Wearing your sensor

The sensor is the part of the Libre 2 that is responsible for measuring the glucose in your interstitial fluid so applying it correctly is really important.

Choosing the site

You will want to choose an area of skin on the back of your upper arm that generally stays flat during normal daily activities, so it doesn’t bend or fold.

Other tips to follow when choosing your site are:

Don’t use exactly the same site as the previous sensor to prevent any skin irritation or discomfort.

Avoid any areas where you have a lot of hair, scarring, stretch marks, lumps or moles.

Choose a site that is at least 2.5cm (1 inch) away from a site where you inject insulin.

Skin preparation

Preparing your skin is important to help the sensor stick properly. The following table gives you some solutions to some common problems that prevent adhesion:

Applying the sensor

Once you’ve prepared your skin, you’re ready to apply your Libre sensor. Both the sensor and the applicator are packaged together to make it really easy to apply.

Open the sensor pack. Ensuring that the sensor pack and sensor applicator numbers match unscrew the lid from the sensor applicator

Line up to the two marks on the sensor applicator and the sensor pack. Press firmly down on the sensor applicator on a hard surface until it comes to a stop

Place the sensor applicator over the prepared skin and push down firmly to apply

Gently pull the sensor applicator away from the skin

Make sure the sensor is securely applied to your skin. Put the lid back on the sensor applicator and discard it safely.

After applying the sensor, the body needs around 1 hour to settle or ‘warm up’ so that the sensor provides accurate blood glucose levels.

For video tutorials about the Libre system, please visit the Abbott website.

Sensor adhesion

You may find that you need additional products to help keep the sensor stuck down. There are many different adhesive patches and ‘guards’ that help to keep the sensor in place, available online.

The following products can help with sensor adhesion. You may need to try a few before finding the one that best suits you and your skin. If you are in any doubt, then speak to your diabetes care team for further guidance.

Sensor removal

If there is any remaining adhesive left on your skin after removing the sensor, then the following products may help. Remember that everyone’s skin is different so find the one that works best for you.

Top tips for wearing your Libre sensor

Each sensor is designed to be worn for up to 14 days. Some useful tips for wearing your sensor are:

Be careful about bumping into objects: Avoid bumping or catching your sensor on door frames, car doors, furniture, people, pets or other hard objects.

Touching the sensor adhesive: Avoid touching, pushing or pulling on the sensor. Also, you should avoid touching, scratching or pulling on the adhesive around the sensor, even if the adhesive has begun to peel.

Getting dressed: Use extra care to avoid hitting or catching the sensor on clothing while getting dressed. Avoid wearing tight clothing on your arms as doing so may pull off the sensor.

Showering/bathing: The sensor is water-resistant but use extra care when cleaning around the sensor and when towelling off so that you do not catch or pull off the sensor. Do NOT take your sensor into water deeper than 1 metre (3 feet) or keep it immersed for longer than 30 minutes.

Contact sports: Avoid contact sports and heavy exercise with an activity that may knock off your sensor.

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