly meal plans and recipes
  • Live streams
  • Community groups for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetics
  • Access to professionals
  • and more.

This week marks new advancements being made in the company, as The Diabetes App has officially launched its new application version as well as its desktop version.

This new desktop version brings new advancements. It has all the same features as the current mobile version, including resources such as recipes and articles, as well as an advanced news feed, messaging system, and profile pages, but this desktop version also allows for an increased user experience, as it provides the ease of accessing the application on the web. The bigger screen may be advantageous to users of all abilities, as mobile phones can be too small or difficult for some to use.

The sole intent of The Diabetes App has always been to provide the diabetes community with a place to connect and grow. With the introduction of this new desktop version, TDA firmly believes that this will enhance its goals and allow the community to foster more strength than ever before as users have more accessibility to their diabuddies and resources.

New updates include a head-to-toe application makeover and a sleek new look. The
application is a proprietary app, meaning it has been made in-house by TDA’s very own team.
With a team of fewer than 25 people, it motivates TDA to work as hard as possible. TDA wants
users to know that everything they do, they do for them! TDA is always working for the
betterment of the diabetes community and to raise awareness for those who have diabetes.
That is why it has implemented dual live streams, which allows for multiple hosts at once, a new home-feed landing page that is algorithmic-based (allowing for personal alterations
based on what they want to see, such as fitness, mental health, or diet based posts), and
updated its messaging system so users can access their professionals with even more ease
than before.

Despite all of these exciting changes, the mission of The Diabetes App stays the
same: to serve the diabetes community. 2020 marked a year of growth, and TDA firmly
believes that 2021 is going to mark a year of empowerment, and big changes for the
community. TDA could not be more proud to share the updates to come with its users.

The application is available for free on Google Play and Apple’s App Store.

Join the community, keep the conversation going, and let’s stay connected because Together We’re Stronger! If users have any questions regarding the new application and the transition, we encourage them to check out our social media, @thediabetesapp, for more information, and feel free to shoot us a Direct Message, as the team is responding to any questions users have.

Through support, mutual understanding, and empathy, TDA’s motive has always been to believe that Together, We’re Stronger. This new launch and a new chapter for The Diabetes App encapsulates this.

Get the App

Libre 2 Glucose Monitor Frequently Asked Questions about Abbott’s FreeStyle

Mark Hanlon
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Libre 2 Glucose Monitor Frequently Asked Questions about Abbott’s FreeStyle

Freestyle Libre 2 is now available in Canada and the United States. Here are some hints, tips, and all of your questions answered about Abbott’s latest CGM (continuous glucose monitor) and how the new CGM is different than Libre 1. For diabetics using Libre 1 or Libre 14-day, the improved accuracy of the Libre 2 CGM is reason enough to upgrade.

Here are some commonly asked questions and answers about the Libre 2 vs Libre 1.

Answers to all the questions you have about the Abbott Freestyle Libre 2 System

Q: Is Libre 2 More Accurate than Libre 1, Libre 14Day, or other CGMs?

A: Both Libre 2 and its predecessors, estimate our glucose levels by testing the interstitial fluids below our skin.  As it takes our bodies’ interstitial fluids to respond to changes in our blood glucose, a CGM will never be as accurate as a figure glucose blood test.  However, the Libre 2 has unprecedented accuracy in the industry and introduces new features such as measuring glucose levels every minute, and optional glucose alarms. The optional alarms in FreeStyle Libre 2 gives users the option to be alerted in real-time of critical events such as hypoglycemia (low glucose levels3) or hyperglycemia (high glucose levels4) with notifications going to your compatible phone, or reader. Please note, both the reader and the app are not available in all locations.

Q: Is the Freestyle Libre 2 CGM approved for use in Children?

A: Libre 2 is an approved medical device for people with diabetes ages 4 and up in Canada and the United States.

Q: What is the cost for Freestyle Libre 2?

A: Abbott has been marketing the Freestyle Libre 2 at the same cost as Libre 1 or Libre 14 Day. In Canada Libre 2 costs around $100 per sensor, although the price varies by location.

Q: Do Government-issued insurance policies cover the Libre 2 glucose sensor?

A: As Libre 2 was only approved for use in Canada on December 2, 2020 and the United States on June 15, 2020. It has historically taken about a year for Provincial and government health insurance such as Ontario’s Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program is now providing public reimbursement for the FreeStyle Libre system for Ontario residents who manage diabetes with insulin. Similar programs are available in Quebec and the Yukon. Check withto accommodate the newer technologies. As of May 2021, only Private Health Insurance is covering Libre 2.

A: As Libre 2 was only approved for use in Canada on December 2, 2020 and the United States on June 15, 2020. It has historically taken about a year for Provincial and government health insurance such as Ontario’s Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program is now providing public reimbursement for the FreeStyle Libre system for Ontario residents who manage diabetes with insulin. Similar programs are available in Quebec and the Yukon. Check withto accommodate the newer technologies. As of May 2021, only Private Health Insurance is covering Libre 2.

Q: Does the Freestyle Libre 2 use the same iOS or Android App or use the same reader as the Libre 1 sensor?

A: No, to accommodate the alarms in Libre 2 the App is different, both the reader and the app have been upgraded. It is important to note that this is different by Region. For example, in the UK the App is the same for Libre 1 and Libre 2. As of June 2021, there is not an approved app in the US, only a Reader. In contrast, in Canada – only an App is available, and not the reader.

Q: Will I lose my glucose data when I upgrade to Libre 2?

A: Unfortunately as Abbott’s Freestyle Libre 2 uses a new app (at least in Canada), your historical data that is saved on your phone in the Libre 1 App is not transferred over to the Libre 2 App.

Don’t worry, the data is not lost as our Freestyle Libre apps automatically upload our data to the LibreView website. You can see all of your historical Libre data at www.libreview.com. Log into the website using the same username and password you use to log into your app.

Q: How can I help my Libre 2 Sensor stay on for 14-days?

I have been using the Libre Glucose system since 2018. I have had a few questions from readers on tips to keep their Abbott FreeStyle Libre and Libre 2 from falling or being knocked off before the 14-day expiry. Read our pose on a few tips I have been using to help keep my Libre Sensor from falling or being knocked off of the back of my arm. Read the post here on 7 Tips to help keep your FreeStyle Libre Attached for 14-days.

Q: Does the Freestyle Libre 2 have Alarms for High and Low Glucose?

The biggest advantage of Libre 2 over Libre 14 Days, Libre 10 Days, or Libre 1 is the introduction of glucose alarms for hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). The new alarms utilize a Bluetooth connection to either the Libre Reader or your Apple or Android phone. The alarms are also sent to secondary devices such as an Apple Watch as a notification.

Q: My Apple Device always says “Signal Loss”, scan your Libre 2 sensor to reconnect your device

A: Apple devices require you to be running the app in the background to be able to communicate with 3rd Party Devices like Dexcom, Freestyle Libre, Tile, your Garmin or Fitbit watch. In order to ensure that you can receive your alarms from your Libre Senor ensure that you do not close the app (do not swipe up to close it), and keep your phone with the range of about 6 meters or 20 feet. If you are out of range, you may not receive glucose alarms.
Bluetooth must be switched on when starting a FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor. Bluetooth and notifications must be turned on to receive glucose alerts.

Further information is available here:

Q: Can I receive glucose alarms from my Libre 2 on more than one device?

A: No, the alarms are only available on one device. To receive optional alarms on your phone, you must scan your FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor with your phone first, you cannot use your reader. You choose which device you want to receive alarms: FreeStyle Libre 2 reader or FreeStyle LibreLink app. You must start your FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor with that selected device. Once you scan your FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor with that device, you can receive alarms only on that device.

Other FreeStyle Libre Resources

This is just one set of helpful tips from one Libre user to another. Be sure to check out a few resources that may be helpful to you and your body type. Here are a few places to start:

  • Accessories, Cases, Patches, and More for the FreeStyle Libre – A list of helpful accessories for your FreeStyle Libre 1 and Libre 2 scanner and sensor. Patches, cases, stickers, adhesive patches and guides to help your Libre last the 14 days in style.
  • Abbott FreeStyle Libre Sensor Adhesion Guide – a few very general tips from Abbott themselves to help keep the Freestyle Libre lasting the 10 to 14 days
  • Freestyle Libre | Official Learning videos and Tips – Abbott, the makers of the Freestyle Libre diabetes glucose monitoring system, has released a series of education and learning videos to help us get the most out of our continuous glucose monitoring system (CGM).

Send me your Freestyle Libre hints and tips!

I would love to hear any other hints or tricks from people. If you are a marketer, please do not provide comments, however, feel free to drop me a message on our contact page.

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