Dexcom VS Libre

[Olive_Deme]

Hi everyone,

Wondering if you can help advise...

I’m a Type 1 diabetic of 30 years (I’m 35) and currently using the Freestyle Libre (and also use the Omnipod insulin pump).

I’ve been using the Libre for around 3 years.

I’m researching the Dexcom and wanted to find out from people’s experiences what the Deccom is like? I want to know if it can do anything better than the Libre, as I’ve read for example that the Dexcom is meant to be more accurate.

If I’m understanding correctly, one key difference is that with the Libre you have to scan to obtain a blood glucose reading. But the Dexcom automatically takes a reading every 5mins and can alert you if you are high/low. This would be a big plus for me.

Is this correct?

What are your experiences?

Thank you

 

[Jaylee]

Hi everyone,

Wondering if you can help advise...

I’m a Type 1 diabetic of 30 years (I’m 35) and currently using the Freestyle Libre (and also use the Omnipod insulin pump).

I’ve been using the Libre for around 3 years.

I’m researching the Dexcom and wanted to find out from people’s experiences what the Deccom is like? I want to know if it can do anything better than the Libre, as I’ve read for example that the Dexcom is meant to be more accurate.

If I’m understanding correctly, one key difference is that with the Libre you have to scan to obtain a blood glucose reading. But the Dexcom automatically takes a reading every 5mins and can alert you if you are high/low. This would be a big plus for me.

Is this correct?

What are your experiences?

Thank you

Hi,

It possible to get a third party Bluetooth bridge which can do the same with the Libre scanning & sending the data to a tried & tested reliable app on your phone & even smart watch, which can be calibrated to your BG meter which will fix any errant inconsistencies in readings..? The app will even alarm if you drift out of your set range..

Edited to add, that's my set up with the libre. However, I will tag in two Dexcom users who may help. @MeiChanski @Juicyj

 

[Olive_Deme]

Thank you for your reply

I’m not sure if I’ve posted this in the right place as I was hoping to see if anyone could share their thoughts or experience please. Many thanks

 

[Jaylee]

Thank you for your reply

I’m not sure if I’ve posted this in the right place as I was hoping to see if anyone could share their thoughts or experience please. Many thanks

You're all good on where you placed the thread.

I'll tag in @EllieM & @searley who from memory use Dexcom.

 

[oldgreymare]

I haven't tried using a Libre. I am on MDI and I've been using a Dexcom G6 for just over a year and so far have been very happy with it. Previously I had tried using the Medtronic Enlite CGM with some mixed results both with failing sensors and faulty software losing records. That said, I think Medtronic have upgraded their CGM system a couple of times since, but seem to target their pump users mainly?

Dexcom G6 Pros -
Easy to insert,
Sensors last 10 days,
Does not require daily calibration, usually within 1 mmol/l or less of my OneTouch Ultra meter (the most accurate brand I've used),
Easy to pair with iPhone/iWatch,
Broad range of alerts (including rate of fall) and customisable ranges/sounds,
Adhesive lasts reasonably well (no reactions so far, touch wood!), Medtronic will supply adhesive over-patches if requested,
Adequate range of additional records (insulin doses, food, exercise, illness, stress) can be added directly to App,
Dexcom Clarity software records up to 90 calendar days data and has a useful range of reports, including critical time in range stats, records can be shared automatically with others, inc health practitioners,
Technical support very helpful re any issues.

Dexcom G6 Cons -
Cost (currently £159/mth), I don't think the NHS will fund?
Sensor applicator is large, plastic and not yet recyclable,
Sensor bulkier than Libre or Enlite ones, needs careful positioning not to knocked or bent under waistband, etc,
App only records carbs, does not have field for protein or fat,
App does not have field to enter notes.

Above reflects my personal experience so far. Hope that this is helpful.

 

[searley]

I've used both and dexcom is superior to libre but costs more

Dexcom us a cgm libre is not you can get a Bluetooth adapter for libre but you have adhesive issues with that.. and the accuracy still is not as good as dexcom

If you can afford the e tea go dexcom

 

[EllieM]

I had allergies issues with the libre so had to stop using it after nearly a year. I'm now 5 months into dexcom use and do prefer it to the libre. In particular, the alarms are a life saver (sometimes literally where hypos are concerned).

It costs me about GBP 190 a month (I'm in New Zealand so it's actually NZ$389.50) but I have to pay gst/VAT whereas UK people are exempt. If you don't want to sign up for 12 months you could take up their trial deal of GBP159, which gets you 3 sensors and a transmitter. The transmitters last 3 months and you just move them from sensor to sensor when one sensor expires.

Their website suggests that some UK folk get funded by the NHS, I'm guessing you'd need to demonstrate that you need the extra functionality over the libre.

I've found it matches my blood glucose meter fairly accurately, though there is the option to calibrate it against your meter if you think it's under or over reading.

User tip - start your new sensor in the morning - it can sometimes under read when newly inserted and you don't want to be woken all night with false low readings (you can make the alarms for high readings silent, but the low readings can't be silenced, other than by turning your phone off).

Customer support are very helpful and seem a little more honest than the libre - eg they recognise that allergies can be an issue and have lots of helpful tips to alleviate them, whereas Abbott are in denial over the issue.

Make sure that your phone is on the list of approved devices for the software, when I first investigated the dexcom my (at the time new) phone wasn't. so I ended up waiting 6 months because of this.