Yesterday I received my first batch of FreeStyle Libre 3 sensors. Here in Spain they have been available for a while, but in other countries the wait goes on. I first heard that they were being released while I was in Canada this summer. After using all my #2 sensors, I was excited to try these new ones due to their size and their “always on” mode of use. So far so good!

After reading about them I tried to download the new phone app, as these sensors only work with the app, The old standalone reader will not get the job done. But as the new sensors have only been rolled out in a few European countries so far, I was denied access to the app from Canada. Our flights home went through Lisbon on the way back to Gran Canaria, but even at the airport in Lisbon I was denied as they have not yet been released in Portugal. Finally, back in Spain I was able to download the app. Everything seemed the same, so I waited to finish my old sensors and then ordered some of the new ones. The pricing between the #2 and #3 sensors is exactly the same, so there is no reason not to order them if possible.

According to the marketing, the new ones are 70% smaller than the old ones. When I took it out of the packaging, I could not believe how much smaller and thinner it was. Very cool! The application is the same, with the same hour wait time before it is ready to use. And then… automatic readings every minute! No more having to reach around my arm and take a reading. It drains the phone a bit faster, but overall, not a big difference. Luckily, I have a phone that is currently compatible with the app, as for now it is only Android (and not all Android) phones that will work.

I went for a ride on the trainer yesterday I did not notice the sensor at all. Afterwards I jumped in the pool, once again the sensor was out-of-mind and performed as required regardless of what I was doing. Today I will go for a run and see how it feels, but I already think it will be fine. As I will be away from my phone for a bit during the run, I’ll have to wait a minute or so upon return to check my current glucose state, but as it refreshes so often this is not a big issue. All good so far!