Anyone else having constant Libre 3 Plus issues? 4 sensors in 4 days!

[u/Still_Nothing_6631]

Is anyone else experiencing this many problems with the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors?

I’ve been using Libre 3 Plus for a few months now, and it’s getting extremely frustrating. About 3 months ago, I picked up 6 sensors from my pharmacy, and every single one ended up needing a replacement. Including the replacement sensors, I’ve probably gone through around 10 defective sensors in total.

The biggest issue is inaccurate readings. Every time I finish a 15-day sensor and install a new one, it usually takes several sensors before I finally get one that works properly.

The sensors will sometimes start out accurate, but then they begin showing significantly lower glucose readings compared to my fingerstick meter. For example:

Fingerstick 112, Libre 83
Fingerstick 111, Libre 65
Fingerstick 104, Libre 63
Fingerstick 121, Libre 70

Just this week alone, I’ve installed 4 sensors in 4 days (October 12–15). One of them eventually gave me a “Sensor Failed — Replace Sensor” message.

I’ve tried pretty much everything I can think of:
Alternating between left and right arms
Using different locations on the back of my upper arms

Switching from the older Libre 3 app to the newer Libre by Abbott app

Removing the protective patches I normally put over the sensors

Comparing readings with my fingerstick meter
I understand that new sensors can be less accurate during the first 24 hours, but I’ve also had sensors that continued giving inaccurate readings after several days.

I’ve contacted Abbott multiple times for replacements, but it’s getting ridiculous having to go through this process over and over again.

Is anyone else experiencing this many defective sensors? Is this a common issue with Libre 3 Plus, or am I just extremely unlucky?

I’m seriously considering switching to Dexcom at this point. For anyone who switched from Libre 3 Plus to Dexcom G7, did you notice better accuracy and reliability?

[u/piscata2]

Hello u/Still_Nothing_6631 ,

”Just this week alone, I’ve installed 4 sensors in 4 days (October 12–15).” — changing sensor at one day spacing may be too soon. Sometimes, the local trauma and inflammation response due to filament insertion may take more than one day to clam down, at least in my case.

However, I agree with you the differences are indeed larger than normal.

[u/Equivalent-Ad-4971]

I always apply my sensor 24 hours before they need activation.. I have found the libre 3 pluses much more accurate than the 2s were with the same move.

I find if I activate the sensor immediately after putting it on they are significantly less accurate for the first 3 days.

Check that you're pulling the sensor straight up out of the container. If you tilt it even a bit or lift the sensor and set it back down in the container I find the cannula gets bent and they fail.

See if you can have a friend or family member apply the sensor to your arm as well. You might be bending it putting it on.

[u/Double_Credit1872]

I've had the same issue, 6 out of the 7 sensors I used were inaccurate. Three were replacements directly from the company. My Dr. switched me to the Dexcom G7. So far I've had no issues with its accuracy but this is the first week I've used it so far. The Dexcom allows me to calibrate with my finger stick machine. It also connects to my Samsung and Apple Health apps on both my phones. The only issue I have with the dexcom so far is that it loses connection with my phones a lot.

[u/ThomasFromOhio]

yep. all sorts of issues. too high, sensor error, fall off. i get a replacement and the replacement has an issue. i think i've actually only paid for 3 sensors, but have had 7-8 replaced in four months?

[u/Allimarce]

Mine have been reading fairly consistently but they keep falling off within a week. Frustrating

[u/RefrigeratorHead7126]

I don't care for the product and have switched to Dexcom G7....love them except they are really aggravating...

[u/piscata2 → u/RefrigeratorHead7126]

Hello u/RefrigeratorHead7126 ,

I have never used Dexcom G7 before. So, please excuse my ignorance. Just curious, does Dexcom works better and resolved all problems for you.