The FreeStyle Libre system: Frequently asked questions

No, the FreeStyle Libre system does not require finger prick calibration. However, a finger prick test using a blood glucose meter is required in the following situations:

• During times of rapidly changing glucose levels when interstitial fluid glucose levels may not accurately reflect blood glucose levels
• If hypoglycemia or impending hypoglycemia is reported by the system
• When symptoms do not match the system readings

Yes, the FreeStyle Libre system automatically captures readings day and night so that glucose variations – including nighttime lows – can be seen throughout the day, as long as the sensor is replaced at least every 14 days and scanned at least once every 8 hours.

With each scan over the sensor, the reader displays the current glucose reading, the latest 8 hours of glucose history and where glucose levels are heading.

ISF is the fluid around the cells of the tissue below your skin. Glucose can freely move from your blood vessels to this fluid,¹ making it a reasonable alternative to blood for measuring glucose. Changes in blood glucose take about 5-10 minutes (“lag time”) to be reflected in ISF glucose.² However, this is unlikely to impact routine day-to-day treatment decisions. The average lag time of the FreeStyle Libre system is approximately 5 minutes.³ This is why ISF glucose and blood glucose measurements taken at the same time won’t always match – and, in fact, are likely to be different.

No, it can easily be applied without the need for a doctor or nurse – an applicator makes it simple to replace the sensor.

The portion of the sensor that is inserted under the skin is less than 0.4 mm wide and is inserted only about 5 mm under the skin.

The sensor is 5 mm in height and 35 mm in diameter – about the size of a toonie.

One second.

The sensor automatically measures glucose levels every minute and stores readings every 15 minutes.

When the sensor is scanned, it automatically transmits 8 hours of data.

A sensor lasts up to 14 days before needing to be replaced.

Each time the sensor is scanned, it automatically transmits data from the last minute, even if that data has not yet been stored.

Yes, the FreeStyle Libre sensor is designed to be water-resistant in up to 1 metre (3 feet) of water. We recommend it not be immersed longer than 30 minutes.

While wearing the sensor, users generally won’t feel anything under the skin. In a clinical user experience study, over 90% of participants did not feel discomfort under the skin while wearing the sensor. ⁴

The reader can be up to 4 cm away from the sensor and still capture data.

The reader stores up to 90 days of glucose information.

Yes, the reader can get a glucose reading through clothing with a thickness of up to 4 cm.

The FreeStyle Libre reader is designed to be used only with the FreeStyle Precision blood glucose and blood ketone test strips and MediSense control solution.

As of September 16, 2019, the FreeStyle Libre system is reimbursed by the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program for qualifying Ontario residents who manage their diabetes with insulin. 

The coverage will include both the FreeStyle Libre system sensors and reader.

If you qualify for ODB and you manage your diabetes with insulin, you are eligible for public reimbursement of the FreeStyle Libre system. Please speak with your healthcare professional (including your pharmacist) to determine if the FreeStyle Libre system is right for you. 

More information about who is covered by the ODB program is available on the Ontario Drug Benefit website. 

If you’re over the age of 18 and currently using insulin, you may qualify for coverage. Please speak to your prescribing physician to determine if you qualify.  Your pharmacist can also provide additional information about coverage under RAMQ.

For residents of Quebec, the following two criteria must be met: intensive insulin therapy (insulin pump treatment or ≥3 insulin injections per day), and frequent hypoglycemic events during the last year.
 

FreeStyle Libre system sensors are covered by RAMQ as of July 10, 2019. Your prescribing physician needs to submit the application for coverage with RAMQ. Applications for public coverage will require up to 25 business days for processing.  

You can check on the status of your application by speaking with your pharmacist or your prescribing physician.

If you qualify for coverage under RAMQ, you will receive reimbursement for a three-month period to determine if the FreeStyle Libre system is right for you. Requests for further coverage can be made through your prescribing physician. To help ensure you receive uninterrupted coverage, follow up with your healthcare provider before the initial three-month coverage period ends.

As of October 1, 2020, the FreeStyle Libre system is reimbursed for Yukon residents over 18 years of age living with type 1 diabetes, who meet the benefit criteria.

To be eligible for public reimbursement, Yukoners with type 1 diabetes who meet the benefit criteria must register with the Chronic Disease and Disability Benefit program at 867-667-5092. People aged 65 or older can contact the Pharmacare program at 867-667-5403.

More information about who is covered by these programs is available on the Yukon government’s Care Services website.

Your physician will apply for coverage on your behalf if you qualify for public reimbursement. Please speak with your healthcare professional (including your pharmacist) to determine if the FreeStyle Libre system is right for you.

The FreeStyle LibreLink app* is a mobile application designed to work with FreeStyle Libre sensors. The app enables you to monitor your glucose using your iPhone or Android phone with a FreeStyle Libre sensor – there is no need to use a separate blood glucose meter for routine glucose monitoring. When you scan the sensor with a compatible phone (PDF 784 KB) that’s running the FreeStyle LibreLink app,* your glucose data is displayed directly on your phone.

With the app, you can:

• View your current glucose reading, a trend arrow (which indicates how your glucose is changing) and the last 8 hours of glucose history
• See glucose reports, including your ambulatory glucose profile, which reveal trends and patterns
• Add notes to track your food, insulin use, exercise and other events
• Connect to healthcare professionals and caregivers/loved ones with LibreView^†

To use the FreeStyle LibreLink app,* you must register with LibreView^†, a cloud-based diabetes management system provided by Abbott and Newyu, Inc. Please see the product labelling for the FreeStyle Libre system and the FreeStyle LibreLink app* for specific instructions on using the different products, including the supported age range.

Important: You must have a compatible iPhone or Android phone to install and use the app. See compatibility guide (PDF 69 KB).

The app is designed to work with iPhones and Android phones that meet the minimum requirements. You can check the compatibility guide (PDF 69 KB) for additional information. 

Android users can download the FreeStyle LibreLink app* from the Google Play Store. iPhone users can download the FreeStyle LibreLink app* from Apple’s App Store. Please note that the app may not be available for download if your phone is not compatible. 

Yes, the FreeStyle LibreLink app* is authorized by Health Canada, licence number 99351, and downloadable at no charge.

No, the FreeStyle LibreLink app* is the only app that has been tested by Abbott to be compatible with FreeStyle Libre sensors. The FreeStyle LibreLink app* was developed to ensure compliance with local regulations, including safety and performance requirements in accordance with the intended use. Any product that is intended to be compatible with FreeStyle Libre sensors would also need to comply with these regulations. 

NFC is the wireless communication technology that enables your FreeStyle Libre sensors to wirelessly transmit data to another device.

Please check our compatibility guide (PDF 69 KB) for more information about device compatibility before using the app.

The app has the same indications for use as the FreeStyle Libre system. The FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system and the FreeStyle LibreLink app* (“App”), when used with the FreeStyle Libre sensor, are indicated for measuring interstitial fluid glucose levels in adults aged 18 years and older with diabetes mellitus. If you are using the FreeStyle LibreLink app,* you must also have access to a blood glucose monitoring system as the App does not provide one. Always read and follow the label/insert for detailed instructions and indication of use.

Android:
After you’ve applied a FreeStyle Libre sensor to the back of your upper arm, open the app and hold the back of your Android phone near (exact distance will vary by phone) the FreeStyle Libre sensor to scan it. The size and location of the Near-Field Communication (NFC) antenna in Android phones vary by make and model, so you may have to move the phone around to find the best position for scanning the FreeStyle Libre sensor. Once you have found the optimal scan position, wait for the app to produce two distinct tones or vibrations before you move the phone away from the FreeStyle Libre sensor. The first tone indicates the phone’s NFC has recognized the sensor. The second tone indicates the scan is complete.

iPhone:
After you’ve applied a FreeStyle Libre sensor to the back of your upper arm, open the app and tap one of the scan buttons within the app to put the iPhone in a scan-ready state. There are two types of scan buttons: a blue button on the Home screen and a grey scan icon in the top right corner of most screens. Hold the top edge of your iPhone near the sensor and do not move your iPhone until you hear a tone and/or feel a vibration, which indicates the scan is complete. 

You may or may not have to remove your phone case – it depends on the material that the case is made from, how thick the case is, and how well your phone’s Near-Field Communication (NFC) antenna works. If your phone case is made from plastic, silicone or another non-conductive material, you will probably be able to scan the sensor without removing the case. If the case is aluminum, metal or anything else that has a conductive surface, you may need to remove the case before scanning your sensor. The thickness of the case can also make a difference. If your case is very thick, it could prevent the phone from scanning the sensor. 

There’s no need to use a separate glucose meter for routine testing.* The app allows you to get glucose results as often as you like by simply scanning your FreeStyle Libre sensor with your phone.

However, a finger prick test using a blood glucose meter is required during times of rapidly changing glucose levels when interstitial fluid glucose levels may not accurately reflect blood glucose levels or if hypoglycemia or impending hypoglycemia is reported by the system or when symptoms do not match the system readings. 

No. The FreeStyle LibreLink app* is intended to be used with only one sensor (and one person) at a time. Each app account is associated with one person. However, people who use the FreeStyle LibreLink app* can connect with their loved ones if they are using a separate app called LibreLinkUp.^‡ The LibreLinkUp app^‡ allows loved ones to remotely monitor glucose readings.

Yes. People with diabetes can use FreeStyle Libre sensors with the app to better understand the impact of actions like eating, exercise and taking insulin based on their glucose levels. They can also make day-to-day therapy decisions, including insulin dosing decisions, when using the app with a FreeStyle Libre sensor, based on guidance from their healthcare professional. 

Yes. If you use an Android phone, you may need to go to your phone’s settings and reactivate NFC when your phone is in airplane mode. You can scan with your iPhone in airplane mode by tapping one of the scan buttons in the app to put it in a scan-ready state. Do not scan your sensor if restricted by flight regulations.

WiFi, or a mobile data connection, is only required for initial app setup (downloading/installing the app, creating an account or signing in) and for sharing your glucose information with your healthcare team or with other connected apps. The app does not require a WiFi or mobile data connection to scan your sensor or to record your current glucose readings. During periods when your phone is operating in a disconnected state, your data will only be uploaded to LibreView^† after a WiFi or mobile data connection is restored. 

No, the FreeStyle LibreLink app* is meant to be used as often as you like and should not have a noticeable effect on battery life beyond your normal usage patterns. 

If your phone battery dies, charge your phone to continue using the FreeStyle LibreLink app.* Your data will not be lost if the phone battery dies, and you can scan the sensor while the phone is being charged. 

No. The FreeStyle LibreLink app* is not supported on rooted Android phones or jailbroken iPhones. 

After installing the FreeStyle LibreLink app,* tap Sign In. Then, tap Forgot Password. Enter the email address that was used to create the account and follow the onscreen instructions. You will receive an email with a link to reset your password. Follow the link to create a new password, then sign into your account using your new password.

The FreeStyle LibreLink app* is currently available in the following languages:

• Arabic
• Chinese – Simplified
• Chinese – Traditional
• Danish
• Dutch
• English – United Kingdom
• English – United States
• Finnish
• French – Canada
• French – France
• German
• Greek
• Hebrew
• Italian
• Japanese
• Korean
• Norwegian
• Polish
• Portuguese – Brazil
• Portuguese – Portugal
• Russian
• Spanish – Latin America
• Spanish – Spain
• Spanish – United States
• Swedish
• Turkish

Note: The FreeStyle LibreLink app* is displayed in the same language as your phone’s operating system language. If you wish to use the FreeStyle LibreLink app* in a different language, choose from one of the supported languages in your phone’s system settings. The FreeStyle LibreLink app* will update the next time it is opened. If the FreeStyle LibreLink app* doesn’t support the language set on your phone, the app will display text in English (US). 

The app will display a clock icon on the glucose graph to indicate when there has been a time change. It is necessary to use the correct time for accurate reports. If your phone’s time is not set to update automatically, you will need to update your phone’s time settings in order to continue using the app.

Yes. The app was developed using the same technology that is in the FreeStyle Libre reader for receiving and processing glucose data, so it can also be used for routine glucose monitoring.* The app can be used instead of, or in combination with, the FreeStyle Libre reader.

You can monitor your glucose with either the app, the reader, or both.* You can use the FreeStyle LibreLink app* and the FreeStyle Libre reader with the same sensor, as long as you start the sensor with the reader first, and then scan the sensor with your phone at any time during the sensor life.

Remember that the FreeStyle LibreLink app* and the FreeStyle Libre reader do not share data with each other. If you switch between your reader and the app, you may see gaps in your glucose data, which will affect the reports available through the reader, the FreeStyle LibreLink app* and LibreView.^† It is important to continue scanning your sensor with either the app or the reader at least once every 8 hours so you and your healthcare professional can get a complete picture of your glucose trends and patterns. 

• Sharing: Reports in the FreeStyle LibreLink app* can be shared directly from your phone. You can connect the reader to a computer with a USB cable to upload data.
• Viewing: The reader features a simple colour touchscreen. Graphs are displayed in more colour and higher resolution in the app.
• Notes: You can add notes in the reader within 15 minutes of a glucose reading. The app allows you to add and view notes at any time in the Logbook.
• Text to Speech: If enabled in the app, you can hear the glucose reading with the unit of measure and trend arrow direction after each scan.
• Reports: The reader and the app use the same calculations to create glucose reports. Compared to the reader, reports in the app will have more colour, details and interactivity. The app can also display an estimate of your A1C, in addition to basic stats about your glucose history in the last 24 hours.
• Reminders: The app allows you to easily set custom reminders, as well as an 8-hour timer that resets every time the sensor is scanned. App notifications on your phone must be enabled to see reminders.
• Other: The reader has an insulin calculator and a port for test strips, so it can be used both for scanning sensors and for blood glucose readings. 

The app includes a series of reports that highlight your glucose trends and patterns. From the main menu, select the report you wish to see. 

• Daily Patterns: A graph showing the pattern and variability of the sensor’s glucose readings over a typical day. Includes the median, 25^th-75^th percentile, and 10^th-90^th percentile range of the glucose readings.
• Time in Target: A graph showing the percentage of time the sensor’s glucose readings were above, below or within the target glucose range.
• Low-Glucose Events: Information about the number of low-glucose events measured by the sensor. A low-glucose event is recorded when the sensor’s glucose reading is lower than 3.9 mmol/L (70 mg/dL) for longer than 15 minutes.
• Average Glucose: Information about the sensor’s average glucose readings for different periods of the day.
• Daily Graph: A graph of the sensor’s glucose readings by day.
• Estimated A1C: Estimate of A1C (HbA1c) based on the sensor’s glucose data from the last 90 days. A1C can be used as an indicator of how well glucose levels have been controlled and may be used to monitor a diabetes treatment regimen.
• Sensor Usage: Information about how often the sensor is scanned. 

A minimum of 5 days of sensor data is required for an estimated A1C to be calculated.

You can email or text reports directly from the app by tapping the Share icon that’s displayed at the bottom of each report available within the app. You can also show the reports on your phone to your doctor or nurse during your next appointment. LibreView^† may also be an option if your doctor has set it up for patients to share data. See Data management & LibreView^† section. 

If you are receiving this error message, it means that you are not using a Canadian IP address. Try to download the software from another location or device that uses a Canadian IP. If you still experience issues, please contact an Abbott Customer Care Representative at 1-888-205-8296.
Remember, we’re here to help! We are available:

Monday-Friday: 8 AM-9 PM Eastern Standard Time
Saturday: 9 AM-5 PM Eastern Standard Time
Sunday: 9 AM-2 PM Eastern Standard Time

LibreView^† is a cloud-based diabetes management system provided by Abbott and Newyu, Inc. LibreView^† provides a secure repository for data from your FreeStyle LibreLink app,* and allows you to easily share your glucose data with your healthcare professional or others, if you wish. Data is automatically^§ uploaded to LibreView^† when your phone is connected to the internet. 

LibreView^† is used to manage your account information; it enables detailed reporting and data sharing. Once the app is installed and you accept the Terms of use, you will need to create a LibreView^† account in order to start using the app. LibreView^† allows you to share your glucose data with your healthcare professional and with other apps that connect with the FreeStyle LibreLink app.* 

The app stores your account information, glucose data, notes and sensor information within the app on your phone, so it is your responsibility to limit access to your phone to protect personal information. The app also automatically uploads^‡ this data in LibreView^†, a secure cloud-based data repository. Please see our Privacy policy for more information. 

Abbott and its partners comply with all applicable data protection and privacy laws in users’ jurisdictions. Please read the End User License Agreement and Terms of use or the Privacy policy within the app or visit LibreView to ensure that you are comfortable with the data handling practices that govern the use of the app and LibreView^† ; otherwise, you should not install the app. 

If you lose your phone, download the app again on a compatible phone and sign in with your account information. If you have an active sensor, reinstall the app and sign in to your existing account. You’ll be able to continue using your active sensor until the end of its useful life. You will not be able to view historical data in the new installation of the app, but this data will be available in LibreView.^†

No. Your glucose data from the FreeStyle LibreLink app* will not be synced with FreeStyle Libre desktop software. The FreeStyle LibreLink app* data is only stored by and visible through LibreView.^†

Yes, with your permission, the app is able to share glucose data with certain other apps. View the Share menu within the FreeStyle LibreLink app* to see what other apps are available for sharing in your region. 

If you have any questions about the app or your data, including questions on how to close your LibreView^† account, contact us.

LibreLinkUp^‡ is a companion app to the FreeStyle LibreLink app,* which allows glucose readings to be automatically shared with your loved ones in near-real time.^§ Both you and your loved one must have a network connection to share and receive glucose readings.^‡

To add a LibreLinkUp^‡ connection through the FreeStyle LibreLink app,* simply tap Share in the main menu and follow the onscreen instructions.

Every FreeStyle LibreLink scan is automatically sent to your smartphone, and up to 20 people can view results from a single FreeStyle LibreLink account.

You can get started with LibreLinkUp^‡ in 3 easy steps. Click here to learn how. 

A1C is a measurement of your average glucose levels over the past three months. It’s used by healthcare professionals to measure how well your diabetes is being managed and is given as a percentage. The goal for most people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes is an A1C below 7%.^5-7  

The FreeStyle Libre system can give you actionable insights into your glucose trends and patterns. For example, it allows you to see how certain lifestyle factors, like food or exercise, are impacting your glucose levels. The actions you take based on these insights can help you better manage your diabetes and lower your A1C.