Inserting the FreeStyle Libre Sensor for the FIRST TIME! 

I too have needle phobia and was sitting here for an hour trying to work up the courage to use this for the first time and you gave me that courage. It was helpful to know about the spring loaded part.

Thank you so much for making this video! I got it all set up and saw the needle... and thought I would pass out! I quickly came to RU-vid and YOU SAVED MY SANITY! It's installed now and barely hurt. :) Thanks again!

Ah, thank you! I just "installed" my first sensor. I was nervous but I remembered your same hesitation in this video and your response after. It made me feel so much more confident in doing it. Not to mention seeing you go through the steps before I got mine gave me an added boost when I was reading the manual. Thanks for Guinea pigging on camera for us. :)

I’ve had mine a week now... it is awesome! My husband can scan me if I’m sleeping in. The install was a piece of cake and I didn’t feel a thing!! It doesn’t leave the needle in, the filament is inside the needle. The filament stays in the arm. It lasts 14 days and the sensor even counts down the days for you. I did a stick test each time I used it the first day with each reading to see how close they were. 😍 IT!

Thank you for making this video. My elderly mom was recently diagnosed with Type 2. She was given a Rx for the Libre system to avoid fingersticks, but wasn't told how they were to be installed or used. Hopefully, she'll find this as informative and reassuring as I did.

Thank god! I just opened my first sensor and immediately jumped on here when I saw the size of that needle! Thanks!

Thank you for this!! SO helpful. Knowing it was spring loaded was a huge relief. I had ZERO sensation of any needle or anything. Zero pain. you saved me a LOT of anxiety and i put mine on with your video right behind you. thanks again. .

I am new to the diabetic world and I am looking for what most diabetics are looking for the easiest way to monitor thank you for the tutorial and it was very clear and concise and I think you tried to put a little fun into it which I have a applaud you some people might be nervous. You are relaxing thank you.

Thank You for the great video! I wanted to share something I learned today. I was prescribed the 14-day system. The pharmacy did not tell me there was supposed to be a meter also. I got home and followed the directions to place sensor. It did not tell me I needed a meter either so I watched your video. I was in a slight panic since the sensor cost me $120 and is good for 14-days. I called Abbot's customer service line asking for their advice since I did not have enough money to purchase the meter for $85. Turns out if you have an iPhone 7 or higher you can download the App and use your phone to activate and monitor your readings. I am so happy that I wanted to share this so maybe others will not purchase the meter unless they really want it. Tina

Thank you for making this video, you literally just helped me get over my fears of using my freestyle libre. I'm a new subie.

THANK YOU for doing this full reaction! My dog and I both need one and I've been super apprehensive about it, mainly because I didn't know what to expect. I get nervous when I get a new lancing device. One that was supposed to be the best literally attacked me the first time I used it which added to the anxiety of it. Anyway, thank you again for braving it up for us!

Thank you! I have needle phobia, and I was sick to my stomach when I saw the needle. You helped me do it, by myself!

I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for making this video. I am newly diagnosed and still struggle with needles. When I saw this needle I jut couldnt do it...I found your video and watched and it was really what I needed to see. I 'installed" mine immediatley after watchign and it was a breeze. THANK YOU

I got my 14 day sensor system and installed it at 10:30 with the help of my diabetes educator. Had to wait for 1 hour for the sensor to program. First reading indicated high Bg and the arrow indicating level (not up or down) so I compensated with a shot of insulin through my pump and the next reading was much lower and the arrow indicated down slowly. I love this thing. (Type II for over 40 years.)

I'm in the uk, and for everyone confused - YES, in America it is a 12 hour start up and 10 day use. These were the conditions for it to be approved by the FDA in America. In Europe it is a 60 minute start up with a sensor lasting 2 weeks.

I've been using the Libre pro sensor with Blucon, it's so convenient and powerful at the same time to get readings on your phone & watch without any need to scan with out-of-range alarms. Loving it!

I ALSO HAVE A FEAR OF NEEDLES SO WATCHING YOU HELPED ME ALOT I HAVE BEEN A DIABETIC FOR AT LEAST 11 YEARS WATCHING A HOW-TO VIDEO IS EASIER TO UNDERSTAND THAN THE PRINTED DIRECTIONS. THANK YOU.

The first time I applied one of these I asked my Pharmacist to help so she applied it for me. The thing about the needle is that when I pulled the old sensor off, there was still a needle on the bottom of it, presumably in my skin. I really like this sensor. Just give some thought as to how you sleep and any other physical things you do before you apply it, otherwise, it is incredibly secure! My medical covers it 100% which helps as well.

Thanks for the video!! So, my old Endocrinologist retired so I had my first appointment and she wanted to set me up with a demo on the Dexcom CGM but nope, my smart phone isn't very smart it isn't compatible with it, so she wanted me to try the FreeStyle Libre. It was pretty easy to link up with my phone but at first it was hard to find the sweet spot for my phone to communicate with the sensor. It's ok but I'd much rather try the Dexcom. I'm due for a new cellphone and when the FreeStyle is at the end of its life, I'm going back to try the Dexcom. I'm just hoping my insurance will cover it because they stopped covering my Medtronic CGM. It's crazy that it takes 12 hours for the monitor thing to be able to use, it only took one hour to link up with my cell phone, maybe the one I am trying is updated or something.

When you explained how the spring works it made me feel so much better cause it gave me anxiety thinking about the needle hurting me!

Thank You for uploading this video!! All of the paperwork had me stressing and frustrated. You made this so easy to start up!! You Are Thee Best!!

I'm trying it for the first time and I had doubts about the spring actvated mechanism just like you. I'm reassured! Thanks!

just put on my first libre, using libre until i hopefully can get a Dexcom. Your video walked me thru the process, thank you SO much! I love the way you see things, and make diabetes (almost) fun. You've opened my eyes, and are an inspiration!!!

Hi Danica. My doctor recently thought I should try the same product after doing fingersticks for the last 20 years. So far the first few days have been good and fine. I think my sensor might be wearing out sooner than it should. But I’m hopeful to give it more of a try and see if I like it more. I agree, when I saw that initial flexible needle sticking out I wasn’t quite sure how to react LOL. Fortunately I didn’t feel a thing. Happy to give this product a try since I’m a type one diabetic and will have to work with this the rest of my life. Glad to see improvements in technology. Thanks for taking the time to make the video. Blessings to you on your diabetic journey.

Thanks for showing your process. I start using this CGM soon, and I appreciate seeing you apply it. Now I know what to expect.

Danica, if you find the readings a bit off, especially when out of range, it’s not because the sensor is bad. The algorithms in the Libre Reader, and the fact that calibrations aren’t possible mean that it can stray pretty badly. The Xdrip app (iosxdripreader available on TestFlight) in conjunction with Blucon (you should review it too), allow you to calibrate and get the raw data from the sensor...which has less smoothing and “noise reduction”...only then have I found the Libre to be as good and maybe better in accuracy than Dexcom.

I just want to say I have been subscribed to you for a long time about 5 years ago when I was diagnosed I went straight to the internet for answers and immediately found your channel. You really helped me through that scary time. Now that I just got the Freestyle Libre I checked back to your channel and surely enough you made another video to help me out. You probably won’t read this but if you do just know this channel really makes a difference :) thanks for everything.

Thanks for making this video, I use Freestyle Libre from the past one year without any issues. Now I am using Blucon with Libre which updates me every time how exercise, food, insulin impacts on my blood glucose values.

I know it’s years ago but thank you for making this video. I just used my freestyle libre for the first time and this helped me to get through the initial anxiety.

I've been wearing mine for over a week now and I love it. I just need to remember its on my arm. I was putting lotion on my arms the other morning and forgot it was on my arm and addicently pulled it out. It went flying across the room. lol but my blood sugars have been so good cause I can check it So much.

Thanks for the video. I'm a major needle-phobe, which is a reason why I've waffled about this. Guess I'll bite the bullet & tell my PCP to write a script.

Thank you for this video, I love Libre and been using it from last 2 years. Also, I use blucon from last one week with my Libre , it converts Libre sensor into a full CGM and you will be able to see glucose readings every 5 minutes on phone and watch without scanning the Libre sensor. Now I don't need to scan the Libre sensor and gets reading every 5 minutes on my iPhone.

Thank you so much for posting this. You literally helped me get over my fear of using this. Major props sister!❤❤❤

Just received mine a week ago, and I Love it. No more finger pricks.😊

I was very happy to see results when first time i inserted libre sensor and i used blucon on top of it. Without scanning i could see readings on my mobile phone every 5 minutes and it gave me alarms for high and low sugar.

Yes! Thank you for this video and for showing the pieces and parts before and after assembly. I thought I screwed up, but seeing the inner workings, mine match yours. Phew!

Earlier I used Dexcom system and then moved to Libre sensor due to cost but realized Libre needs regular scanning to get reading from it not a very good experience, then got a new NightRider BluCon Ambrosia recently launched in the USA which works with US 14 Libre sensor whole experience is amazing. I can set HI and LO alerts and share readings, also see readings on apple watch

Thank you for this video DiabeticDanica. You made me feel a lot less nervous. I haven't inserted my freestyle libre yet but will do it at suppertime. I have been diabetic for 46 years and still don't like trying new things either. Thanks for being my guinea pig for this device...Tammy

I did it with you bc I couldn't do it alone so thank you! Mine says it'll be ready in 60 minutes so I'm glad they changed that. I had an A1c of 10.7 and got it down to 9.1 on my own over the past month or two but I'm blind so finger pricking doesn't work for me since I need my fingers to read and get around. I'm so grateful for this technology and you helping me get through this scary process

I use Libre and Blucon and love them. The alarms are nice and are loud enough to wake me up. You can adjust your BG ranges to whatever you want. The best part of blucon is I can calibrate it for higher accuracy!

Thank you! I watched a couple of other videos but your video was the one that actually helped. I like that you were using it for the first time right along with me! :)

This libre sensor is very useful and stress free and with just one small device on top of it like blucon i can see every 5 minutes sugars on my mobile screen. I can share these readings with 5 of my loved ones at same time

Thanks for this. That needle is intimidating! Your nervousness helped me conquer my nervousness and give it a shot. You're my hero

Thankyou for making this video, I am using Freestyle Libre Sensor with Ambrosia Blucon over 10 months now, it converts Libre sensor into a full CGM and you will be able to see glucose readings every 5 minutes on phone and watch without scanning the Libre sensor. Now I don't need to scan the Libre sensor and gets reading every 5 minutes on my iPhone.

You are a doll!! A sweetheart! A hero to me, my mom and our family. We watched you do this to help my mom and we wants to adopt you :). Thank you thank you thank you!

Omg thanks!! I really struggled to apply it, I’ve had this for a few months but couldn’t bring myself to use it, you really helped me as I have the same fears, needles etc and it didn’t hurting but it really wasn’t bad! And watching you helped me figure out how to apply it! X

I love my freestyle libre 14 day. My a1c 6 months ago was 6.8. Yesterday was 5.9. Doctor was very happy. 14 day is only 60 minutes

I had the same reaction when I first saw that needle. But It really didn’t hurt

All about US FDA regulations between the 12 hours and 1 hour for start up. Its a great product when the sensors work. Iv been using this since Dec 2017 and Iv had 3 sensors that have failed out of the box. The good people of Abbott have replaced them for me free of charge but its still a problem.

As also a needle-phobic person, this was literally watching a horror movie for me. Thank you for your sacrifice! I might get this too.

i put a latex-free clear square about 3"x3" over it so it stayeas secured. i used to put this sticky solution on first to help adhere the sensor.

Nice video Danica. I just stuck on my first ever Llibre 2 sensor, but I downloaded the app for it to my iPhone 12 - I didn't use the meter, though I have one. I have to wait only 1 hour to start using it, not 12 - I wonder of I have a newer version of the L-2. The Libre 3 only needed one hour, also. Like I said, I have a meter for the L-2. I initially got a Libre 3 sensor as a CGM (my doctor gave it to me). The L-3 doesn't have a meter at all, it only uses the phone app. Well. tonight my L-3 lost signal and wouldn't get it back, no matter what I tried. So, I switched to an L-2. sensor - it was easy. I had to go with an L-2, because Medicare will not cover the cost of an L-3 - at all (because it doesn't have a meter). Medicare will cover 80% of the cost of an L-2 and my secondary insurance picks up the rest. Now, I'm waiting the hour it needs to set itself up. The L-2 can use either the meter, or the IPhone app, but NOT at the same time. You have select which one to go with, initially. I'm using my phone app because I'm used to it. I haven't set any alarms up yet., but I know how to, if it's like the L-3. If I find that the meter is better at keeping signal, then I'll use it instead of the phone app. Just didn't want anything to carry around with me. Time will tell. BTW, to me, putting on either was painless. Take care.

I have needle-phobia as well, but watching your video is helping me cope with the fear. I still hate my doctor for suggesting the switch... I may start talking to him after my first use. You're a beaut for sharing! Thank you Danica!

Omg, felt the same nervousness...piece of cake

I had to rewind it to put It on AT THE SAME TIME to get over the fear of pushing it on. That needle scared the life out of me. Now the next time I put it on, I will refer back to you again. THANK YOU!!

WOW 12 Hours and only 10 days, I am in Canada and its 60 minutes after inserting and good for 14 days

Haven’t yet applied it. Thanks, so happy to know IT’s SPRING LOADED!

It is spring loaded but the needle your talking about is actually the sensor that floats in the interstitial fluid it stays in the skin until removed at end of the 14 days.

I have been using the device since December. for me it is a godsend as I have a terrible needle phobia. My A1C was 14.1 and I avoided the doctor because I did not want to prick my fingers or go on insulin as he had first suggested. having this on keeps me aware at all times of my sugar and keeps me from cheating. Thanks for making this video you're the first in the US I have seen. how are you liking it thus far?

Just finally did it for the first time. I didn't feel anything at all. This, coming from a guy who has a fear of needles. I highly reccomend going to your PCP or getting a friend to do it if you can't do it the very first time.

Thankyou so much for this friendly video. I just removed my first sensor after watching another video and inserted the new one following you! Here today in UK the sensor will give readings in 1 hour. Here goes!

Thanks Danica, this is my first time ever using a CGM and your video was both funny, cute and super helpful! I would have to give you 4.9 Stars. Please note no one ever gets a straight up 5-star review because then I would have to stop watching them because they could never get any better! Merry Christmas!

Thank you so much, I am new at this, and your video made it so much easier to understand what i need. *many hugs*

(At 3:16) When I push the applicator device onto my arm, I hold pressure on the applicator, pushed onto my arm for about 5 seconds to allow the "adhesive" to properly "adhere" to my arm so I don't have to test later for proper "adhesion"...

I was terrified to put this thing on me until I watched your video. Thanks for helping me do this. :)

to get over a needle phobia... for me was two hospitalizations over 6 months. then the 4-8 ER visits per month over a year. So much blood was taken and the phobia pretty much gone.

I have to count to 3 every single time I insert anything..Dexcom, Omnipod..lol. It makes me feel silly, but it also calms my nerves. I’ve had type 1 for over 20 years and the technology now absolutely amazes me! This is a cool device, but the 12 hour start up time isn’t impressive at all to me. I wouldn’t trade my Dex for anything! I can’t wait to see an update on this. Thank you for sharing!!!

Fascinating changes for the US market. I've been using this in Australia for over a year and they are marketed as good for 14 days but many of us have noted that they can flat-line past ~10 days. Clearly this is true so they have tweaked it for the US. Also, when inserting a new sensor its ready in 60 minutes but you show 12 hours! Wow! Would be good if Abbott didn't experiment with us all and was clear about what changes they are making with the firmware and use of it.

I was recently diagnosed with diabetes. I do not want to finger sticks bc I am also phobic towards needles. They set off a near panic attack.

I watched a couple of support videos by ambrosia which helped me in smooth insertion of sensor and blucon set up as well. I am able to see every 5 minutes readings on my phone alongwith alarms for high and low sugars

omg i was so nervous for that needle and it wasnt even happening to me. LITERALLY about to cry, I can feel tears welling up.

Yeah! I did it ! : ) Highly motivated and supported by your video I just managed to apply the Libre for the first time. Yippiee !!! Indeed, it was not so bad at all. Now I am waiting for the warm-up phase of 60 min. to start monitoring. Thanks for the help and good sense of humour!

You really helped me! This is the first time I applied it too and it didn’t hurt at all. It’s insane. Seriously I’m deathly afraid of needles

This helped me so much! Just got my Libre few days ago! Thanks for the tips!

Hey Danica. I've been a Diabetic for 30 years now. I just now seen your channel. I just recently done the libre. Didnt think I would like it . But I've had it for 14 days bow. And I have to say its pretty nice. They now want me to maybe get a pump. But haven't went that far yet. Your channel is great though.

You re so honest its refreshing. May God be with you

So glad to see this. I was freaking out thinking i had to push that huge needle in. Okay, so here i go. Lol.

I know I probably have a long wait but I'm gonna wait for the non invasive cgm. Just the thought of a needle in me all the time gives me chills and I've been giving needles since I was 6 but I'm accustomed to it. This needle is big!! What if the needle breaks off while it's in you? The needles in the finger sticks are smaller. I hope they hurry up with a less invasive model. Thanks for the vid!

Thank you for sharing. Very interesting. My grandson is 2 months into diagnosis and we love watching other people's videos. We started our channel as well.

Thank you for making this video!!!! I was so excited to get this thing on and get going and then I saw the needle and froze. Watching your video really made me go for it and I didn’t even feel it. Thank you so mu CV

FYI...there is no needle in the freestyle libre. It is more of a metal fiber component. Also, this fiber does not enter your arm then go back into the applicator. Yes, the fiber is now in your arm. When you remove the sensor after 14 days, you will see it is still there!!

WOW! Thank you Soooo much! First time user. You helped me so much! I am also needle phobic and I feel you. You are so right about the little sting, must be some kind of medication like iodine to sterilize the needle. I don't know. Again thank you so very much for showing me how to do this.

When I was on the insulin pump it was the clicking that makes me jump and nervous not actually putting the cannula in

It’s the same idea as any Medtronic pump inserting system. I did the pump sites manually forever after a couple got twisted for me and screwed up my blood sugars so bad for a couple days before I wanted to see what happened by taking it out

Thank you so much! I messed up with placing my first sensor, but this video helped me get it the second time. I think my initial sensor malfunctioned or didn’t work...I wonder if I can get it replaced by the pharmacy or manufacturer or if I will have to buy another.

This is my first time and I came across your video and girl you made this so simple and I’m a scary cat when it comes to needled!! Thank you so much for your video and I’ll update you on how I do!! Again thank you😃

i have been using freestyle libre sensor for last 2 years and i dont have to check my sugars so frequently because i use blucon over it which keeps me updated with readings every 5 minutes on my phone.

I use the free style libre myself. I only have to wait 1 hour till i can use it after the insert time, and where it for 2 weeks. I love it so much. Maybe with different countries it's a little bit different

Thank u so much! U explained it perfectly!! Yeah needle us big and kinda hurt but I pulled up my big girl pants and presto. Looking forward to first reading. Again, thank you!

Boy oh boy u had me dying in laughter! I’ve been a diabetic for over 10 years myself and watching you and listening to you about your fears of needles is something I can definitely relate to. But watching the hesitation b4 you pushed the spring loaded gadget in your arm I almost peed on myself. You are naturally funny. I think I’ll just stick with checking my sugars the regular old fastioned way with the finger prick. I would assume after a while your arm would be sore. And then there’s the thought of removing it after 10 days. Naw I don’t think I can do it but very enlightening video indeed. Thx so much for being a natural comic. Loved your video and am subbing. Brave indeed!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼😢😢😢😢😢

I love mine, save my fingertips alot of pricking. (I test alot because i go hypo alot and rarely feel it). I swap mine every 14 days. 12 hours to boot up? Mine takes 60 minutes.

Very informative! Have you tried Blucon Nightrider also with the Libre sensor? I'm T1 diabetic and have been using it for 3 years, works great...

I was so afraid of the same thing. Pain wasn't/isn't terrible. Thanks for posting this!

I’ve had T1 for almost 7 years now and I still have a slight fear of needles, and I just got my Libre today. It’s good to see someone going through the same thing!

We’ve got the ending prescription for this but my son has serter click phobia thanks for a real vid Danica xx

Hey DiabeticDanica i am looking at trying the Freestyle Libre Continuous Glucose Monitoring System and was checking around for some info on it. Found one of your vids and checked others you have about diabetes. Cool videos and you're really bonza at it. Will keep an eye on your site, like the the ten myths set.

I currently have a Medtronic pump with Enlite sensor, which is overly difficult to insert. Unless your fingers are really dexterous, it takes 2 hands to insert the Enlite, which means it is nearly impossible to place the Enlite on your arms, which would be the place I would prefer. I see the Freestyle Libre can be easily inserted on the arms with use of only one hand. This all by itself may be enough for me to stop using the Enlite and to replace with Freestyle Libre.

I used your video to insert my Freestyle system. It was easy, thank you very much

mine had 60 mins to start. Great video! It helped greatly. Thank you

Thanks for the video one question can we sleep while this needle is on our hand ...or it will hurt