Continuous glucose monitors, or CGMs, are part of diabetes management in real-time, giving a diabetic person much control over their health. The leading CGMs available today are Dexcom G7 and Freestyle Libre 3. Both devices are advanced, but they cater to different needs and preferences. This blog delves into a comparison of Dexcom G7 vs Libre 3, their features, advantages, and potential drawbacks of these two CGMs to help you choose the best one for your needs.

Overview of Dexcom G7

Dexcom G7 is one of the newest products in Dexcom’s series of CGMs. It’s intended to deliver precise glucose readings that don’t require too much effort on the user’s part. Compared to the G6 model, it’s more compact, comfortable, and accurate.

Main Features:

• Sensor Size and Comfort: The G7 is the most miniature CGM sensor on the market, making it less obtrusive and more comfortable.
• Accuracy: It has a 10-day wear time with a 12-hour grace period and boasts better accuracy with real-time data supplied every five minutes. The Dexcom G7 measures accuracy using the Mean Absolute Relative Difference (MARD) metric used in the CGM industry. Its MARD is around 8.2%.
• Compatibility: Dexcom G7 is compatible with many other devices, including smartphones (iOS and Android), smartwatches, and insulin pumps. It is also integrated well with the Tandem t: slim X2 insulin pump and the Omnipod 5 system, which works excellently with insulin users and parents managing children on insulin.
• User Interface: The G7 offers a simple app interface with clear glucose data, trend information, and high and low customizable alerts for glucose levels.

Pros:

• High accuracy with real-time updates every five minutes.
• Integration with different diabetes management devices.
• Slim and discreet design.
• 10-day wear time with a 12-hour grace period.
• More features, like customized alerts and trend analysis.

Cons:

• It has a high cost as compared to some competitors.
• It requires a prescription.
• They can’t be used in certain regions; they are currently unavailable in all countries.

Overview of Freestyle Libre 3

The Freestyle Libre 3 is the newest version in Abbott’s line of CGMs. This device has gained popularity due to its user-friendliness and simplicity. It is made as an affordable alternative with excellent performance and accuracy.

Key Features:

• Sensor Size and Comfort: The Freestyle Libre 3 is as small as a US quarter, making it one of the most miniature sensors available. Its wearing location is on the back of the upper arm, where it can’t easily be spotted and is hidden within clothes.
• Accuracy: The Libre 3 also scores high on precision, with its MARD recorded at approximately 7.9 percent, which falls among the leaders in the same category for mass-market CGM.
• Real-Time glucose data: Unlike before, the data is continuously seen using the mobile app. The two previous models, Libre 2s, did not share this characteristic, which required an actual scan.
• Wear Time: The Libre 3 sensor can be worn for up to 14 days. Thus, the patient will get a longer sensor life and not have to switch often.
• User Interface: The app is user-friendly, and the system gives a clear profile of glucose trends along with high and low glucose alarms. It also provides an interface for several diabetes management platforms for augmented compatibility.

Pros:

• Low cost compared to the other CGMs.
• Longer wear time; it’s up to 14 days.
• Real-time glucose data updates.
• More compact, single-unit sensor.
• User-friendly smartphone app.

Cons:

• It doesn’t communicate with insulin pumps, unlike the G7, which does.
• Lacks some advanced features, including predictive alerts.
• It requires scanning for calibration in some versions, though the Libre 3 is fully capable of real-time data.

Comparison: Dexcom G7 vs Libre 3

1. Accuracy:

Accuracy is the same for both, but G7 has a higher accuracy rating with MARD of 8.2% and Libre 3 of 7.9%. Although both are reliable devices, G7 could provide a slight advantage for those who need the closest approximation to real glucose levels.

2. Wear Time:

• Dexcom G7: 10 days on a sensor.
• Freestyle Libre 3: 14 days on a sensor.

The Libre 3 has a longer sensor wear time, so it is less expensive based on the time you can use each sensor before replacing them.

3. Integration with Other Devices:

• Dexcom G7: It provides excellent integration with insulin pumps, including Tandem t: slim X2 and Omnipod 5, which are compatible with many smartphones and smartwatches.
• Freestyle Libre 3 has limited integration but functions perfectly on mobile devices. However, it is not yet comparable to the G7 regarding extensive compatibility with insulin pumps.

If you’re an insulin pump user, the Dexcom G7 is your best bet because it presents ample integration with various devices.

4. Real-Time Data Updates:

• Dexcom G7: It offers real-time updates every 5 minutes of the data update.
• Freestyle Libre 3: It offers data transmission every minute.

While both CGMs offer real-time glucose readings, the Dexcom G7 updates every 5 minutes, whereas Libre 3 updates every minute. This could be an essential factor for individuals requiring frequent adjustments, such as those on insulin.

5. Cost and Insurance Coverage:

• Dexcom G7 is generally costlier, and because of its high-end features and capabilities, it may not be covered by all insurance.
• Freestyle Libre 3 is usually less expensive. Its sensor life and more straightforward design make it perfect for users with budgets.

6. Ease of Use:

Both devices are easy to use and accompanied by an intuitive app for monitoring glucose levels. However, Freestyle Libre 3 outshines the rest in simplicity by requiring only a mobile app for tracking without the additional scanning that the previous Libre models required. Conversely, the Dexcom G7 offers more elaborate features, hence best suited for users who want more detailed analytics and integrations.

Which One is Right for You?

The decision to choose the Dexcom G7 vs Libre 3 lies more in an individual’s needs, preferences, and lifestyle.

Select Dexcom G7 if:

• You need a CGM that perfectly integrates with your insulin pumps.
• You require the latest features like trend analysis, predictive alerts, and highly accurate 5-minute glucose updates.
• You are ready to spend money on a higher-end device.

Select Freestyle Libre 3 if:

• You’re seeking a more affordable, easy-to-use CGM with real-time continuous updates.
• You prefer a longer sensor wear time (14 days).
• You mainly use a smartphone for tracking and do not require insulin pump integration.

Conclusion

Both the Dexcom G7 and Freestyle Libre 3 are good options for CGMs. Each has some strengths that set it apart. The Dexcom G7 is ideal for patients who require insulin pump integration and data tracking down to a more detailed level. The Freestyle Libre 3 will be ideal and of great value for the extended life of the sensor and continuous real-time reading.

The choice is yours, but it depends on your budget, the level of integration with other devices, and whether you require advanced data features. You can discuss this with your healthcare provider to determine which CGM best suits your diabetes management needs.

FAQs