Huge waste of an excellent device
Given the benefits of the device over Dexcom, I really thought this would be the CGM for me. Less wasteful packaging, device and applicator, longer sensor life, very small sensor and readings every minute. But the app kills it. The Dexcom app is bad but this is much worse.
The graph is too compressed to see meaningful changes. You need to estimate all glucose readings and their times using the graph scale because you can only see the value for the most recent result.
Having readings every minute is mostly wasted because the designers put a big circle over the last 10 minutes of readings. It takes more readings and it doesn’t let you know what they are. I can’t imagine this app was researched or tested with real users. I will be switching back to Dexcom when this free sensor runs out.
The graph is too compressed to see meaningful changes. You need to estimate all glucose readings and their times using the graph scale because you can only see the value for the most recent result.
Having readings every minute is mostly wasted because the designers put a big circle over the last 10 minutes of readings. It takes more readings and it doesn’t let you know what they are. I can’t imagine this app was researched or tested with real users. I will be switching back to Dexcom when this free sensor runs out.
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Sensor is great, but App is severely lacking
I just switched from using the Dexcom G6 because the Libre3 hardware is clearly superior in every way and there is still no word when the G7 will be released due to the unknown timeline of FDA approval.
However, it was bad on me to assume the Libre3 app would be up to par without doing research first. The Libre3 app has no lockscreen widget, which is a huge deal for me. Additionally, there is no Apple Watch app. I normally just glance at my phone or screen to do quick checks on my blood glucose.
The Libre2 was not a true CGM, so there probably was not a major portion of Type I diabetics using it. I’m guessing it was more Type II diabetics or Type I diabetics that didn’t feel the need to be as tightly controlled with blood sugars (I am just guessing and have no data to back this up). Now that the Libre3 is a true CGM, Abbott needs to realize that the app needs to be modified in several ways. Another way I can think of is to have different range schedules. For example, I set my high glucose alarm down to 140 at night.
I am hopefully Abbott will fix this, and that is partly the reason for this horrible review. If not, I will likely switch back to Dexcom. Unfortunately, I need to go through all of my current sensors first so health insurance will cover it.
However, it was bad on me to assume the Libre3 app would be up to par without doing research first. The Libre3 app has no lockscreen widget, which is a huge deal for me. Additionally, there is no Apple Watch app. I normally just glance at my phone or screen to do quick checks on my blood glucose.
The Libre2 was not a true CGM, so there probably was not a major portion of Type I diabetics using it. I’m guessing it was more Type II diabetics or Type I diabetics that didn’t feel the need to be as tightly controlled with blood sugars (I am just guessing and have no data to back this up). Now that the Libre3 is a true CGM, Abbott needs to realize that the app needs to be modified in several ways. Another way I can think of is to have different range schedules. For example, I set my high glucose alarm down to 140 at night.
I am hopefully Abbott will fix this, and that is partly the reason for this horrible review. If not, I will likely switch back to Dexcom. Unfortunately, I need to go through all of my current sensors first so health insurance will cover it.
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Awesome … when it works.
So to be completely fair, I’m not sure if my complaint is with the app or the sensors themselves, as I have never used any previous versions of the sensors/app.
So far, I have used 4 sensors and only once have they worked the full two weeks. The first sensor was a sample, so I can’t really complain there, but the sensor actually stopped connecting to the app after 6 days usage. The second sensor stopped communicating after 7 days. The third sensor actually went the full two weeks. I have now had the fourth sensor stop working after only 3 days.
My insurance thinks this is an extravagance and therefore doesn’t cover it. I’m happy to pay for the devices because with my other health issues, it is extremely important that I know how my outside influences and food are affecting my blood sugar. Keeping my blood sugar at an even state is extremely important, and medications are causing them to fluctuate too much. Right now I am having to continue pricking my finger at regular intervals just to ensure I know what is going on.
I need to be able to trust that when I insert a new sensor, that it will actually work the full two weeks. That being said, Abbot has been very responsive and has already sent replacement sensors for the first two that were defective, and I sent back one of them that I still had so they could perform diagnostics to determine what went wrong.
So far, I have used 4 sensors and only once have they worked the full two weeks. The first sensor was a sample, so I can’t really complain there, but the sensor actually stopped connecting to the app after 6 days usage. The second sensor stopped communicating after 7 days. The third sensor actually went the full two weeks. I have now had the fourth sensor stop working after only 3 days.
My insurance thinks this is an extravagance and therefore doesn’t cover it. I’m happy to pay for the devices because with my other health issues, it is extremely important that I know how my outside influences and food are affecting my blood sugar. Keeping my blood sugar at an even state is extremely important, and medications are causing them to fluctuate too much. Right now I am having to continue pricking my finger at regular intervals just to ensure I know what is going on.
I need to be able to trust that when I insert a new sensor, that it will actually work the full two weeks. That being said, Abbot has been very responsive and has already sent replacement sensors for the first two that were defective, and I sent back one of them that I still had so they could perform diagnostics to determine what went wrong.
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Response from developer
We'd like to follow up with this. Please give us a call at 855-632-8658 so we can better assist.
This app could offer so much more than it does
Love the new sensor which is a major upgrade, but the app is maddeningly limited in terms of functionality and how it limits the data you can see or make use of. Unfortunately it’s the only way to access the Libre 3 sensor data.
If I could request only one feature, it would be the ability to export the glucose data from the app into the apple health app or other third party apps so that my glucose information could be analyzed in more useful and sophisticated ways. I especially hate that I can’t view my glucose graphs in any greater than 24 hour view to see daily patterns emerge. I wish there were Apple Watch support. This app is maddeningly dumbed down considering how much easier more accurate the data is with the new Libre 3 sensors.
For an example what awesome data analytics looks like for iPhone I recommend the developer of this app look at the AutoSleep app and implement some of their more detailed features.
If I could request only one feature, it would be the ability to export the glucose data from the app into the apple health app or other third party apps so that my glucose information could be analyzed in more useful and sophisticated ways. I especially hate that I can’t view my glucose graphs in any greater than 24 hour view to see daily patterns emerge. I wish there were Apple Watch support. This app is maddeningly dumbed down considering how much easier more accurate the data is with the new Libre 3 sensors.
For an example what awesome data analytics looks like for iPhone I recommend the developer of this app look at the AutoSleep app and implement some of their more detailed features.
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Health App & Watch Support
I find it interesting that you list data may be collected from the Health and Fitness apps, however you provide no integration to this apps from your end. The flexibility to also have it on your Apple Watch would further enhance this device. I purposely waited for this one (I have using the original for over four years) because I expected those improvements over the two. Let me be clear, I love the 3. It has been more accurate than the original and provides true CGM, but we only get to use the CGM with the phone, so the watch is very important. As for the Health app, it would allow us to have true one stop for our medical data that could easily be sent to our doctors, as not all use the LinkUp system. Abbott, join us in the 21st century and update this app immediately.
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Libre 3 sensor is fantastic! App needs some upgrades
First off I’m a primary care doctor and I prescribe these to patients. They are fantastic. The Libre 2 is great and the Libre 3 is a significant upgrade for continuous glucose monitoring. The 3 is smaller and more accurate (the 2 is still very good). The app could be improved by adding a hemoglobin A1c estimator integrated into the software. Seems like the perfect addition to this software. Would save the patient a step of using a separate app to keep track of this. And would be nice to have to show the doctor. Also patients are asking to have the ability to add a finger stick glucose beyond the initial 12 hours. I agree it seems reasonable to be able to add a finger stick at any time. Thank you for an incredible device that is no doubt improving patient’s quality of life and their long term outcomes. I have had many patients get a much better grip on their sugar control because of the timely information this provides and they quickly learn how their body responds to different types and amounts of food they consume!
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Response from developer
Thanks for the comment. We appreciate hearing from you.
Thanks Abbott
As a T1D, I am thankful every day for the technology I have to manage the situation. Abbott, I’m especially appreciative of the redesign. The smaller surface area makes a much bigger difference than I anticipated, and no longer needing to scan myself with my phone, I feel closer to a normal person. Lastly, I have always chosen the libre over Dexcom because of environmental concerns and the waste associated with the sensors. Libre 3 basically cut the previous recyclable waste in half, which is so incredible and admirable. Thank you for continuing your recycling program. While there is always room for improvement and or criticism, today I simply thank you for this technological gift!
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Good sensor, app misses integration
Great sensor. Nothing else to say about it. But the app? So much data and just a graph? This app BEGS for integrations with Apple Watch, widgets, Lock Screen, Home Screen, Health, I can keep going and going. I see several people have asked for it, and get the same answer (thanks for feedback) but I saw that answer in the reviews for the 2 and 1 sensors.
Other CGMs have these integrations, Abbott can go to fiverr and find a programmer to do it. Heck, if someone can hack the app for sure it can be done. Hey “Developer” that always copy paste the “thanks for feedback” answer…please let us know if you’re passing this information to the real developer team.
Other CGMs have these integrations, Abbott can go to fiverr and find a programmer to do it. Heck, if someone can hack the app for sure it can be done. Hey “Developer” that always copy paste the “thanks for feedback” answer…please let us know if you’re passing this information to the real developer team.
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New sensors are great, app fails to take advantage
Libre 3 is a great and substantial redesign to the Libre CGM system. The sensors are tinier and less obtrusive, they’re more accurate, they cost the same as their predecessors, and I love that readings are constantly being streamed to iPhone, all but ensuring I have 24/7 coverage of glucose data, even overnight.
With that constant streaming of data there are so many new opportunities to make features that make that data more accessible and frictionless to keep tabs on. Abbott could display my live glucose data on my Apple Watch. They could have a Lock Screen Widget that displays current glucose. There could be Home Screen widgets that display current glucose or even charts. Heck, there could even be a Shortcuts action that retrieves the most recent reading so that I could integrate my Libre data with other automations. Or even HealthKit integration (or literally any way to get at your own data whatsoever).
And this app does none of those things. It has the same UI we have had since the Libre 1, which itself felt like they ported the UI of the reader devices to the iPhone without actually reimagining it for phones.
Abbott, what are you waiting for? This is not some low end app; this is a system that easily costs over a thousand dollars in copays alone per year. Invest in making the LibreLink app world class. Dexcom has had Apple Watch support for years!
With that constant streaming of data there are so many new opportunities to make features that make that data more accessible and frictionless to keep tabs on. Abbott could display my live glucose data on my Apple Watch. They could have a Lock Screen Widget that displays current glucose. There could be Home Screen widgets that display current glucose or even charts. Heck, there could even be a Shortcuts action that retrieves the most recent reading so that I could integrate my Libre data with other automations. Or even HealthKit integration (or literally any way to get at your own data whatsoever).
And this app does none of those things. It has the same UI we have had since the Libre 1, which itself felt like they ported the UI of the reader devices to the iPhone without actually reimagining it for phones.
Abbott, what are you waiting for? This is not some low end app; this is a system that easily costs over a thousand dollars in copays alone per year. Invest in making the LibreLink app world class. Dexcom has had Apple Watch support for years!
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Response from developer
Thanks for letting us know. We appreciate the feedback.
Typical corporation
Make a product and sell it with little or no support. Need help? Good luck unless your problem fits neatly into their scripted responses. Their solution is to ship a replacement sensor. Bare minimum customer service. Responses to these reviews are likely automated, and unlikely to reach the actual developers. Does Abbott even have an in-house devs or do they contract out? Why do the older freestyle 14day and freestyle 2 apps support iOS versions beyond 15.4 but the freestyle 3 does not?
I would switch back to Dexcom, but I can not place a sensor on my abdomen. No canned response is needed. I can just read one of the many in these reviews.
On the bright side, customer service is friendly. I do not blame them. The blame falls squarely on their corporate overlords, who appear to have no interest in communicating with their customers.
My suggestion is to people is to have their doctors submit complaints. Perhaps even contact the BBB, otherwise go with Dexcom.
On a side note I purchased my first iPhone specifically for use with this cgm. It came with iOS 15.7. The app does lists 15.4 as the last compatible version. I have also updated to 15.7.1 as it contains important security fixes to stop active exploits. We should not have to choose between health and security.
I would switch back to Dexcom, but I can not place a sensor on my abdomen. No canned response is needed. I can just read one of the many in these reviews.
On the bright side, customer service is friendly. I do not blame them. The blame falls squarely on their corporate overlords, who appear to have no interest in communicating with their customers.
My suggestion is to people is to have their doctors submit complaints. Perhaps even contact the BBB, otherwise go with Dexcom.
On a side note I purchased my first iPhone specifically for use with this cgm. It came with iOS 15.7. The app does lists 15.4 as the last compatible version. I have also updated to 15.7.1 as it contains important security fixes to stop active exploits. We should not have to choose between health and security.
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