FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus Sensor

What is FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus Sensor?

The FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus Sensor is a small, round sensor worn on the back of the upper arm for up to 15 days. It is part of the FreeStyle Libre 2 system, a continuous glucose monitor for people with diabetes, and it works with the FreeStyle LibreLink app or the FreeStyle Libre 2 reader. It is a medical device, not a medicine.

How does it help?

A thin, flexible filament sits just under the skin and measures glucose in the fluid around the cells. When the sensor is used with the FreeStyle LibreLink app, readings arrive on your phone automatically, minute by minute, and you can switch on alarms that alert you if your glucose goes too low or too high while your phone is within range. Glucose in this fluid runs a little behind blood glucose, which is why a finger-prick check is still needed when a reading or alarm does not match how you feel.

Key benefits

• Glucose readings every minute on your phone with the FreeStyle LibreLink app
• Optional alarms to warn you when glucose is running too low or too high
• Each sensor is worn for up to 15 days
• Can be worn in the bath, shower or while swimming, down to 1 metre for up to 30 minutes

Who should take care?

Always read the instructions before use. The sensor must be removed before an MRI scan, so tell the staff you are wearing it before any scan or hospital procedure. Do a finger-prick blood glucose test if a reading or alarm does not match your symptoms or what you expect. Children aged 2 to 12 must be supervised by a carer aged 18 or over. Check the sensor suits the app or reader you use: if you start it with a FreeStyle Libre 2 reader you will not receive real-time readings. Agree with your diabetes team how to use the readings in your day-to-day treatment. Many people with diabetes have FreeStyle Libre sensors on NHS prescription, so it is worth asking your diabetes team whether this is an option for you. Our pharmacist is happy to help with setting up and applying the sensor.