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These devices do not connect but they each have their merits. The Freestyle Libre is small and the Tandem is modern with the ability to bolus directly on a compatible smartphone. 

The Freestyle Libre 2 can alert you when you are high and low. You get data only when you want it.

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

Tandem t:slim X2

Tandem t:slim X2

Call Tandem and ask them about your coverage. Talk to your Doctor to get a prescription.

Contact

1-877-801-6901

Mon-Fri, 9:00am - 5:00 PST

Tandem Website

Priorities

Comfort

  • Lowest profile sensor
  • Smallest tubed pump
  • Tubed pumps have the most infusion sets to pick from

    • Active Lifestyle

  • Flat sensor transmitter fits easily under active wear and sports gear
  • Optional settings for exercise to adjust treatment ranges for activity with the press of a button
  • Pump is watertight

    • Avoiding Highs and Lows

  • Faster and easier to check your glucose with this sensor versus with a meter
  • Pumps allow different amounts of basal insulin at different times of day and very precise dosing

    • Easy to Use

  • Sensor and transmitter are one piece
  • Few steps to change sensor
  • Rechargeable pump battery
  • Pump has touchscreen

    • Easy Insulin Dosing

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

    • Fewer Fingersticks

  • Factory-calibrated sensor: fingersticks needed for backup only

    • Privacy

  • Needs scan from phone or controller to get blood sugar
  • Touchscreen of pump looks like normal tech device
  • Ability to bolus directly on compatible smartphone

    • Wisdom

    Hear what others who use this device combo have to say

    Adding exercise to my day takes a little tweaking of the amount of insulin I need.

    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.

    The Freestyle Libre is the simplest of CGMs. It only gives me data when I ask for it.

    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.

    Tandem t:slim X2

    Tandem t:slim X2

    Pump

    Charger

    Insulin Cartridges

    Infusion Sites

    Insulin Dosing Cost Estimate

    Startup $5 to $6,995

    Monthly $20 to $200

    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.