Trying a CGM for Free with the MyFreeStyle Program
This content was made possible by Abbott, makers of the FreeStyle Libre 2 System, an active partner of Beyond Type 1 at the time of publication.
The FreeStyle Libre system has been one of the leading Continuous Glucose Monitoring system choices for those living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes for quite some time. But now, FreeStyle is making it easy to try out their 14-day CGM.
The MyFreeStyle program allows you to try out the FreeStyle Libre for free, and I decided to try it out for myself.
The program allows for one (1) Freestyle Libre 14-day sensor, along with 14-day guided support from the FreeStyle team—helping you gain insights about how to gauge what is happening with your blood glucose levels based on your readings and graph statistics.
Start by doing what I did, follow this link to the program page and click the “Start Here” button.
You can then choose whether you’d like to test out the FreeStyle Libre 14-day system, or the FreeStyle Libre 2 system. The differences there is that the FreeStyle Libre 2 has the capability to program customizable alarms, while the original system does not. The Libre 2 is also approved for both children and adults. (The original system is only approved for adults). The Libre 2 System can now pair with iOS (Apple) devices. However, the Libre 2 system is not yet able to pair with an Android smartphone like the 14-day system. If you do not have an iPhone, you would be using a separate reader for the FreeStyle Libre 2.
After you select which system is best for you—you will enter in some simple details about yourself, and then receive a voucher for a free 14-day sensor. You can either print out the voucher or take a photo of it on your smartphone.
You will then need to request a prescription from you doctor. Be sure to let them know that it is for one (1) sensor through the MyFreeSyle Program, and they will submit the request to your local pharmacy.
Once they’ve done that, it is easiest to call your pharmacy directly and let them know that you will be paying with a free voucher and will not need it billed to your insurance. Otherwise, it might add an unnecessary headache if the pharmacy has to go through the billing process once you arrive to pick it up.
I found the sensor insertion process to be very quick and seamless. There is a one-hour warm up period. If you need help or instructions for how to insert your sensor, there are helpful instructional videos on the FreeStyle website.
Once the warm up period is done, you will be all set to start checking your blood glucose levels at your leisure, just by scanning the top of your phone to the thin, round sensor that is placed on the back of your upper arm (the approved location). Every time you scan, a blood glucose reading is recorded and added to your daily graph. You will then be able to have your blood glucose (BG) trends, daily patterns and time in range at your fingertips.
The MyFreeStyle program is, overall, a wonderful way to get a sense of how beneficial it is to wear a Continuous Glucose Monitor for an uninterrupted 14 days, and if the Libre is the right CGM choice for you.
