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If you don't like having stuff on your body but want glucose data at a glance, the Freestyle Libre is the thinnest sensor. Some pens have the ability to track insulin doses on a smartphone.

Next Steps

Freestyle Libre 2

Freestyle Libre 2

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

Insulin Pen

Insulin Pen

Ask your provider about a insulin pen prescription. Learn which is covered.

Contact

Insulin Pen Overview

Priorities

Comfort

  • Lowest profile sensor
  • Have to carry pens and pen needles

    • Active Lifestyle

  • Flat sensor transmitter fits easily under active wear and sports gear
  • No way to adjust long acting insulin for higher activity on the fly

    • Avoiding Highs and Lows

  • Faster and easier to check your glucose with this sensor versus with a meter
  • Syringes and pens limit your ability to adjust insulin throughout the day

    • Easy to Use

  • Sensor and transmitter are one piece
  • Few steps to change sensor
  • Pens are faster and easier to use than syringes

    • Easy Insulin Dosing

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

    • Fewer Fingersticks

  • Factory-calibrated sensor: fingersticks needed for backup only

    • Privacy

  • Needs scan from phone or controller to get blood sugar
  • Pens are low profile

    • Wisdom

    Hear what others who use this device combo have to say

    I trust the accuracy of the Libre. After 6-8 blood tests daily on the 670G, this is truly a blessing. I also have more control of high BG with injections than I did with the 670G. Unfortunately, I am back to experiencing routine low BGs, although they are brief and barely dip below my target before coming back into range.

    I have had to get used to wearing it on the back of my arm. I need Skin Tac and Sim Patches to keep it on for 2 weeks. I knocked the first 3 sensors off before they expired. Abbott replaced them all for free. Now I have a routine that works and I am getting the full use of each sensor.

    I have never cared what anyone thought about my diabetes gear. I do not have any trouble navigating the world wearing a pump, CGM, or carrying insulin and supplies around in a bag. People do not usually notice, even when I am injecting insulin or doing fingersticks. I am always discreet.

    Cost

    Freestyle Libre 2

    Freestyle Libre 2

    Sensors

    Receiver (1 time purchase)

    Glucose Testing Cost Estimate

    Startup $200 to $404
    Monthly $108 to $321
    Libre 2 is covered by Medicare but may not yet covered by private insurers. Prices will vary based on coverage. If you don't have any coverage, this is the cheapest sensor.

    Insulin Pen

    Insulin Pen

    Pen (thats it!)

    Insulin Dosing Cost Estimate

    Monthly $5 to $1260

    The total cost depends on the amount of pens you use which is dependent on how much insulin you use.

    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.