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Diabetes Device Choices

This is a personalized report of your diabetes device recommendations and choices. This report is a guide not a clinical recommendation. It's a guide based on your input, the best advice from Standford and the first hand knowledge of the T1 Community at DiabetesWise.org.

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Disclaimer: All prices are in USD and are estimates only.

Overview

Sensor & Injections

Freestyle Libre 3 & Syringe

Libre3Syringe

If you don't like having stuff on your body but want glucose data at a glance, the Freestyle Libre is the smallest sensor option.

*Libre 3 is the most current model, now with alerts. Libre 1 and 2 may still be available to you. Ask your provider.

Priority: Overall

Overall

Next Steps Next Steps

You're going to do great on the devices you choose

1.
Talk to your provider

Talk to your provider to get a prescription. Advocate for yourself with a list of reasons why you believe it is best for your lifestyle.

2.
Call the device companies

Talk to the device companies about the device you want and if your insurance will cover it. They can help with this.

3.
Call your insurance

Many insurance companies require documentation of different qualifications before approving diabetes device coverage. every insurance company is different but some common qualifications include checking your blood sugar 4-6 times per day or having frequent low blood sugars. Understanding what qualifications are necessary for device coverage before starting the approval process can make things a lot easier.

Visit https://diabeteswise.org/resources/getting-treatment/qualify-for-insurance/ for more resources.

Questions for your Doctor

Freestyle Libre 3 & Syringe

Can I try this before I commit to it?

A lot of provider offices have sample devices you can touch and feel to get a sense of how they work. Some offices even have a trial device you can use for week to see how it works for you.

More on how to Talk to your Doctor

Questions for your insurance

Many insurance companies require documentation of different qualifications before approving diabetes device coverage. Every insurance company is different, but some common qualifications include checking your blood sugar 4-6 times per day or having frequent low blood sugars. Understanding what qualifications are necessary for device coverage before starting the approval process can make things a lot easier.

Get the Guide for Talking to your Insurance

Talk to the device companies

Freestyle Libre 3

Call Freestyle Libre and ask them about your coverage. Talk to your Doctor to get a prescription.

1-855-632 8658 Freestyle Libre Website

Syringe and Vial

Understand your cost at your local pharmacy.

Insulin Cost Overview

Additional Resources

By Priorities

Active Lifestyle Active Lifestyle

Flat sensor transmitter fits easily under active wear and sports gear
No way to adjust long acting insulin for higher activity on the fly

Avoiding Highs and Lows Avoiding Highs and Lows

Faster and easier to check your glucose with this sensor versus with a meter
Syringes and pens limit your ability to adjust insulin throughout the day

Comfort Comfort

Lowest profile sensor
Have to carry syringes and insulin

Easy Insulin Dosing Easy Insulin Dosing

Can use sensor trends for dose adjustment
You have to do the math to figure out your dose

Easy to Use Easy to Use

Sensor and transmitter are one piece
Few steps to change sensor

Fewer Fingersticks Fewer Fingersticks

Factory-calibrated sensor: fingersticks needed for backup only

Privacy Privacy

Pens are low profile
Syringes are hideable when not in use but very visible when in use
No scanning required

Cost & Coverage

Freestyle Libre 3

Freestyle Libre 3

Glucose Testing Supplies

Sensors

Glucose Testing Cost Estimate

Startup $0 to $130
Monthly$0 to $70
Prices will vary based on insurance coverage. If you don't have any coverage this is the cheapest sensor.

Syringe and Vial

Syringe and Vial

Insulin Dosing Supplies

Syringe ~$30 (Monthly)

Insulin $5 to $500 (Monthly)

Insulin Dosing Cost Estimate

The total amount depends hugely on how much insulin you use and what your insurance covers.