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Do you currently use any of the following CGM systems?
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I have used the Freestyle Libre system for 4 years and currently use the Libre 2. I did not realize most people used Dexcom. Just curious if I should change over. Can anyone tell me why Dexcom is better than Libre? I am not opposed the making the change.
I can’t provide your comparison with Freestyle, but will tell you about my experience with Dexcom. I started with Medtronic and then was forced into changing to the Dexcom G5 when I went on Medicare (they didn’t support Medtronic at that time). It was the best upgrade ever, as the Medtronic units were never accurate. Both the G5 and G6 have been amazingly accurate, and their high and low alerts, their interface with my IPhone, and the feedback reports provided by Clarity enable my doctor and I to easily work out any changes in my insulin pump delivery. Obviously I would like to try something that would automate basal and other settings, but giving up my G6 (and soon G7) will be very hard for me.
The primary advantage of the Dexcom G6 is that in conjunction with a Tandem t:slim x2 it makes a hybrid closed-loop system. The pump adjusts your insulin based on CGM readings with (limited and occasional) user input.
I don’t know that it’s better, but it was the only one FDA-approved for insulin dosing. That may have changed. I didn’t have one before G6 came out.
Hi Judy. As a T1D who has tried both systems, the Libre does not give as much support. I needed something that would wake me up at night to let me know if I have lows. The Libre has to be engaged by you to update the readings. The Dexcom automatically reads without any intervention from you. It signals/alarms when you go out of the optimal range.
No scanning. Automatic BG updates every 5 minutes to an app on your phone. Or if you use a Tandem T-slim X2 pump and Dexcom g6 it’s a closed loop system. (Bg Readings from the Dexcom transmitted via Bluetooth to pump, pump controls basal/bolus based on readings) NO SCANNING
Actually, starting use of a G6 tomorrow as part of a study testing virtual coaching as a means to improve T1D management. Six month trial will let me know how I like using a CGM.
I am sure you will realize how beneficial CGMs are after using them. Most people on them hate it when one cannot be used for even a few hours as you love always knowing if you are going too high, and especially if going too low. I believe low blood sugars are the reason most diabetics want to start a CGM. They do have some downfalls (the most common being that they are inaccurate during the first day), but if you wear your sensor for at least 12 to 24 hours before actually starting it, the inaccuracy problem is gone. Good luck. p.s. I believe CGMs are the most helpful things to help diabetics beside insulin.
I currently use the Medtronic Guardian Link 3 with my 770 pump. While many people have had issues with their sensors they work great for me.
Dexcom G6. Generally works well. When it doesn’t company is responsive, gives excellent support, provides replacements. Just looking towards it communicating with Omnipod since I’m not switching pumps.
I use the libre 2 and am very pleased with it. It is easy to apply and remove. . Jocelyn Brooks, above, is describing the libre 14 day system, which did not have alarms. The current model, ibre 2, will make an audio alert for highs or lows. It is necessary to scan for all other readings (which are in-range.)
The results really surprised me! So many people on Dexcom. I love my FreeStyle 14-day. My T1D sister had a Dexcom in the past and she had to calibrate it, tweak it and all the alarming drove her crazy. Things must have improved with the system over the years, heh?
For now, I’m sticking with the less complicated FreeStyle.
Not to my knowledge, I still need to calibrate it at least once a day, preferably two as mine bounces around up or down by up to 20 points. But this is my first CGM.
The interface sucks, the analytics are poor (it does an awful job of predicting the direction, frequently telling me it is stable when it is in fact rising or falling rapidly.
They seem to spend far more money on trying to keep people from using the sensors for more than 10 days than on improving the device. In fact, the programming is styled like the 1980’s so I suspect it was written by the scientists who developed the device without help from professional programmers or testing with real people to see how well the interface performed.
What I think is that they have managed to get their marketing out to more people, using claims which the FDA supports but which actual use suggests are inflated.
I have calibrated my Dexcom 6 twice in 19 months of use. And I am only disturbed by urgent alarms if my sugar goes below 75 at night, which is the point of having the warnings. For highs, I use vibration, which I will only hear if I am awake. The reason I do not want a Libre is because it seems to require use of a phone app, and cell phones often die. Plus apps use up the battery on a cell phone too much. I get alarms on my pump for the Dexcom.
I was given a Freestyle Libre 2 by my endocrinologist, who had a free sample. My insurance supports it. My doctor said the latest one has adjustable alarms for highs and lows, which was the important point. I’ve frequently cross checked the accuracy with my meter and strips. It’s accurate, easy to use, and my fingers have healed. I always know what my blood sugar and how it’s trending.
Me, too. I am very happy with it.
I have Libre 2. I like it for the low sugar alarms, but it does often get code errors (the staff is super friendly and supportive). It also doesn’t link to tidepool yet (I LOVE tidepool, it combines blood readings, insulin etc.. so its easy to troubleshoot trends)
This is always an interesting question. Has anyone ever tried the Eversense CGM by Senseonics?
I’ve been with Dexcom since System 7Plus in 2009. It’s been so consistent and reliable while hearing the horror stories about MM/Medtronics Once I got past Edgypark’s threats to Sue me I’ve had no issue that wasn’t resolved by an understanding phone call. Ya hear that, Edgypark?
I switched to Libre2 mostly because of Edgepark. Libre2 is also cheaper too.
I am now on Medicare. MM/Medtronic offered me boxes of Guardian 3 sensors for $60 each. That is juat a little more than I was paying for them with private health insurance. If they discontinue that offer, or don’t get picked up by Medicare, I will be moving to Dex 6 & Tslim.
Thanks everyone for the responses to my question regarding Libre vs. Dexcom. My Libre 2 does have the alerts/alarms. Abbott, the developer, has released the Libre 2 app for iPhone and is working to release the Android app. I did use the phone app with my Libre 14 day system and it was great, but Libre 14 had no alarms. Anyway, I was puzzled why Dexcom received such a high percentage. My Libre is usually accurate and is much cheaper. Medicare supports Libre products. Thanks, again.
Libre 14 has never been accurate. Used both arms and abdomen. Sensors last about 10 days.
It always reads low – almost consistently low – finger sticks are usually about 50% higher.
The person writing the question clearly didn’t understand that DEXCOM specifically prevented people from continuing to use the G5. I particularly liked the G5 receiver, far superior over the G6 for those that don’t want to use their cell phone for readings. I was very happy with the G5 and would have continued with it if allowed to since I could routinely get two weeks out of it, rather than the 10 days maximum that G6 allows. Moreover, in contrast to others, I have found that I do generally need to calibrate the G6 once or twice during each 10 day sensor session since I don’t like being 10+% off from my finger stick readings. I have found the G6 sensor to be quite erratic during the first day or two of use. Just about the time it settles down and is reliable, it’s time for a new sensor! I will bet that the G6 sensor has the potential to go far beyond 10 days, since DEXCOM has to design it to work with folks who have a higher average blood sugar than I. Still, DEXCOM is a good CGM and a major improvement over pre-CGM life.