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%.
The Tandem t:slim X2 is rechargeable, has a touch screen, and can be updated on a home computer.
*Control IQ+ Technology now available for ages 2+
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.
Tandem t:slim X2 : Pump
Touch screen pump connects tubing to a small patch called an infusion set that attaches to the body.
Tandem t:slim X2 : Cartridge
Tubed insulin pumps contain a plastic reservoir that is manually filled with insulin and locked into the pump.
Tandem t:slim X2 : Infusion Set
An infusion set contains the thin plastic tubing that delivers insulin from the pump to the body.
Tandem t:slim X2 : Controller
Compatible smartphone can be used to view and control insulin delivery using the t:connect app.
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.
Smallest tubed pump. Modern interface resembles a smartphone but tubing may be visible.
Affordability and Access
$$$$
Widely covered. Provided by pharmacies. Price range; $0-$100/month. Often the cheapest and easier to access sensor.
$$$$
Widely covered for insulin-dependent type 1 and 2. Supplies and pump provided by DME. Price range; $0-$4000 to start and $0-$300/Month.
Data Monitoring Options
Yes
Sensor automatically sends data to the user’s LibreView account which enables sharing with HCPs and caregivers.
Yes
Tandem t:slim mobile app wirelessly uploads cloud-based Tandem Source web application delivering access to recent patient data.
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 is viewed on the pump's main screen and/or on a smartphone with the Tandem t:slim mobile app (available for both iOS and Android devices).
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.
3 Days
Pump can be worn for up to 72 hours and works between 40°F - 99°F
Vision / Auditory / Dexterity
NO text to speech
YES vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed
NO text to speech
YES 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.
Exercise mode. Optional settings for exercise to adjust treatment ranges for activity with the press of a button. Pump is not waterproof.
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.
Precise dosing. Pumps allow different amounts of basal insulin at different times of day and very precise dosing.
Comfort
Lowest profile sensor and smallest adhesive (about the size of two stacked U.S pennies).
Smallest tubed pump. Small patch called an infusion set consists of a complete tubing system that attaches to the body. Tubed pumps have the most infusion sets to pick from.
Easy Insulin Dosing
Sensor trends can be used for dose adjustment.
Customizable dosing. Bolus calculator available to help figure out doses. Offers smallest increments of basal insulin delivery. Basal in 0.001 increments, bolus in 0.01 increments.
Easy to Use
No scanning required. Minute-by-minute readings are sent directly to the mobile app.
Rechargeable. Pump has a touch screen display and rechargeable battery.
Fewer Fingersticks
Factory-calibrated sensor. Finger-sticks needed for backup only.
Frequent finger-sticks are required.
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.
Discreet. Smallest tubed pump with visible tubing. Ability to bolus directly on a compatible smartphone. Can be clipped to clothing or placed in a pocket to be discreet when needed. Touchscreen of pump looks like normal tech device.