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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
Good to have. Tried and true. Backup or day to day. Fingersticks required.
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%.
Components
Generic Meter : Lancets
Tiny needle called a lancet is used to poke the skin (on a finger or on your arm) to get a small sample of blood. The lancing device is packaged with the glucometer.
Generic Meter : Test Strips
The strips work with the glucose meters to “read” blood sugar levels. One box of test trips usually contains between 25-50 single use strips.
Meter : Glucometer
The meter measures the amount of sugar in the small sample of blood that is placed on the disposable test strip. Most CGMs require testing blood sugar with a meter to calibrate the CGM device daily.
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.
Device Details
Overview
Good to have. Tried and true. Backup or day to day. Finger-sticks required.
Smallest, thinnest, all-in-one glucose sensor/transmitter with low and high blood glucose alarms can be worn on the upper arm.
Affordability and Access
$$$$
Most accessible. Available over the counter at all Pharmacies. Price range; $0-$200/month depending on insurance coverage.
$$$$
Widely covered. Provided by pharmacies. Price range; $0-$100/month. Often the cheapest and easier to access sensor.
Data Monitoring Options
Limited Options
Data is available directly on the device. Some meters may be compatible with the Tidepool data management system.
Yes
Sensor automatically sends data to the user’s LibreView account which enables sharing with HCPs and caregivers.
Data View Options
Yes
Data may be viewed directly on the device. Some meters contain a built-in USB connection that allows information to be uploaded to a data management system.
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.
Duration and Storage
Daily
Meters can last several years with battery changes/charging, they're used daily and work between 65ºF-86°F
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.
Vision / Auditory / Dexterity
NO text to speech
NO vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed
NO text to speech
YES vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed
Patient Considerations
Active Lifestyle
Must pause activity to check blood sugar.
Water-resistant for up to 3 feet deep for 30 minutes and light on the body, does not get in the way of activity.
Avoiding Highs and Lows
Less data. Meters don't give as much blood sugar data as sensors do and require a high level of engagement and effort to avoid 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.
Comfort
Meter supplies carried and requires visible blood.
Lowest profile sensor and smallest adhesive (about the size of two stacked U.S pennies).
Easy Insulin Dosing
Limited features. No info on blood sugar trends.
Sensor trends can be used for dose adjustment.
Easy to Use
Large display. Device typically has large display numbers for easier readouts, and it's very simple to operate.
No scanning required. Minute-by-minute readings are sent directly to the mobile app.
Fewer Fingersticks
Frequent fingersticks are unavoidable.
Factory-calibrated sensor. Finger-sticks needed for backup only.
Privacy
No attached device for blood glucose monitoring.
Hypoglycemia safety alarm. Discreet size but built-in hypoglycemia safety alarm alerts users when glucose is below 55 mg/dl and is always on.