Start Libre - Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
This page is for people who attend Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh diabetes clinics (including East Lothian Community Hospital and Leith) who are seeking NHS-funded Freestyle Libre use.
1. Am I eligible for NHS Lothian funded Libre?
Specifically, are you on multiple daily injections of insulin (typically 4 or 5 injections per day*) or an insulin pump? If the answer is yes, you are highly likely to be eligible for funded Libre use. The full Scottish Diabetes Group eligibility document can be viewed by clicking here. IF YOU ARE ON TWICE DAILY INSULINS (E.G. HUMALOG MIX 25, HUMULIN M3 & NOVOMIX 30) YOU ARE NOT CURRENTLY ELIGIBLE. If you would like to consider changing to multiple daily injections of insulin, this can be discussed at your next clinic appointment.
* Background insulin - Lantus, Levemir or Tresiba; Quick-acting insulin - Novorapid, Humalog, Fiasp or Apidra
IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE WE ASK THAT YOU COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING EDUCATION MODULES TO ENSURE YOU CAN USE LIBRE SAFELY AND GET THE MOST FROM THE TECHNOLOGY
If you are eligible - you can obtain an initial starter pack (including a reader and sensor) by following this link:
2. Education Modules
The following are mandatory for all eligible individuals who wish to have Libre sensors prescribed by NHS Lothian:
A. BASIC LIBRE INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS FROM THE FREESTYLE LIBRE WEBSITE:
Click on the image below to view instructional videos from the manufacturers website:
DTN FLASH GLUCOSE MONITORING EDUCATION PROGRAMME
This is a detailed educational resource consiting of a series of videos and webinars. This not only covers how to get the most out of the Libre but also has detailed information on insulin adjustment and carb counting. Completing this course of videos is required to be eligible for NHS Lothian funded Libre sensors - click the link on the image below:
OTHER USEFUL RESOURCES FROM OUR CENTRE:
After the education modules
Once you have completed the required education modules we will recommend to your GP that you receive a prescription for the sensors. We recommend that you link your Libre to our clinic system by following the instructions in this link.
What next - now that you've started using Libre?
If you are having technical problems with your Libre (sensors falling off early / inaccurate sensors etc.) please contact Abbott Customer Care: 0800 170 1177 - your GP / Diabetes clinic cannot help with these matters.
Click here to download a guide from Abbott for troubleshooting when sensors fall off too early
If your problems relate to difficulties using the Libre, understanding the results or for general advice on improving diabetes control, please contact the diabetes nurse specialists (RIE: 0131 242 1471).
All the educational resources available further up this page should be of value in helping troubleshoot.
Click here if you want to look over the slides from the Start Libre education session.
We have also produced a 'Libre Quiz' with a series of practical scenarios and advice on what to do when you encounter them - please click here to access the Libre Quiz.
