RECALL: FreeStyle Libre 3 Sensors (certain serial numbers)

I got the email from Abbott and one of my recent Libre 3+ sensors was on the bad list. My replacement is on its way to me. Apparently, Abbott has multiple production lines for the Libre 3 and 3+. One line was found to produce "bad" sensors, enough of us (users) called in to the service line that Abbott dug into the problem. My symptoms: (1) New sensor would read high (checked with finger prick and old meter) and then 12 hours later would read low! (again, finger prick). (2) The glue on the sensor wouldn't stay on, stick to the skin. I was not alone in my calls, emails to Abbott.

I figured out by looking at the graph of readings that sudden drops of glucose levels were false lows after doing finger pricks and then followed by fast spikes up. My latest sensors are okay by their system, and the problem seems to be solved. The email from Abbott related how they found one production line was making the sensord incorrectly. They fixed the problem.

If you are using the FreeStyle Libre 3 or 3+ use the link--see above--to check your sensors. The app of the Apple phone keeps the serial number of the last three sensors. I started at that point and then checked my recent shipment as well. Replacement is free, including shipping costs.

During the period from March 2025 to October 2025 I had twelve defective sensors. Most of them showed readings too low (about 50 points) when compared to a finger prick. A few had a sensor error. Abbot replaced all of them except the last one. Their rep told me that I'm not a good patient for their product and suggested that I switch to a different CGM brand. My last three sensors work OK. Typical 10-20 point lower from the finger prick. So, for now I will continue using Libre.

Don't feel bad about Abbott. I believe it was all of our complaints that forced them (Abbot) to look at their production lines and found one producing bad sensors. When I first got my FreeStylee monitor and sensors, the literature that came with it had a video CD that contained a file/interview that compared different sensor brands and Abbott was not on top,

@rollingf
I agree, I called on one of my bad sensors and they wanted to know all the information about the sensor so they could trace it to the production line and dates. Very responsive, and sent a new sensor.

This is an example of why you should contact a company if something does not work.

Thank you @roch (Laurie) for posting this discussion. Thank you @rollingf for the helpful info. At first I ignored this discussion because I use a different CGM (Dexcom G7). But folks I know that use Dexcom G7 have had similar problems with those too. I’d like to recommend that when in doubt break out the meter and check that to verify a high or low.

I think that there was more than just complaints. Some people really got hurt. Here is from Abbotts email.
Potential harm

If undetected, incorrect low glucose readings over an extended period may lead to incorrect treatment decisions for people living with diabetes, such as excessive carbohydrate intake or skipping or delaying insulin doses. These decisions may pose serious health risks, including potential injury or death, or other less serious complications. Globally as of 14-Nov-2025, Abbott has received reports of 736 severe adverse events and 7 deaths potentially associated with this issue.

I really find it difficult to believe that someone would put there complete trust, and their life for that matter, 100% of the time in these devices. Totally love having my Dexcom CGM but the purpose of it is to help you MONITOR ones glucose levels. Monitor means to look at the readings once in awhile. The products even state that if the readings do match what your body is telling you, go with what your body is telling you. Verify with a glucose meter! CGM's are a tool and not a fix for diabetes.

@yab
The reason I didn't copy that part of their note is because they headed that portion as "Potential Harm" and until either Abbott or someone else decided the harm was actually caused by the Libre Free Style sensor. I considered the information as not a fact and didn't want to repeat it,

My readings would suddenly drop 50 to 100 points from 170 to 80. If one follows their instructions and and checks with a blood prick and old meter, and either gets readings that agree (real low--eat some thing. or find's the reading is off and not do anything; then I find it difficult to believe the bad sensor was a cause of death.