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
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 3 is the smallest, thinnest, all-in-one glucose sensor/transmitter CGM and lasts 14 days. This sensor sends minute-by-minute glucose readings to a compatible smartphone app 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 7.9%.
Connected smart caps that recommend insulin doses for people using multiple daily injections. This system combines the FreeStyle Libre 2 CGM with insulin pen smart caps to provide daily dose recommendations.
Participating in the Bigfoot Unity program requires an agreement between Bigfoot Biomedical and the health care provider. After establishing a contract, the prescribed Bigfoot supplies are delivered in a "one-stop-shop" directly to the patient's door each month. Information about the Bigfoot Unity program can be found on the Bigfoot Biomedical website.
Components
Freestyle Libre 3 : 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 3 : Receiver
Conveniently access glucose readings using a reader, smartphone, or both. Available for both iOS and Android devices.
Bigfoot Unity : Sensor
Sensor uses a thin, flexible filament inserted just under the skin to measure glucose levels every minute.
Bigfoot Unity : Controller
Smart cap displays dosing recommendations for manual insulin delivery through multiple daily injections.
Bigfoot Unity : Receiver
Smartcap is used to scan the sensor and displays dosage information directly on the screen and smart mobile device.
Device Details
Overview
Smallest, thinnest, all-in-one glucose sensor/transmitter with low and high blood glucose alarms can be worn on the upper arm.
Smart cap used for most disposable insulin pens with CGM integration.
Affordability and Access
$$$$
Widely covered. Provided by pharmacies. Price range; $0-$100/month. Often the cheapest and easier to access sensor.
$$$$
Monthly mail-order package includes all the supplies needed, for a regular subscription price or insurance-covered copay with no upfront costs.
Data Monitoring Options
Yes
Sensor automatically sends data to the user’s LibreView account which enables sharing with HCPs and caregivers.
Yes
Data from the iCGM and time-of-dose data from the smart caps are automatically uploaded to the cloud.
Data View Options
Yes
Freestyle Libre 3 app or Libre by Abbott 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
Data can be viewed on the Bigfoot Unity mobile app but dosage recommendations, glucose readings, and glucose trends will display directly on the smart cap.
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.
28-day pen 14-day sensor
Sensor lasts for 14 days, insulin pen lasts for up to 28 days, smart cap is rechargeable. Sensor works between 50ºF - 113ºF and pens can be kept at room temperature for up to 28 days.
Vision / Auditory / Dexterity
NO text to speech
YES vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed
NO text to speech
NO 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.
Light on body. Pens are easy to use and do not remain attached to the body, senor is light on the body.
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.
Limited customizability. System integrates the FreeStyle Libre 2 CGM for high/low alerts but requires manual dose adjustment and limits the ability to adjust basal insulin throughout the day.
Comfort
Lowest profile sensor and smallest adhesive (about the size of two stacked U.S pennies).
Many components. Have to carry pens, smart caps, pen needles, and CGM is attached to the body.
Easy Insulin Dosing
Sensor trends can be used for dose adjustment.
Dosing recommendations. Displays dosing recommendations and reminders for long-acting insulin.
Easy to Use
No scanning required. Minute-by-minute readings are sent directly to the mobile app.
Simple design. One-button device with easy to read display.
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.
Hideable. Pens are portable but visible when in use. Frequent injections are unavoidable. Sensor is the smallest option available.