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Compare Dexcom G6 vs. Freestyle Libre 3

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

Key takeaways

Dexcom G6 and FreeStyle Libre 3 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 children as young as 2 years old, while FreeStyle Libre 3 is for those 4 years and older. Dexcom G6 provides glucose readings every 5 minutes, whereas FreeStyle Libre 3 updates every minute. The Dexcom G6 system includes a sensor, transmitter, and receiver, while FreeStyle Libre 3 uses a sensor and an app on a smart device. Dexcom G6 sensors last up to 10 days, and FreeStyle Libre 3 sensors last up to 14 days. Dexcom G6 can pair with compatible insulin pumps, but FreeStyle Libre 3 cannot be used with automated insulin dosing systems. Both systems require you to avoid certain medical tests like MRIs, as they can damage the sensors. Additionally, certain medications and supplements can affect the accuracy of glucose readings for both systems.

  • Dexcom g6
    Freestyle libre 3
  • Dexcom g6
    Freestyle libre 3

  • Summary of Dexcom G6 vs. Freestyle Libre 3

    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 3 is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system that you wear on your skin. It's designed to replace fingersticks for people ages 4 years and older with diabetes. It measures your glucose level every minute throughout the day to better help you manage your blood sugar. The FreeStyle Libre 3 system uses a sensor that's attached to your skin, which can be scanned and read using an app on a smart device (e.g., smartphone). It doesn't include a reader, and it's important to check phone compatibility to make sure the FreeStyle Libre 3 app will work properly.

  • Indications of Dexcom G6 vs. Freestyle Libre 3

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

  • Pros and Cons of Dexcom G6 vs. Freestyle Libre 3

    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
    •Lessens the need for fingersticks
    •Sensors only about the size of two stacked pennies
    •Stores up to 14 days of glucose level data
    •Displays glucose level every minute on your smart device
    Cons
    •Only works with an app on a compatible smart device
    •Intense exercise can make your sensor loose
    •Sensor must be stored between 36 F and 82 F to work properly
    •Must wait 60 minutes after placing a new sensor to check glucose

  • Common Side Effects of Dexcom G6 vs. Freestyle Libre 3

    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 3

    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 glucose levels
    •Missed alarms
    •Risk of vitamin C causing false glucose readings
    •Skin irritation
    •Don't reuse sensors

  • Prices with our coupons for Dexcom G6 vs. Freestyle Libre 3

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