My experience with Freestyle Libre for continuous glucose monitoring
- Ramesh Mylapilli
- Sep 8
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 10
A family member who also happens to be a doctor gifted me a Freestyle Libre from Abbott last month. I checked the price, and it is around 6,000 Rupees for one sensor. Earlier, I was intrigued with continuous glucose monitoring while on a project at work so this was an amazing opportunity to see it functioning and see how I am doing with my blood sugar control. The installation of the sensor was simple and took less than 5 minutes. Remarkably I could not feel the prick although there was a tiny needle in the sensor. You can connect the sensor to your mobile and get real time results. Recent models are suitable for this so please check it out before you initiate the process.
Technicalities aside, this has been a very insightful journey of 14 days with the sensor and the continuous glucose monitoring. My doctor told me to watch the spikes and check how often they are happening. The doctors’ advice is to watch the glucose levels in the morning, after consuming something, and before going to sleep. But I have a monkey inside, so I was checking readings around 12 to 24 times a day. I have also put on my pharmacist hat and analysed every ping and spike for 2 weeks. I am familiar with the normal blood glucose levels and the levels that should be of concern. Here is a chart for those who want to know more.
Overall, it was good news. I am doing much better than I was concerned. There were not many spikes, apart from those with morning tea (with sugar), bananas, white rice, fruit juices, breakfast (Regular dosa, Idli, white bread), lunch, and dinner (In general), kheer, sweets and Ice-creams. White rice definitely stood out and needs to be cut down or replaced with other options. The spikes were much lower with pesarattu (moong dal dosa), a meal with protein (Chicken, eggs, etc), meal with ghee, and foods rich in fiber. Chia seeds, Sabja seeds, fruits with fiber, nuts were very helpful. It certainly made me watch the foods I consume every time and be more disciplined than ever. I was checking everything that goes into my system, including the weekend binges. I was often looking for food combinations to beat the spike and with better results. I have taken the sensor off after 2 weeks with no pain at all. Amazing technology from Abbott.
I will continue my new diet plan along with exercises and medication for another 3 months and will use the sensor again, this time to see how I am doing after the new “me”. Try it out if you are concerned about diabetes or know someone in your family. It certainly helps you to get a thorough understanding of the impact of your diet and lifestyle, and whether your medication is working or not. It helps individuals with prediabetes as well if you are a good learner. Maybe you can push it back to a healthy “you”.
About the Author
Mr. Ramesh Mylapilli is the Founder and Managing Director at Crixus Health. Ramesh has around 23 years of experience in handling medical communication deliverables. He has started his career as a medical writer and has moved on to multiple roles in India and Asia Pac. Ramesh is also the founder of MedWriters a platform for budding writers to learn about Medical Writing. The program is focused on developing Medico-marketing deliverables and developing Manuscripts.
Disclaimer
The matter published on this platform has been developed by independent medical writers from various healthcare backgrounds including members of MedWriters Alumni Network. Although great care has been taken in compiling and checking the information, the authors, Rxnews team and its partners or agents, and sponsors shall not be responsible or in any way liable for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in this blog article whether arising from negligence or otherwise, however or for any consequences arising therefrom. The inclusion and exclusion of any product do not mention that the publisher advocates or rejects its use generally or in any particular field or field. For any complaints or feedback please write to content@crixus.co.in
Comments