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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
Insulin pens make insulin delivery more convenient than traditional vial/syringe options. Pens are small, portable, and more discrete to use in public.
Freestyle Lingo is an over-the-counter low-profile, all-in-one glucose sensor/transmitter. This sensor lasts for up to 14 days and sends real-time glucose readings to a compatible smartphone app. No finger pricks or scanning is needed. FDA approved for people 18 and older who are not on insulin.
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Components
Insulin Pen : Bolus Insulin
Bolus (fast-acting) insulin pen for meal time or high blood sugar correction.
Insulin Pen : Basal Insulin
Basal (long-acting) insulin pen for steady release of insulin that helps control blood sugar between meals, and overnight.
Insulin Pen : Needles
Disposable needle attaches to insulin pen for daily injections.
Freestyle Lingo : 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 Lingo : Receiver
Conveniently access glucose readings using a reader, smartphone, or both. Available for both iOS and Android devices.
Device Details
Overview
Nothing on the body when not in use. Noticeable when dosing.
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
$$$$
Widely covered for insulin-dependent type 1 and 2. Price range; 0-$1260/month depending on insurance coverage.
$$$$
Widely covered. Provided by pharmacies. Price range; $49 for one 14-day sensor, $89 for two sensors, or $249 for six sensors. Often, it is the cheapest and easiest-to-access sensor.
Data Monitoring Options
No Options
Yes
Sensor automatically sends data to the user’s LibreLingo account which enables sharing with HCPs and caregivers via the LibreLink app.
Data View Options
No Options
Yes
Freestyle Libre Lingo app provides glucose readings and alarms, multiple data views, the ability to share glucose data and real-time alarms with LibreLingo.
Duration and Storage
28 Days
Can be kept at room temperature (not above 80º F) when in use for 28 days. Unopened insulin pens should be stored in the refrigerator (36ºF - 46ºF).
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
NO text to speech
NO vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed
NO text to speech
YES vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed
Patient Considerations
Active Lifestyle
No attachments to the body. Insulin pens are easy to use and do not remain attached to the body, allowing for a flexible and 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.
Avoiding Highs and Lows
Limited customizability. Pens require manual dose adjustment and limit the ability to adjust basal insulin throughout the day.
Optional glucose alerts for low and high glucose levels. Trend arrows show the direction glucose is heading, with the rate of change.
Comfort
Many components. Have to carry pen and pen needles but nothing attached to the body.
Lowest profile sensor and smallest adhesive (about the size of two stacked U.S pennies).
Easy Insulin Dosing
More precise than syringes. Ability to measure doses using a dial, increasing accuracy.
Sensor trends can be used for dose adjustment.
Easy to Use
Simple but many steps. Attach a new needle, dial the correct dose, inject, and dispose of needle.
No scanning required. Minute-by-minute readings are sent directly to the mobile app.
Fewer Fingersticks
Frequent finger-sticks are required.
Factory-calibrated sensor. Finger-sticks needed for backup only.
Privacy
Hideable. Pens can be hidden when not in use but visible when in use. Frequent injections are unavoidable.
Hypoglycemia safety alarm. Discreet size but built-in hypoglycemia safety alarm alerts users when glucose is below 55 mg/dl and is always on.