logo
Please be advised that the site search and results are exclusively available in English only.
Disclaimer: We are working on translating our site into other languages. If you encounter any issues with the translations, please email us at diabeteswise@stanford.edu.

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. Some pens have the ability to track insulin doses on a smartphone.

*The Freestyle Libre 14 day can be manually scanned to get data only when you want it. 

Next Steps

Freestyle Libre 14 Day

Freestyle Libre 14 Day

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

Contact

1-855-632 8658

Mon-Fri 8:00am - 8:00pm EST

Freestyle Libre Website

Insulin Pen

Insulin Pen

Ask your provider about a insulin pen prescription. Learn which is covered.

Contact

Insulin Pen Overview

Priorities

Comfort

  • Lowest profile sensor
  • Have to carry pens and pen needles

    • 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

  • 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
  • No sensor alerts

    • Easy to Use

  • Sensor and transmitter are one piece
  • Few steps to change sensor
  • Pens are faster and easier to use than syringes

    • Easy Insulin Dosing

  • Can use sensor trends for dose adjustment
  • More precise dosing than syringes

    • Fewer Fingersticks

  • Factory-calibrated sensor: fingersticks needed for backup only

    • Privacy

  • Needs scan from phone or controller to get blood sugar
  • Sensor is the smallest
  • Pens are low profile

    • Wisdom

    Hear what others who use this device combo have to say

    The pen is fast and i can keep it in my pocket. Checking with the libre is fast and easy.

    I have never cared what anyone thought about my diabetes gear. I do not have any trouble navigating the world wearing a pump, CGM, or carrying insulin and supplies around in a bag. People do not usually notice, even when I am injecting insulin or doing fingersticks. I am always discreet.

    I experience lows more frequently with this therapy than I did on the 670G, although they are brief and not severe.

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

    Cost

    Freestyle Libre 14 Day

    Freestyle Libre 14 Day

    Sensors

    Reader (1 time purchase)

    Glucose Testing Cost Estimate

    Widely covered. Provided by pharmacies. Price range; $0-$100/month. Often the cheapest and easier to access sensor.

    Insulin Pen

    Insulin Pen

    Pen (thats it!)

    Insulin Dosing Cost Estimate

    Monthly $5 to $1260

    The total cost depends on the amount of pens you use which is dependent on how much insulin you use.

    Questions for your Doctor

    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.

    Is the Freestyle Libre waterproof?

    Sensor is water-resistant in up to 1 metre (3 feet) of water for a maximum of 30 minutes.