Just a few questions on Libre. I have never used it.
From what I can tell, it does allow you to share your BG with family, the same as Dexcom. Is that right?
Any major differences between Libre and Dexcom?
Is it compatible with any pumps?
I don’t use Libre, but I got an email a while back announcing that the t:slim X2 pump can now pair with Libre for Control IQ. FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus Sensor & t:slim X2 Compatibility | Tandem Diabetes Care
2 Likes
Resurrecting this thread! I’m seriously considering switching from the Dexcom G7 to the Freestyle Libre 2 Plus (currently the only Libre version compatible with my Tandem pump). I have my next endo appointment in late June, so I’m researching for now.
Here’s info I’m considering. Is there anything I’ve missed?
Libre 2 Plus pros:
- Readings update every 1 minute.
- One sensor lasts 14-15 days.
- Supposedly hypoallergenic.*
- This 2024 study found that “The FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor was more accurate than the Dexcom G7 sensor in all metrics evaluated throughout the study period.” Comparison of Point Accuracy Between Two Widely Used Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems - PubMed
- Freestyle Libre is the preferred CGM brand on my insurance plan. I would pay about $42.16 for a 3-month supply.
Libre 2 Plus cons:
- Only Freestyle Libre version that currently works with t:slim X2 pump.
- 1 hour warmup period.
- Less customizable app and alerts? (ETA My brother switched from Libre to Dexcom because he disliked the app…)
Dexcom G7 pros:
- Android App has relatively customizable alerts.
- 30 minute warmup period.
Dexcom G7 cons:
- Readings update every 5 minutes.
- One sensor lasts 10 days.
- First 12-24 hours on a new sensor can be really erratic and inaccurate in my experience.
- Dexcom customer service is notoriously not great…
- Android app has constantly been dropping 2-3 readings per hour (which really means my phone is showing 75% of my readings, even though my pump picks up 100%).
- Android app Media Volume vs. Notification Volume setting is seriously driving me crazy. I’ve submitted product support queries to Dexcom about it and they haven’t replied.
- Not the preferred CGM brand through my insurance plan. I’m currently paying $213.96 for a 3-month supply. (The only reason I didn’t try Libre first was t:slim X2 compatibility.)
Here are some questions I still have. Thanks in advance!
- Libre says they don’t require an overpatch, but I’m skeptical… Anyone have experience wearing it without an overpatch? Compare FreeStyle Libre 3 vs. FreeStyle Libre 2 | FreeStyle Libre US
- Libre says they don’t have “MBPA or IBOA skin allergens” but that Dexcom does… I’ve had reactions to Dexcom G6 and G7 adhesive. Anyone had adverse reactions to the Libre? Compare FreeStyle Libre 3 vs. FreeStyle Libre 2 | FreeStyle Libre US
- How do you like the Libre phone app? (I know tons of people recommend xdrip+ too – I assume Libre 2 Plus works with xdrip+? I haven’t sat down to try it out with my G7 yet!)
- It looks like LibreView is similar to Dexcom Clarity? FreeStyle Libre Smartphone Apps | FreeStyle Libre US
- How is the Libre customer service? Are they pretty easy to request replacements from? Are they responsive?
3 Likes