FreeStyle Libre Changed My Life

Today, we marvel at mobile apps that let us watch sports and movies or order food, clothes, and books on our phones, but recently I found one that has literally changed my life.

A few years ago, I was asked to participate in a test study for Abbott Labs (I wasn’t paid) for their FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitor for diabetics, and the results have been truly astounding.

It’s like having life-coach who is with me 24/7.

As a type 2 diabetic, my health is directly related to the amount of glucose (sugar) in my blood. High amounts of blood sugar can result in heart disease and stroke, as well as damage to eyes, kidneys, blood vessels, and nerves. My mother died of complications from diabetes, so advocacy and awareness have become an important part of my life, so I am always striving for new options of prevention over treatment.

Until now, diabetics have tested the amount of sugar in their blood by pricking their fingers with a device called a lancet, which draws blood placed on a diabetic test strip inserted into a small meter, which displays the glucose level. The lancet is invasive and sometimes painful, so many diabetics test only a few times a day or sometimes not at all. Standard testing times are when you wake up and go to sleep, so until now, I’ve never really had a clear understanding of what my sugar levels were throughout the day.

I now wear a FreeStyle Libre 14 day sensor (the size of a quarter) on my upper arm (below the triceps) and by simply touching it with my iPhone (they also have a scanner) it gives me an immediate blood glucose reading. The device is non-invasive and can be employed as frequently as the user wants, giving diabetics a new insight into their bodies by understanding how they react to food, exercise, medication and stress. I’ve taken readings on the subway through a heavy winter coat, while running on a treadmill, and after drinking a glass of bourbon at my favorite steakhouse.

The iPhone app allows me to make detailed notes about what took place (food, exercise, stress) prior to or during the reading. Surprisingly, I’ve found that lifting weights lowers my glucose levels as much if not more than aerobic exercise and broccoli has a magical lowering effect while cheese sends my numbers to the stratosphere, as does stress, so I’m not going to let a missed subway or an annoying neighbor upset me anymore.

After ten days of using the FreeStyle Libre I’ve noticed my pants are looser, so the device is certainly helping me. I have always been a vocal advocate for prevention, and knowing what’s happening to my body minute by minute has enabled me to be more diligent.

As more technological advancements are made, I’m looking forward to better health for me and other diabetics and I’ll report about it in this column.

Rob Taub with FreeStyle Libre Sensor

The Russian Tea Room is serving up a new type of dish

Located steps from Broadway, the New York institution has been a go-to gathering spot for artists, celebrities, and royalty since its opening nearly 100 years ago and Broadway at The Russian Tea Room is a weekly one-hour AM radio show/streaming/podcast dedicated to productions from Broadway, Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center and every venue in between.

Host Rob Taub is a devoted advocate of the arts, previous host of radio programs on iHeart Radio as well as a long-time contributor to People Magazine.  Rob is also a national spokesperson for Know Diabetes By Heart.    Broadway at The Russian Tea Room has created a “safe space” for actors, writers, directors and producers to discuss their achievements, artistic dreams, hysterical off-nights, and continued hopes as they share stories about their careers.


Broadway at The Russian Tea Room is a unique program, with a host who’s been attending a wide range of productions for more than 50 years.  We reach a sizable audience across the globe, and we are not here to review or critique, but rather to promote and support the arts.

The program airs Sundays from 5 – 6 pm on 970 AM and is live streamed at www.am970theanswer.com Podcasts can be found here: https://omny.fm/shows/broadway-at-the-russian-tea-room/playlists/podcast


Tune in Sunday at 5pm on 970 AM or livestream here.

Podcasts of past shows!

Rob Taub has enjoyed an eclectic career in film, television, radio and journalism. His work in television has encompassed everything from scripted comedies to producing World Wrestling Entertainment. As a journalist Rob has written more than 200 articles for top tier outlets including People Magazine, Foxnews.com The Cauldron/SI and The Huffington Post. Rob’s distinctive voice can be heard in several of the Coen Brothers most memorable movies including Miller’s Crossing and Barton Fink. Rob has made more than 200 appearances as a political pundit/humorist on Fox News where he shares his unique perspective on the world with viewers. He also plays the role of Russell Carlton on The Onion News Network and is a regular contributor to numerous Sirius XM Radio shows where he offers his opinions on politics, sports and popular culture. Rob hosted Tech Hub, a weekly radio show on WOR-AM and is a frequent speaker/commentator on type 2 diabetes as well as being a spokesperson for Know Diabetes by Heart, a joint venture of the American Heart Association. His new radio program, Broadway at The Russian Tea Room can be heard on AM970 The Answer on Sundays from 5 – 6 pm. Rob serves on the Board of Directors of the Foreign Press Correspondents Association. Rob is a graduate of Ithaca College. Learn more about Rob at www.robtaub.com twitter @robmtaub