I finally decided to go ahead and sign up for the free trial for the Freestyle Libre 2 CGM. It was actually easy to sign up. You just need to go to the Freestyle Libre website https://www.freestyle.abbott/us-en/products/freestyle-libre-2.html and there is a tab on the top right for the FREE TRIAL. That tab will take you to another page with a SIGN UP button which will take you to the page where you pick whether you want the one with the scanner/reader or the one that can be used with an iPhone app. You need to have an iPhone 7 or later for the app to work. My phone is ancient so I opted for the one with the reader/scanner.
They ask you a few questions – name, phone and the like. You need to have a prescription from your doctor for the sensor (and reader if you need it). If you use Walgreens, there is an option to send the info directly to them for your trial offer. They will also send the request for the prescription to your doctor. I used this option but somewhere along the line something failed because neither Walgreens nor my doctor got the info. They also send an e-mail with the coupon card codes for the pharmacy to use and some instructions for the pharmacy. You can just print that card or show it on your phone at the pharmacy.
I sent a message to my doctor and told her that I signed up for the free trial and she was supposed to get something from Abbott to prompt her to write the prescription but it must not have gone through. I told her I needed a prescription for a sensor and a reader. Somehow, the prescription from her was messed up because the next day I got an email from the pharmacy that said that they had a prescription for 3 readers and it was pending. I took the coupon print out to the pharmacy. The pharmacist was able to straighten out the prescription order but when she entered the coupon codes they didn’t go through. She made a quick call to Abbott and was able to activate the numbers and I walked out with my sensor. The pharmacy did not have any readers in stock but I was able to pick up the reader the next day. I also purchased a pack of sensor covers from Amazon (like a big clear bandaid that goes over the sensor and helps to prevent it from catching on clothing or other things and also helps to keep it attached. They aren’t necessary but since I would be doing contact exercise I thought it was worth it for the extra protection.
Overall impression: There were a few bumps in the process but they were easily straightened out and it really is free (saving you about $150). The covers I purchased were only $10 and had enough to last for almost two years if you only use one every two weeks or almost a year if you use more than one every two weeks.
I am happy to answer any questions anyone has. You can ask in the comments or kosmail me.
Next week Part 2: Trying It Out