Guide to using FreeStyle Libre CGM in unsupported countries

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) sensors are great not just for people with diabetes, but for anyone wanting to keep their body’s sugar levels in check. These devices give you real-time updates about your blood sugar, helping you make smarter choices about what you eat and how you exercise. However, geographical limitations on availability pose a significant challenge, as these beneficial devices aren’t officially shipped to all countries. This means some folks miss out on the chance to take better control of their health. So, if you’re in one of those places where CGM sensors aren’t officially available, countries like Ukraine, Georgia, and Turkey, learning how to get around those barriers can be a real game-changer.

Step 1. Buy a sensor

You could buy a sensor from retailers in your country or ship it from abroad with parcel forwarding services. Try checking local marketplaces and classifieds first.

FreeStyle Libre 3 CGM sensor box looks like
Here’s how FreeStyle Libre 3 CGM sensor box looks like

Step 2. Determine sensor’s country

The seller indicated that this particular sensor is meant to be sold on German market. Additionally, you can check the distributor list in the printed manual coming with the sensor. You may want to use the address of the first listed distributor.

Step 3. Install and setup VPN app on your phone

I suggest protonvpn.com. It’s trustworthy and it works for me. Free VPN apps are to be avoided at all costs.

Setup VPN to use sensor’s country. Make sure you have the right ip by checking it on this website whatismyipaddress.com. It should confirm that you’re visiting from your sensor’s country.

Step 4. Register an iCloud /Gmail account in the sensor country

You need to make sure your App Store or Play Store is for the target country.

It will probably ask for an address. You can use a random residential address from Google Maps.

It will also probably ask for a phone number. I suppose it should also be for this country, but I’m unsure. You might want to ask someone you know from that country to use their phone number or get a virtual number at zadarma.com.

Step 5. Change your phone’s app store account

You can do this on an iPhone without having to change the Apple ID that you’re primarily logged into on your iPhone, and which is tied to your iCloud.

Here’s a manual: How to Use a Different Apple ID for App Store & Purchases on iPhone & iPad.

Step 6. Install FreeStyle Libre app from the appstore

Use this new account to install FreeStyle Libre app. Then follow instructions to setup a sensor.

Godspeed! ❤️

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