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.

These devices do not connect but they each have their merits. The Freestyle Libre is small and the Tandem is modern with the ability to bolus directly on a compatible smartphone. 

The Freestyle Libre 3 can alert you when you are high and low. You get data only when you want it.

*Libre 3 is the most current model, now the smallest sensor option, and doesn't require scanning. Libre 1 and 2 may still be available to you. Ask your provider.

Next Steps

Freestyle Libre 3

Freestyle Libre 3

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

Tandem t:slim X2

Tandem t:slim X2

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

Contact

1-877-801-6901

Mon-Fri, 9:00am - 5:00 PST

Tandem Website

Priorities

Comfort

  • Lowest profile sensor
  • Smallest tubed pump
  • Tubed pumps have the most infusion sets to pick from

    • Active Lifestyle

  • Flat sensor transmitter fits easily under active wear and sports gear
  • Optional settings for exercise to adjust treatment ranges for activity with the press of a button
  • Pump is watertight

    • Avoiding Highs and Lows

  • Faster and easier to check your glucose with this sensor versus with a meter
  • Pumps allow different amounts of basal insulin at different times of day and very precise dosing

    • Easy to Use

  • Sensor and transmitter are one piece
  • Few steps to change sensor
  • Rechargeable pump battery
  • Pump has touchscreen

    • Easy Insulin Dosing

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

    • Fewer Fingersticks

  • Factory-calibrated sensor: fingersticks needed for backup only

    • Privacy

  • No scanning required
  • Touchscreen of pump looks like normal tech device
  • Ability to bolus directly on compatible smartphone

    • Wisdom

    Hear what others who use this device combo have to say

    I was worried about pocket bolusing, but there are a lot of safety features that make me feel more comfortable about having the pump in my pocket while I'm running around all day

    The extended bolus helps me avoid lows

    It takes a while to get adjusted to a tubed pump. I sometimes forget that my pump is connected to me, so I try to find ways to carry it without interfering with my daily activities

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

    Cost

    Freestyle Libre 3

    Freestyle Libre 3

    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.

    Tandem t:slim X2

    Tandem t:slim X2

    Pump

    Charger

    Insulin Cartridges

    Infusion Sites

    Insulin Dosing Cost Estimate

    Startup $5 to $6,995

    Monthly $20 to $200

    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.