Today we will be comparing two very popular Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) to see which one is overall better. We will be looking at different parameters including cost, ease of use, customer support, accuracy, technical capabilities, and integrations with insulin pumps.
Dexcom G6 and the Freestyle Libre 2 Comparison
Dexcom G6
Sensor Insertion: Inserting the sensor is very easy with the Dexcom G6. Dexcom fully redesigned the sensor insertion process. It is now a 1 click ordeal. Simply place the applicator on your skin, click a button, and you’re done.
Warm up time: After insertion, the sensor takes 2 hours to warm up.
Sensor wear time: Officially, it’s 10 days of wear time. But many users have reported being able to extend the wear time while maintaining accuracy. It is not recommended by Dexcom, but some users have been doing it to save some money.
Cost: The G6 transmitter costs $237 USD and is good for 3 months
A 3 pack of sensors costs $349 USD (3 month cost is $1,047 USD).
Total cost per month averages to $79 (transmitter cost) + $349 = $428 USD per month
Calibration Requirements: There is no calibration required. Meaning once you set it up once, you don’t need to prick your finger using a blood glucose monitor and calibrate the sensor.
Alert Settings: The Dexcom G6 allows you to set your own glucose alert ranges for high and low ranges, along with setting audible or vibration alerts for different times of day or night.
There is also the ability to set a “Do Not Disturb” and “Snooze” feature on most alerts in case you are in a meeting, or in a setting where a loud alarm is not ideal. Please note that these options are disabled on important alerts like “Urgent Low Soon” and “Sensor/Transmitter Failure.”
The “Urgent Low Soon” alert is a non-optional warning whenever the sensor picks up that glucose levels are falling fast and predicts you’ll drop to 55 mg/dL within 20 minutes.
Integrations: The Dexcom G6 integrates with the major insulin pumps including the T:Slim X2, and the the upcoming Omnipod Horizon artificial pancreas.
You are also able to integrate the Dexcom G6 with your Smart phone and Apple Watch, and get readings straight on your wrist!
Always know your glucose number with a quick glance at your smart device and have quick access to you glucose data with Dexcom’s software.
Remote Monitoring: The Dexcom G6 comes with built-in feature in the Dexcom G6 app which allows viewing blood sugar data remotely as well as trends by up to 10 followers, who can monitor a user’s glucose readings in real time.
Data Analysis: Dexcom CLARITY Diabetes Management Software allows the user to analyze his blood sugar data.
- Track Your Numbers
- View Patterns and Trends
- Get Notifications
- Set Goals
If you are currently a user of the Dexcom G6, make sure to check out some of our favorite accessories below:
Freestyle Libre 2
Sensor Insertion: Open the Sensor Pack by peeling off the lid completely. Unscrew the cap from the sensor applicator and set the cap aside. Place the Sensor Applicator over the prepared site and push down firmly to apply the sensor to your body. Gently pull the Sensor Applicator away from your body. The Sensor should now be attached to your skin
Warm up time: 1 hour warm up period.
Sensor wear time: The Freestyle Libre 2 system is rated for a 14 day period. The FreeStyle Libre 2 Flash Glucose Monitoring System is clinically proven to be accurate, stable and consistent over 14 days with no fingerstick calibrations.
Not a continuous glucose monitor: Unlike the Dexcom G6, it doesn’t continuously collect and report blood sugar levels. You must scan the reader over the sensor to get a reading every time.
Cost: The official list price is $54 per sensor for 14 days. The handheld reader costs $70 and is a one time cost. So total per month of use will run about $110 USD, which is significantly cheaper.
Calibration Requirements: Does not require any calibration once set up, just like the Dexcom G6.
Alert Settings: Can be customized to notify you if you have a:
- Low glucose reading
- High glucose reading
- Loss of signal between the reader and sensor
Integrations: It does not integrate with any Insulin pumps or artificial pancreas systems.
Remote Monitoring: The FreeStyle LibreLink is approved for use with the FreeStyle Libre 14 day sensors. You can monitor your glucose on your Smartphone without fingersticks. Enjoy many of the same features on your Smartphone as your reader.
The FreeStyle LibreLink app allows you to monitor your glucose with your iPhone. [1] Check your glucose by holding your iPhone near your FreeStyle Libre Sensor. The App is compatible with both 10-day and 14-day Sensors.
You can use the App to:
- Check your glucose with a painless scan, instead of a routine fingerstick
- View your current glucose reading, trend arrow, and glucose history
- Add notes to track your food, insulin use, and exercise
- See glucose reports, including your Ambulatory Glucose Profile
- Connect to healthcare professionals with LibreView
You can also use the LibreLinkUp app to get glucose readings sent to your Smartphone from family and friends who invite you to connect from the FreeStyle LibreLink App. The LibreLinkUp app allows up to 20 people to remotely track your glucose data and trends from their Smartphone.
Data Analysis: Yes, via the LibreView app. All your data will be stored on a secure cloud based solution.
You will be able to use the FreeStyle LibreLink app to automatically sync your glucose data to LibreView or upload from a FreeStyle Libre reader via your computer. You will be able to access your complete glucose picture online anytime, anywhere from any internet-connected device. You will then be able to discover patterns, and analyze your blood glucose levels and share with your healthcare team.
If you are currently a user of the Freestlye Libre 2, make sure to check out some of our favorite accessories below:
The Verdict: Dexcom G6 compared to the Freestyle Libre 2 – Who is the winner?
Overall, in terms of features, capabilities the Dexcom G6 wins out. It has more features, is a continuous glucose monitor, and integrates with a lot of devices (Insulin pumps, smart watches, etc). However, it costs roughly 3 times the price.
So it depends what you need to use it for. If you just want an easier way to track your blood sugar throughout the day instead of pricking your fingers often, the Freestyle Libre 2 will probably get the job done. However, if you want to have continuous monitoring of your blood sugar, have it be available on your watch and smartphone all the time, and have the data feed into your artificial pancreas, the Dexcom G6 is the way to go.
Hope the Dexcom G6 and Freestlye Libre 2 comparison was useful and helped you in making the choice best for you. As always, remember to do your own research and speak to your healthcare team before making any health related decisions. We are not doctors, and this information is strictly for informational and entertainment purposes and should not be construed as medical advice.
Onwards and upwards 🙂
I have found the Libre Freestyle to very in accurate. Often more than 50 point off. Have been using for about 4-5 mo. And have had only one sensor that correlated to a finger stick. The company is very happy to replace the sensor but when they send one that is also inaccurate, what’s the use. Plan on switching to Dexcom 6.
Sorry I have to disagree with your assessment . Even though the dexcom6 has Continuous monitoring which is fantastic. It’s 2 tier system sensors and and monitoring I find it awkward and Long to install. Whereas the Libre2 is easy And quick to install. They should give you the monitor for free since the sensor in the transmitter is a huge cost. The Dexcom6 Customer service are very good good and polite their hands are tied and what they could do to help you. Thermometer and sensors go offline quite a bit and it takes 20 to 40 minutes to come back meanwhile of you meanwhile if you need to be scanned or check your and/or check your numbers you have to wait. Even though their continuous system is great I find the rest is lacking.
Thank you John for doing the research! I am COMPLETELY clueless when it comes to these devices. It was both enlightening and eye opening (cost).
I have been using the Freestyle system for a little over 2 years. Lately the discs will fall off anywhere from 2 to 7 days after applying. I used Skin-tac as recommended by foreign speaking cant understand what they say, represenatives. I tested this morning and thought the reading on the disc was high. I did a finger stick and found that the disc was 40 points higher than the finger stick. I have had several issues with the fiber in the freestyle disc bend and not penetrate my skin. Which then renders that disc useless. I put a new meter on several weeks ago, and it registered my readings in the 50’s snd 60’s for the day. I began to question that and did the finger stick. My reading was 184. I hadn’t shot insulin that entire day believing my sugars were low. I took that meter off and did not replace it. Im seeing my endocrinologist in january and will ask to try Dexcom instead. I no longer have faith in Freestyle Libre.
I have been using Libre for several years. I also have had quite a few that were 40-60 points off. But it is usually close enough to follow trends.
By the way, I can”t seem to get new sensors through Medicare. Still trying.
Thanks John.