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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 2 is the thinnest, all-in-one glucose sensor/transmitter and requires scanning using a handheld reader or compatible smartphone with an app. This sensor lasts for 14 days 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 9.3%
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%
Components
Freestyle Libre 2 : 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 2 : Receiver
Conveniently access glucose readings using a reader, smartphone, or both. Available for both iOS and Android devices.
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.
Device Details
Overview
All-in-one glucose sensor/transmitter with low and high blood glucose alarms can be worn on the upper arm.
All-in-one glucose sensor/transmitter can be worn on the upper arm.
Affordability and Access
$$$$
Widely covered. Provided by pharmacies. Price range; $0-$100/month. Often the cheapest and easier to access sensor.
$$$$
Widely covered. Provided by pharmacies. Price range; $0-$100/month. Often the cheapest and easier to access sensor.
Data Monitoring Options
Yes
After each sensor scan with the mobile app or reader, data is automatically sent to the user’s LibreView account which enables sharing with HCPs and caregivers via the LibreLinkUp app. Data upload is possible with Glooko and Tidepool data-management systems.
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.
Data View Options
Yes
Freestyle Libre 2 app 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.
Yes
Freestyle LibreLink app displays glucose readings directly on the patient's compatible smart device.
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.
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
YES 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.
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.
Avoiding Highs and Lows
Optional glucose alerts for low and high glucose levels. Trend arrows show the direction glucose is heading, with the rate of change.
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.
Comfort
Low profile sensor and small adhesive.
Lowest profile sensor and smallest adhesive.
Easy Insulin Dosing
Scanned sensor trends can be used for dose adjustment.
Scanned sensor readings can be used for dose adjustment.
Easy to Use
Requires scanning. Self-application and manual scanning are required. Easy self-application.
Requires scanning. Self-application and manual scanning every 8-hours are required. Easy self-application.
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 size but built-in hypoglycemia safety alarm alerts users when glucose is below 55 mg/dl and is always on.
Somewhat discreet. Scanning feature makes it easy to monitor blood glucose levels discreetly.