Cheapest Continuous Glucose Monitor: Best Budget-Friendly Choices
Finding the cheapest continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) should not detract from accuracy. Abbott’s CGM systems fall among the most affordable yet accurate CGMs. The costs should be calculated based on the number of days a sensor lasts, e.g., Freestyle Libre 3 sensors cost only $99.00 when bought using a debit or credit card, and when claimed using insurance, the costs may vary depending on the type of insurance. Some insurance plans give complete coverage for your CGM devices, while with others, you may need to make a co-payment.
Things to Consider Before Selecting a Sensor:
Price is not the only factor you want to consider before selecting a CGM sensor. One needs to consider if the CGM sensor they are opting for is right for their type of diabetes, and if they plan to use an automatic insulin delivery (AID) system along, does this sensor support AID integration or not.
Moreover, if you have an active lifestyle, you may want to consider a CGM sensor that has a longer lifespan so you don’t need to change it often. On top of all, you need to consider whether the CGM you are considering has the right accuracy or not; the unit to measure CGM accuracy is known as mean absolute relative difference (MARD). According to the FDA, a CGM with a 10% or less MARD value can be considered to be good; the lower the better.
List of CGM Sensors and their Features:
Following is the list of CGM sensors which provide value yet fall among the most affordable ones;
Freestyle Libre 3 Sensors:
The Libre 3 lasts up to 14 days and is the first tiniest (2.9mm in height and 21mm in diameter) sensor in the world that lasts up to 14 days, offers high/low blood sugar alerts, data sharing option, and can be submerged into up to water 1 meter (3 feet) of water for up to 30 minutes. These sensors are suitable for individuals aged 4 and above living with type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes.
Accuracy & Compatibility
Accuracy: These sensors have an overall MARD of 7.8%.
Phone compatibility: Here is the list of phones compatible with the Libre 3 application.
Download Freestyle Libre 3 Plus Sensor App for Android
Download Freestyle Libre 3 Plus Sensor App for ios
AID Compatibility: Beta Bionics iLet Bionic Pancreas.
Freestyle Libre 3 Plus Sensors:
Same size as the Libre 3 plus, however, this system lasts up to 15 days, offers high/low blood sugar alerts, and is an automatic insulin delivery (AID) system compatible. These sensors are suitable for individuals aged 2 and above living with type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes. Reportedly, this sensor reduces A1C in type 2 diabetic patients.
Accuracy & Compatibility
Accuracy: These sensors have an overall MARD of 8.2%.
Phone compatibility: To create ease for people looking to upgrade from Freestyle Libre 3 to Freestyle Libre 3 Plus, the Libre 3 Plus sensors have been made compatible with the Freestyle Libre 3 application as well as the reader. Refer to the same link above for checking a list of Libre 3 Plus compatible phones and download the same application, or you may use the same Libre 3 reader, if you already have it.
AID Compatibility: Beta Bionics iLet Bionic Pancreas.
Although the Freestyle Libre 2 also costs almost the same as Libre 3 sensors, but we have compiled only the cheapest continuous glucose monitors which bring you the most value as well.
Unsure if you are eligible for a CGM system or not? Get a free eligibility check now.
Conclusion:
CGMs are worth a try; however, finding the Cheapest Continuous Glucose Monitor requires some good research based on the price variation of different stores. Based on our research, when looking for affordable CGMs, we suggest having a look at Freestyle Libre 3 and Freestyle Libre 3 Plus, as these devices bring value for money.
Disclaimer: This blog is only for informational purposes. Always consult a doctor before taking any medical action.
