Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Abbott Diabetes Care, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
What does Summertime mean to you? For me it means relaxation. Whether it’s a staycation in my own city, visiting my mother in another state, or taking a trip to a new destination, I’m going to find a place and time to relax. I’m excited because I just went on a girl’s trip weekend cruise to Cozumel, Mexico.
However, with Type 1 Diabetes, you can’t always just grab a bag and go. There’s always a plan in place. For my girls’ cruise trip to Cozumel, I had to map out what I need to take especially since it’s an international trip. Normally, I would have to count out how many finger strips I need to check my glucose. If I’m checking it at least 4-6 times a day, for 5 days that’s at least 20 – 30 strips plus or minus 5 for any mistakes. With that also comes 20 – 30 needles, 20-25 alcohol pads (to clean my fingers before and after pricking them), a reader, a charger, and insulin for 5+ days…
Benefits of traveling and using the Freestyle Libre 2 sensor
What’s been great over the last few summers is using the FreeStyle Libre 2 system, which is a continuous
glucose monitor (CGM), I have been able to eliminate the extra materials and devices that come with
traveling with diabetes. Now, I use the FreeSyle Libre 2 app* on my smartphone and scan the FreeStyle
Libre 2 sensor on my arm. Then, all I need is an extra sensor if I need to change it while on vacation. Talk
about a technology upgrade!
Benefits of traveling and using the Freestyle Libre 2 sensor:
- If you’re traveling by air, you can have your sensors in a carry-on bag
- It is water resistant, so you can swim † with the sensor
- No more finger pricks ‡
- Your phone acts as a reader* §
When you’re on the beach or at the pool, the last thing you want to do is prick your finger. But with the
FreeStyle Libre 2 system, it’s literally just scan and go. The sensor is comfortable to wear and applying it
is so easy #1,2 that I can do it anywhere † – I’ve applied my new sensor at track meets, in car rides, and the dinner table.
After you clean the area you’ll be applying your sensor, you snap the sensor applicator into the sensor and then push it firmly into your arm (you can watch this video on how to apply your FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor as well). Voila! You’re almost there. Then you just scan the device to start the activation process and you can get a glucose reading anytime**.
This summer is going to be busy. I will be at quite a few track meets around the country, visiting my mom
in Atlanta, cruising with the girls, and hopefully a romantic getaway with my favorite guy. Knowing that all I
need is my phone to check my glucose is the perfect piece of mind.
Indications and Important Safety Information
Where are you headed to this summer? Wherever it may be, the FreeStyle Libre 2 system is the perfect
companion – check out https://www.freestyle.abbott/us-en/products/freestyle-libre-2.html to learn more
and see if it’s right for you.
Visit https://www.freestylelibre.us/safety-information.html for safety information.
* The FreeStyle Libre 2 app is only compatible with certain mobile devices and operating systems. Please
check our website for more information about device compatibility before using the app. Use of the
FreeStyle Libre 2 app requires registration with LibreView.
† Sensor is water-resistant in up to 1 meter (3 feet) of water. Do not immerse longer than 30 minutes.
‡ Fingersticks are required if your glucose alarms and readings do not match symptoms or when you see
Check Blood Glucose symbol in the first twelve hours.
§ The FreeStyle Libre 2 app and the FreeStyle Libre 2 reader have similar but not identical features.
Fingersticks are required for treatment decisions when you see Check Blood Glucose symbol and when
your glucose alarms and readings from the system do not match symptoms or expectations.
# Data from this study was collected with the outside US version of the FreeStyle Libre 14 day system.
FreeStyle Libre 2 has the same features as FreeStyle Libre 14 day system with optional real-time glucose
alarms. Therefore the study data is applicable to both products.
** Glucose readings are not available during 1-hour warm-up, when sensor is too hot or too cold, when
you see an error or "LO" or "HI" message, or no current glucose reading.
1. Haak, T. Diabetes Therapy (2017): https://doi.org/10.1007/s13300-016-0223-6.
2. Campbell, F. Pediatric Diabetes (2018): https://doi.org/10.1111/pedi.12735.
The FreeStyle Libre 2 system is indicated for use in people with diabetes age 4 and older.
Medicare coverage is available for the FreeStyle Libre 2 system if the FreeStyle Libre 2 reader is used to
review glucose data on some days every month. Medicare and other third party payor criteria apply.
Abbott provides this information as a courtesy, it is subject to change and interpretation. The customer is
ultimately responsible for determining the appropriate codes, coverage, and payment policies for
individual patients. Abbott does not guarantee third party coverage or payment for our products or
reimburse customers for claims that are denied by third party payors.
Visit https://www.freestylelibre.us/safety-information.html for safety information.
