Overview and comparison of the current lineup of Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) on the market. We will take a deeper dive into the: Dexcom G6, Medtronic Guardian 3, and FreeStyle Libra CGM. Our goal is to determine the cost, accuracy, features for current CGM’s on the market as of summer 2020 in order to bring the data in one place to help you compare each Continuous Glucose Monitor and pick the best one for you.
Note: All prices are in Canadian Dollars for consistency – pricing may vary by region.
Dexcom G6
| Type | Sensor over skin. Sensor lasts for 10 days, and needs new insertion |
| Availability | Currently Available in Most Regions Worldwide |
| Cost | Recurring cost per C$1,200 per 3 months or $400 per month. $300 per month with subscription |
| Sensor | CA$100 each – Lasts 10 days |
| Transmitter | CA$299 – Lasts 3 months |
| Receiver | Optional – Can connect to Smartphone using Bluetooth. Standalone receiver C$500 |
| Sensor Wear Time | 10 days |
| Accuracy | 83% within 15% of finger prick* |
| Calibration | No fingersticks required |
| High/Low Alarm Warning | Yes – 20 minutes in advance |
| Data Sharing | Yes – With Dexcom Share |
| iOS/ Android App | Yes |
| Apple Watch/ Android Wear App | Yes |
| Pump Integration | Yes |
| Upload and Analyze Data | Yes – Dexcom Clarity, Dexcom Studio |
Medtronic Guardian 3
Medtronic Guardian 3 official site
| Type | Sensor over skin. Sensor lasts for 7 days, and needs new insertion |
| Availability | Currently Available in Most Regions Worldwide |
| Cost | C$960 per 3 months, roughly C$320 per month |
| Sensor | C$80 each – Lasts 7 days |
| Transmitter | Price TBD – Rechargeable – lasts over a year |
| Receiver | C$0 – Connects with Smartphone using Bluetooth |
| Sensor Wear Time | 7 days |
| Accuracy | 79% within 15% of finger prick* |
| Calibration | 2x/day |
| High/Low Alarm Warning | Yes – 60 minutes in advance |
| Data Sharing | Yes – With Dexcom Share |
| iOS/ Android App | Yes |
| Apple Watch/ Android Wear App | N/A |
| Pump Integration | Yes |
| Upload and Analyze Data | Yes – CareLink |
FreeStyle Libre
| Type | Sensor over skin, swipe reader over sensor to get blood glucose reading. |
| Availability | Currently Available in Most Regions Worldwide |
| Cost | $600 per 3 months, works out to roughly C$200 per month |
| Sensor | C$100 each – Lasts 14 days |
| Transmitter | Not Applicable |
| Reader | C$54 (one time purchase) |
| Sensor Wear Time | 14 days |
| Accuracy | 81% within 15% of finger prick |
| Calibration | Not Required – Factory Calibrated |
| High/Low Alarm Warning | Yes – But only after you scan – can’t preemptively warn you |
| Data Sharing | Yes – With LibreLinkUp |
| iOS/ Android App | Yes – To upload historical data |
| Apple Watch/ Android Wear App | No |
| Pump Integration | No |
| Upload and Analyze Data | Yes – LibreLink and Libre View |
As you can see there are pros and cons to each CGM. If looking at the overall value proposition, we believe the Dexcom offers the best overall value.
This is when looking at attributes such as:
- Price
- Features
- Integration with other devices (such as a pump)
- Companion Smartwatch app
- Sensor Accuracy
- Calibration requirements
Although CGMs come in very handy in helping manage your diabetes, it is only an informational tool. To maintain good blood glucose control, it is important to maintain a healthy diet and get regular exercise.
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Source: Abbott, Dexcom, Medtronic
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