Getting started with a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)

[Art Of Flowers]

Many people can get CGMs provided by their health service, but for those people like myself who are type 2 and don't use insulin then you need to fund a CGM yourself.

The two most popular brands for CGMs are Dexcom and Abbot who make the Freestyle Libre. Both these brands allow you to use your smartphone as a CGM reading device with readings sent by Bluetooth. If your phone is not compatible then there is an option to by a separate reader device. The list for compatible phones for Dexcom is here. The Libre supports most phones - see here.

See https://www.freestyle.abbott/uk-en/products/freestyle-portfolio.html and https://www.dexcom.com/en-gb/compare-cgm-systems

Dexcom One+ - £35 per sensor or £79 for 3 sensors (1 month) or £229 for 9 sensors (3 months) - each sensor lasts 10 days
Dexcom G6 - £159 for 1 month (3 sensors + 1 transmitter) or £559 for 3 months (9 sensors + 1 transmitter) - each sensor lasts 10 days, trnsmitter lasts 3 months
Dexcom G7 - £51.25 per sensor or £153.75 for 3 sensors (£140 for subscription or £409 for 9 sensors subscription)

Libra 2 Plus - £51.74 - sensor lasts 15 days
Libre 3 - not yet available direct from Abbott but £75/sensor if bought from online pharmacies - sensor lasts 14 days

The Dexcom One+ is the same size as the G7 and has an integrated receiver. The G6 is compatible with many insulin pumps. The G7 is compatible only with Tslim X2 pump.

There is a 14 day free trial for the Freestyle Libre 2 - see https://www.freestyle.abbott/uk-en/getting-started/sampling.html

 

[EllieM]

The Dexcom One+ is the same size as the G7 and has an integrated receiver.

I think you mean transmitter?

 

[Art Of Flowers]

Apart from price there may be other considerations ...

Positioning of the sensor
* Libre expect the sensor to be on the back of the upper arms
* Dexcom sensors can be on the upper arm or on the abdomen. If you sleep on your side the abdomen position may be better.

See ...
https://www.freestyle.abbott/conten.../freestyle-libre-sensor-application-guide.pdf
https://www.dexcom.com/en-IE/faqs/where-do-i-insert-my-dexcom-one-plus-sensor

* Dexcom comes with a patch to help secure the sensor.
* Libre users might want to get an overpatch e.g. from amazon to prevent the sensor being accidentally knocked off.

* You might want to shave any hair from your selected site as it could be painful when you remove the sensor.
* You should use alcohol wipes to prepare the site before applying the sensor.
* Some adhesive remover wipes may help when you remove the sensor.

Waterproofness
* Libre can be submerged in up to 1 meter of for 30 mins
* Dexcom is waterproof up to 2.4 meters - however the patch may not stay on if you get it wet

Connection to smartwatch
* Dexcom G7 can talk directly to an Apple Watch independent of iPhone
* Other Dexcom can display blood glucose levels + graph on Apple Watch but must connect to iPhone to get get data
* Libre can display data on smart watches using 3rd party apps

 

[EllieM]

* Other Dexcom can display blood glucose levels + graph on Apple Watch but must connect to iPhone to get get data

Dexcom can display on non apple watches via third party apps. (eg I use a fitbit versa 2 and the "glance" app, which connects to dexcom via the cloud, hence you need the phone to send and receive the data from the cloud.)

 

[Zhnyaka]

if you buy libre1, it is easy to reinstall it for a second term. But it's illegal, so I'll just say that there are a lot of videos on YouTube on how to do it

 

[Art Of Flowers]

There are two new CGMs coming this year aimed at T2 and the non-diabetics.

Abbott Lingo - see https://www.hellolingo.com/ - available in the UK cost £89 or £300 for 4 - sensor lasts 14 days. IOS compatible only.
Dexcom Stelo - 15 day sensor available this summer - see https://www.dexcom.com/stelo

 

[KELI]

There are two new CGMs coming this year aimed at T2 and the non-diabetics.

Abbott Lingo - see https://www.hellolingo.com/ - available in the UK cost £89 or £300 for 4 - sensor lasts 14 days. IOS compatible only.
Dexcom Stelo - 15 day sensor available this summer - see https://www.dexcom.com/stelo

There is also the Gluco Rx Aidex which consists of a transmitter that lasts 4 years and separate sensors. Think it's slightly cheaper than the Libra 2/2+. https://www.glucorx.co.uk/glucorx-aidex/

Can anyone tell me please, I've been self funding the Libra 2+ and noticed the Dexcom 1+ was cheaper so I ordered that to try it out. I've received it today and read the instructions and there's mention of the sensor wire breaking off under the skin. Has anyone had this happen?? It's putting me off trying it out.

I'm type 2 since age 34, having had gestational diabetes with both my kids. Just been put on slow release metformin after 19 years diet and exercise!

 

[Hopeful34]

I've been using Dexcom G6 for 18 months, and not had any problems with the sensor filament breaking off. Plenty of people have no issues with Dexcom, so I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[TheSecretCarbAddict]

I'm on Libre 2/2+, have tried Dexcom ONE+, and am about to switch over to Dexcom full time. Both sensors operate on the same principle of a small fillament being inserted under your skin. If anything, I preferred Dexcom better as it is smaller and less likely to be knocked about than Libre and, in my mind, less risk of sensor breaking.

 

[KELI]

I've been using Dexcom G6 for 18 months, and not had any problems with the sensor filament breaking off. Plenty of people have no issues with Dexcom, so I wouldn't worry about it.

Thanks for that, the Libre paperwork doesn't mention it so I got freaked out by the fact that the Dexcom1+ does. I shall give it a go and see how it compares. Thank you for your feedback

 

[KELI]

I'm on Libre 2/2+, have tried Dexcom ONE+, and am about to switch over to Dexcom full time. Both sensors operate on the same principle of a small fillament being inserted under your skin. If anything, I preferred Dexcom better as it is smaller and less likely to be knocked about than Libre and, in my mind, less risk of sensor breaking.

Thanks for that. I must admit, it's the price of the monthly subscription of the Dexcom which has made me consider it.

 

[Jaylee]

if you buy libre1, it is easy to reinstall it for a second term. But it's illegal, so I'll just say that there are a lot of videos on YouTube on how to do it

I’ve managed to do this using xDrip or Diabox. By squeezing an extra 6 or 8 hours?

But after that the graph loops the last 6 maybe 8 hours..
I wouldn’t completely trust trying it using insulin.