Type 1 - Connect

Good afternoon
This is my second post but I always read the posts from others and find them very helpful. I have only been a Type 1 for 5 years (I am 75) so it is all new. I have a CGM sensor and love it (Libre 2) But am finding it difficult keeping them attached.  I know sensor covers are available but which ones are the best?
Thank you in advance for your advice.

I have been using the Libre 2 sensor now for several years and have not once had trouble with it coming off. I wonder if it is how the sensor is attached. I always use the antiseptic pads, then attach the sensor and push it quite firmly onto the skin and hold it for at least 20 seconds, then remove slowly and carefully. I place it fairly high on my outer arm.
The real problem I have is that it does not always read. I sometimes have to try several times before I get a reading. This is enough lately for me to want to change to a different brand sensor.

Good afternoon
This is my second post but I always read the posts from others and find them very helpful. I have only been a Type 1 for 5 years (I am 75) so it is all new. I have a CGM sensor and love it (Libre 2) But am finding it difficult keeping them attached.  I know sensor covers are available but which ones are the best?
Thank you in advance for your advice.

Marion
I am having the same problem solved - glad its not just me and isn't the phone! Its partially by reinstalling the app, but it doesn't always last. I've spoken to Libre about it but they don't actually acknowledge it as a problem (altho they suggested the app deletion fix). I am wondering if it is a quality issue given that some sensors are worse than others. 
I too am considering changing sensors.
Chrz
Gordon

I have been using the Libre 2 sensor now for several years and have not once had trouble with it coming off. I wonder if it is how the sensor is attached. I always use the antiseptic pads, then attach the sensor and push it quite firmly onto the skin and hold it for at least 20 seconds, then remove slowly and carefully. I place it fairly high on my outer arm.
The real problem I have is that it does not always read. I sometimes have to try several times before I get a reading. This is enough lately for me to want to change to a different brand sensor.

Good afternoon
This is my second post but I always read the posts from others and find them very helpful. I have only been a Type 1 for 5 years (I am 75) so it is all new. I have a CGM sensor and love it (Libre 2) But am finding it difficult keeping them attached.  I know sensor covers are available but which ones are the best?
Thank you in advance for your advice.

Hi Marion,

Im considering changing from the Libre, Im getting quite annoyed at the early failure rate coupled with unreliable readings. They usually fail around day 10 and show me as hypoglycemic when clearly not.

Marion
I am having the same problem solved - glad its not just me and isn't the phone! Its partially by reinstalling the app, but it doesn't always last. I've spoken to Libre about it but they don't actually acknowledge it as a problem (altho they suggested the app deletion fix). I am wondering if it is a quality issue given that some sensors are worse than others. 
I too am considering changing sensors.
Chrz
Gordon

I have been using the Libre 2 sensor now for several years and have not once had trouble with it coming off. I wonder if it is how the sensor is attached. I always use the antiseptic pads, then attach the sensor and push it quite firmly onto the skin and hold it for at least 20 seconds, then remove slowly and carefully. I place it fairly high on my outer arm.
The real problem I have is that it does not always read. I sometimes have to try several times before I get a reading. This is enough lately for me to want to change to a different brand sensor.

Good afternoon
This is my second post but I always read the posts from others and find them very helpful. I have only been a Type 1 for 5 years (I am 75) so it is all new. I have a CGM sensor and love it (Libre 2) But am finding it difficult keeping them attached.  I know sensor covers are available but which ones are the best?
Thank you in advance for your advice.

Hi

FWIW I found that when a Libre 2 is coming loose, it gives low readings, way below a finger prick reading. I use SkinTac or SkinGlu to improve adhesion, as well as a cover.

I gave up on LibreLink sometimes ago and now use JuggLuco and xDrip. Excellent connection and I get the full 14 days, plus a bit more out of each sensor. JuggLuco also allows me start the next sensor while still having the current sensor in place providing readings.

Hi Marion,

Im considering changing from the Libre, Im getting quite annoyed at the early failure rate coupled with unreliable readings. They usually fail around day 10 and show me as hypoglycemic when clearly not.

Marion
I am having the same problem solved - glad its not just me and isn't the phone! Its partially by reinstalling the app, but it doesn't always last. I've spoken to Libre about it but they don't actually acknowledge it as a problem (altho they suggested the app deletion fix). I am wondering if it is a quality issue given that some sensors are worse than others. 
I too am considering changing sensors.
Chrz
Gordon

I have been using the Libre 2 sensor now for several years and have not once had trouble with it coming off. I wonder if it is how the sensor is attached. I always use the antiseptic pads, then attach the sensor and push it quite firmly onto the skin and hold it for at least 20 seconds, then remove slowly and carefully. I place it fairly high on my outer arm.
The real problem I have is that it does not always read. I sometimes have to try several times before I get a reading. This is enough lately for me to want to change to a different brand sensor.

Good afternoon
This is my second post but I always read the posts from others and find them very helpful. I have only been a Type 1 for 5 years (I am 75) so it is all new. I have a CGM sensor and love it (Libre 2) But am finding it difficult keeping them attached.  I know sensor covers are available but which ones are the best?
Thank you in advance for your advice.

Good afternoon
This is my second post but I always read the posts from others and find them very helpful. I have only been a Type 1 for 5 years (I am 75) so it is all new. I have a CGM sensor and love it (Libre 2) But am finding it difficult keeping them attached.  I know sensor covers are available but which ones are the best?
Thank you in advance for your advice.

Good afternoon
This is my second post but I always read the posts from others and find them very helpful. I have only been a Type 1 for 5 years (I am 75) so it is all new. I have a CGM sensor and love it (Libre 2) But am finding it difficult keeping them attached.  I know sensor covers are available but which ones are the best?
Thank you in advance for your advice.

Hi Barbara, they can be tricky to keep on. I buy disk covers from Rockadex Diabetic Supplies. They're online and delivery is  very quick. 

They have a huge variety of different patterns and they have covers for most of the different types of sensors. Just take care in reading which ones they are suited to. The covers can last up to 7-10 days at a time. 

Good afternoon
This is my second post but I always read the posts from others and find them very helpful. I have only been a Type 1 for 5 years (I am 75) so it is all new. I have a CGM sensor and love it (Libre 2) But am finding it difficult keeping them attached.  I know sensor covers are available but which ones are the best?
Thank you in advance for your advice.

Good afternoon
This is my second post but I always read the posts from others and find them very helpful. I have only been a Type 1 for 5 years (I am 75) so it is all new. I have a CGM sensor and love it (Libre 2) But am finding it difficult keeping them attached.  I know sensor covers are available but which ones are the best?
Thank you in advance for your advice.

------------------------------
Barbara
------------------------------

Barbara (congrats on the 2nd post):  I also use the L2 and have no problems with adherence.  It takes some force to remove my sensor carefully.  Others have already mentioned that its important to use the alcohol wipes.  Occasionally I use a tissue wet with metho to clean the skin.  If you're using a moisturiser on your arm, metho  pre-wash might help (I'm sure there'll be many critics of that practise ;-) ).  Be sure that you wait for the skin to dry following the wipes before application.

At a L2 training session, the local Abbott people recommended holding your hand over the sensor, pressing gently, to warm the sensor for about 3min after application.  I follow that advice.

If you're going to use extra glues, test first to be sure that you won't damage your skin on removal. 

Abbott advice is very good, so it might be helpful to call them for their suggestions. 

Good afternoon
This is my second post but I always read the posts from others and find them very helpful. I have only been a Type 1 for 5 years (I am 75) so it is all new. I have a CGM sensor and love it (Libre 2) But am finding it difficult keeping them attached.  I know sensor covers are available but which ones are the best?
Thank you in advance for your advice.

Good afternoon
This is my second post but I always read the posts from others and find them very helpful. I have only been a Type 1 for 5 years (I am 75) so it is all new. I have a CGM sensor and love it (Libre 2) But am finding it difficult keeping them attached.  I know sensor covers are available but which ones are the best?
Thank you in advance for your advice.

Hi Barbara

The only thing I can add to the info re attaching, is that there will be some dud sensors and some errors placing the sensors.  In those events Abbot will replace the duds and probably the ones that are due to placement errors. They replaced one of mine that I suspect may have not been attached properly. Pretty hard to get every one right when you are aiming for places like the rear of the upper underarm and can't see there properly.

Good afternoon
This is my second post but I always read the posts from others and find them very helpful. I have only been a Type 1 for 5 years (I am 75) so it is all new. I have a CGM sensor and love it (Libre 2) But am finding it difficult keeping them attached.  I know sensor covers are available but which ones are the best?
Thank you in advance for your advice.

Cris, you reminded me of another hint from the Abbott trainers to get a better view of the site behind the arm:

Before application, bend the elbow at about 90 deg and then rotate the shoulder to raise arm forward so that the upper arm is horizontal (humerus horizontal and pointing forward, ulna and radius vertical).  Then its easy for the other hand to push the applicator upwards under the triceps.  The sensor will be facing backwards when the arm is at rest beside the body.  
 

Hi Barbara

The only thing I can add to the info re attaching, is that there will be some dud sensors and some errors placing the sensors.  In those events Abbot will replace the duds and probably the ones that are due to placement errors. They replaced one of mine that I suspect may have not been attached properly. Pretty hard to get every one right when you are aiming for places like the rear of the upper underarm and can't see there properly.

Good afternoon
This is my second post but I always read the posts from others and find them very helpful. I have only been a Type 1 for 5 years (I am 75) so it is all new. I have a CGM sensor and love it (Libre 2) But am finding it difficult keeping them attached.  I know sensor covers are available but which ones are the best?
Thank you in advance for your advice.

Thanks Jock

Pretty much what I do. I get my wife to put tape on as well...bit of a pain to get off sometimes.

Have you had any duds? I have very few now but the % was much higher before and at the beginning of the subsidy.
Abbot never fail to replace them even if the problem is near the end of the life of the sensor.

Cris, you reminded me of another hint from the Abbott trainers to get a better view of the site behind the arm:

Before application, bend the elbow at about 90 deg and then rotate the shoulder to raise arm forward so that the upper arm is horizontal (humerus horizontal and pointing forward, ulna and radius vertical).  Then its easy for the other hand to push the applicator upwards under the triceps.  The sensor will be facing backwards when the arm is at rest beside the body.  
 

Hi Barbara

The only thing I can add to the info re attaching, is that there will be some dud sensors and some errors placing the sensors.  In those events Abbot will replace the duds and probably the ones that are due to placement errors. They replaced one of mine that I suspect may have not been attached properly. Pretty hard to get every one right when you are aiming for places like the rear of the upper underarm and can't see there properly.

Good afternoon
This is my second post but I always read the posts from others and find them very helpful. I have only been a Type 1 for 5 years (I am 75) so it is all new. I have a CGM sensor and love it (Libre 2) But am finding it difficult keeping them attached.  I know sensor covers are available but which ones are the best?
Thank you in advance for your advice.

Cris, I had two sensors recently that "ended" after about a week.  Abbott replaces them within a couple of days.  For the last replacement, I asked why they failed, so I had to return the failed sensor and labelled the box as instructed to be given feed-back on the cause.      In practise, I would be very surprised to receive a reply and wonder if they would really have the time to investigate. 
I also ask about the L3, but get the answer is always "we have no information about that".

I'm probably more tolerant than average about failues becasue I used to develop on-line industrial annalitycal instruments and I know the challenges involved in making the callibration match the results to a different analytical technique (the lab).   The plots we see on the app will be highly smoothed and there are calibration plots on the info sheet that's in the box that show the scatter between a laboratory technique and the L2 sensor - looks normal to me.

The CGMs are really a process control tool and I think its remarkable that we can use it for insulin dosing.  There are so many variables that effect our control.  (I'm no doing desk work and my BGL  has started to rise...).  

CGMs have been a game-changer and I'm very grateful for the technology and the efforts by DA to have them subsidised. 

BUT, I digress - Barbara I hope you solve your adhesion problem and that you'll let us know when you do - keep trying. 

Thanks Jock

Pretty much what I do. I get my wife to put tape on as well...bit of a pain to get off sometimes.

Have you had any duds? I have very few now but the % was much higher before and at the beginning of the subsidy.
Abbot never fail to replace them even if the problem is near the end of the life of the sensor.

Cris, you reminded me of another hint from the Abbott trainers to get a better view of the site behind the arm:

Before application, bend the elbow at about 90 deg and then rotate the shoulder to raise arm forward so that the upper arm is horizontal (humerus horizontal and pointing forward, ulna and radius vertical).  Then its easy for the other hand to push the applicator upwards under the triceps.  The sensor will be facing backwards when the arm is at rest beside the body.  
 

Hi Barbara

The only thing I can add to the info re attaching, is that there will be some dud sensors and some errors placing the sensors.  In those events Abbot will replace the duds and probably the ones that are due to placement errors. They replaced one of mine that I suspect may have not been attached properly. Pretty hard to get every one right when you are aiming for places like the rear of the upper underarm and can't see there properly.

Good afternoon
This is my second post but I always read the posts from others and find them very helpful. I have only been a Type 1 for 5 years (I am 75) so it is all new. I have a CGM sensor and love it (Libre 2) But am finding it difficult keeping them attached.  I know sensor covers are available but which ones are the best?
Thank you in advance for your advice.

Cris, I had two sensors recently that "ended" after about a week.  Abbott replaces them within a couple of days.  For the last replacement, I asked why they failed, so I had to return the failed sensor and labelled the box as instructed to be given feed-back on the cause.      In practise, I would be very surprised to receive a reply and wonder if they would really have the time to investigate. 
I also ask about the L3, but get the answer is always "we have no information about that".

I'm probably more tolerant than average about failues becasue I used to develop on-line industrial annalitycal instruments and I know the challenges involved in making the callibration match the results to a different analytical technique (the lab).   The plots we see on the app will be highly smoothed and there are calibration plots on the info sheet that's in the box that show the scatter between a laboratory technique and the L2 sensor - looks normal to me.

The CGMs are really a process control tool and I think its remarkable that we can use it for insulin dosing.  There are so many variables that effect our control.  (I'm no doing desk work and my BGL  has started to rise...).  

CGMs have been a game-changer and I'm very grateful for the technology and the efforts by DA to have them subsidised. 

BUT, I digress - Barbara I hope you solve your adhesion problem and that you'll let us know when you do - keep trying. 

Thanks Jock

Pretty much what I do. I get my wife to put tape on as well...bit of a pain to get off sometimes.

Have you had any duds? I have very few now but the % was much higher before and at the beginning of the subsidy.
Abbot never fail to replace them even if the problem is near the end of the life of the sensor.

Cris, you reminded me of another hint from the Abbott trainers to get a better view of the site behind the arm:

Before application, bend the elbow at about 90 deg and then rotate the shoulder to raise arm forward so that the upper arm is horizontal (humerus horizontal and pointing forward, ulna and radius vertical).  Then its easy for the other hand to push the applicator upwards under the triceps.  The sensor will be facing backwards when the arm is at rest beside the body.  
 

Hi Barbara

The only thing I can add to the info re attaching, is that there will be some dud sensors and some errors placing the sensors.  In those events Abbot will replace the duds and probably the ones that are due to placement errors. They replaced one of mine that I suspect may have not been attached properly. Pretty hard to get every one right when you are aiming for places like the rear of the upper underarm and can't see there properly.

Good afternoon
This is my second post but I always read the posts from others and find them very helpful. I have only been a Type 1 for 5 years (I am 75) so it is all new. I have a CGM sensor and love it (Libre 2) But am finding it difficult keeping them attached.  I know sensor covers are available but which ones are the best?
Thank you in advance for your advice.

Hi Jock,
A bit off the topic but you may be just the person to ask with your background.  How does  the very fine filament on the sensor that is injected tests the fluids? I find it puzzling how the filament works. Does the filament suck up the fluid in the body as it flows past to test the sugars?
Further, I would improve the design  of the sensor by making it silent when pressing the plunger to inject the filament. I find the sound of the spring thudding against my arm very unnerving. Maybe, the designer of the Libre2 model never actually had to to use the sensor.

------------------------------
Michael

Original Message:
Sent: 17-05-2023 11:30
From: Jock
Subject: CGM sensor covers

Cris, I had two sensors recently that "ended" after about a week.  Abbott replaces them within a couple of days.  For the last replacement, I asked why they failed, so I had to return the failed sensor and labelled the box as instructed to be given feed-back on the cause.      In practise, I would be very surprised to receive a reply and wonder if they would really have the time to investigate. 
I also ask about the L3, but get the answer is always "we have no information about that".

I'm probably more tolerant than average about failues becasue I used to develop on-line industrial annalitycal instruments and I know the challenges involved in making the callibration match the results to a different analytical technique (the lab).   The plots we see on the app will be highly smoothed and there are calibration plots on the info sheet that's in the box that show the scatter between a laboratory technique and the L2 sensor - looks normal to me.

The CGMs are really a process control tool and I think its remarkable that we can use it for insulin dosing.  There are so many variables that effect our control.  (I'm no doing desk work and my BGL  has started to rise...).  

CGMs have been a game-changer and I'm very grateful for the technology and the efforts by DA to have them subsidised. 

BUT, I digress - Barbara I hope you solve your adhesion problem and that you'll let us know when you do - keep trying. 

------------------------------
Jock

Original Message:
Sent: 17-05-2023 07:07
From: Crispin
Subject: CGM sensor covers

Thanks Jock

Pretty much what I do. I get my wife to put tape on as well...bit of a pain to get off sometimes.

Have you had any duds? I have very few now but the % was much higher before and at the beginning of the subsidy.
Abbot never fail to replace them even if the problem is near the end of the life of the sensor.

------------------------------
Cheers
Cris

Original Message:
Sent: 16-05-2023 13:27
From: Jock
Subject: CGM sensor covers

Cris, you reminded me of another hint from the Abbott trainers to get a better view of the site behind the arm:

Before application, bend the elbow at about 90 deg and then rotate the shoulder to raise arm forward so that the upper arm is horizontal (humerus horizontal and pointing forward, ulna and radius vertical).  Then its easy for the other hand to push the applicator upwards under the triceps.  The sensor will be facing backwards when the arm is at rest beside the body.  
 

------------------------------
Jock

Original Message:
Sent: 16-05-2023 11:53
From: Crispin
Subject: CGM sensor covers

Hi Barbara

The only thing I can add to the info re attaching, is that there will be some dud sensors and some errors placing the sensors.  In those events Abbot will replace the duds and probably the ones that are due to placement errors. They replaced one of mine that I suspect may have not been attached properly. Pretty hard to get every one right when you are aiming for places like the rear of the upper underarm and can't see there properly.

------------------------------
Cheers
Cris

Original Message:
Sent: 15-05-2023 12:20
From: Barbara
Subject: CGM sensor covers

Good afternoon
This is my second post but I always read the posts from others and find them very helpful. I have only been a Type 1 for 5 years (I am 75) so it is all new. I have a CGM sensor and love it (Libre 2) But am finding it difficult keeping them attached.  I know sensor covers are available but which ones are the best?
Thank you in advance for your advice.

------------------------------
Barbara
------------------------------

Thanks Jock

Pretty much what I do. I get my wife to put tape on as well...bit of a pain to get off sometimes.

Have you had any duds? I have very few now but the % was much higher before and at the beginning of the subsidy.
Abbot never fail to replace them even if the problem is near the end of the life of the sensor.

Cris, you reminded me of another hint from the Abbott trainers to get a better view of the site behind the arm:

Before application, bend the elbow at about 90 deg and then rotate the shoulder to raise arm forward so that the upper arm is horizontal (humerus horizontal and pointing forward, ulna and radius vertical).  Then its easy for the other hand to push the applicator upwards under the triceps.  The sensor will be facing backwards when the arm is at rest beside the body.  
 

Hi Barbara

The only thing I can add to the info re attaching, is that there will be some dud sensors and some errors placing the sensors.  In those events Abbot will replace the duds and probably the ones that are due to placement errors. They replaced one of mine that I suspect may have not been attached properly. Pretty hard to get every one right when you are aiming for places like the rear of the upper underarm and can't see there properly.

Good afternoon
This is my second post but I always read the posts from others and find them very helpful. I have only been a Type 1 for 5 years (I am 75) so it is all new. I have a CGM sensor and love it (Libre 2) But am finding it difficult keeping them attached.  I know sensor covers are available but which ones are the best?
Thank you in advance for your advice.

Good afternoon
This is my second post but I always read the posts from others and find them very helpful. I have only been a Type 1 for 5 years (I am 75) so it is all new. I have a CGM sensor and love it (Libre 2) But am finding it difficult keeping them attached.  I know sensor covers are available but which ones are the best?
Thank you in advance for your advice.

Good afternoon
This is my second post but I always read the posts from others and find them very helpful. I have only been a Type 1 for 5 years (I am 75) so it is all new. I have a CGM sensor and love it (Libre 2) But am finding it difficult keeping them attached.  I know sensor covers are available but which ones are the best?
Thank you in advance for your advice.

Hi Barabara & all
terrific discussion especially the posts by Jock on how the cgm read bgl.
On adhesion; Ashley Rose is a T1D and marathon runner, she is an ambassador for Dexcom, to get good adhesion she wears Griff Grips with skin tack adhesive, you can find on Google. I find the G6 overpatch satisfactory  if i shave the adhesion site a day before attaching, use  alcohol wipes & air dry as instructions, sometimes need a 2nd overpatch if swimming regularly.
Anyone considering changing cgm brands, Putting in a thumbs up for AMSL DIABETES, i have used both  Libre & Dexcom for more than 12 months now, i found the staff at Dexcom to be excellent at customer care.
So pleased to be wearing cgm in place of multiple daily finger pricking, something i am really grateful for.

all the best

Good afternoon
This is my second post but I always read the posts from others and find them very helpful. I have only been a Type 1 for 5 years (I am 75) so it is all new. I have a CGM sensor and love it (Libre 2) But am finding it difficult keeping them attached.  I know sensor covers are available but which ones are the best?
Thank you in advance for your advice.