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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
The FreeStyle Libre 14-day is an all-in-one glucose sensor/transmitter that lasts for 14 days and only needs fingersticks as backup. . This sensor is a flash glucose monitor that requires scanning using a compatible smartphone app or a handheld reader.
FDA approved for insertion on the back of the upper arm (ages 4 years and older).
MARD of 9.4%
The Medtronic pump 630G is covered by most insurance and has the ability to communicate with a Contour NEXT meter. This pump is available for people with type 2 diabetes.
Components
Freestyle Libre 14 Day : 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 14 Day : Receiver
Conveniently access glucose readings using a reader, smartphone, or both. Available for both iOS and Android devices.
Medtronic 630G/670G/770G : Pump
Pump connects tubing to a small patch called an infusion set that attaches to the body.
Medtronic 630G/670G/770G : Reservoir
Tubed insulin pumps contain a plastic reservoir or cartridge that is manually filled with insulin and locked into the pump.
Medtronic 630G/780G : Infusion Set
An infusion set contains the thin plastic tubing that delivers insulin from the pump to the body. Optional Medtronic Extended™ Infusion set (up to 7-day wear) available.
Device Details
Overview
All-in-one glucose sensor/transmitter can be worn on the upper arm.
Largest pump on the list, requires tubing which may be visible.
Affordability and Access
$$$$
Widely covered. Provided by pharmacies. Price range; $0-$100/month. Often the cheapest and easier to access sensor.
$$$$
Widely covered for insulin-dependent type 1 and type 2. Pump can be provided by pharmacy or DME. Price range; $0-$8,574 to start and $0-$300/Month. Price range varies depending on insurance coverage.
Data Monitoring Options
Yes
Automatic data transfer to LibreView each time Freestyle Libre 2 sensor is scanned. LibreView gives clinicians and users relevant glucose reports. Glooko and Tidepool can also be used to view data.
Yes
Pump data can be viewed by your healthcare team on the CareLink therapy management software.
Data View Options
Yes
Freestyle LibreLink app displays glucose readings directly on the patient's compatible smart device.
Yes
Data is viewed on the pump's main screen.
Duration and Storage
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.
3 Days
Infusion site and pump reservoir last up to 72 hours and works between 40ºF - 104ºF.
Vision / Auditory / Dexterity
YES text to speech
YES vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed
NO text to speech
YES vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed
Patient Considerations
Active Lifestyle
Water-resistant for up to 3 feet deep for 30 minutes and light on the body, does not get in the way of activity. The reader must be within 1.5 inches of the sensor to scan it.
Exercise mode. Optional settings for exercise to adjust treatment ranges for activity with the press of a button. Pump is not waterproof.
Avoiding Highs and Lows
Alerts are not available. High or low glucose alarms are not available. Trend arrows show the direction glucose is heading, with the rate of change.
Precise dosing. Pumps allow different amounts of basal insulin at different times of day and very precise dosing.
Comfort
Lowest profile sensor and smallest adhesive.
Largest tubed pump. Small patch called an infusion set consists of a complete tubing system that attaches to the body. Tubed pumps have the most infusion sets to pick from.
Easy Insulin Dosing
Scanned sensor readings can be used for dose adjustment.
Customizable dosing. Bolus calculator available to help figure out doses. Basal and bolus in 0.025 increments.
Easy to Use
Requires scanning. Self-application and manual scanning every 8-hours are required. Easy self-application.
Battery required. Pump has button navigation and requires AA battery.
Fewer Fingersticks
Factory-calibrated sensor. Finger-sticks needed for backup only.
Frequent finger-sticks are required.
Privacy
Somewhat discreet. Scanning feature makes it easy to monitor blood glucose levels discreetly.
Somewhat discreet. Largest pump with visible tubing. Can be clipped to clothing or placed in a pocket to be discreet when needed.