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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%
This sensor lasts the longest - 180 days. It has to be placed under the skin by a healthcare provider. It has two parts, the implantable sensor and a transmitter that sends data to a mobile device.
MARD: 8.5-9.1%
*Recently FDA approved for use with insulin pumps.
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.
Eversense : Sensor
Professionally inserted by a physician during a medical visit. Minor procedure.
Eversense : Transmitter
Transmitter sits outside of the body and is held on by an adhesive. Sends data every 5 minutes to a connected mobile device.
Eversense : Receiver
Real-time glucose measurements sent to a compatible mobile-device or smart watch. No need for a separate receiver. 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.
Very small implantable sensor but large transmitter must be worn on top of the skin.
Affordability and Access
$$$$
Widely covered. Provided by pharmacies. Price range; $0-$100/month. Often the cheapest and easier to access sensor.
$$$$
Sometimes covered. Insertion and removal require a Health Care Provider. Insertion costs $100-$300, and removal costs $100-$400. Sensor and transmitter cost $800-$1400.
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
CGM data can upload automatically to the web-based Eversense data management system (EDMS) from the Eversense mobile app.
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
Eversense mobile app receives and displays data in easy-to-read charts and graphs that can be shared with family and friends through the Eversense NOW app.
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.
180 Days
Sensor lasts 180 days, but a physician must implant it. Transmitter must be charged daily.
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
SOME 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 transmitter when submerged in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes and must be within 25 feet of the connected smart device.
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.
On-body vibration alerts when blood glucose levels are higher or lower than the set range. Trend arrows show the direction glucose is heading, with the rate of change.
Comfort
Low profile sensor and small adhesive.
Longest lasting sensor fits comfortably under the skin. Minor procedure is required.
Easy Insulin Dosing
Scanned sensor trends can be used for dose adjustment.
Predictive alerts make insulin dosing easier by tracking high and low trends.
Easy to Use
Requires scanning. Self-application and manual scanning are required. Easy self-application.
Minor procedure. Requires insertion by a physician during a medical visit.
Fewer Fingersticks
Factory-calibrated sensor. Finger-sticks needed for backup only.
2 daily finger-sticks are needed to calibrate the sensor.
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. Tiny sensor is implanted under the skin, so the user can be discreet when needed. Ability to see sugar on watch or phone. Sensor not movable on body and requires regular meter use.