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Any diabetics here on a CGM (continuous glucose monitor)?

My sister's insurance is not covering her typical test strips now, b/c she is on the CGM. I think they are going to cover only THREE test strips a day. But her diabetes is labile, and she checks it up to eight times in a day. The CGM is not the ACTUAL sugar reading, it is a close range, but you need to prick your finger typically a few to several times a day. Has anyone had trouble getting test strips while on the CGM? she's debating having her PCP write an appeal to the insurance, b/c she really needs to test more than three times a day.

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Guardian

Do you mean Libre 3?

FreeStyle Libre 3 is a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). It provides real-time glucose readings by measuring glucose levels in interstitial fluid, which is the fluid between cells. This technology allows users to monitor their glucose levels continuously throughout the day and night.

Key Features
Real-Time Readings: Users can see their glucose levels instantly on their smartphones without needing to perform finger-prick tests.
Easy Application: The sensor is small and discreet, designed to be worn on the back of the upper arm.
No Fingersticks Required: The system eliminates the need for routine finger-prick tests, making glucose monitoring more convenient.
Benefits of Using FreeStyle Libre 3
Continuous Tracking: Users can track how their meals, exercise, and daily activities affect their glucose levels in real time.
Improved Accuracy: The FreeStyle Libre 3 offers reliable glucose readings, helping users make informed decisions about their health.
User-Friendly App: The accompanying app allows for easy access to glucose data and insights.
The FreeStyle Libre 3 is designed to simplify diabetes management and enhance the quality of life for users by providing a more convenient and accurate way to monitor glucose levels.

The FreeStyle Libre 3 offers longer sensor wear time of 14 days and provides glucose readings every minute, making it more frequent than many other CGMs. However, it has a slightly higher accuracy with a Mean Absolute Relative Difference (MARD) of 7.9% compared to Dexcom G7's 8.2%.

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Guardian

@Gibbon I SWEAR I don't work for Abbott! Just a fan!🫣😂

Gibbon · 70-79, M

@Guardian I'm not a Libre 3 fan because I was prescribed the 2. I think the 3 that's had major issues since 2024.

Baybreeze · 41-45, F

@Guardian Ty..it's a Dexcom . I appreciate that information however.

MommaBear · 26-30, F

I have Dexcom G7 15 day. What test strips does she need?

samueltyler2 · 80-89, M

Have her doctor call the company, thatbis absurd.

Baybreeze · 41-45, F

@samueltyler2 It is I agree. She's emailing her doctor in the morning to write a strong letter to the insurance

samueltyler2 · 80-89, M

@Baybreeze the doctor needs to get on the phone. when i was in practice i never lost an argument when i picked up the phone and demanded to speak to another physician. i also never made a request that was not even debatable.

Baybreeze · 41-45, F

@samueltyler2 I cannot recall, were you a Primary care physician? Or specialist?

Baremine · 70-79, C

I have a dexcom G7. Constant glucose monitor. If insurance pays for 3 finger sticks a day that is more than enough.
You really only need a finger stick if you feel the GCM is off and needs recalibrated.
I recalibrate mine about 48 hours after I changed sensors. That is usually the only finger stick I do in the 10 day session.

Baybreeze · 41-45, F

@Baremine Her diabetes is very labile so she needs to do actual finger pricks more than a typical diabetic. Her sugar can rapidly shoot low, Dow a HUNDRED in a couple minutes. It's dangerous unfortunately. And the cgm is often quite a bit off.

Gibbon · 70-79, M

Freestyle Libre II Plus. Sensors last 15 days. Finger stick required for 1st 12 hours of new sensor to validate readings. My experience is the sensor typically reads lower then a finger stick by 5 to 15%. The advantage of the CGM is seeing trends. They measure blood glucose differently and almost never match a finger stick for that reason. They also have a 15 to 20 minute lag of actual changes.
She really shouldn't need that many strips using the CGM. That's the exact reason I have it. I can do a hundred measurements if I want to..

The sensor needs to settle also after being applied

Baybreeze · 41-45, F

@Gibbon So her diabetes is very labile. It can go down a HUNDRED points in a couple minutes. It's dangerous. So she needs to finger check more than a typical diabetic.

Gibbon · 70-79, M

@Baybreeze the doctor can override the 100 strips per month. Three per day is the standard limit. But the doctor can write a prescription for more regardless. If he just describes it as a necessity She does have the right sensor though because unlike mine she can have it calibrated by comparing it to a finger stick and entering the difference and the two should match. The sensor is still going to be approximately 15 minutes behind what the finger stick says.

Gibbon · 70-79, M

FYI I expected this to become a Ford vs Chevy argument between the Dexcom and Freestyle users🤣

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Gibbon · 70-79, M

@Baremine I've had both cheap and top line glucose finger stick meters. It's all in the test strips.
I just found strips for the CGM reader which is capable but not pushed by Abbot Freestyle. It's very close to my others on the same blood drop. Like I said I find the sensor traditionally reads lower then the finger stick. It's a direct blood measurement and the CGM is not

Baremine · 70-79, C

@Gibbon they make billions putting bandages on the problem but don't try to fix the problem.

Gibbon · 70-79, M

@Baremine There's no money in absolute cures

Justmeraeagain · 56-60, F

I have a CGM and I only test with strips when I feel the CGM is way off.
If I feel shaky or unwell and the CGM has a normal number I'll check my blood sugar to see if it's low and if I feel fine ,but the CGM says it's low I will also check it for accuracy.
I think, she may wish to discuss how the CGM works with her doctor.
She is getting constant updates with it, so it eliminates the need to test several times a day.
It is a big change and takes a while to trust the CGM -I get that.

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