What the FreeStyle Libre System Is

The FreeStyle Libre is a flash glucose monitoring (FGM) system, a type of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device designed to help people with diabetes track their glucose levels without routine finger-prick tests. Rather than pricking your finger multiple times a day, the system uses a tiny sensor worn on the skin to measure glucose in the fluid just under your skin (interstitial fluid).

How It Works

Reader Device:

The FreeStyle Libre Reader is a handheld device you wave over the sensor to “scan” and retrieve your glucose data.
It displays:
- Current glucose level
- Glucose trend graph (past ~8 hours)
- Trend arrow showing the direction your glucose is heading (rising/falling/stable)
Some versions of the reader also include a built-in blood glucose meter (using test strips) for occasional cross-checks.

Scan-to-See:

To view your glucose, simply scan the reader over the sensor — even through clothing — and in about a second you get your glucose reading.
It stores and can hold a lot of historical glucose data (the reader can save up to 90 days of readings) for trend analysis.

Key Benefits

No routine finger pricks for glucose readings (though finger checks may still be needed if symptoms don’t match readings).
Discreet and quick scanning — easy to check levels anytime, anywhere.
Trend information helps users and healthcare professionals spot patterns and make informed therapy decisions.

Important Notes

While it reduces the need for finger pricks, blood glucose tests may still be required:

if sensor readings don’t match how you feel,
when the device indicates to check with a meter,
or when glucose is changing rapidly.

The system doesn’t automatically send alerts unless you scan (unless you’re using a model that supports alarms via app or enhanced reader).

Always follow medical guidance and the device instructions for safe use.

Diabetes