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Is Dexcom a viable alternative to Libre?

Discussion in 'Diabetes Discussions' started by Derrick B, Dec 5, 2021.

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  1. Derrick B

    Derrick B · Newbie

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    Hello, I am new to this forum and would be grateful for comments about Dexcom. My wife sent me a link to their advert. It seems to be a possible alternative to Freestyle Libre, which I have been using for years. However, if I read the adverts correct it seems to be more expensive. I am a self-funded Type 1.5 as I do not meet the criteria for NHS funding. Therefore, cost is important to me. The Libre costs £100/month for the sensors. The Dexcom ad has a subscription option at £159/month for the sensors. The ad also claims to be the only such system! Anyway, may I ask any Dexcom users if they had used Libre and whether they thought it was better?
     
    #1 Derrick B, Dec 5, 2021 at 8:48 AM
  2. In Response

    In Response Type 1 · Well-Known Member

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    Many people find Dexcom better than Libre - there is no need to scan it and it is considered more accurate. It is also included in Closed loop solutions with various pumps

    Dexcom had a free trial earlier this year so I tried it. Their app is supported on far fewer phones than LibreLink and is very basic (you need a different app to view any historic trends, for ecample). For me, Libre calibrated daily with xDrip was more accurate than Dexcom.
    (I use xDrip with Libre 2 so that I do not need to scan.) And neither Libre nor Dexcom are compatible with my pump. I also found it more bulky with more non recyclable plastic in the appkicator. So I decided to save my money and stick with Libre.

    I guess the question is why are you looking for an alternative. What are you unhappy about wrt Libre?
     
    • Like Like x 2
    #2 In Response, Dec 5, 2021 at 9:20 AM
  3. Derrick B

    Derrick B · Newbie

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    Thanks for that. I am not particularly unhappy with Libre. I have to say that their support is good. On the occasions I have had a faulty sensor they have replaced it without a quibble. Given what you have said, I probably will not swap.
     
    • Like Like x 1
    #3 Derrick B, Dec 5, 2021 at 9:23 AM
  4. iallaway

    iallaway Reactive hypoglycemia · Member

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    Hi I have been trying the libre 2 and dexcom G6 for the last couple of weeks and not sure which one is the best. When the alar goes off on libre 2 it says 5.0 but the G6 is 7.0. When I have tested my BS the reading on my meter is about 0.2-0.5 higher than the libre 2. I do like the idea of the G6 no scanning. Should I callibrate the G6. Many thanks
     
    #4 iallaway, Dec 20, 2021 at 7:12 PM
  5. In Response

    In Response Type 1 · Well-Known Member

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    I only used the Dexcom for the 20 days of the trial. I chose to calibrate because it gives me more confidence with the readings.
    I use an unofficial method with the Libre 2 called xDrip which means I don’t have to scan and I can calibrate it.
     
    • Informative Informative x 1
    #5 In Response, Dec 20, 2021 at 8:08 PM
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