5 Reasons You Should Use The Reader And NOT Your Phone To Scan The Freestyle Libre 2!

[@KS-by3tz]

Your points were spot on! I was about to donate 5 Libre 2 sensors and 2 scanners until I came upon your video. I did not think about using my scanner so that I could turn off the alarms, not to mention the other things you pointed out: reader errors, the phone app beeping every 5 minutes because it says it lost signal (even though it is in your back pocket), scanning ease while driving (versus the 3 clicks with your phone). Any medical person prescribing the "2" to people should definitely let them know that unless they are hard of hearing, or sleep really, really deep, the alarm for going below 55 will wake up an entire household, and startle the heck out of the diabetic while waking them up. Disappointing considering I was looking forward to that alarm feature due to my nightly lows. Libre should fix the app such that you can control the volume according to your ears and the way you sleep, with or without a low. Thanks a ton!

[@Novak2611]

Did you still have the reader and sonsor, I need it.

[@debrahill7519]

Thanks for the information. I have been diabetic for over 40 years. Just today getting ready to put on my second Libre2 sensor. I had debated using my phone but I had thought of several of the same reasons you gave for staying with the reader and was glad to find your channel and hearing you say the same things. Thanks. I’ll be watching for you - I subscribed.

[@Johnii-h5q]

Been using Freestyle since 2019. Went to the 2 as soon as it came out. The app has received several updates since this VIDEO was released. Every single CON you listed is no longer an issue with the latest version of the Freestyle 2 App. 1. Silent Mode added (to shut off alarms for a specified amount of time 2. There is no SCAN button... you unlock your phone and scan the sensor... NO 2nd or 3rd step 3. Scan errors still happen but just hold the phone to the sensor it automatically rescans. All I can say to his comments are... keep the app running... don't shut the app off. I keep my app on 24/7... I have no issues with my phone charge either.

[@af1966]

Yes but when using the app on your phone with the libre 3 Bluetooth on your phone has to stay on all the time and then when you get a text message you don't hear the sound notification of the text message so that's a big problem. You wouldn't have that problem with the reader while using the libre 3 or the three plus

[@CaltaTomas]

@@af1966 thats bullshit. Phone is NOT using Freestyle Libre as a audio device. It uses BLE only to send data. If your phone is behaving like this, there is something bugging within the software in your phone.

[@grumpyinbrooklyn6347]

The Libre 14 day with the app was actually a pain in the neck to scan on the phone! I was using the Galaxy S22+ last. Scan failures were more than 50% of the time! But having switched to the Libre3 now, I LOVE it!

[@rbranjan9982]

You nailed it, my friend! I am a new user (almost done my 2nd sensor). Libre 2 has really changed my life in a positive way, despite its *low zone* (in)accuracies! The battery life, and other stuff you mentioned (signal loss, too many steps etc) have bothered me too. Thank you for your sharing and also your style of presentation! Your speed of delivery is perfect, your factual and crisp presentation tells me that you are a *science* guy! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I have been a diabetic for now 40+ years and had been on insulin before 2016 and again now (Beta tank is empty! ;-) Back recently on insulin and Libre 2 has been a god-sent!

[@diabetesdailydigest]

Thank you so much!! I definitely am a science guy!

[@peterholthoffman]

Good video! I used my phone for months and had never used the reader. When I read the documentation, it seemed the phone was the clear winner. Then my phone died and I had to switch to the reader. I do not plan on ever going back to my phone! Everything you said is exactly my experience (I've been on Android) and the reader is superior for all the reasons you gave.

[@diabetesdailydigest]

Thank you! I went through a similar situation and was very surprised when I wound up sticking with the reader, definitely superior.

[@susanleonard3935]

Thanks!

[@diabetesdailydigest]

No problem! Thank you for the donation!!

[@drewman5740]

Thank You for posting & sharing your experience … Just received mine as a first time user and based on your opinions I’m going to use the supplied reader instead of my smartphone.

[@jamiewilliams3179]

If you press and hold the icon on iOS a drop down appears, and you can click scan sensor. When you do, it’ll open the app where it is already to scan without having to do the extra steps. Also, if you develop some iOS shortcuts, those can save you a lot of time too.

[@emb74]

Helpful video. I’m new to CGM. I’m fortunate in that I’m a mild type 2 (I like to call it insulin resistant) so I don’t need to use it all the time. I will just use it occasionally to check that I’m eating right. I was going to use the phone app but these are all good reasons to use the reader. Thanks.

[@diabetesdailydigest]

Thank you and best of luck with your diabetes!

[@arnojones8566]

4 of 5 of your reasons are why I switched back to the reader. Another reason is that I have to get my phone seemingly exactly in the right position to get a reading. In the summer it's okay, but as the weather gets colder and I wear more layers, it's difficult to find the sensor when I can't even feel the sensor. With the reader I just wave it around in the general area and I get the reading.

[@lourdesestrada2942]

I just got the freestyle libre 2, thank you for the info, and reading the comments. Definitely will just use the reader.

[@georgesgutierrez]

My endocrinologist set me up with a trial sensor using my Android Smartphone (Motorola Edge 2020). Just got on it today 5.20 2022. Still trying to get used to the ins and outs of it but so far no issues. Thanks for the videos. Looking forward to using this device and will definitely check out your other videos

[@diabetesdailydigest]

Thanks so much!

[@lorettacarancicadney2063]

Great video. One point you mentioned is process to scan with the phone being a 3 step process. With Android phones this is much simpler as you don't have to open the app at all, just unlock and scan. Your 5 points are the same as my brother has for using the reader rather than his phone. This was helpful as I am considering getting a reader to monitor my glucose levels.

[@Kary_Atl]

This comes to preferences, I was hoping there was something more specific to the reader results and not to what you consider inconvenience b/c it’s hard for you to follow an xtra step to use the cell phone app. Other that signal loss very sporadic I appreciate the use and ease of the Mobil app, instead of carrying an extra device which is very expensive and you don’t need. I can do with a $10 glucose meter and still use the phone app. 👍

[@diabetesdailydigest]

Thank you I appreciate the input

[@daniellencooper7922]

Seriously considering going back to the reader because using the phone app just keeps me addicted to my phone. The things I do like about the phone app are that my partner can see my readings on libre link-up, my readings get sent to the endo, and I can link to things like the sugar pixel clock, which is really useful

[@lindacharman7398]

Very helpful as I have just started with LIBRE ✔️

[@diabetesdailydigest]

Thank you! Good luck with the Libre, I’m sure you’ll love it!

[@vinnybrowne3653]

I have an Android so maybe it's different. I am able to disable the urgent low alarm. Not through the app, I just turn off Bluetooth. I also do not need to open the app to scan. I just pick up my phone and unlock it with my fingerprint and scan the sensor. It reads the sensor and automatically opens the app. For me personally, unless I'm purposefully turning off Bluetooth, I have not had it disconnect from my phone.

[@sherry-hf4xn]

Yes it's convenient if you have a apple phone

[@alesan8649]

TOTALLY AGREE! Never using the app AGAIN

[@Ba1ster]

I love my iPhone and do all my readings, boluses from there. I hated carrying the pdm or the libre reader. There was times I used to go mad because I had lost it somewhere in the house. I have no issues u have mentioned with my iPhone and run a closed loop on it.

[@diabetesdailydigest]

Glad to hear it’s working well for you with the phone. That’s awesome you’re able to do a closed loop with the phone, I’ve always wanted to try that out.

[@jasonivey5742]

Thank you Scott! I came to this video looking for a way to disable the Android "Urgent Low Glucose Alarm" and am happy to find that my phone isn't the only solution for scanning my Freestyle Libre 2. In addition, I couldn't agree with you more on all of your other points. I have had my Freestyle Libre 2 for less than a week and can already attest to the other various issues you mentioned. The bluetooth loss of connectivity, the frequent scan failures and the app constantly complaining that I rejected its ability to use notifications. (Not that disabling notifications actually work for the "Urgent Low Glucose Alarm.") I still need to research how an app can hijack that ability in Android. In the meantime, thank you again and I will be ordering the Libre Reader.

[@diabetesdailydigest]

No problem!

[@Recken1]

an acknowledgement button would be nice. "Yes, I know my sugars are low please stop alerting me, for the love of GOD stop"

[@bltefft]

I'm getting a #2 and will be using the reader. Your video convinced me to get the reader and avoid the app. Thanks.

[@diabetesdailydigest]

No problem! Thank you!

[@lukegarcia684]

Makes a lot of sense!! I do agree with you.

[@bazz6670]

I'm going to try the reader, the phone has a lot of errors and looses signal straight after a reading sometimes. I do like the convenience of just having the phone but like you say it can go flat in a day.

[@Pharmacist-p8q]

I am someone who doesn't carry their phone on their person 24/7 so using the reader was preferable from the start. For one thing, it's considerably smaller to carry than a phone! As for loss of connectivity, this happens often with the reader too--it's not just a phone thing. We've started to refer to is as "the reader getting lonely". Funny thing, though, when it does beep for a loss of connection, there's often a change happening that I should be aware of (and act on before getting to an alarm stage)!

[@slavikgdanski]

You are 100% right, I wish to use them both like Libra 1

[@tvaud]

I completely agree with you. The reader is much easier to use, while the phone rarely reads the sensor after a few tries. It’s frustrating. I’m back to the reader. I hope they don’t discontinue those disks.

[@steveorc6920]

About to try this and wondering which would be better. Using the reader for sure now. Thank you

[@EZETechnRC]

You could always turn the BT off when in meetings... Scan B4 you go in to see where you're at then turn the BT off till you're done..

[@diabetesdailydigest]

Good tip! Thanks!

[@Recken1]

I like this. Thanks. That's why communities discussing things is good. We get to pass around good Ideas. Thanks.

[@ericakrueger8438]

Thanks for the tip. The alarm would be pretty disruptive in a meeting.

[@anastasia.2007.]

BT?

[@EZETechnRC]

@@anastasia.2007. Bluetooth

[@bobeldredge282]

Thanks, my phone is not compatible so I'm glad I came across your video. Bob the welder.

[@diabetesdailydigest]

No problem! I’m glad the video helped!

[@labyfan1313]

My phone's not compatible with the app either. I've been borrowing a relative's phone who lives for me just to try this out for the first time since I got a free sample Sensor. But I won't have anything to scan with when I go to work. It's a real pain.

[@jeevanand5948]

Thanks for the information.

[@Tony2tall]

Wonderful information! Last 3 sensors and iPhone 12 as reader the fault codes and incorrect LOW GLUCOSE warnings have sent me back to finger sticking! Next sensor will be synced with Libre reader!!!

[@diabetesdailydigest]

Thank you so much! Make sure to get those sensors replaced by Libre, they’ll send you a replacement anytime the sensors are inaccurate like that. Thanks for the comment!

[@Tony2tall]

@@diabetesdailydigest Yes I call, Abbott each time a sensor malfunctions but the the background questions information required by the service rep with each and every call equates to a inquisition.

[@tanuk9318]

I am having the same issue all night sensor says low glucose when I check fingerstick it's always higher. I am gestational diabetic abs due to this issue I have been eating wrong since one week.

[@Tony2tall]

@@tanuk9318 since using sensor cover patches I have less erroneous readings. In my opinion the slightest misalignment of sensor is at fault.

[@meimeihow6327]

Hi there, my country Malaysia only has Libre 1 sensor, 2&3 not available. Can I use phone and reader both at the same time for Libre 1? May I know what can I do to make the libre 1 reader work fine in winter? Going to travel winter country by the end of the year. Appreciate if you could advise. Thanks.

[@Antionette-yi8bo]

The FreeStyle Libre 3 does come with a Reader. I just purchased Libre 3 after using 2 for a while. I didn't use my iphone because with the Libre 2 if the sensor wasn't compatiable you couldn't rescan. I do have to take the reader with me but it beats taking test strips, the test strip reader and alcohol pads and then having to prick my finders multiple times. I love the cgm. I have used the Dexcom and found it easier to use but my insurance pays for the Libre 3 only. I am on insulin and I sometimes have lows and I am glad for the alarms.

[@catherinezilber7677]

I am a very new user of the reader, just switched over (maybe) from Dexcom. They are sending me a replacement reader because I can't hear any of the signals, even with high setting. Is the alarm loud enough to wake you up at night? If not, I'll have to pay the big bucks for Dexcom I guess. The whole point of my CGM use is safety and warning for lows. I've tried to find an example of the alarm sound online but no luck.

[@Antionette-yi8bo]

@@catherinezilber7677 I personally do not feel you will have any problems hearing the alarm. It is like an ignoring beep and it is definitely loud enough. You can turn the volume up. I have been woken several times out of a deep sleep with the alarm going off. And then I get up and fingerstick. That is why I use a cgm for the lows that I have and I have never slept through an alarm. That is from using the reader. And I forgot to mention I have some hearing loss and I am hearing the alarm ok. I hope it works for you. I am so glad to not have to prick my finger and know when I am having a low. Also all of this is with the Libre 2. I haven't experience how the alarm sounds with the Libre 3 yet.

[@catherinezilber7677]

@@Antionette-yi8bo Thanks so much. My reader is clearly faulty and another one is coming.

[@bluetech7753]

I've been on my CGM for about 8 days now freestyle libre 3 mine came with the reader or you can use the app . On my very first I chose to use the phone to see what the app would be like . I do experience that signal loss quite often. More frequent when my phone goes below 15% in battery life . When I start a new sensor I'm going to try it with the reader to see if it's any better then the app. I have noticed the battery on my phone draining a little faster than usual using the app . And it's just one more thing running in the background on your phone.

[@johansonkemi7890]

I prefer to use app as carrying reader is not an easy thing for me. Moreover I'm using Blucon on top of my sensor to get readings on my phone and watch without scanning it. There are many more features which are essential for diabetic to maintain the diabetes

[@diabetesdailydigest]

Yeah for you using the blucon you avoid scanning all together which is definitely nice.

[@rosacortez7420]

Thank you so much for the tips and I started using this barely two weeks or a week and a half and I am going to go back to the reader and I've been using my phone and it is kind of hectic but I'm going back to the reader thank you very much

[@nativelovewithrayandrocio8336]

😳 I HAVE BEEN STRUGGLING THE PAST 12 DAYS WITH LOWS, DO TO ERROR READINGS IN THE APP. I AM CHECKING BOTH WAYS WITH A PHONE AND FINGER CHECK THE READER IS VERY CONSISTENT. Very RELIABLE. I HAVE S22. DOWN SIDE YOU cannot send records to Dr with reader

[@franciscoparente1297]

Have you seen difference between the values from the reader and phone? If yes, what is the more accurate? Thks Francisco/Brazil

[@suzannemorin8510]

Exactly I feel the same , do you know if the new freestyle libre 2 plus , used with the omnipod 5 has a reader ?

[@peterfuhrman9544]

You answered my questions nicely. Thanks!

[@diabetesdailydigest]

Happy to help!

[@justklaas4703]

Completely agree. Press button and scan. Thats it. Also less errors than the phone. Battery life for days. NO contest. However, there is one big annoyance with the reader. If I perform a scan, I know what I am doing. I do not need some sound going off when scanning. If I want to scan in the middle of the night, I want everything to be silent not to wake up my wife. Now I first have to shut down the sound, scan, and swith on the sound on again, otherwise I do not get alarms.

[@starpartyguy5605]

I’m on my first Libre 3 sensor. Actually it is the third because I thought the first one was defective because of loss of signal during warmup. The second one failed from a bent fiber . Third one worked. But I did change the location to the inside of the arm so I don’t sleep on it.

[@fergusdenoon1255]

My biggest issue in the past was actually phone size, doing a lot of running I didn't want to lug around a massive phone all the time just to get readings from the sensor, but I also didn't get a reader when I was issued with FL2 so had to persist with the phone, on android I've never had any issues, you don't do anything but put the phone to the scanner but yes can sometimes be tricky, no button presses or opening the app, can turn off and on alarms, change all alarm sounds and vibrations, and alarms show up on my watch. I now use the smallest phone I could find on the market which is 5mm smaller than the reader. all happy now with the continual stream of info every 1minute so I don't even have to scan I can just turn on my phone and leave it for a minute even if it lost connection it will automatically find it again, I only scan to fill in blank spots on the graph now, been I year since this video I guess there's been some updates.

[@1ycj]

Since you recommended so highly to using the scanner opposed to the phone. Do or can you recommend a carrying case or cover to use on the reader? So it’s easier for females especially to get to the device easier. That will help us to access the reader without having to search in our purses for it? The device is not particularly the same size as a cell phone. Any suggestions and or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

[@s_tv_kw]

bro can share or uploaded auto.. online so can see it in another pone or outside home for my grandma ?

[@becalash]

I do the same way like you. I have removed yhe app from iphone. But i love the reader

[@peterbennett4324]

I use my reader (libre 1) in conjunction with my phone (android), definitely sensor at night or in the car with the phone occasionally but today I made the big mistake of starting a new sensor with my phone, now my reader will not read my sensor as it was started by another reader (phone) and can't be used. What a pain in the bum. Also I find the reader to be far more sensitive to reading, just a swipe will do, the phone you have to line up the sensor very carefully. I agree reader over phone.

[@diabetesdailydigest]

I just wish with the Libre 2 they’d bring back that feature the 1 had with being able to scan with both like you’re able to do now with yours. It was nice to have the option. I know it’s due to the alarms, but it’s still a shame.

[@peterbennett4324]

@@diabetesdailydigest Didn't know you couldn't use both with Libre 2, if that's the case I'd only use the reader. Pity

[@dianewebb1855]

I just got mine, libre 14 day, today and scanned it with my iPhone first, didn't realize that once I did that I wouldn't be able to use the reader either. It should work with both or there should be a giant notice on the box that you will only be able to scan it with only one device if you don't scan it with the reader first. It's buried in the instructions so totally missed that. Will be waiting 14 days to then scanning first with my reader.

[@svenottokrakvik3110]

@@diabetesdailydigest I use the reader as main, but as long as I scan my reader first I can also scan with my iphone (although without alarms on the phone). Seems like Android has a much better setup in their app :(

[@paulbainjr]

Really funny I had all these issues and today I was supposed to change my sensor and I saw your video and so I decided to try it for the two weeks. I think I would like it. My phone was constantly giving me error iPhone SE 2022

[@incubatork]

You need to update this video, the freestyle libre2 V2 of the app is constantly reading the sensor every minute, it also saves carrying 2 devices wherever you go. I have never had the phone lose connection with the sensor so far, the latest bluetooth tech is now much less battery intensive. Also you do not need to remember to charge the reader, you may go to read and find it has no charge.

[@kunuseri]

Very useful and practical video; thanks for posting it!

[@diabetesdailydigest]

You're welcome!

[@Dan23_7]

I had a reader with Libre 1, and a reader with my Libre 2 I’m using now. It’s a newer version obviously. But because it has the alert system the battery lasts no time. I didn’t want the app on my phone because the doctors can link to it and follow my every test. They expect us to have perfect readings all the time (4-7mmol) As any type 1 knows, it’s just not like that.

[@orthodoxserb6596]

does the reader shows only mg/dl or also mmol/l?

[@thetruthwillsetyoufree80]

I recently got the Libre 2. You would think the company making the app would do an update to make it better. You think with the app there would be more options for the sound. I’m trying to figure it out to put it on vibrate if having a low blood sugar or high. The one option I do like about the phone is that you can edit your food and insulin intake with any reading in the past.

[@diabetesdailydigest]

I really hope when they Libre 3 comes out they release a new app and update a lot of things. With the dexcom you have all sorts of options, different alarm sounds, different profiles for certain parts of the day, a lot more options the Libre is lacking at this time. I’m hopeful they’ll update at some point in the future.

[@mr.bulldops1348]

Know when that will be available ?

[@MargueriteRadler-nd5fz]

I work in a sensitive facility where I cannot take/use my Mobile Phone, so if I want to use the FL2 sensor, I have no choice but to use the reader. My wife wants me to use the phone, b/c she wants my readings to go to her phone, but you don't have a choice with the FL2 sensor. Whichever device you initialize the sensor with, that's what you have to use to read the sensor for that two weeks.

[@jamescusick4572]

Thanks. But what are the advantages, IF any , does te 2 have. I wish I continued with my 14 day. Thanks

[@diabetesdailydigest]

Only difference between the 2 and the 14 day is the 2 has alarms through Bluetooth. So if you go high or low, even when you’re not scanning, it will let you know and start to beep. Really important when you’re sleeping to let you know of a low blood sugar. Otherwise it’s the same.

[@davidl4749]

Scott, Informative video. Excellent point about having the reader for nighttime lows. T1D for 40 years and just now getting CGM and have a free sample sensor from my Dr. Question, Say I use the reader as you suggest, does all the info sync to the phone app? If you're using the reader all the time, do you use the phone app at all?

[@diabetesdailydigest]

Thank you! Unfortunately you cannot use both simultaneously. Meaning if you scan a new sensor with the reader, you can only use the reader for 14 days, if you scan with the phone, you can only use the phone for the next 14 days. If you need to upload your data from the reader you’d have to connect it to a computer to do so, it won’t link to the phone. If you’re using the reader, really no reason to use the phone as long as you upload your data periodically. Let me know if that clarifies it and please let me know if you have any other questions.

[@nccapone344]

Nice video brother, alot of good points. Quick question since you know probably best. As for using the cell phone with the libre 2 sensor app. Do you have to have wifi , Bluetooth, NFC and also Location all turned on to scan your sensor? Thanks 👊

[@diabetesdailydigest]

Thank you! Yep all of those are turned on when scanning.

[@nathanielswan909]

I have used the Libera but now am using the Dex 7. I am getting a data use increase of about 50% more drainage. I assume the reader would fix that?

[@nickgantaifis4327]

Can you share real-time data with family members if using the provided meter only? Or can you share data with family only using your smart phone as a meter?

[@juicylouisey]

The number one very best reason to use the reader is that you don’t get loads of phone calls, sms, WhatsApp, KZbin and other annoying interruptions to your day! Oh the peace, the ease of focus. BLISS

[@diabetesdailydigest]

Very good point!

[@monnoo8221]

it gives an alarm for a 50 but finger prick showing 75 ..80 ??? i guess that's rendering the cgm close to useless, and it does match the accuracy praised by abbott

[@robertnazario-gb2cv]

hi any tips on on how to connect my libre2 with my health provider with my iphone

[@diabetesdailydigest]

On the Libre app you need to click on "connected apps" at the bottom of the side bar settings, from there you click on Libreview "connect", and the next screen will ask for a code that should be specific to your providers practice. Once that code is put in you are linked to their practice and they will be able to access all of your glucose readings.

[@briannafalter4127]

What's your thought on accuracy? Do you feel like the finger sticks and scanner are pretty accurate?

[@diabetesdailydigest]

Overall yes. They can sometimes be a bit inconsistent, and I’ve had to replace some sensors in the past, but overall I have had pretty good results with accuracy.

[@CharlesGrinbaum]

Hey Scott, thank you for this incredibly informative video. My wife is type 1 and I am her caregiver & we have been very happy with the Freestyle Libre 14 day except for that it does not give low glucose warnings. As we upgrade to the Freestyle LIbre 2 we would like to continue with the reader over using the phone. The disappointment with what I am gathering about the reader is it seems I would not be getting a warning to my iphone if she has a low blood sugar reading. Assuming we would like to stay with the freestyle Libre 2, do you know of anyway that she can use the reader and it could still alert (me) caregivers to low and high readings? In the past, while on the Freestyle Libre 14 day we did have a Blucon, when it would work it was great but it was really hit or miss as to whether it would work or not, it was because of our frustration with the Blucon that we are upgrading to the Freestyle LIbre for alerts. Thank you in advance, -Charles

[@diabetesdailydigest]

I feel in your case it may be beneficial to use the phone, just for the sake of the shared glucose readings. As far as I know there’s no way to share the readings when you use the reader. Good luck with everything, please let me know if there’s anything else I can help with!

[@chrishoy2705]

I use Libre2 plus and a reader as my phone is not compatible with the app. I don't really have any issues with the reader except I often get "scanning error" with the message to "try again in 10 mins". This can be very annoying and for some reason this has happened a lot on my latest sensor. Other than that it works fine for me.

[@inthevortex-de1rh]

O you need the app to use the freestyle? Or just need the reader. I am trying to educate myself about this. I am learning

[@diabetesdailydigest]

You can use either the app or the reader.

[@jennycarrion5914]

I my have my first 14 day Libre 2 but that doesn't bring a reader. So need to use use my phone. My doctor gave me this sample. What do you think I should do. I have an android phone. What app is the one I should use. Thanks

[@diabetesdailydigest]

This is the link to the Freestyle Libre 2 app for Android: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.freestylelibre2.app.us&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=1

[@FedericoPereyraLucena]

Thanks i was thinking about getting a phone with nfc but as i drive a lot and find it great to scan fast, ill stay with the reader. Also at night i dont wont to grab the phone and do 3-4 steps, sensor wins there also.

[@diabetesdailydigest]

Definitely!

[@lisafigueroa5581]

How do you get a reader? I just started and there was no reader in my box I was sent.

[@diabetesdailydigest]

The doctor has to specifically send a prescription for the reader separately. Often times it’s assumed that the phone will be utilized and a prescription for the reader is not sent.

[@gwyndyr32]

Have you changed your mind with the Libre 3 which you don’t have to scan after the original one to activate the sensor?

[@raphelleguy6529]

Hi, I just started using the Libre2, I haven't finished my first sensor yet. Question: Is there a way to send information from the reader to my doctor? That would be the only reason I would use my phone. Thanks

[@rodforcier3661]

Hi, I read most of the comments and found confirmation that if you use the reader you have to go to the web to get an estimated A1C number. I recently thought that my A1C was 6.8 and the hospital blood test said it was 7.2 I find the android app has extra functions without going on the web. This allows mutiple A1C estimates per day to guide what I consume.

[@robertnasser9937]

First time used the little string bent over and 2 hours later warm up a waste of a sensor, second time pulled skin a little tighter and good. Should be told in instructions.

[@BostonPower]

The phone app is absolute garbage even on a brand new high-end phone like mine. However the reader doesn't last me more than 3 days before it needs to be charged again and it just stops working all by itself and says you can't scan until you charge..... I think someone's making a lot of money for such a little return to the customer

[@051570orion]

My phone isn't compatible with the freestyle libre app , so I have the reader which the one button is nice now it's the accuracy that I'd like to know about this afternoon the reader said it was 198 , I did a finger stick and it showed 189

[@SirCurtisLeeHall]

Fine, unless you're a blind diabetic as I am, and as are thousands of other diabetics. Abbott totally failed by not making their reader accessible to everyone! I have watches, clocks, amateur radios, etc, etc, that speak to me, and some cost less than $10. Yet Abbott didn't make their reader accessible to thousands of people who need audio accessibility to maybe save their life or prevent complications from diabetes. Inexcusable.

[@affreuxgalopin]

You can use both the reader and the phone at least mine (android), to do that you have to shut down all the alarms (high, low and signal lost) in the settings of libre 2 app on the phone...

[@ericakrueger8438]

The Libre 2 sensors will connect to either the reader or the app but not both. Is there a way for the reader and app to talk to each other?

[@diabetesdailydigest]

Unfortunately on the iPhone its not an option, only one or the other.

[@lynneferrandino9615]

I use the Libre 2 and recently it’s been reading “Connection to the computer” ? Doesn’t always show to read the sensor?? Otherwise I love using the reader.

[@1TexasKid]

Libre 2 .vs Libre 3 I have issues with the Libre 2 on iPhone 14 Pro Max. The readers works just fine. My iPhone however doesn’t read the sensor. This issue has been brought to Abbott’s attention. The Libre 2 sensor also has an issue sensing my sensor on my arm. It’s 1 foot away from it at most. It keeps beeping & beeping till I scan my sugar level. Abbott Laboratory has sent me a second reader. It’s still failing to find my sensor on my arm. My MD gave me a Libre 3 sensor to try with my iPhone as the reader. This works much better.

[@johnmcrae3221]

I can not agree with the point about the scanning error messages. I have gotten those sporadically on my reader after an attempted scan. Sometimes it tells to scan again in 10 minutes and sometimes several hours. Also, the reader is not always just a click away. I have had several taps to go through occasionally based on other messages it wants to give me. Thanks for your comments. My concern is battery life on the phone.

[@diabetesdailydigest]

Yeah the reader unfortunately isn't without its faults either. Most of the issues that you are speaking of are more a sensor problem though rather than the reader. The Libre 3 just got FDA approved and I'm hoping a lot of these issues will be resolved with the next generation. Unfortunately with the Libre 3 there will no longer be a reader, you can only use a smartphone from my understanding.

[@krunobrzi666]

@@diabetesdailydigest This is not good, because no one is obliged to have a mobile phone, especially not a smartphone... I don't like how they force us to use a smartphone, to have a digital identity in various ways by blackmail. My father got Frestyle libre 2, and in the pharmacy they didn't activate the reader, but the application in his smart phone, which he has, but it's very difficult for him to use, because he's 68 years old... With the first sensor, it read fine, but on the second and now on the third, it keeps showing sensor errors. It reads regularly via Bluetooth, but reading the current glucose level via NFC does not work. I read a lot of comments all over the net with the same problems. We have a reader, so next time we will activate the sensor with it in 12 days, just to see if it is better, as you say... because this application is shit.

[@Karelife]

I lost signal with libre 3 with iOS 17.7. Does Libre 2 work with iOS 17 or higher?

[@af1966]

I found that when I was using the phone app the Bluetooth would interfere with my text notifications on my cell phone and that was a big problem. Because on the phone the Bluetooth had to be on all the time continuously

[@andrewjohn3675]

Hey Nice video. thanks for sharing your opinion. I neither scan my sensor with reader nor with phone app. I even don't need to scan it. I'm using Blucon on top of my sensor to get automatic readings every 5 minutes. It not only allowed me manage my sugar levels in an advanced way also it gave piece of mind to my caregivers. My 5 caregivers can follow my readings as I don't stay with family most of the time due to frequent travelling. Thanks making such an app for caregivers

[@diabetesdailydigest]

Thanks for watching!

[@reneshawn9822]

Can you bring more light on Blucon as it seems to be more helpful for my diabetes

[@frankgambatese3974]

I'm into my 3rd week on the Libre 2 sensors and have only used my phone. I only have to unlock my phone to scan. I do use an Android phone.

[@starrynightt2126]

I just got freestyle Libre 2 for my son I was wondering if you could connect both the reader and my phone so when he's at school or way I can't track his sugar he's new diagnosed and we were told that it could be done not only for his doctors but so I can monitor it too is this possible

[@diabetesdailydigest]

So here's how you would do it: 1) He would have to use his phone for the Libre, the reader does not have internet capability so it would not be able to remotely share the data. 2) On your phone you would download "LibreLinkUp" from the app store and login to his shared account to see his glucose levels remotely. This is the link to the app www.librelinkup.com/articles/qsg. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

[@irondronemedia8232]

I understand your rationale, however, my elderly mum has mild dementia. The phone app is great for family to see her reads, but the smart phone isn't something she's comfortable with. It would be great if the reads on the reader could sync with the app.

[@salcal222]

how do you share charts and other info from the reader to your doctor?

[@tanuk9318]

I am having the same issue all night sensor says low glucose when I check fingerstick it's always higher. I am gestational diabetic abs due to this issue I have been eating wrong since one week.

[@renae0007]

Hello Scott I would like to get CGM. I am not a diabetic but have gain some additional weight that I gained during COVID. I am currently participating in OMAD and Alternate Day Fasting. I would love to see the impact of the meals that I prepare during my refueling meals. I would love to participate in a trial or pay for the GGM. Thanks in advance Yvonne

[@jdcable]

I WISH i could get the reader, i tell my endo and she just ignores me on it...tells me to try the app it works better, and i'm having the same problem like you on these issues, i have an android. how can you get a libre 2 with a reader or how do you ask your endo? i'm just about to change docs too...in the libre i get the "signal loss" as well multiple times on the phone

[@amaryllis2164]

If you have an Android you don't need to go through all of that to scan your sensor. All you have to do is wave it over the sensor. However I switched over to the Libre 3 a year or two ago, whenever it first came out in the US. You never have to scan that except when you are changing over to a new one. The sensor communicates with your phone automatically over Bluetooth. I can't emphasize how wonderful that is. No more scanning.

[@jimmylee377]

Thank you, i will use the reader... this is my first time using the Freetyle libre 2.

[@diabetesdailydigest]

No problem!! Thank you!

[@almighty8836]

You can used both the phone and read start it up with the reader first than after 60mins scen your phone and you can used both the reader and the phone works with the 1 and 2 not sure about the new 3

[@leshigger6517]

using the libre 3 for better than 60 days, i have not had any issues. with android.

[@lcarter8874]

I uninstalled my libre app and when I went to reinstall the libre 2 app my sensor is not reading my phone I signed in all of my data is missing any help

[@MrsMcKnicks]

I’ve recently been getting a replace sensor message before the sensor ends when using my phone. This last time it only lasted 1 day before it told me to replace. Didn’t come off or anything. Never had this issue when I was using the reader

[@GavinColbourne]

Can you please update your video with the updated app where you don't have to scan every single time (unless loss of signal) as it now has almost proper CGM use.

[@diabetesdailydigest]

Very good point. Unfortunately that update is only available in certain regions. For instance here in the US, we still do not have the update and still have to scan with the Libre 2. I'm hoping this will change soon and it will be available worldwide.

[@GavinColbourne]

@@diabetesdailydigest here in the UK the update has been great for my wife who is type 1 diabetic. Just like with the reader if she goes out of range she would get a loss of signal error. Warning notifications are also optional and she didn’t have them active. For me being non diabetic I have tried a sensor over the last 2 weeks with the constant readings and it is an eye opener to help prevent type 2 diabetes. Abbott also use the same sensor for their Lingo metabolism app (I also believe is region specific)

[@stevendelano7934]

Thank you for the video. I use the app on my Pixel 5. I find all the alarms are annoying and continually get lost signal. I'm going back to the reader with my next sensor.

[@diabetesdailydigest]

No problem!

[@adilenecazares5222]

Hello there… I’m new to your channel and about to start using the libre… if my first scan is on my phone and I find that I don’t like it, could I switch to the reader later on?

[@belleve5709]

My numbers are 50 pts apart the numbers on libre 2 meter is at least 50 pts lower then on my smart phone, not sure why. The meter said two of my sensers were bad within 1 day haven't had same problem with phone except it does that not available sign a lot

[@PSy84]

dude, iPhone has shortcuts app...scanning is a breeze. There are also double and triple back taps, and now action button to launch app or shortcuts for what you want to do. Freestyle Libre 3 is the latest now which works great on scanning reliability