You’ve seen the TV commercials for the FreeStyle Libre family of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems. These devices have quickly become the go-to CGM for so many people living with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and are the number one brand of CGMs in the United States.
Manufactured by Abbott and continually evolving and improving with new benefits and features, today's two primary FreeStyle Libre solutions on the market are the FreeStyle Libre 2 and the FreeStyle Libre 3.
Both solutions have been shown to help individuals improve blood sugar control and significantly lower their A1C numbers by providing real-time glucose measurements, which is certainly reason enough for their popularity.
However, there are other CGMs on the market. So, what makes the FreeStyle Libre family number one in America? Let’s dig deeper into why the Freestyle Libre 2 and Libre 3 have taken the diabetes community by storm.
7 Reasons FreeStyle Libre CGMs Are So Popular
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Smallest Sensors on the Market
The most important feature of any continuous glucose monitoring system is how well it accurately measures blood sugar. FreeStyle Libre systems certainly deliver when it comes to accuracy (read on to learn more). But another area where Abbott has delivered for people living with diabetes is the size of FreeStyle Libre sensors. They are the smallest and thinnest on the market, with the FreeStyle Libre sensor being about the size of two stacked pennies—quite a bit smaller than any other CGM brand on the market.
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15-Day Wearability
Not only are Freestyle Libre sensors smaller, thinner, and more discreet than other sensors but they’re also made to be worn on the upper arm for up to 15 days. That’s about five days longer than most other popular sensor brands, which means you’ll only need to change sensors twice every month. That’s a big plus for many people relying on CGMs for convenience and blood sugar accuracy.
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Easy and Painless Application
Another significant advantage, particularly with the new FreeStyle Libre 3, is how easily and painlessly the sensor can be applied. The sensor uses a fragile filament under the skin to measure interstitial fluid. Unlike other sensors, no adhesive border is required to hold the sensor in place after application. One quick push on the applicator and the sensor is applied. Then, a quick pressing down along its edges will tell you it is firmly in place. It doesn’t get any easier, and not having to worry about adhesives coming loose over time is a big plus.
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Real-Time Blood Sugar Readings Available Every Minute
For other popular continuous glucose monitoring systems, the benchmark for blood sugar readings is every five minutes. FreeStyle Libre solutions are five times faster than that! They deliver blood sugar readings to your smartphone application or remote device every minute, making the FreeStyle Libre 2 and FreeStyle Libre 3 CGMs the fastest solutions today.
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Scan It or Full Automation
Every member of the FreeStyle family can help you improve blood sugar control and better manage your diabetes. But when it comes to exactly how you do it, there are two options. With the FreeStyle Libre 2, a quick scan of the sensor by holding your smartphone above the sensor instantly gives you a blood sugar reading. The Freestyle Libre 3, however, sends readings to your phone without a scan. Some people prefer scanning as it helps them remember to check their devices. Others prefer automated readings. The good news is that FreeStyle lets you choose whichever option works best for you.
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The Most Accurate CGM on the Market (arguably)
We throw in the arguably because you’ll find different statements depending on the source or study. However, one thing is for sure: FreeStyle CGMs, particularly the FreeStyle Libre 3, are incredibly accurate. The accuracy of a CGM is measured on a metric known as the mean absolute relative difference or MARD between measurements done by the CGM and those achieved with traditional finger pricks and glucose meters. The lower the MARD, the more accurate the CGM. According to a study by Abbott, the FreeStyle Libre 3 has a MARD of 7.9%, the best of any CGM to date.
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Affordability
The truth is affordability depends on many factors, such as whether you have insurance that might cover all or a large portion of the cost of sensors. Abbot proudly advertises that more people pay 0$ to use a FreeStyle Libre system than any other CGMs on the market. But even without insurance, Libre sensors tend to be among the most affordable in the market, mainly when purchased through a reputable online distributor, such as Diabetic Warehouse.
Takeaways
Is the FreeStyle Libre 2 or Libre 3 a good CGM option? Deciding on a CGM is something you need to do with your endocrinologist or diabetes physician. That said, if accuracy, ease, options, and affordability are high on your requirements (and they should be!), then the FreeStyle family of CGMs is undoubtedly worth discussing. Speak with your doctor today.
FAQs
What’s the difference between the FreeStyle Libre 2 and FreeStyle Libre 3?
There are several differences, but the big one is how blood sugar readings are obtained. The FreeStyle Libre 3 automatically transmits real-time blood sugar data to your smartphone every minute. With the FreeStyle Libre 2, however, you must scan the sensor (placed on your upper arm) by holding your smartphone over it to obtain a blood sugar reading. Both devices calculate your blood sugar level every minute, so what works best for you?
Does insurance cover FreeStyle CGMs?
Yes, many carriers cover FreeStyle CGM sensors. In fact, according to the makers, Abbott, more people pay $0 for their FreeStyle Libre 2 and Libre 3 sensors than any other CGMs on the market. Additionally, both systems are covered by Medicare, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Defense TRICARE for those who qualify.
How Do I Know My CGM is Accurate?
The accuracy of a CGM is measured using a metric known as the mean absolute relative difference (MARD). Essentially, this is the average difference between a blood glucose reading given by a CGM and that same reading obtained using a standard glucose meter and test strips. By this metric, the FreeStyle Libre 2 and Libre 3 are among the most accurate CGMs available today.
Are you a user or physician who can offer more insight into FreeStyle CGMs? Feel free to share them with our community in the comment section below. Thanks.
At Diabetic Warehouse, we’re committed to helping those with diabetes manage their blood sugar by offering a complete selection of testing and treatment supplies at prices up to 65% less than those found at most pharmacies and suppliers.
