Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Dexcom G7 vs. FreeStyle Libre 2

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

Key takeaways

Dexcom G7 and FreeStyle Libre 2 are both continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems used to help people with diabetes track their glucose levels. They both belong to the same drug class and are used to monitor glucose levels, but they have some differences. Dexcom G7 is approved for use in people as young as 2 years old, while FreeStyle Libre 2 is for those 4 years and older. Dexcom G7 sensors last up to 10 days, whereas FreeStyle Libre 2 sensors last up to 14 days. Dexcom G7 provides glucose readings every 5 minutes, while FreeStyle Libre 2 offers readings every minute. Dexcom G7 has a 30-minute warm-up time, while FreeStyle Libre 2 requires a 1-hour warm-up. Dexcom G7 can be used with compatible insulin pumps, but FreeStyle Libre 2 cannot be used with automated insulin dosing systems. Both systems have specific placement instructions for the sensors, with Dexcom G7 allowing placement on the back of the upper arm or upper buttocks for young children, and FreeStyle Libre 2 only on the back of the upper arm. Additionally, certain medications and supplements can affect the accuracy of glucose readings for both systems, such as hydroxyurea and acetaminophen for Dexcom G7, and vitamin C for FreeStyle Libre 2.

  • Dexcom g7
    Freestyle libre 2
  • Dexcom g7
    Freestyle libre 2

  • Summary of Dexcom G7 vs. FreeStyle Libre 2

    Summary for Continuous glucose monitoring
    Prescription only

    Dexcom G7 is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system. It helps adults and children ages 2 years and older living with diabetes keep track of their glucose levels in real-time without fingersticks. Dexcom G7 comes with a sensor you wear on the skin that's held in place with an overpatch. There's a transmitter that's pre-assembled with the sensor that sends your glucose readings to a receiver (e.g., smartphone or compatible insulin pump). Each sensor can be worn up to 10 days, then must be replaced after that. Calibration with a glucometer is optional, not required.

    Summary for Continuous glucose monitoring
    Prescription only

    FreeStyle Libre 2 is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system that's designed to replace fingersticks and lessen the need for test strips in people with diabetes. It measures your glucose levels every minute throughout the day to better help you manage your blood sugar. The FreeStyle Libre 2 system uses a sensor that's attached to your skin on the back of your upper arm. You can scan the sensor and have the glucose reading displayed on an app in your smartphone (compatible phones only), or the FreeStyle Libre 2 handheld reader. The sensor must be replaced every 14 days, and the sensors require a prescription.

  • Indications of Dexcom G7 vs. FreeStyle Libre 2

    Indications for
    •Monitor glucose levels in adults and children ages 2 years and older
    Indications for
    •Monitor glucose levels

  • Pros and Cons of Dexcom G7 vs. FreeStyle Libre 2

    Pros and Const for Continuous glucose monitoring
    Pros
    •Can be used by people as young as 2 years old
    •Able to pair with compatible insulin pumps
    •Sensor and transmitter comes pre-assembled
    •Have 12-hours to replace sensor after it expires
    Cons
    •Each sensor only lasts up to 10 days
    •Glucose readings might not be accurate if you're on dialysis
    •Smartphone or G7 receiver needs to be within 33 feet of sensor to work; smart watch needs to be within 20 feet of sensor
    Pros and Const for Continuous glucose monitoring
    Pros
    •Can be used by people ages 4 years and older
    •Can be used with the FreeStyle Libre 2 Reader or your smartphone
    •Sensor lasts up to 14 days
    Cons
    •Sensor can only be placed on the back of the upper arm
    •Must wait 60 minutes after placing a new sensor to check glucose
    •Sensor must be stored between 36°F and 82°F to work properly

  • Common Side Effects of Dexcom G7 vs. FreeStyle Libre 2

    Common Side Effects for
    Common Side Effects for

  • Warnings of Dexcom G7 vs. FreeStyle Libre 2

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

  • Prices with our coupons for Dexcom G7 vs. FreeStyle Libre 2

    Learn more about Dexcom g7
    Learn more about Freestyle libre 2

Compare other Diabetes Type 2 and Diabetes Type 1 drugs

Dexcom G 6 vs Dexcom G 7Dexcom G 7 vs Freestyle Libre 2Freestyle Libre 3 vs Dexcom G 7Freestyle Libre vs Dexcom G 7Dexcom G 6 vs Freestyle LibreDexcom G 6 vs Freestyle Libre 3
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.