Select Device Freestyle Lingo Freestyle Libre 3 Freestyle Libre 2 Freestyle Libre 14 Day Dexcom G7 Dexcom G6 Dexcom Stelo Guardian Connect Medtronic Simplera Eversense Meter Omnipod Omnipod Dash Medtronic 780G Medtronic 630G Tandem t:slim X2 Bigfoot Unity Medtronic InPen Tempo Pen NovoPen 6/NovoPen Echo Insulin Pen Afrezza CeQur Simplicity Patch V-Go Patch Omnipod GO Patch Syringe and Vial Beta Bionics iLet Pancreas Control IQ with Dexcom Control IQ with Freestyle Libre Medtronic 780G with Smart Guard Omnipod 5 Tandem Mobi Tidepool Loop twiist DIY Loop Apple Series 6/7/8/9/10/SE (2nd Generation) Garmin vívosmart 5™ Garmin Venu Sq 2 Garmin Venu 3 Garmin vivoactive 5 Garmin Fenix 8 Garmin vivofit jr 3 Garmin Forerunner 165/265/965 Garmin epix (Gen 2) Garmin Enduro 3 Fitbit Ace LTE Fitbit Charge 6 Fitbit Inspire 3 Fitbit Versa/Versa 2/4/Versa Lite Fitbit Sense 2 Fitbit Luxe Google Pixel 2/3 Samsung Galaxy 4/5 Xiaomi Mi Band 9 Oura Ring Whoop 4.0 Withings ScanWatch 2 Withings ScanWatch Lite Pedometer 3D Pedometer
Select Device Freestyle Lingo Freestyle Libre 3 Freestyle Libre 2 Freestyle Libre 14 Day Dexcom G7 Dexcom G6 Dexcom Stelo Guardian Connect Medtronic Simplera Eversense Meter Omnipod Omnipod Dash Medtronic 780G Medtronic 630G Tandem t:slim X2 Bigfoot Unity Medtronic InPen Tempo Pen NovoPen 6/NovoPen Echo Insulin Pen Afrezza CeQur Simplicity Patch V-Go Patch Omnipod GO Patch Syringe and Vial Beta Bionics iLet Pancreas Control IQ with Dexcom Control IQ with Freestyle Libre Medtronic 780G with Smart Guard Omnipod 5 Tandem Mobi Tidepool Loop twiist DIY Loop Apple Series 6/7/8/9/10/SE (2nd Generation) Garmin vívosmart 5™ Garmin Venu Sq 2 Garmin Venu 3 Garmin vivoactive 5 Garmin Fenix 8 Garmin vivofit jr 3 Garmin Forerunner 165/265/965 Garmin epix (Gen 2) Garmin Enduro 3 Fitbit Ace LTE Fitbit Charge 6 Fitbit Inspire 3 Fitbit Versa/Versa 2/4/Versa Lite Fitbit Sense 2 Fitbit Luxe Google Pixel 2/3 Samsung Galaxy 4/5 Xiaomi Mi Band 9 Oura Ring Whoop 4.0 Withings ScanWatch 2 Withings ScanWatch Lite Pedometer 3D Pedometer
Summary
This sensor lasts for 10 days and only needs finger sticks as a backup. Dexcom G6 has 3 parts - sensor, transmitter, and receiver. Data can be viewed on a compatible mobile device or a separate receiver. Optional low and high blood sugar notifications are available for this system.
FDA approved for insertion on the abdomen (indicated for patients age 2 years and older) or the upper buttocks (ages 2-17 years).
MARD of 9%
The FreeStyle Libre 3 is the smallest, thinnest, all-in-one glucose sensor/transmitter CGM and lasts 14 days. This sensor sends minute-by-minute glucose readings to a compatible smartphone app and only needs fingersticks as backup. Optional low and high blood sugar notifications are available for this system.
FDA approved for insertion on the back of the upper arm (ages 4 years and older).
MARD of 7.9%.
Components
Dexcom G6 : Sensor
Sensor uses a thin, flexible filament inserted just under the skin to measure glucose levels every 5 minutes. Push-button applicator allows sensor to be placed on the body in one step.
Dexcom G6 : Transmitter
Sends readings from sensor to device, clips into sensor. Can be used for 90 days.
Dexcom G6 : Receiver
Receives data automatically from the transmitter. Can be substituted by compatible smartphone and smartwatch. Available for both iOS and Android devices.
Freestyle Libre 3 : Sensor
Sensor uses a thin, flexible filament inserted just under the skin to measure glucose levels every minute. Push-button applicator allows sensor to be placed on the body in one step.
Freestyle Libre 3 : Receiver
Conveniently access glucose readings using a reader, smartphone, or both. Available for both iOS and Android devices.
Device Details
Overview
Small sensor can be worn in multiple areas.
Smallest, thinnest, all-in-one glucose sensor/transmitter with low and high blood glucose alarms can be worn on the upper arm.
Affordability and Access
$$$$
Widely covered. Provided by DME and/or Pharmacy. Price range; $0-$500/month.
$$$$
Widely covered. Provided by pharmacies. Price range; $0-$100/month. Often the cheapest and easier to access sensor.
Data Monitoring Options
Yes
Automatically and continuously sends data to the user’s Dexcom Clarity web-based cloud which is accessible by clinicians. Data upload is possible with Glooko and Tidepool data-management systems.
Yes
Sensor automatically sends data to the user’s LibreView account which enables sharing with HCPs and caregivers.
Data View Options
Yes
Users must download the Dexcom G6 and Dexcom Clarity apps to view and share data. Both apps provide multiple data views, sharing options, and access through the clinician portal using a code from the user's device. Caregivers can use the Dexcom Follow app to view data. Glooko and Tidepool can also be used to view data.
Yes
Freestyle Libre 3 app or Libre by Abbott provides glucose readings and alarms, multiple data views, the ability to share glucose data and real-time alarms with LibreLinkUp, and the ability to connect to a clinician's practice through LibreView.
Duration and Storage
10 Days
Sensors last 10 days, and transmitters last 90 days. They are shipped 3 boxes at a time every 3 months – 9 sensors and 1 transmitter. Works at 50ºF – 108ºF
14 Days
Sensors last 14 days and work between 50ºF - 113ºF. They are shipped in orders of 1-3 months at a time - which is 2-6 boxes at a time.
Vision / Auditory / Dexterity
YES text to speech
YES vibration alerts
3 sound sources
A LOT of dexterity needed
NO text to speech
YES vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed
Patient Considerations
Active Lifestyle
Water-resistant when submerged in 2.4 meters of water and must be within 20 (unobstructed) feet of the receiver or mobile device.
Water-resistant for up to 3 feet deep for 30 minutes and light on the body, does not get in the way of activity.
Avoiding Highs and Lows
Custom alerts can be set for highs, lows, and rapidly rising or falling glucose levels. Trend arrows show the direction glucose is heading, with the rate of change.
Optional glucose alerts for low and high glucose levels. Trend arrows show the direction glucose is heading, with the rate of change.
Comfort
Low profile and low maintenance sensor application.
Lowest profile sensor and smallest adhesive (about the size of two stacked U.S pennies).
Easy Insulin Dosing
Real-time data and alerts make dose adjustment easier.
Sensor trends can be used for dose adjustment.
Easy to Use
Flexible pump integration. Can be paired with multiple different types of pumps which gives flexibility for how to use the data.
No scanning required. Minute-by-minute readings are sent directly to the mobile app.
Fewer Fingersticks
Factory-calibrated sensor. Finger sticks needed for backup only.
Factory-calibrated sensor. Finger-sticks needed for backup only.
Privacy
Hypoglycemia safety alarm. Discreet but built-in hypoglycemia safety alarm alerts users when glucose is below 55 mg/dl and is always on.
Hypoglycemia safety alarm. Discreet size but built-in hypoglycemia safety alarm alerts users when glucose is below 55 mg/dl and is always on.