The Comfort of Numbers
Like Clarke, her doctor was always open to evolving his thought process and treatment to new ideas: Like the Freestyle Libre 2 system.
This next iteration device was the only CGM, at the time of its release, that measured glucose every minute, while meeting the highest accuracy standards,2 with optional, customizable and real-time alarms that alert users if they are too high or low.3
Clarke's infatuation with the new device was both medical and psychological. The customizable alarms allowed her to stay ahead of her glucose levels, letting her know when her numbers were getting too high or low, before her body reacted to the changes.
"I wasn't worried all the time because I knew the alarms would tip me off before I got into trouble," Clarke said. "I keep my customized, acceptable ranges tight so I could catch highs and lows quickly. That gave me great peace of mind."
That feeling of confidence has only increased since the launch of Freestyle Libre 3 in the U.S., the newest and most advanced of our CGMs. The device has some pretty nice features, including:
- The world's smallest, thinnest (among patient-applied sensors4) and most accurate 14-day glucose sensor.
- It automatically sends real-time, minute-by-minute glucose readings to a compatible smartphone5 without scanning.
- The strongest Bluetooth range amongst CGM.6
The numbers nerd in Clarke continues to be infatuated with the options provided: "My doctor and I love to discuss time in range, which lets me track how I’m doing. I can see what my custom time in range is. I like being able to personalize based on my knowledge of my body, and I love meeting my own goals."
Information Shared, Community Formed
With the technology attached to the back of her upper arm and a laptop in front of her, Mila Clarke sets out each day to help others who are where she has been: Maybe a little isolated and maybe a little afraid.
"I felt alone for so long. I didn’t want people to know I had diabetes. There was a stigma," Clarke said.
Over time, however, she realized that sharing her life, even her glucose data, with friends brought messages of support, encouragement, and comradery. Loved ones would ask questions, further expanding chances to talk openly.
She started forming a community with Hangrywoman.com, as well as seeing a path forward to make others feel more comfortable with their lives. "I found myself opening up, even educating, letting people into a world they likely didn't know," Clarke said. “People started asking questions. It was liberating."