Test Strip Use whilst on a CGM (2025)

Hi folks.

I have a question for the Type 1s using a CGM.

How often do you finger prick test if you're using a CGM?

I've been type 1 since 2011 and have just last week been put on a 3 month Libre 2 trial.
I'm still getting used to the thing and it's accuracy and quirks.

It's definitely a useful extra point of data, but I'm not completely on board with it yet and have still been using test strips as I deem necessary.

Since going on the trial my prescription for test strips has been reduced to 1 pack of strips.

50 strips a month doesn't give you much leeway as it's less then 2 tests a day.

It would be useful and interesting to know others experience with this.

Hello @MajorG

Personally I use the Dexcom G7 and would only use test strips on the first day of the new sensor to check accuracy, to check a hypo or if my BG levels are moving a such a pace that the CGM doesn't catch up in time due to the time lag and I need to know where my BG levels are heading.

That said i'd be lucky to use 5 strips a month. I have been using a CGM for over 6-7 years now and I do trust the Dexcom just aware of the nuances of using a sensor that may require a test strip back up. Not surprised your strips have been cut back though as it's a cost issue, in time you will learn the quirks and rely less on the strip tests but like anything when adopting new tech it's about building trust, but try to wean yourself off the strips if you can as you can create more mental pain comparing them when they are 2 completely different tools, trusting your CGM more will allow you to make better decisions as you can see the direction of your glucose levels and plan accordingly.

MajorG said:

Hi folks.

I have a question for the Type 1s using a CGM.

How often do you finger prick test if you're using a CGM?

I've been type 1 since 2011 and have just last week been put on a 3 month Libre 2 trial.
I'm still getting used to the thing and it's accuracy and quirks.

It's defintely a useful extra point of data, but I'm not completely on board with it yet and have still been using test strips as I deem necessary.

Since going on the trial my prescription for test strips has been reduced to 1 pack of strips.

50 strips a month doesn't give you much leeway as it's less then 2 tests a day.

It would be useful and interesting to know others experience with this.

Click to expand...

See Also

How to Safely Use Glucose Meters and Test Strips for DiabetesTest strips and monitors

I’ve not done an actual blood test in about 2 months

Hi @MajorG
Welcome to you....

I put a new sensor on whilst my existing one is on its last 24 hours for it to bed in.

I only activate a new sensor if my levels are stable.....as in i would not if i had loads of food and insulin on board.

I finger test an hour after activation then do so again randomly over the next 24 hours and not do another finger prick test unless i'm feeling at variance with my libre.

I have had tremendous success with my libre and adore it and had very few issues.

This works very well for me.

Good luck

Tony

Thanks for the replies.
I've definitely been testing less as I begin to understand the differences and trust it a little more.

I am finding the Libre (or this sensor anyway) reads a little low in general but this is probably the difference in what's been measured.

I get that interstital fluid and blood glucose isn't going to read the same, especially when things are changing.

I've had this thing giving me low glucose alarms for 45 mins after I've known my BG is fine and on the up.
It's just getting used to the Libre taking a while to catch up!

I've got the Libre Linkup app sending readings to a Garmin watchface and been able to have an idea of what's going on with a glance at my watch rather than stopping to do a finger prick is quite the revelation in itself!

grantg said:

If drive min twice day I thought was necessary?

Click to expand...

I'd defer to other's experience, but strictly speaking I don't believe it's mandatory to blood test for driving unless the CGM says you're low/ you know you're going low or doubt the readings on your flash/real time monitor.
This is based on off the GOV/DVLA guidance on INF 294 "A Guide to Insulin Treated Diabetes and Driving". The forum doesn't appear to allow me to link to the PDF or website.

It definitely makes sense to finger prick if in doubt though.

I do understand your frustration, I’ve had the same reduction to 50 strips a month since the NHS started covering my Libre (I self funded Libre for some time before).

Most of the time, I only test a couple of times when I have a new sensor on to check it’s reading ok. The problem is, every couple of months I have a duff sensor. Which Abbott replace, but if I have a couple of duff ones together, I may not have one available at all for a few days or just use more test strips in checking the duff ones, and it’s easy to burn through the pack.

I had the watch and loved it, but unfortunately when I moved to Omnipod5 a few months ago I lost that functionality (sensor can only talk to pod, not anything else), so now I am back to having to check the PDM to see where I am - two steps forward, one step back!

Interesting and reassuring to hear everyone's experiences. Thanks.

I'm sure I'll get used to the thing and just need to trust the process a bit more.

Just got the sensors for the rest of the trial so I'll bear with it and see how I get on.

At least 2 a day for calibration purposes, if the sensor fails then I will also need to fall back to normal fingerprick testing to bridge the gap (as I'm usually at work or at least not at home where I can apply a new sensor when this happens, so often have the best part of a day of fingerpricking).

When I was first prescribed the libre, test strips were removed from my prescription completely, but I had them readded as soon as I noticed this. I think my allowed quota is 4x50/month (which is what I used to get before CGMs), though I don't use them this fast so only reorder every few months as required.