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Compare Dexcom G6 vs. FreeStyle Libre 14 Day

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Dexcom G6 and FreeStyle Libre 14 Day are both continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems used to track glucose levels in people with diabetes. They belong to the same drug class and are used to monitor glucose levels, but they have some differences. Dexcom G6 can be used by people as young as 2 years old, while FreeStyle Libre 14 Day is only for adults 18 and older. The Dexcom G6 system includes a sensor, transmitter, and receiver, whereas FreeStyle Libre 14 Day uses a sensor and a reader, with no separate transmitter needed. Dexcom G6 sensors last up to 10 days, while FreeStyle Libre 14 Day sensors last up to 14 days. Dexcom G6 provides glucose readings every 5 minutes and can send alerts for low glucose levels, but FreeStyle Libre 14 Day requires you to scan the sensor to get readings and does not have alert features. Both systems require a prescription and should be removed before certain medical tests like MRIs. Additionally, certain medications can affect the accuracy of glucose readings for both systems, such as acetaminophen for Dexcom G6 and vitamin C for FreeStyle Libre 14 Day.

  • Dexcom g6
    Freestyle libre 14 day
  • Dexcom g6
    Freestyle libre 14 day

  • Summary of Dexcom G6 vs. FreeStyle Libre 14 Day

    Summary for Continuous glucose monitoring
    Prescription only

    Dexcom G6 is a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) for people with diabetes ages 2 and older track their glucose levels in real time. It uses a small sensor that's placed just under the skin and a transmitter that attaches to the sensor. The transmitter sends glucose readings every 5 minutes to a compatible phone, receiver, or app, so you can see trends and get alerts for high or low blood sugar. The sensor is worn for up to 10 days, and the transmitter lasts up to 3 months. You don’t need to do fingersticks to check your blood sugar with this device.

    Summary for Continuous glucose monitoring
    Prescription only

    FreeStyle Libre 14 Day is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system that you wear on your skin. It's designed to replace fingersticks in adults with diabetes. It measures your glucose (sugar) levels every minute throughout the day to better help you keep track of your daily patterns. The FreeStyle Libre 14 Day system uses a 14-day sensor that's inserted in your skin. It sends your glucose readings directly to your smartphone (through an app) or the FreeStyle Libre 14 Day handheld reader.

  • Indications of Dexcom G6 vs. FreeStyle Libre 14 Day

    Indications for
    •Monitor glucose levels
    Indications for
    •Monitor glucose levels

  • Pros and Cons of Dexcom G6 vs. FreeStyle Libre 14 Day

    Pros and Const for Continuous glucose monitoring
    Pros
    •Can be used by people as young as 2 years old
    •Sends readings every 5 minutes
    •Gives alerts for both high and low glucose levels
    •No fingersticks needed
    Cons
    •Each sensor only lasts up to 10 days
    •Sensor and transmitter are replaced at different times
    •New sensors take about 2 hours to warm up
    •Must remove before certain medical procedures
    Pros and Const for Continuous glucose monitoring
    Pros
    •Sensor lasts up to 14 days
    •No separate transmitter needed, unlike some other CGMs
    •FreeStyle Libre 14 Day Reader comes with a built-in blood glucose meter
    Cons
    •Only for adults
    •Must wait 60 minutes after placing a new sensor to check glucose
    •Sensor can only be placed on the back of the upper arm

  • Common Side Effects of Dexcom G6 vs. FreeStyle Libre 14 Day

    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin irritation (redness or swelling) at the needle or patch site
    Common Side Effects for

  • Warnings of Dexcom G6 vs. FreeStyle Libre 14 Day

    Common Side Effects for
    •Warning for medical tests and imaging
    •Warning for security machines
    •Avoid skin care or other topical products
    •Low or high glucose levels
    •Risk of medications causing false glucose readings
    Common Side Effects for
    •Warning for medical tests and imaging
    •Warning for security machines
    •Low or high blood sugar
    •No alarms
    •Dehydration (low fluids in the body)
    •Risk of substances causing false blood sugar readings
    •Skin irritation
    •Don't reuse sensors

  • Prices with our coupons for Dexcom G6 vs. FreeStyle Libre 14 Day

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