Dexcom G6 vs. FreeStyle Libre 14 Day for Diabetes Type 2 and Diabetes Type 1: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

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

Get free coupons

FreeStyle Libre 14 Day

Get free coupons

Summary for Dexcom G6

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.

Indications for Dexcom G6

Monitor glucose levels

Pros and Cons for Dexcom G6

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

Common Side Effects for Dexcom G6

Skin irritation (redness or swelling) at the needle or patch site

Warnings for Dexcom G6

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

Summary for FreeStyle Libre 14 Day

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.