My experience with Freestyle Libre for continuous glucose monitoring
- Ramesh Mylapilli
- Sep 8, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
A family member of mine, who also happens to be a doctor gifted me a Freestyle Libre sensor from Abbott last month. When I looked it up, I realized each sensor costs around ₹6,000. I’d been curious about continuous glucose monitoring ever since working on a project related to it, so this was the perfect chance to finally see how it works and track my own blood sugar control.
Setup was a breeze. It took less than five minutes to install, and surprisingly, I didn’t feel a thing even though there’s a tiny needle inside the sensor. Once it’s on, you can connect it to your phone and get real‑time readings on the app. Just make sure your phone model is compatible before starting.
From there, I spent 14 days exploring my glucose patterns. My doctor advised me to focus on readings in the morning, after meals, and before bedtime. But curiosity got the better of me and I was checking 12 to 24 times a day! With my “pharmacist hat” on, I analyzed every spike and dip, comparing them against normal ranges.
The results were encouraging. My overall control was better than I expected, with only a few noticeable spikes. Unsurprisingly, foods like morning tea with sugar, bananas, white rice, fruit juices, breads, kheer, and ice cream triggered the biggest jumps. White rice, in particular, stood out as something I need to cut back on.
On the flip side, meals rich in protein (chicken, eggs), fiber (chia seeds, sabja seeds, nuts, fruits), or ghee kept my glucose levels much steadier. Even traditional options like pesarattu (moong dal dosa) worked better than regular dosa or idli. Over those two weeks, I became far more mindful of what I was eating, even during weekend binges and started experimenting with food combinations to “beat the spike.”
Instruction to apply the sensor
Removing the sensor after two weeks was painless, and I have to say: this technology is amazing. Abbott has really made continuous glucose monitoring accessible and insightful.
Looking ahead, I plan to continue my new diet, exercise routine, and medication for three months, then use the sensor again to see how the “new me” is doing. If you’re concerned about diabetes, or even prediabetes, this tool can be eye‑opening. It helps you understand how your lifestyle and medication are working, and in some cases, it might even help you push back toward a healthier you.
About the Author
Ramesh Mylapilli is the Founder & Managing Director of Crixus Health, bringing over 23 years of expertise in medical communications. Starting his career as a medical writer, Ramesh has grown into a seasoned leader, steering diverse roles across India and the Asia‑Pacific region. His journey reflects a deep commitment to transforming complex scientific information into clear, impactful communication for healthcare stakeholders.
Beyond Crixus Health, Ramesh is also the Founder of MedWriters, a pioneering platform designed to mentor and empower aspiring medical writers. Through MedWriters, he has created structured programs that focus on developing medico‑marketing deliverables and scientific manuscripts, helping newcomers build confidence and industry‑ready skills.
With a career rooted in writing and expanded through leadership, Ramesh continues to champion innovation, education, and excellence in medical communications, bridging the gap between science and society.
Disclaimer
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