Please note this page is currently being updated

For Flash glucose monitoring (Flash GM), scan your Libre sensor with your Libre reading after insertion.

If you wish to use your Libre as continuous glucose monitor (CGM), the first scan after insertion must be with your phone. 

For general information on CGM including Libre, please read the page on CGM

Starting on Libre Flash GM

1. If you have questions about the device, look at the Libre FAQs site Frequently Asked Questions | FreeStyle Libre 2 AU

2. Complete the NDSS form including your choice of device, and send to diabetes@rch.org.au. If you would like to discuss the devices with a CDE, please write this in your email. This form outlines the eligibility criteria for fully subsidised Flash GM 

3. A CDE will sign the form and submit to NDSS. NDSS will email you when they have approved the application and you can then collect the Flash GM sensor from an NDSS pharmacy at no cost to you

4. Create a LibreView account and link to the RCH practice (see step 9 below) This allows you to review your data between visits and the diabetes team can also review this when requested by you or at your medical appointments 

5. Review the NDSS Next Steps Guide which gives information how to access the subsidy. Step 2 importantly tells you how to order a complimentary FreeStyle reader Start My Sensor. This BGL meter/reader allows you to scan your sensor as well as check a BGL and ketone reading using Freestyle Optium NEO strips. 

6. When you have completed all the above steps and have the sensor, watch the “how to” videos on inserting the sensor and setting up the device. This "how to videos" explains how to read and sharing data.

Sensor insertion instructions

Written step by step instructions.

• When your Libre is inserted scan the reader or phone to start the 1 hour warm up period. To link both devices to your new sensor, scan the reader before the mobile phone.  
• Sensors are inserted on the arm and are changed every 14 days. Ensure you rotate sensor insertion sites with each new sensor insertion. 
• Insulin should not be injected in the site where your sensor is located.

8. LibreLink is the app used by the person with diabetes. By using this app on your phone you can scan to get your current sensor glucose. 

You can either scan with your Libre reader or via the app. Downloading the reader to LibreView (see below) is important as well because it allows all of your glucose readings to be viewed alongside the scanned readings. 

Both the reader and app will give you the current sensor reading when you scan along with a directional arrow as to where your levels are heading. 

Libre LinkUp (version 4.7) is the app a caregiver can put on their phone to view the information. Scans done via the mobile phone can then be seen on the Libre LinkUp app.  If your LinkUp app stops working, make sure you have the latest version

8. Setting alerts: you may wish to speak with your diabetes educator or doctor about this, but we know alarm fatigue often occurs with multiple daily alerts. We recommend initially setting a low glucose alert at 3.8 mmol/L. Always check the BGL before treating for hypoglycaemia if the Flash GM shows readings under 4.0 mmol/L. It is also important to re check the BGL again 15 minutes later as the Flash GM may not have "caught up" and still indicate a low when the BGL has risen above 4.0 mmol/L

9. Reviewing your data using LibreView

Watch the LibreView tutorials. This give you step by step guide to setting up and how to link your LibreView account your health care professional’s LibreView practice. You will need your clinic ID code – RCH is ID code 0393456661. When linked your team can view your data at appointments. More information about understanding LibreView