Late last year I made my first order for FreeStyle Libre 3 sensors. Before this, I had been using the 2, but I was excited to try the newer, smaller, and more feature-packed version. They were great! And then it came time to order a second batch, in December. So I placed the order, and waited. And waited. Then I checked back on the website and the order had been cancelled.

I waited a bit and then placed another order. When I went back to the website, they had finally put a notice that there were some problems with that particular sensor and that they were not currently in stock. But they would be happy to notify me when things were back on track! Another cancelled order, this time in January.

It was around this time that I went into the closet and found my old glucose machine. I bought some new batteries, then went to the pharmacy and got some test strips and lancets. I have been using this old-school system since January – it is now June. I checked online the other day, the sensor 3 seems to be back in stock and available. I’m debating whether to jump back in with the CGM train or simply keep doing what I’m doing. I currently check my numbers 3-4 times per day, and as of my last blood test/endocrinologist appointment all the numbers were looking good.

So should I go back to the CGM sensors, which come to over 100 euros per month, or stick with my test strips and lancets which are about half the price? For now, I’m ok with the finger poking. I don’t have to worry about something ripping the sensor off my arm, and it feels good not to be glued to my phone checking my numbers throughout the day. I (along with the rest of the world) am on my phone enough as it is, one less reason to have it in front of my face is a good thing.

I am a person of routine. Multiple finger pricks sprinkled throughout the day is not a problem for me. I can see it being an issue during travel/vacation, as the routine is not consistently followed. But I can work around it. I’m still deciding on this, which way to go for the near and medium future. We shall see.