Compare systems: FreeStyle Libre vs. the Dexcom G6 system
Compare systems: FreeStyle Libre vs. the Dexcom G6 system
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Dexcom G6 system |
|
---|---|---|---|
Application |
Easiest sensor to apply† (no in-person patient training required)2 |
Easiest sensor to apply† (no in-person patient training required)2 |
Requires more steps than the FreeStyle Libre systems3-5 |
Glucose reading frequency |
1 minute |
1 minute |
5 minutes4 |
Alarms |
Most are optional3‡ |
None |
Most are optional4 |
App |
FreeStyle Libre 2 app§ |
FreeStyle LibreLink app¶ |
Dexcom G6 CGM app |
Sensor lifespan |
14 days3 |
14 days5 |
10 days4 |
Sensor memory storage |
8 hours3 |
8 hours5 |
N/A4 |
Sensor warm-up time |
1 hour3 |
1 hour5 |
2 hours4 |
Calibration |
Not required3 |
Not required5 |
Required if sensor code is not entered4 |
Co-pay support |
Yes |
No |
In certain cases |
Coverage |
Publicly covered in Ontario,** Quebec,†† Saskatchewan,‡‡ Manitoba§§ and Prince Edward Island¶¶ and by the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB)*** program |
Publicly covered in Ontario,** Quebec,††† the Yukon,‡‡‡ Prince Edward Island,§§§ Manitoba***** and by the NIHB¶¶¶ program |
Publicly covered in Ontario,**** Alberta,†††† British Columbia,‡‡‡‡ Quebec,§§§§ Saskatchewan,¶¶¶¶ Manitoba,***** Prince Edward Island,††††† and the Yukon‡‡‡‡‡ |
Getting started with the FreeStyle Libre 2 system is easy!
Register for the MyFreeStyle GETTING STARTED program to request a FREE FreeStyle Libre 2 trial kit§§§§§ and get hands-on support to help you set up your new system.
Get the most out of your FreeStyle Libre 2 system!
Sign up to receive ongoing support, product updates and tips for using your FreeStyle Libre 2 system.
* Based on the number of users worldwide for the FreeStyle Libre system compared to the number of users for other leading personal-use sensor-based glucose monitoring systems.
† Based on a comparison to Dexcom G6.
‡ Notifications will only be received when alarms are turned on and the sensor is within 20 feet unobstructed of the reading device. You must enable the appropriate settings on your smartphone to receive alarms and alerts; see the FreeStyle Libre 2 User’s Manual for more information.
§ The FreeStyle Libre 2 app and the FreeStyle Libre 2 reader have similar but not identical features. Finger pricks are required if glucose readings and alarms do not match symptoms or expectations. The FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor communicates with the FreeStyle Libre 2 reader that started it or the FreeStyle Libre 2 app that started it. The FreeStyle Libre 2 app is only compatible with certain mobile devices and operating systems. Please check the Compatibility Guide (PDF 69 KB) for more information about device compatibility before using the app. Use of FreeStyle Libre 2 requires registration with LibreView.
¶ The FreeStyle LibreLink app and the FreeStyle Libre reader have similar but not identical features. A finger prick test using a blood glucose meter is required during times of rapidly changing glucose levels when interstitial fluid glucose levels may not accurately reflect blood glucose levels or if hypoglycemia or impending hypoglycemia is reported by the FreeStyle LibreLink app or when symptoms do not match the app readings. The FreeStyle Libre sensor communicates with the FreeStyle Libre reader that started it or the FreeStyle LibreLink app that started it. A sensor started by the FreeStyle Libre reader will also communicate with the FreeStyle LibreLink app. The FreeStyle LibreLink app is only compatible with certain mobile devices and operating systems. Please check the Compatibility Guide (PDF 69 KB) for more information about device compatibility before using the app. Use of FreeStyle LibreLink requires registration with LibreView.
** For people managing diabetes with insulin.
†† To be eligible for FreeStyle Libre 2 reimbursement in Quebec, criteria are as follows: under the age of 18 and living with type 1 diabetes; over the age of 18, living with diabetes and meets the following two criteria: is on intensive insulin therapy (insulin pump treatment or ≥3 insulin injections per day), and has frequent hypoglycemic events during the last year, despite adherence to a blood sugar management plan.
‡‡ The FreeStyle Libre 2 flash glucose monitoring system is covered under the Saskatchewan government-sponsored drug plan for those between the ages of 4 and 17 who manage their diabetes with insulin or have hyperinsulinism.
§§ For patients living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, who are currently on both basal and bolus insulin or using an insulin pump.
¶¶ Those eligible for reimbursement in Prince Edward Island must be 4 years of age or older, be taking three or more daily injections of insulin or using an insulin pump, and must be enrolled in the Diabetes Glucose Sensor Program.
*** FreeStyle Libre 2 system (reader and sensors) is a limited use benefit for individuals who are currently managing their diabetes with insulin.
††† For residents of Quebec, the following two criteria must be met: intensive insulin therapy (insulin pump treatment or ≥3 insulin injections per day), and frequent hypoglycemic events during the last year.
‡‡‡ For people over 18 years of age with type 1 diabetes.
§§§ Those eligible for reimbursement in Prince Edward Island must be 18 years of age or older, be taking three or more daily injections of insulin or using an insulin pump, and must be enrolled in the Diabetes Glucose Sensor Program.
¶¶¶ FreeStyle Libre system (reader and sensors) is a limited use benefit for individuals who are currently managing their diabetes with insulin.
**** For adults and children (2 years and older) living with type 1 diabetes, who are residents of Ontario, who have a valid Ontario health card, and who meet eligibility criteria (PDF 283 KB).
†††† For Albertans living with diabetes under the age of 18 who meet certain eligibility criteria.
‡‡‡‡ For those registered with Fair Pharmacare, Plan C or Plan W; and who have their primary care provider or endocrinologist confirm that they meet the provincial requirements; and who have their primary care provider or endocrinologist submit a BC PharmaCare Special Authority request on their behalf.
§§§§ For those who meet the eligibility criteria requirements for the Public Insurance Plan. In addition, those who qualify must be living with type 1 diabetes, be 2 years of age or older and must have one or more of the following: failure to achieve an appropriate glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) value despite taking prescribed medications and testing blood sugar regularly; or have experienced frequent episodes of hypoglycemia in the past year despite following a treatment plan; or are not able to recognize or report symptoms of hypoglycemia.
¶¶¶¶ For those under the age of 18, who are on intensive insulin therapy, who are eligible under the provincial requirements, and who have an approved Exception Drug Status Application or a prescription from an approved Designated Prescriber noting that you meet the medical criteria for the Dexcom G6 CGM System.
***** For people living with type 1 diabetes who are 25 years of age or under and who meet the eligibility criteria (PDF 477 KB).
††††† For permanent residents as defined by the Drug Cost Assistance Act (PDF 885 KB) and who meet the eligibility criteria.
‡‡‡‡‡ For all Yukoners living with type 1 diabetes.
§§§§§ Sensors are available for eligible patients who meet the labelling requirements of 4 years or older with diabetes. Limit: one per registrant.
References:
The FreeStyle Libre 2 flash glucose monitoring system is indicated for measuring interstitial fluid glucose levels in people aged 4 years and older with diabetes mellitus. Always read and follow the label/insert.
The FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system is indicated for measuring interstitial fluid glucose levels in adults aged 18 years and older with diabetes mellitus. Always read and follow the label/insert.
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