Hi, I posted this yesterday on another Dexcom v Libre thread so maybe useful...
(In short Dexcom for me as it proactively sends info and alerts (rather than having to scan with the Libre) and the integration with Apple Watch).
I started with the Libre.
Easier to apply. Each sensor lasts for two weeks. The reader is simply recharged, mine still works two years on. A bit smaller, smoother shape, gets caught less. Out of 20 sensors I had one lose adhesion after 3 days. No calibration needed. Annual cost in UK (I think is c£1,300).
It was invaluable, but then I heard about the Dexcom G5 so switched as you still need to visibly scan (i'm weird and don't like doing that at work). If you have an Android phone you don't need the reader... but i'm Apple so the reader was another thing I needed to carry. No alerts (I understand Blucon now solves this). You need to reach across and scan the other arm... tricky on a bike, impossible on a motorbike! Mountain climbing... I feared dropping the reader in precarious positions. That said my second week with it I climbed Mont Blanc and the ability to scan in some pretty hair raising situations was incredible where finger pricking was not an option!
Dexcom G5
Application is a bit more involved (looks a bit scary!) but straightforward. I wear on my arm (recommendation is stomach). Sensor sticks to skin. They are recommended for one week, but you can restart them in the app after the week (you don't physically move them). A transmitter fits inside that last 90-100 days (you use it with replacement sensors). Then sends info to phone or reader. Needs twice daily calibration. Is a bit awkwardly shaped. Cost depends on how long you can make sensors last. I aim for 2 weeks (some people get 3 or 4) so I think brings it in at £2,200 annually.
I love the Dexcom as I further send the data to my Apple Watch, which is always easy to discretely and accessibly read in any situation. I end up checking it more, which for me is important as my blood sugar can move quickly, sometimes with Libre I just forgot. It alerts (you can adjust alerts to off or vibrate, bar the urgent low glucose alarm). With my iPhone it means no need to carry a reader.
