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FREESTYLE LIBRE VS LIBRE 2

The FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor will measure glucose every minute and this is 5 times more readings than the other CGM devices on the market. The alarm is customisable and can be set for low and high blood sugar levels. The alerts are optional and can be switched off as needed, which will be useful for anyone prone to alert burnout, a common occurrence with those using the Dexcom CGM.

New Libre 2 sensor – How is it different than the first

Yes, there is a Freestyle Libre 2. The US Food and Drug Administration has cleared the FreeStyle Libre 2, The NHS in the UK has also approved the FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor, as has the TGA in Australia, it’s also in Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and Finland.

The difference between Libre and Libre 2

Firstly, there are a lot more similarities than there are differences, the shape is identical. The main difference & the most significant improvement is the bluetooth connectivity which means that the Libre 2 now has the ability for optional alerts for high and low blood glucose readings.

The FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor will measure glucose every minute and this is 5 times more readings than the other CGM devices on the market. The alarm is customisable and can be set for low and high blood sugar levels. The alerts are optional and can be switched off as needed, which will be useful for anyone prone to alert burnout, a common occurrence with those using the Dexcom CGM.

Can you get Freestyle Libre 2 on prescription?

This will vary depending on your country and reimbursement status, however your GP, diabetes nurse, specialist and health care professional will be able to give you more insight into the process of getting hold of the FreeStyle Libre 2.

Is Libre 2 more accurate?

The FreeStyle Libre 2 Performs well when looking at the combined mean absolute relative difference (MARD). According to the American Diabetes Association, “the mean absolute relative difference (MARD) is currently the most common metric used to assess the performance of CGM systems. MARD is the average of the absolute error between all CGM values and matched reference values.” Meaning the accuracy of the Freestyle Libre 2 is unsurpassed. I personally found that the Libre has been more accurate than the Dexcom CGM I tried.

Can you shower, swim and get sweaty with Freestyle Libre 2?

Yes, just like the FreeStyle Libre 1, swimming and showering and exercising and all associated things involving sweat and wet things can be undertaken wearing a FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor. We highly recommend wearing an adhesive patch and it just so happens that our range of patches are specifically designed to protect your CGM while swimming and doing sweaty things and even just general daily activities.

To expand a little further on the whole wearing my CGM in the water issue. Normal showering and wading about in a pool will be fine. But in my experience, swimming properly in a pool or in the ocean, the Libre and other CGM’s just do not stand up to this type of activity and this is where Not Just a Patch CGM patches are essential.

The motion of the water flowing over the sensor consistently does lead to the sense of becoming loose. There is absolutely no way I could swim consistently for 30 minutes with an uncovered FreeStyle Libre sensor without it coming unstuck. In saying that, since I’ve been wearing a patch I’ve never had a sense I come loose on my arm. It is also reassuring to be able to monitor my blood glucose levels whilst swimming.

How much does Freestyle Libre 2 cost

In Australia it’s $92.50 AUD

In the UK it’s 44.95 GBP

In the USA it’s $70 USD

In Canada it’s $89 CAD

How to calibrate Libre 2

One of the advantages of the FreeStyle Libre 2 is that there is no need for calibration as there is with other CGM’s such as Dexcom and Medtronic. The FreeStyle Libre 2 is factory calibrated and manufactured with minimal sensor to sensor variation, eliminating any need for finger prick calibration.

How often does Freestyle Libre 2 take readings? The FreeStyle Libre 2 will measure glucose every minute and this is 5 times more readings than the other CGM’s on the market.

Using your Iphone / smartphone with Libre 2 sensor

The FreeStyle Libre 2 just like the FreeStyle Libre 1 can be scanned with an application on your smartphone device. This is done using the FreeStyle Libre Link for iPhone and Android.

You can also now access LibreView, A cloud based software solution for the FreeStyle Libre system which offers a range of reports around glucose patterns and control measures that you can use to spot and review your levels and help to improve your glucose management.

Do you need a new Reader?

The FreeStyle Libre 2 requires a new reader. Whilst you can still use the same smartphone application as you have been using you will need to get a new reader if this is something that you use. I personally use my reader for my FreeStyle Libre 1 quite often while I’m sitting at my desk or at home as I find it is much quicker and easier to scan using the reader then it is using the app on my smartphone.

It probably saves 2 to 3 seconds but I do find the application on my phone can sometimes be a bit slow to load and for this reason I find it easier just to pick up the purpose built reader and scan it and get an immediate result. So for this reason I will be getting a new Libre 2 reader.

FREESTYLE LIBRE VS LIBRE 2

Since the release of the updated Libre 2, many of those who enjoy freedom with Freestyle Libre CGM are intrigued by the new features of the redesigned CGM system.

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With the addition of the Freestyle Libre 2 to the diabetes care offerings, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has been refined into a new sensor, reader, and mobile application platform. Still, the original Freestyle Libre system continues to be supported and provides many with reliable diabetic monitoring. What exactly are the differences between the two systems? Continue reading to compare the Freestyle Libre vs Libre 2 and determine which CGM is best for you!

Freestyle Libre 2 New Features

Alarms:

One of the biggest differences between the original Libre vs Libre 2 is the ability to set continuous glucose monitoring alarms. When the Libre 2 Sensor is synced with the Libre 2 Reader, or a compatible smartphone with the Libre 2 app, programmable alarms alert the user of low glucose, high glucose, or signal loss. The original Freestyle Libre does not support glucose alarms.

Libre 2 App:

The Freestyle Libre 2 works with its own model-specific mobile application. For prior users of the original Freestyle Libre, the app is similar in function to LibreLink, but allows for the new push-notification alarm feature among several other updates.

Which Smartphones Does the Freestyle Libre 2 App Support?

Upon the initial release of the Freestyle Libre 2 CGM the Libre 2 app is only available for iPhones running iOS 14.0 or later.

At this time, an iPhone 7 or later is required.

Which CGM System is Best for Me?

The Diabetic Outlet Feline Team, Taz and Penny, describe which Freestyle Libre system works best for them:

Taz’s Choice: Freestyle Libre

Taz has been a longtime user of the original Freestyle Libre and continues to rely upon his CGM system for regular readings. Taz has a good habit of checking his glucose levels with a simple swipe of the sensor and does great in managing his diabetic care, even without glucose alarms. Taz is an android user and enjoys obtaining real-time and trending glucose readings with the LibreLink app. He also has the Libre reader as a backup and feels safe knowing that even if his phone dies he can use the reader immediately with the same sensor.

Penny’s Pick: Freestyle Libre 2

Penny loves new technology and the features that the Freestyle Libre 2 provides. Penny has a busy day-to-day life and really appreciates the available glucose alarms that she set within the mobile app. When Penny’s glucose levels inevitably fluctuate, she can be alerted early on and prioritize getting those levels back to normal.

Penny purchased the Libre 2 reader as a backup to her iPhone and also uses its function as a traditional blood glucose meter when needed. She was a bit concerned that once starting a 14-day Libre 2 sensor, she would have to choose to use either only her iPhone or the Libre 2 reader for the next 14 days. She’s already in the habit of keeping her phone charged and on her, and has found that the added safety net of the alarms is worth the trade off. Penny initially used an iPhone 7 with the Libre 2 app before upgrading to the newest iPhone (she loves her tech!)

**Libre and Libre 2 are people products, staff writers Taz and Penny are only here for illustration purposes**

Libre VS Libre 2 Comparison

Both the original Freestyle Libre and updated Libre 2 work in the same manner: A wearable continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensor is attached to the back of the arm and communicates with the swipe of a reader or smartphone app to display real time glucose levels and long-term trends. A detailed breakdown below continues to compare the similarities and differences of the Freestyle Libre vs Libre 2:

Sensor Specifications

  • Size
    • Libre : 5mm height and 30mm diameter, 5 grams
    • Libre 2 : Same size as Libre
    • Libre : 14 Days
    • Libre 2 : 14 Days
    • Libre : 8 Hours (glucose readings stored every 15 minutes)
    • Libre 2: Same sensor memory as Libre
    • Libre : IP27 – Can withstand immersion into one 3 ft of water for up to 30 minutes
    • Libre 2 : Same water resistance rating as Libre

    Reader Specifications

    • Size
      • Libre : 3.75″ (95 mm) x 2.36″ (60 mm) x .63″ (16 mm)
      • Libre 2 : Same size as Libre
      • Libre : Rechargeable lithium-ion battery (included)
      • Libre 2: Same battery configuration as Libre
      • Libre : 7 Days (typical use)
      • Libre 2 : 4 Days (bluetooth alarm connectivity may use up the battery quicker than Libre)
      • Libre : 90 Days (typical use)
      • Libre 2 : Same memory capacity as Libre

      Application

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