Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
The FreeStyle Libre 14 Day System and Dexcom G7 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 require a prescription. However, there are several differences between them. The FreeStyle Libre 14 Day System is designed for adults only, while the Dexcom G7 can be used by adults and children as young as 2 years old. The FreeStyle Libre 14 Day sensor lasts up to 14 days, whereas the Dexcom G7 sensor lasts up to 10 days. The FreeStyle Libre 14 Day requires you to scan the sensor to get glucose readings, and it doesn't have alarms for low or high blood sugar. In contrast, the Dexcom G7 provides real-time glucose readings and can send alerts for low or high glucose levels. The FreeStyle Libre 14 Day sensor is placed on the back of the upper arm, while the Dexcom G7 sensor can also be placed on the upper buttocks for young children. Additionally, the FreeStyle Libre 14 Day can be affected by vitamin C and aspirin, while the Dexcom G7 can be affected by hydroxyurea and high doses of acetaminophen.
Freestyle libre 14 day
Dexcom g7
Freestyle libre 14 day
Dexcom g7
Summary of FreeStyle Libre 14 Day vs. Dexcom G7
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.
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.
Indications of FreeStyle Libre 14 Day vs. Dexcom G7
Indications for
•Monitor glucose levels
Indications for
•Monitor glucose levels in adults and children ages 2 years and older
Pros and Cons of FreeStyle Libre 14 Day vs. Dexcom G7
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
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
Common Side Effects of FreeStyle Libre 14 Day vs. Dexcom G7
Common Side Effects for
Common Side Effects for
Warnings of FreeStyle Libre 14 Day vs. Dexcom G7
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
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
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