My experience with Freestyle Libre2 Plus for continuous glucose monitoring
I was diagnosed with diabetes in 2024. My doctor initially prescribed Metformin, but I couldn’t tolerate it. Later, I was shifted to Vildagliptin. For a while, things seemed fine, so I didn’t pay much attention.
A year later, routine blood tests shocked me. My HbA1c was 8%, despite being on medication. That was the wake‑up call. I consulted my doctor again, who suggested a change in medication along with diet and lifestyle measures to get things under control. Since I already knew a bit about continuous glucose monitoring, I decided to try Freestyle Libre 2 Plus.
Setup Experience
Installing the sensor was surprisingly easy. It took less than five minutes, and I didn’t feel a thing despite the tiny needle inside. Once applied, it connected seamlessly to my phone, giving me real‑time glucose readings through the app.
The Freestyle Libre 2 Plus app makes continuous glucose monitoring simple and insightful. The home screen provides a clear view of daily glucose patterns, helping you spot recurring spikes or dips at a glance. Every scan is automatically recorded in a digital log book, so you can track your readings without manual effort. The app also features customizable alarms that alert you when glucose levels rise above or fall below the normal range, allowing timely action. One of the most valuable tools is the Time in Range (TIR) display, which shows how much time you spend in the ideal glucose zone (70–180 mg/dL). In addition, the app calculates your average glucose and provides an estimated HbA1c, giving you a long‑term perspective on control. Real‑time trend arrows indicate whether your glucose is rising, falling, or stable, while lifestyle logging options let you record meals, exercise, and notes to correlate habits with outcomes. Reports can be easily shared with your healthcare team, making consultations more meaningful and data‑driven. Together, these features transform raw numbers into actionable insights, empowering you to manage diabetes more effectively.
(Tip: check phone compatibility before starting.)
Instruction to apply the sensor
My 14‑Day Journey
For two weeks, I tracked my glucose patterns. My doctor advised checking in the morning, after meals, and before bedtime. But curiosity got the better of me. I was scanning 12 to 24 times a day! With my “pharmacist hat” on, I analyzed every spike and dip against normal ranges. The results were eye‑opening.
Spikes came from morning tea with sugar, bananas, white rice, fruit juices, breads, kheer, and ice cream, with white rice and rotis being the biggest culprit.
Stable foods: Protein‑rich meals (chicken, eggs), fiber sources (chia seeds, sabja seeds, nuts, fruits, vegetables), and 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 my food choices, even during weekend binges, and started experimenting with combinations to “beat the spike.”
Removing the Sensor
Removing the sensor after two weeks was painless. The technology is simple, insightful, and empowering. Abbott has truly made continuous glucose monitoring accessible. I now plan to continue my diet, exercise routine, and medication for three months, then use the sensor again to see how the “new me” is doing.
10 Things I Learned from Using Freestyle Libre
1. Food & Sugar Spikes
Rice is a major trigger for glucose spikes. Pairing it with protein or fiber helps.
Replacing sugar with artificial sweeteners (like monkfruit or TruNativ) reduced my morning tea spikes.
2. Nighttime & Early Morning Patterns
Around 3 AM, glucose often spikes. likely due to cortisol release.
Early morning walks improve overall control and stability.
3. Movement & Lifestyle Habits
A 10‑minute walk, 20 minutes after meals, helps reduce post‑meal spikes.
Stretch throughout the day and avoid sitting too long. Fresh air and movement matter.
Aim for exercise or weight training at least 3 times a week.
4. Tracking & Monitoring
Staying in the green zone (70–180 mg/dL) is key.
Time outside this zone signals poor control.
Keep a physical food log. Track everything you eat and plan for evening hunger pangs.
Watch your average glucose and HbA1c; most guidelines recommend HbA1c below 6.5%.
5. Medical Guidance
Learn more about the blood report. Understand what is normal.
If glucose consistently rises above 7% HbA1c, consult your diabetologist, medication or lifestyle changes may be needed.
Schedule regular check‑ups with tests for sugar, liver, cholesterol, kidneys, and eyes before consultations for meaningful discussions.
I recommend Dr. Mohan’s Clinic, Indiranagar for expert diabetes care.
6. Diet Discipline
The Indian diet is often not diabetes‑friendly, with large portions of rice and rotis that can cause spikes. Pair carbs with vegetables, protein, and fiber‑rich foods to avoid spikes.
Add fermented foods or probiotics for better gut health.
Chia seeds are a great addition. Soak them in water and have them in the morning. They provide fiber, omega‑3s, and support gut health, helping stabilize blood sugar.
You already know what needs to be reduced. Just trust your instincts and follow through.
7. Lifestyle Choices
Alcohol doesn’t directly spike sugar, but avoiding it supports liver health, which in turn improves glucose control.
Practicing two meals a day helped reduce my waistline and improved blood sugar management.
8. Hydration Matters
Staying hydrated throughout the day is essential.
Include water and electrolyte‑rich fluids (like coconut water or ORS when needed) to maintain balance.
Proper hydration supports digestion, circulation, and overall energy levels—making it easier to stay in the green zone.
9. Mind, Sleep & Well‑Being
Keeping calm and enjoying life helps reduce cortisol levels, which stabilizes blood sugar. Do what makes you happy, whether it’s long‑distance rides, listening to music, walking outdoors, watching movies with friends, or simply catching up.
Sleep is equally critical for better results. I’ve found magnesium glycinate before bedtime helps me sleep more soundly and stay energized through the day.
I’ve also heard recommendations about Berberine and Creatine for metabolic support, though I haven’t tried them yet.
10. Continuous Learning
Diabetes is a progressive disease, so discipline is essential to keep it in check.
Read from authentic sources, stay informed, and learn more about the condition—it helps you manage it from multiple levels.
Final Reflections
If you’re living with diabetes, or even prediabetes, Freestyle Libre2 Plus can be an eye‑opening tool. It helps you understand how your lifestyle and medication are working, and in many cases, it can guide you toward a healthier, more disciplined version of yourself.
Please note that, Freestyle Libre2 Plus is not a treatment, but it’s a powerful tool to stay in the green zone, build discipline, and achieve better long‑term outcomes.
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.
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