Hello Tom, I have been wearing Dexcom G6 for over a year since I’m elderly and have nighttime lows with T1. One of the things you didn’t discuss with the meter is the ability to set alerts with the app with family members. This is wonderful as I can live on my own and if I get a low in the middle of the night, my daughter is notified by phone. If I don’t respond, she can either call 911 or come to my home depending on how low the reading is. Next, you stated the Dexcom G6 can’t be worn except on the abdomen in the US. I have been wearing mine on my arm and abdomen with no difference in reading accuracy. Finally, as for accuracy, I have never had any issues with accuracy, even on the first day change. I assure this by checking with a meter against the readings, especially when low or high. I hope these notes help add to your information. Blessings
this is an amazing video for all the diabetes around the word. You have to keep going on making these fantastic video about diabetes because you are giving us a lot of greats informations to improve our health. Thank you very much man.
My family and I attended a mini-workshop at our local pharmacy and found out that the Libre sensor can be inserted 1 - 2 days before it is activated without losing any work time. This little tip was shared by a diabetic Dr who found she got better accuracy on Day 1 by doing this. Sadly, here in Australia, we haven't seen Libre 2 yet. Thanks for all of the helpful information you share.
@@joann8879 There was a great little app called Liapp which can cover this gap as well if you happen to have it. It was written by a diabetic programmer and it gives a number for LO readings as well as going on for an extra hour (most times) after the Libre reader has stopped. It also allows you to scan the sensors of others without messing up your own graph. Unfortunately, I think Libre closed it down but it's worth trying to get hold of if you can, it's a brilliant little app that allows you to scan with your phone. If you leave your reader behind, at least you still have a way to check your BGLs.
Thank you very much for making this video. My little girl was just diagnosed as a type 1 diabetic and we are still in research mode for monitors. This was so helpful!
How old is your daughter? Mine recently got diagnosed too and she's 2 in April; we're still waiting for our dexcom. If you have it, how are you finding it?
I have used both systems; switched from Libre2 to Dexcom6 because too many Libre sensors either died early nor fell off. I generally agree with your ratings, but consider the Dexcom a little easier to attach -- a) arthritis made it difficult for me to unscrew the container and b) upper arm location was awkward to push against the spring for attachment. Dexcom's location (abdomen) made it easy to see what I was doing and push-button for attachment was also easy. Also in past 9 months only one Dexcom sensor has failed early and that was by less than a day.
WoW!!! I guess you can tell how impressed everybody is with the quality of your work here. I'm blown away -- fantastic review, and really appreciated -- thank you.
I am T2D and bought the Dexcom G6. From the get go, I was able to see I where my diet needed to change, especially at breakfast. I also wanted to get an idea where my BS is at when doing physical activity like 2-3 hour bicycle rides. I recommend potential purchasers review this video prior to purchase.
FWIW I would rate this comparison review of the Dexcom G6 and Freestyle Libre 2 10 out of 10! Your comprehensive and highly detailed description of the pluses and minuses of each system is just what the doctor should have ordered but didn't. Thanks for all your hard work, much appreciated!
You are most welcome! I totally agree. I always watch reviews and comparison videos for other type of products. For diabetes related products I am the "tester":) Wishing you all the best!
Thank you for posting this. I have been on the Libre 2 for 4 weeks now and I have enjoyed not sticking my fingers, the video you did telling us how long before you eat should you take you fast acting insulin to stop the highs and lows. I started taking mine 20 to 30 min before and My libre stays in the ranges. I was debating on the dexcom but went with the libre2 for one it last longer and for right now my Medicare pays for it 100%.
I’d love to get a Dexcom one day. My insurance won’t approve a CGM. I’m so thankful for the Libre 2 because it’s affordable OTC. I have PCOS and a family history of diabetes so I like the check my BS often.
Tom thanks to having watched your many informative videos on CGM systems and the Libre 2 in particular I decided two weeks ago to give the Libre 2 a try. I am pleased to report that overall things went very smoothly, in no small part because your videos had answered many of the questions a new user was bound to have. In truth I was sorely disappointed with Abbott's online educational videos and other materials. Seemed mostly like ads to me. One area where I would appreciate some help is in interpreting the various graphs and data points in the history section. My Dad was an engineer who loved math but I did not inherit his fondness for the subject and somehow I wound up totally avoiding math, graphs, and related subjects all through school. I suspect I am not alone in this and I'll bet a video or two explaining the report history charts and graphs would be much appreciated by many! Thanks again for all your valuable videos...they really helped smooth my introduction into CGM monitoring!
Thank you so much for your kind words! I believe your medical professional should help you interpret those and make recommendations regarding your treatment. I have made a few videos on the blood sugar management topic but I’m not a medical professional so I can not really advise per se on this topic if you know what I mean. All the best!
Type One Talks Type One Talks Tom I wasn't really asking for advice as to what steps to take in response to bG results and patterns. I am very experienced at that having been a type 1 for 40+ years. In fact I have from time to time advised my doctor regarding management decisions with her other diabetic patients. Like you I always start off my advice by reminding my doctor that "I am not a medical professional but..." What I was hoping for was an explanation of Libre 2 terms like "Sensor data captured" etc. Happily I found an answer to most of my questions beginning on pg 69 of the included manual...I thought I'd read that section but apparently I had not.
Great Video, thx! I think openness and integration are very important considerations long-term. Companies making the best sensors are not necessarily the same companies that make the best apps. Also why would anyone want to be forced to use a certain app based on their choice of sensor (and lose continuity in where all their data is collected)? Both Abbot and Dexcom should start using standardized Bluetooth profiles for exposing BG-data. Then, cross-compatability between sensors, pumps, apps, watches etc will be greatly improved eventually leading to more choice for the consumer.
I used Dexcom G6 for several years and had many issues. First sensor placement is way more complicated than Libre2. Secondly, in two years I had 3 defective sensors with G6. With Libre imn 3 years use I never encountered a defective sensor. Accuracy is as you stated different for each user. I love the fact that in the US. Libre2 sensor warm-up is 60 minutes and adjustment time is 12 hours. Thanks as always for a great objective review for all us type 1 Diabetics!
Thank you for this very helpful video! I am a parent of a newly diagnosed child with type I diabetes and we are starting the Dexcom G6 today. Will continue to watch for more videos! Thanks again.
This is great @TypeOneTalks ! ! I had to come to your site to figure out the instructions in the box for the Libre. I'm a G4 gal for past 5 years, but the transmitter is dying as I speak and I'm too lazy to change out the battery at the moment . I thought I'd try out the Libre, so a few friends with benefits sent me a couple to play with recently. This video helped me so so much. Now to see how it compares to accuracy. I think if it wasn't for us who blog/vlog about living with diabetes, that the world would be a sad place. I'm self taught in my diabetes management since leaving home at 16 ... and now as I enter into my 55th year of T1D ... I'm loving how things are advancing for us ... just not the expense for out of pocket folks like myself. Main thing, I am still working, and able to afford these devices.
Thank you for this review I had been using libre 2, stopped using for 2 years due to insurance change. Currently I am awaiting approval of the Dexcom. I personally found that by using the CGM I watch over my glucose levels more so than by pricing.
Compression lows! Sheesh never heard of this, explains a lot!! Thank you. I’ve gone to check on my daughter in the night and got the LO reading, have a big panic attack at 3 AM and end up changing the sensor. This probably is what happened.
For the Libre, I highly recommend getting opsite or Tagaderm covers that secures the disc from getting pulled out and dry when showering. Prior to using these I had the sensors pull out several times getting dressed and working out.
Thank you for another amazing video Tom. Great content and delivery as always. It's pump renewal time for me and this is exactly what I was looking for and thinking I would do for my next loop cgm option. I will be looking at the G7 and libre 3 updats too. Thanks again!
This is the type of video on T1D I search online. Glad to see that YT recommended a good one this time. Although it's a little outdated, helped me figure out which one I want to start with. From CA with ♥, Tom.
Great video. I only started on the libre a couple of weeks ago and it's great not having to finger pick every time. A couple of days into my 1st sensor I was high. My sensor said 17mmol/l but a finger prick showed 15. But I was probably coming down and it was early in my usage. In Ireland we get diabetes supplies under the long term illness scheme so I took what I was eligible for under that. My brother uses a different brand glucometer to my freestyle optium neo so he might be able to ask his endocrinologist to apply for a dexcom under long term illness for him. I very rarely go low at night whereas my brother has needed his partner to bring him up from a night time low a few times and that's why he wants the dexcom, to use the alarm when he's away from home for work.
Tom, you have the best videos on the internet concerning continuous glucose monitors. Thank you for what you share. I am a 68 year old insulin dependent type 2 diabetic in the U.S. I've been using Dexcom for a couple of years. When I started with a CGM, only Dexcom's product was approved for Medicare (senior medical insurance) coverage of the cost. Now I believe the FreeStyle Libre is covered as well. I look forward to the day when both companies have products with the best features of the other company's current CGM. I understand the future Dexcom model will be small like the FreeStyle CGM and will have the transmitter built into the sensor unit. I hope so. Thanks again.
Thank you for this video. Ive been quite unhappy with my Libre2 as these sensors fail very often, but after watching your video I think Im going to wait for the Dexcom G7 to be released before I switch from Freestyle Libre2.
This has really helped me pick which one to go for. Im in Australia and we now have concession on both, you made it very clear for me when i had no clue what to do, thabk you
Just one notice. Freestyle Libre is not een CGM (continu glucose monitoring) but an FGM (A flash glucose monitoring). You have to flash your sensor to see what your glucose is. It are 2 different kinds. There is A freestyle Libre 3 out right now and that is an CGM, but it only works on Android phones
I am trying to decide on a change for my son. He uses G6/Tandem now. The G6 has gotten increasingly problematic over the years. Inaccurate, lost signal, failing early, etc. One thing that confuses me so much is when people say you can choose which alarms you want and which ones you do not. The G6/G7 has not worked that way in our experience. You can choose whether you want an audible alarm or a vibrating alarm but not a "no alarm". That is the main reason I am looking for another cgm. My son is so alarm fatigued that he is entering depression. We have talked to Dexcom and Tandem and switched off everything possible which turns out not to be a whole lot. In my son's case the amount of times it likes to sit on the high or low line and just move enough to kick out another alarm is maddening. It is almost daily. Yesterday 15 units of insulin through a shot would not get it off of the high line. You would think it would move at least a little. So what do you mean by you can choose the alarms you want?
I've had a number of issues with Libre 2 including the needle staying in my arm after application (that really hurt) and sensors dying before the 14 days multiple times. Also I've found the reading to vary widely by sensor. Sometimes it's too high and other times it reads low. In general it's accuracy seems to be worse when your low or vey high.
Libre2 now support continuous streaming that means no more manual scanning as long as you are watching the streaming on your phone. Another improvement is that Libre 2 provides 1 minute readings while G6 provide 5 minutes readings.
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Hi, do you know if there is a list of phones that can be used with the Dexcom 6? Thank you
Here you go - P.S. Mluvis cesky?:) www.dexcom.com/compatibility/device
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@@TypeOneTalks Téměř od narození :) Už jsem koupil Samsung A13 (byl v seznamu od českého distributora). Teď čekáme na doručení Dexcomu. Zatím jsme (můj šestiletý syn; od loňského listopadu) používali FreeStyle Libre. Tak jsme zvědaví, jak budeme spokojeni s tímto druhým typem senzoru.
@ Temer od narozeni. Haha. Ja taky. Hodne stesti s Dexcomem.
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@@TypeOneTalks Tak to jsem nečekal. V informacích o kanálu je Švýcarsko. A díky za přání. Věřím, že nám to pomůže udržet tu správnou hladinu. Jsme (já a žena) v této oblasti úplní začátečníci, jak už jsem psal, loni v listopadu byla diagnostikována cukrovka. Doufám, že nám tento typ senzoru pomůže hlavně při hlídání v noci. Manželka se trochu bojí, aby nás neustálé informace o hladině neplašily (takhle jsme se vyplašili, až když jsme něco naměřili), ale určitě si brzy zvykneme. A také díky za užitečná videa :)
@ Chapu. Na zacatku je toho strasne moc ale urcite to zvladnete a za par mesicu to bude kazdodenni rutina. Drzim palce! Az si na sensor zvyknete zkuste kouknout by inzulinove pumpe (jestli nebudete potomek zasadne proti) a automatickemu davkovani. Ja si to nemuzu vynachvalit. Kdybyste cokokiv potreboval odpovezte mi prosim na tento komentar. Na vsechny komentare neodpovidam, ale Cechy pozitivne diskriminuju:) P.S. Ja ziju ted Svycarsku ale az do svych 29 jsem zil v Brně a maturoval z ceskeho jazyka za 1😀
I cannot believe I just found you!! I've been a type 1 since I was 7yrs old, 42 now so 15 years. I have SUPER low bsl's and have used glucagons weekly. I used the Libre2 last year but had so many problems with it. I had so many sensors that would last only a few days, some not even a day. As my phone was not compatible I had to use the reader. It was ok, but I don't know if it was the reader or sensor that had the problem as my actual bsl would say 2.8 yet the reader would say 6.0! I have a bad habit of dropping really quickly and once I ended up having a siezure and needing glucagon, yet the reader said I was 5.9 and blood bsl said I was LO! Plus I have very sensitive skin and always reacted to the adhesive! I'll be starting the Decom G6 soon. I have to wait for the reader as my phone, again, isn't compatible! I'm really glad to hear that the G6 gives alerts when the bsl is dropping quickly, as that's my main issue! Thanks to you I will be able to use the G6 confidently. And it's always good to hear other peoples view on products like this, as it can be a game changer! For example, I generally test my sugars up to 20 times a day....yep! Unfortunately in Australia, the Libre 3 and Dexcom G7 won't be available til who knows when....we always seem to get new tech last! And in Australia we have the NDSS (National Diabetes Service Scheme). When you are diagnosed you are signed up straight away and things like pump consumables, bsl strips, needles, CGMS sensors transmitters etc are all covered so instead of paying AU$60 a box of strips they're considerably less. The only thing not covered are lancets for the finger pricker, finger prickers themselves and blood glucose monitors (but there's usually some way to get a free one vis youe Endo or pharmacy). OMG....sorry for blabbering on. Just wanted to say I'm so grateful for finding your channel and that I may be able to find some other type 1 Aussies around my age. THANKS HEAPS
For me the up to the minute reading the D6 gives is priceless.. The libre 3 will have this feature. The Accuracy of CGM will be much better as technology improves. Both the Libre and D6 are very good products and I would use either of them and be pleased. No loser in my opinion only winners here. They both make Diabetics life better and easier.
I am now switching the other way around. For simple reason. With Diasend app, the Libre2 is same or better then Dexcom G6 and way cheaper as I cover it out of my pocket fully. All the disadvantages such as not seeing specific values on watch, having to scan via NFC are gone. It works as CGM, it takes and measures values every 5mins. Maybe worth to review the Libre2 vs Dexcom G6 with unofficial apps :-)
Thank you for sharing. I am aware of the “unofficial apps”. I talked about them in other videos but definitely worth a separate review. Thank you Pavel!
Please share the name of the app, I'm looking into the different possibilities for cgm using sportwatches and bike computers where its impossible to scan every 5 min or so. Currently using freestyle libre 1 and wish to add alarms for hi and low, preferably linked to a smartwatch to wear during the night
The Libre 2 (and possibly the Dexcom) actually records every minute. The 8 hours problem only applies if you are using a phone as a reader; the sensor records a continuous record but the phone software only reads the last 8 hours. The dedicated Freestyle Libre reader is more useful than a phone and displays a lot of useful information- only gap is ‘run in’ hour once every 14 days
Hi Tom I am a new type 3 diabetic and my dr started me in Dexcom, my first sensor kept giving low alarms of 55 or 44 @ midnite and when I checked my meter I was 104 & 99 respectively. I called Dexcom and the had me remove the sensor and put another one in, but I said I would in the morning. Which I did the next day Un the afternoon because of the 2 hour warm up. It works better, I still get some wrong alerts and I check the meter and calibrate. I change it out in 2 days. I have been working with a wt loss specialist when I entered the 6.5 A1C diabetic land. Working on keeping carbs below 100, hard to do when I've eaten what I like for 70 yrs. Thx for your videos. Now to find your one on removing this on Monday.
One think I do like with the Dexcom unit is the clarity app. I was able link my doctor to my Clarity account and share the readings with my wife. Also seeing my readings and 3 hr trend is awesome.
I have been using Libre2 for about 2 months. My HgbA1C went from 6.1 to 5.9. I have had an insulin pump for about 9 years and I never realized how off my basal rates were. For me, the Libre2 runs about 20 points lower than my glucometer. So when it says 73 I am running in the 90s.
Thank you for the video . I mentioned you when going through the tutorial video with Dexcom . I thought I would be a perfect candidate for CGM . But my doctor was not well informed so I had to push . So glad I did . In b the USA being over 18 they do not suggest using the s censor in the arm only on abdominal area . Great video!
Great video! I’m getting ready to start on the Dexcom G6. I used the Libre and had a severe allergic reaction to it. We thought it was the adhesive so I tried the wipes the create a barrier between your skin and medical devices and it still didn’t work. Turns out it was a reaction to nickel. Pretty crazy. I was so sad bc I loved the Libre!
My experience is only with the Freestyle Libre 2. I have been diagnosed as a pre-diabetic meaning that in the US Medicare will not pay. Thus I am on self-pay. I originally chose the Freestyle Libre based on cost and the only features that were important to me were my blood glucose numbers and my reactions to various foods. Thus I did not need the more advanced features of the Dexcom 6. In addition to the sensors, I also purchased the Freestyle Libre 2 reader as my smartphone was not compatible with the FSL 2 system. My experience: I find the Freestyle Libre 2 to be very inaccurate. On three (3) occasions I have tested it against a licensed lab while taking a fasting blood glucose test. In each instance the Freestyle Libre 2 was off by 25mg/dl or more. Frankly, I believe the Freestyle Libre 2 to be almost worthless. My conversations with Abbott Labs customer service have been a waste of time as they insist that their reader is accurate. I do not know if the problem is with the reader or the sensors (I have tried more than 7-10 sensors with various results.) I do not recommend the Freestyle Libre 2 for any purpose. I do not have an opinion on the Dexcom G6 or any other product.
I get a lot of false readings with the Libre, especially on my left arm. They range from 30 to 80 points vs. blood reading. Also have had defective sensors that stopped working a week before they were supposed to. Abbott’s answer to any inquiry is to just send you a new sensor, instead of answering your questions as to “why”. Trying out the Dexcom G6 to see how it compares.
I am glad to hear that you have not had any issues with the Freestyle LIbre sensors. In the past 2 months, I have had 6 faulty sensors. Last week I started a new sensor and it was spiking so high compared to my meter readings. I called my doctor and asked for the Dexcom instead. I am not using the Freestyle 2, just the original Libre 14 day, as my insurance doesn't cover it.
I tried Freestyle Libre 2 and Dexcom G6 both where off 20 or 30 points even higher compared to my freestyle glucose strips. Going back to my strips I trust them 100%
Maybe the model has changed but now the freestyle 2 if activated by phone will give you constant readings, you do not need to scan every few hours, also the alarms are received as soon as activated.
The freestyle libre 2 is a CGM. I use the freestyle Libre 2 because it will give alerts (very loud alerts) if my blood sugar is dropping passed a pre-set glucose level. It will also let you know if your blood glucose is continuous or if it is dropping or rising quickly. The only time there is a break in the monitors record is when you change the sensor. When you change the sensor it takes 60 minutes before it is able to give a reading again. I am currently looking into using the Dexcom, because as of right now, to my knowledge, it is a model that can also operate with an insulin pump. I have been a type 1 diabetic for 17 years and had to deal with the difficulties of this disorder, so I can only give you the knowledge and experience I have, and with type 1 diabetes everyone's story is different.
Good video. But I'm not sure if i misunderstood the Alarm with Libre 2. I do get Alarm and Notification on my Phone when BS is too high or too low without scanning. I think this is the main upgrade from Libre 1 -> 2 that it's actually connected with Bluetooth to send alarms.
I get spurious results from both. I've had 3 bad Libre 1 sensors. I suffer from inflammation and the dexcom would record massive Glucose swings that were really my body storing interstitial fluid or releasing it.
I love your videos! Ok, I was very excited about this new technology and when I wore the dexcom g6 I got the the full 9 days of readings accurately without any issues. I applied both libre 2s two days in advance as suggested. However, I have now had 2 faulty libre sensors: the first one was like a random number generator. It give me readings out of the blue and after 6 days of agony i took if and threw it away. I figured maybe that was a rarity, so I installed another one. it seems to do great for the first 2 days. then all of a sudden i noticed it did not register one of my big meals. This was confirmed by the finger stick showing a spike and the CGM not. Now, it seems to have stopped registering anything, and it is only the fourth day. it just gives me stable glucose readings whether I eat or not. I don't understand what is going on? Is it two faulty sensors or does the libre just not work for me. I no longer want to try the libre 3 for this reason, as it would also require me to order it in from another country. The price difference between dexcom is massive and I don't get insurance coverage so this is the main reason I wanted to switch. Anyone experience something similar?
Tom I can't even do finger sticks! But I am able to use the libra system just so I can get my numbers and its easy for me to set up and use. And it's like my little toy I love to scan.
A few tips: Guys- suggest you shave hair, if necessary on back of arms. At start using Freestyle- sensor came off mid day with blood on shirt. You can use a large sticky cover over it...but I found a quick cleanup with razor kept site smooth for a few months, with excellent adherence to skin. 2- In Canada- Freestyle is free since 2020. I received government report addressing Freestyle + Dexcom decision. Freestyle won government approval...because of lower price, in the final analysis. (I used to pay $100. every two weeks for sensors.) 3- After loading needle- LOOK AT IT TO ENSURE IT IS STRAIGHT-I FOUND 2 BENT ones that freaked me out ! I also found a few that were greenish colour around the base of the needle; it should be WHITE. The company replaced all defective units; but their legal responsibility says: not responsible to provide to physician or patient reasons of defect. I might take this up with Health Canada; Company should tell us to inspect the above to assure medical safety !!
Gotta get my doc to give me a damn prescription in order to get a cgm. And let me tell ya the VA won’t be happy that this kid ain’t taking his type two meds and taking the holistic medical approach.
wow for me it's exactly opposite. This morning FreeStyle 14 day sensor read 51. Low. I did a finger stick and that read 76. I've had at least 3 Freestyle sensors replaced. I call Dexcon and they told me Dexcon is a little more accurate. Also trying to deal with FreeStyle (Abbott)? You're very lucky to talk to someone in the US. Person I talked to didn't know what an X-Ray was. Only other way to contact them messenger on FB. Ugh Also
Both love & hate my Libra Freestyle, the back of the arm is Not an ideal location. I am on crutches & I go through doors somewhat clumsily, I have dislodged a few! Mid Pectoral is far more protected. Interstitial fluid is circulated more rapidly & consistently than on the back of the arm. The arm is a bit stuttery particularly at night I can have multiple highs & hypos being indicated when niether have occurred! However they will not replace a failed sensor if you tell them
I just watched ur video and I have to disagree between the free style 2 and dexcom g6 I have used the free style 2 and it’s very inaccurate, it’s usually between 10 and 15 points off which is bad for me, but it is easier to install. The dexcom G6 is more accurate and both apps are super easy to follow on my phone (cLARITY,dexcom) for me dexcom gets the nod for accuracy and app but it is more bulky and changing sensors is a bit much but doable. U said you weren’t being paid but it sounds like freestyle might be in your pocket my opinion. Thanks for the video
in my opinion I had a Deccom G6 for like 4 years. My health insurance changed and the copay is too high. I decide to try Freestyle libre. The best choice I made. Very precise in the results. It is a real time result. Dexcom takes 15 minutes to get a result. “Not in real time” which leads to making wrong bolus decisions. Very different results with the finger. Too many problems to connect with my IPhone 12. Always disconnected! I had a lot of mistakes! Very expensive! Lots of alerts! I was very anxious, despite having read a high or low result and having taken an action, it continued to bother me. It caused me enough anxiety to the point of denying my condition that I have been with it for 36 years and I handled it calmly. Dexcom for now, nothing to see.
I wear my dexcom on my abdomen, the safest place for me without loosing it. Always had Trouble to keep the fsl on for 2 weeks without extra tape. My cons for dex is the 2hr warmup.. Great video !!
I have a rare form of hypoglycemia. I need a CGM to alert me to the lows and sudden drops. I once dropped over 100 points in 15 minutes. I wore FSL2 for a year and just switched to Dexcom G6. I like that the FSL2 alarm will keep going off until you acknowledge it. Dexcom G6 only alerts once. I like that Dexcom G6 has different alarm sounds so I can tell what is happening without looking. Very helpful when driving. FSL2 just has vibrate or beeping then you have to scan to see the trend. I like that I can see the history of the scans on my FSL2. With the Dexcom G6 I have to manually track the numbers. I like that the Dexcom G6 allows me to set alarms for rapidly falling glucose. With the FSL2 I either had to scan frequently or wait until I was already low. The biggest plus so far for Dexcom G6 is reliability. Often times if I dropped below 60 or my glucise dropped too fast my FSL2 would not work and id have to wait at least 10 minutes.
I hav used the Freestyle Libre 1 and now 2 for over 4 years. I loved the Libre 1 with a Maio Maio bluetooth adapter as I could see my bold sugars constantly without scanning my arm, this also helped alert me to the fact that the sensor had stopped connecting. Compare that to the Libre 2 using bluetooth, and the Libre 2 is terrible. If I am really busy and forget to check my blood sugars, I can have slept the entire night above 11 or worse and not one alarm, same thing during the day, it's a nightmare, yet the next day I'll get constant alarms and reminders. I find the Libre's alarm system so flaky and faulty. It gives great alarms for three days, I get amazing control, I Strat to trust it and then find it's just stopped sending any alarms at all for 10 or more hours. Yes I should check it all the time, but I find it also fails to read the sensor most times and is a real pain if I am skiing or riding a motorcycle, I cannot see what is going on without completely stopping my activity. I give the Libre 2 a 4 out of 10 for so many faults and bad software application. Oh and you can easily calibrate the Libre 1 using Maio Maio, it's very straight forward. Once again Libre 2 software is very average. I may have to switch to Dexcom 6 or go back to the Libre 1 as it's much easier to monitor your blood sugars, I would have to swipe my arm once or twice over the 14 days.
Great video but giving the Libre 2 an Integration score of 1/10 skews the overall comparison...without that category m, your video here is a clear win for the Libre 2 (71/90 vs 65/90)
I use to use libre 2 but It was 50-200 points off. 8 was told that the G6 was better and in process of switching over. The Libre was easy to install, easy to use but liked to fall off in summer, Abbot was very good with sending replacement. The Libre worked with my Motorola phone but G6 does not! Wish me luck with G6
I have just started with the Dexcom G6 . This video really helped me to decide . My Doctor was not well inform about CGM and I really had to push . Even his insurance person had trouble . Dexcom talked by her through the process !
great video, thank you so much for your information. I have to switch from a finger glucometer to one of those devices and I was not very clear which should be better for me in terms of accuracy and cost. Thank you so much and congratulations.
WATCH NEXT:
Dexcom G7 Launch Info ruclips.net/video/2ywlJxZfhvI/видео.html
FreeStyle Libre 3 Launch Info ruclips.net/video/jt7IWPQiz-Y/видео.html
Ok I just got my FreeStyle Libre 1 and scanned it after 20+ tries now says wait 60 minutes does that mean it's turned ON.
Please someone help.
Hi Tom , How come my comments do not show up (one day ago) ? Thanks
@@paulvanh1796 Hm. I am not sure. Some comments get automatically flagged by YT and I have to release them manually. Let me check if that's the case.
@@paulvanh1796 pop p
Q
Hello Tom, I have been wearing Dexcom G6 for over a year since I’m elderly and have nighttime lows with T1. One of the things you didn’t discuss with the meter is the ability to set alerts with the app with family members. This is wonderful as I can live on my own and if I get a low in the middle of the night, my daughter is notified by phone. If I don’t respond, she can either call 911 or come to my home depending on how low the reading is.
Next, you stated the Dexcom G6 can’t be worn except on the abdomen in the US. I have been wearing mine on my arm and abdomen with no difference in reading accuracy.
Finally, as for accuracy, I have never had any issues with accuracy, even on the first day change. I assure this by checking with a meter against the readings, especially when low or high.
I hope these notes help add to your information. Blessings
Thank you for sharing!
this is an amazing video for all the diabetes around the word. You have to keep going on making these fantastic video about diabetes because you are giving us a lot of greats informations to improve our health. Thank you very much man.
You are most welcome Giacomo. Thanks for your kind words!
My family and I attended a mini-workshop at our local pharmacy and found out that the Libre sensor can be inserted 1 - 2 days before it is activated without losing any work time. This little tip was shared by a diabetic Dr who found she got better accuracy on Day 1 by doing this.
Sadly, here in Australia, we haven't seen Libre 2 yet.
Thanks for all of the helpful information you share.
We are suppose to get the Libre 2 in this year.
Thank you for this tip. I always waited til it expired and then have to wait that 1 hour for a reading.
@@joann8879 There was a great little app called Liapp which can cover this gap as well if you happen to have it. It was written by a diabetic programmer and it gives a number for LO readings as well as going on for an extra hour (most times) after the Libre reader has stopped. It also allows you to scan the sensors of others without messing up your own graph. Unfortunately, I think Libre closed it down but it's worth trying to get hold of if you can, it's a brilliant little app that allows you to scan with your phone. If you leave your reader behind, at least you still have a way to check your BGLs.
Thank you very much for making this video. My little girl was just diagnosed as a type 1 diabetic and we are still in research mode for monitors. This was so helpful!
Hi Brittany. Wishing you and your little one all the best! Welcome to the team!
How old is your daughter? Mine recently got diagnosed too and she's 2 in April; we're still waiting for our dexcom. If you have it, how are you finding it?
I have used both systems; switched from Libre2 to Dexcom6 because too many Libre sensors either died early nor fell off. I generally agree with your ratings, but consider the Dexcom a little easier to attach -- a) arthritis made it difficult for me to unscrew the container and b) upper arm location was awkward to push against the spring for attachment. Dexcom's location (abdomen) made it easy to see what I was doing and push-button for attachment was also easy. Also in past 9 months only one Dexcom sensor has failed early and that was by less than a day.
WoW!!! I guess you can tell how impressed everybody is with the quality of your work here. I'm blown away -- fantastic review, and really appreciated -- thank you.
Thank you so much for your kind words Andy. I try to make all my videos structured and easy to understand for everyone.
I am T2D and bought the Dexcom G6. From the get go, I was able to see I where my diet needed to change, especially at breakfast. I also wanted to get an idea where my BS is at when doing physical activity like 2-3 hour bicycle rides. I recommend potential purchasers review this video prior to purchase.
FWIW I would rate this comparison review of the Dexcom G6 and Freestyle Libre 2 10 out of 10! Your comprehensive and highly detailed description of the pluses and minuses of each system is just what the doctor should have ordered but didn't. Thanks for all your hard work, much appreciated!
I appreciate that! Thank you so much for the 10/10 review my friend!
It feels like a relief when someone compares products from own experience. Thanks a lot!
You are most welcome! I totally agree. I always watch reviews and comparison videos for other type of products. For diabetes related products I am the "tester":) Wishing you all the best!
@@TypeOneTalks what's your diet
I use the Free Style Libre and was able to manage my blood sugar and get off my medication. I still wear and has been a life saver
Great to heat that! What an interesting nick name:)
Thank you! Im newly t1 diabetic and have been trying to figure out which one would be best for me. This helped so much. Keep up the great work!
Thank you for posting this. I have been on the Libre 2 for 4 weeks now and I have enjoyed not sticking my fingers, the video you did telling us how long before you eat should you take you fast acting insulin to stop the highs and lows. I started taking mine 20 to 30 min before and My libre stays in the ranges. I was debating on the dexcom but went with the libre2 for one it last longer and for right now my Medicare pays for it 100%.
My medicare only covered part of it . I have to pay 40$ per sensor. I have United Healthcare. Maybe I should change providers.
Great video. By the way: I've been using Libre 2 since June 2019, my wife uses Dexcom G6. We both don't want to switch.
It's a really long video and very comprehensive! Thanks for your great effort!
Thank you so much Gigi!
I’d love to get a Dexcom one day. My insurance won’t approve a CGM. I’m so thankful for the Libre 2 because it’s affordable OTC. I have PCOS and a family history of diabetes so I like the check my BS often.
Hi how much did you pay for the free style?
Oh my god, I have pcos too and a family history of diabetes. Are you on metformin?
Were you diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes ?
Sounded like type 2 to me
Your videos are very informative, keep up the good and helpful work!! You help more than you know.
Thank you Daniel! You are so kind!
Thanks a ton! Loved your comprehensive comparison and enormous amount of info without making it feel tedious.
You are most welcome! Glad it was helpful!
Tom thanks to having watched your many informative videos on CGM systems and the Libre 2 in particular I decided two weeks ago to give the Libre 2 a try. I am pleased to report that overall things went very smoothly, in no small part because your videos had answered many of the questions a new user was bound to have. In truth I was sorely disappointed with Abbott's online educational videos and other materials. Seemed mostly like ads to me. One area where I would appreciate some help is in interpreting the various graphs and data points in the history section. My Dad was an engineer who loved math but I did not inherit his fondness for the subject and somehow I wound up totally avoiding math, graphs, and related subjects all through school. I suspect I am not alone in this and I'll bet a video or two explaining the report history charts and graphs would be much appreciated by many! Thanks again for all your valuable videos...they really helped smooth my introduction into CGM monitoring!
Thank you so much for your kind words! I believe your medical professional should help you interpret those and make recommendations regarding your treatment. I have made a few videos on the blood sugar management topic but I’m not a medical professional so I can not really advise per se on this topic if you know what I mean. All the best!
Type One Talks Type One Talks Tom I wasn't really asking for advice as to what steps to take in response to bG results and patterns. I am very experienced at that having been a type 1 for 40+ years. In fact I have from time to time advised my doctor regarding management decisions with her other diabetic patients. Like you I always start off my advice by reminding my doctor that "I am not a medical professional but..." What I was hoping for was an explanation of Libre 2 terms like "Sensor data captured" etc. Happily I found an answer to most of my questions beginning on pg 69 of the included manual...I thought I'd read that section but apparently I had not.
Great Video, thx!
I think openness and integration are very important considerations long-term. Companies making the best sensors are not necessarily the same companies that make the best apps. Also why would anyone want to be forced to use a certain app based on their choice of sensor (and lose continuity in where all their data is collected)?
Both Abbot and Dexcom should start using standardized Bluetooth profiles for exposing BG-data. Then, cross-compatability between sensors, pumps, apps, watches etc will be greatly improved eventually leading to more choice for the consumer.
100%. Thank you for your comment Florian!
I used Dexcom G6 for several years and had many issues. First sensor placement is way more complicated than Libre2. Secondly, in two years I had 3 defective sensors with G6. With Libre imn 3 years use I never encountered a defective sensor. Accuracy is as you stated different for each user. I love the fact that in the US. Libre2 sensor warm-up is 60 minutes and adjustment time is 12 hours. Thanks as always for a great objective review for all us type 1 Diabetics!
Thank you for this very helpful video! I am a parent of a newly diagnosed child with type I diabetes and we are starting the Dexcom G6 today. Will continue to watch for more videos! Thanks again.
Thank you! Welcome to the team! Wishing you and your little one all the best!
How are you finding the dexcom? My 2 year old daughter has been diagnosed too and we're waiting for it so would be good to hear how well it helps.
Am loving the SIBIONICS you turned me onto - many thanks.
This comparison is very helpful as I am going to switch from Freestyle Libre2 to Dexcom G6
This is great @TypeOneTalks ! ! I had to come to your site to figure out the instructions in the box for the Libre. I'm a G4 gal for past 5 years, but the transmitter is dying as I speak and I'm too lazy to change out the battery at the moment . I thought I'd try out the Libre, so a few friends with benefits sent me a couple to play with recently. This video helped me so so much. Now to see how it compares to accuracy. I think if it wasn't for us who blog/vlog about living with diabetes, that the world would be a sad place. I'm self taught in my diabetes management since leaving home at 16 ... and now as I enter into my 55th year of T1D ... I'm loving how things are advancing for us ... just not the expense for out of pocket folks like myself. Main thing, I am still working, and able to afford these devices.
Thank you for this review I had been using libre 2, stopped using for 2 years due to insurance change. Currently I am awaiting approval of the Dexcom. I personally found that by using the CGM I watch over my glucose levels more so than by pricing.
Compression lows! Sheesh never heard of this, explains a lot!! Thank you. I’ve gone to check on my daughter in the night and got the LO reading, have a big panic attack at 3 AM and end up changing the sensor. This probably is what happened.
For the Libre, I highly recommend getting opsite or Tagaderm covers that secures the disc from getting pulled out and dry when showering. Prior to using these I had the sensors pull out several times getting dressed and working out.
Thank you very much!
Yeah, I found Tegaderm a necessity.
Outstanding job comparing these two CPM. I swear you look like a younger version of me
Before applying Libre2:
Shave area from micro hairs. Wash, rince well and totally dry area before application. Libre2 sticks perfect for the 14 days.
Superb video, thanks. I assumed you just buy a kit and it works for years. I now realise that (the Libre, at least) is for limited periods.
Thank you for another amazing video Tom. Great content and delivery as always. It's pump renewal time for me and this is exactly what I was looking for and thinking I would do for my next loop cgm option. I will be looking at the G7 and libre 3 updats too. Thanks again!
This is the type of video on T1D I search online. Glad to see that YT recommended a good one this time. Although it's a little outdated, helped me figure out which one I want to start with. From CA with ♥, Tom.
Great video. I only started on the libre a couple of weeks ago and it's great not having to finger pick every time. A couple of days into my 1st sensor I was high. My sensor said 17mmol/l but a finger prick showed 15. But I was probably coming down and it was early in my usage. In Ireland we get diabetes supplies under the long term illness scheme so I took what I was eligible for under that. My brother uses a different brand glucometer to my freestyle optium neo so he might be able to ask his endocrinologist to apply for a dexcom under long term illness for him. I very rarely go low at night whereas my brother has needed his partner to bring him up from a night time low a few times and that's why he wants the dexcom, to use the alarm when he's away from home for work.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Have a great day!
Tom, you have the best videos on the internet concerning continuous glucose monitors. Thank you for what you share. I am a 68 year old insulin dependent type 2 diabetic in the U.S. I've been using Dexcom for a couple of years. When I started with a CGM, only Dexcom's product was approved for Medicare (senior medical insurance) coverage of the cost. Now I believe the FreeStyle Libre is covered as well. I look forward to the day when both companies have products with the best features of the other company's current CGM. I understand the future Dexcom model will be small like the FreeStyle CGM and will have the transmitter built into the sensor unit. I hope so. Thanks again.
Thank you so much for your kind words and sharing your experience my friend! Wishing you all the best!
It is ok to use everywhere around the world? What if i am in cambodia can use or not
Thank you for this video. Ive been quite unhappy with my Libre2 as these sensors fail very often, but after watching your video I think Im going to wait for the Dexcom G7 to be released before I switch from Freestyle Libre2.
Just want to say thank you for such an amazing review video. By far, the best I’ve ever seen on RUclips on any topic.
This has really helped me pick which one to go for. Im in Australia and we now have concession on both, you made it very clear for me when i had no clue what to do, thabk you
Just for other type 1s out there. I poke my arms. Blood is blood, you don’t need to poke your fingers top of forearm is bigger and less sensitive.
Arms have a delay. Fingertip is most accurate
@@Ravenous not really
Just one notice. Freestyle Libre is not een CGM (continu glucose monitoring) but an FGM (A flash glucose monitoring). You have to flash your sensor to see what your glucose is. It are 2 different kinds. There is A freestyle Libre 3 out right now and that is an CGM, but it only works on Android phones
My 10 year old is diabetic and this video helps alot
I am trying to decide on a change for my son. He uses G6/Tandem now. The G6 has gotten increasingly problematic over the years. Inaccurate, lost signal, failing early, etc. One thing that confuses me so much is when people say you can choose which alarms you want and which ones you do not. The G6/G7 has not worked that way in our experience. You can choose whether you want an audible alarm or a vibrating alarm but not a "no alarm". That is the main reason I am looking for another cgm. My son is so alarm fatigued that he is entering depression. We have talked to Dexcom and Tandem and switched off everything possible which turns out not to be a whole lot. In my son's case the amount of times it likes to sit on the high or low line and just move enough to kick out another alarm is maddening. It is almost daily. Yesterday 15 units of insulin through a shot would not get it off of the high line. You would think it would move at least a little. So what do you mean by you can choose the alarms you want?
I've had a number of issues with Libre 2 including the needle staying in my arm after application (that really hurt) and sensors dying before the 14 days multiple times. Also I've found the reading to vary widely by sensor. Sometimes it's too high and other times it reads low. In general it's accuracy seems to be worse when your low or vey high.
The libre inaccurate numbers is why I'm switching to dexcom. You also can't calibrate the libre at all.
Tom . . . thank you. Recently been diagnosed and want to go with the modern CGM. Your video helped. Again Tom, thank you.
Thank you so much for your kind words my friend. I hope you made a good choice. Welcome to the community!
Libre2 now support continuous streaming that means no more manual scanning as long as you are watching the streaming on your phone. Another improvement is that Libre 2 provides 1 minute readings while G6 provide 5 minutes readings.
Hi, do you know if there is a list of phones that can be used with the Dexcom 6? Thank you
Here you go - P.S. Mluvis cesky?:) www.dexcom.com/compatibility/device
@@TypeOneTalks Téměř od narození :) Už jsem koupil Samsung A13 (byl v seznamu od českého distributora). Teď čekáme na doručení Dexcomu. Zatím jsme (můj šestiletý syn; od loňského listopadu) používali FreeStyle Libre. Tak jsme zvědaví, jak budeme spokojeni s tímto druhým typem senzoru.
@ Temer od narozeni. Haha. Ja taky. Hodne stesti s Dexcomem.
@@TypeOneTalks Tak to jsem nečekal. V informacích o kanálu je Švýcarsko. A díky za přání. Věřím, že nám to pomůže udržet tu správnou hladinu. Jsme (já a žena) v této oblasti úplní začátečníci, jak už jsem psal, loni v listopadu byla diagnostikována cukrovka. Doufám, že nám tento typ senzoru pomůže hlavně při hlídání v noci. Manželka se trochu bojí, aby nás neustálé informace o hladině neplašily (takhle jsme se vyplašili, až když jsme něco naměřili), ale určitě si brzy zvykneme. A také díky za užitečná videa :)
@ Chapu. Na zacatku je toho strasne moc ale urcite to zvladnete a za par mesicu to bude kazdodenni rutina. Drzim palce!
Az si na sensor zvyknete zkuste kouknout by inzulinove pumpe (jestli nebudete potomek zasadne proti) a automatickemu davkovani. Ja si to nemuzu vynachvalit. Kdybyste cokokiv potreboval odpovezte mi prosim na tento komentar. Na vsechny komentare neodpovidam, ale Cechy pozitivne diskriminuju:)
P.S. Ja ziju ted Svycarsku ale az do svych 29 jsem zil v Brně a maturoval z ceskeho jazyka za 1😀
I cannot believe I just found you!! I've been a type 1 since I was 7yrs old, 42 now so 15 years. I have SUPER low bsl's and have used glucagons weekly. I used the Libre2 last year but had so many problems with it. I had so many sensors that would last only a few days, some not even a day. As my phone was not compatible I had to use the reader. It was ok, but I don't know if it was the reader or sensor that had the problem as my actual bsl would say 2.8 yet the reader would say 6.0! I have a bad habit of dropping really quickly and once I ended up having a siezure and needing glucagon, yet the reader said I was 5.9 and blood bsl said I was LO! Plus I have very sensitive skin and always reacted to the adhesive! I'll be starting the Decom G6 soon. I have to wait for the reader as my phone, again, isn't compatible! I'm really glad to hear that the G6 gives alerts when the bsl is dropping quickly, as that's my main issue! Thanks to you I will be able to use the G6 confidently. And it's always good to hear other peoples view on products like this, as it can be a game changer! For example, I generally test my sugars up to 20 times a day....yep! Unfortunately in Australia, the Libre 3 and Dexcom G7 won't be available til who knows when....we always seem to get new tech last! And in Australia we have the NDSS (National Diabetes Service Scheme). When you are diagnosed you are signed up straight away and things like pump consumables, bsl strips, needles, CGMS sensors transmitters etc are all covered so instead of paying AU$60 a box of strips they're considerably less. The only thing not covered are lancets for the finger pricker, finger prickers themselves and blood glucose monitors (but there's usually some way to get a free one vis youe Endo or pharmacy). OMG....sorry for blabbering on. Just wanted to say I'm so grateful for finding your channel and that I may be able to find some other type 1 Aussies around my age. THANKS HEAPS
this guy and video is amazingly good and diverse in his comparisons - he is super smart and helpful - thanks!
For me the up to the minute reading the D6 gives is priceless.. The libre 3 will have this feature. The Accuracy of CGM will be much better as technology improves. Both the Libre and D6 are very good products and I would use either of them and be pleased. No loser in my opinion only winners here. They both make Diabetics life better and easier.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Have a great day!
I am now switching the other way around. For simple reason. With Diasend app, the Libre2 is same or better then Dexcom G6 and way cheaper as I cover it out of my pocket fully. All the disadvantages such as not seeing specific values on watch, having to scan via NFC are gone. It works as CGM, it takes and measures values every 5mins. Maybe worth to review the Libre2 vs Dexcom G6 with unofficial apps :-)
Thank you for sharing. I am aware of the “unofficial apps”. I talked about them in other videos but definitely worth a separate review. Thank you Pavel!
wait I've never heard of this app!!! does it work?!?!? this is amazing
Please share the name of the app, I'm looking into the different possibilities for cgm using sportwatches and bike computers where its impossible to scan every 5 min or so. Currently using freestyle libre 1 and wish to add alarms for hi and low, preferably linked to a smartwatch to wear during the night
Oh you use the diasend app? But how can one use it as cgm?
This was EXACTLY the info I've been looking for! Thank you.
The Libre 2 (and possibly the Dexcom) actually records every minute. The 8 hours problem only applies if you are using a phone as a reader; the sensor records a continuous record but the phone software only reads the last 8 hours. The dedicated Freestyle Libre reader is more useful than a phone and displays a lot of useful information- only gap is ‘run in’ hour once every 14 days
Hi Tom I am a new type 3 diabetic and my dr started me in Dexcom, my first sensor kept giving low alarms of 55 or 44 @ midnite and when I checked my meter I was 104 & 99 respectively. I called Dexcom and the had me remove the sensor and put another one in, but I said I would in the morning. Which I did the next day Un the afternoon because of the 2 hour warm up. It works better, I still get some wrong alerts and I check the meter and calibrate. I change it out in 2 days. I have been working with a wt loss specialist when I entered the 6.5 A1C diabetic land. Working on keeping carbs below 100, hard to do when I've eaten what I like for 70 yrs. Thx for your videos. Now to find your one on removing this on Monday.
One think I do like with the Dexcom unit is the clarity app. I was able link my doctor to my Clarity account and share the readings with my wife. Also seeing my readings and 3 hr trend is awesome.
I have been using Libre2 for about 2 months. My HgbA1C went from 6.1 to 5.9. I have had an insulin pump for about 9 years and I never realized how off my basal rates were. For me, the Libre2 runs about 20 points lower than my glucometer. So when it says 73 I am running in the 90s.
Insulin pump or pen?
Thank you for the video . I mentioned you when going through the tutorial video with Dexcom .
I thought I would be a perfect candidate for CGM . But my doctor was not well informed so I had to push . So glad I did .
In b the USA being over 18 they do not suggest using the s censor in the arm only on abdominal area .
Great video!
Great video! I’m getting ready to start on the Dexcom G6. I used the Libre and had a severe allergic reaction to it. We thought it was the adhesive so I tried the wipes the create a barrier between your skin and medical devices and it still didn’t work. Turns out it was a reaction to nickel. Pretty crazy. I was so sad bc I loved the Libre!
My experience is only with the Freestyle Libre 2. I have been diagnosed as a pre-diabetic meaning that in the US Medicare will not pay. Thus I am on self-pay. I originally chose the Freestyle Libre based on cost and the only features that were important to me were my blood glucose numbers and my reactions to various foods. Thus I did not need the more advanced features of the Dexcom 6. In addition to the sensors, I also purchased the Freestyle Libre 2 reader as my smartphone was not compatible with the FSL 2 system. My experience: I find the Freestyle Libre 2 to be very inaccurate. On three (3) occasions I have tested it against a licensed lab while taking a fasting blood glucose test. In each instance the Freestyle Libre 2 was off by 25mg/dl or more. Frankly, I believe the Freestyle Libre 2 to be almost worthless. My conversations with Abbott Labs customer service have been a waste of time as they insist that their reader is accurate. I do not know if the problem is with the reader or the sensors (I have tried more than 7-10 sensors with various results.) I do not recommend the Freestyle Libre 2 for any purpose. I do not have an opinion on the Dexcom G6 or any other product.
Hi Paul. Thank you so much for sharing your experience! Much appreciated!
Hi, I just got my new DEXCOM G6 and I'm loving it. To me, the G6 is 100% better
Thank you for this so much!! I got diagnosed last december last year and i dont know which one should i get so thank you. New subscriber here 😊
I get a lot of false readings with the Libre, especially on my left arm. They range from 30 to 80 points vs. blood reading. Also have had defective sensors that stopped working a week before they were supposed to. Abbott’s answer to any inquiry is to just send you a new sensor, instead of answering your questions as to “why”. Trying out the Dexcom G6 to see how it compares.
Happy to have found your channel. Thank you for being an awesome resource!!
thank you ,thank you for your time
I am glad to hear that you have not had any issues with the Freestyle LIbre sensors. In the past 2 months, I have had 6 faulty sensors. Last week I started a new sensor and it was spiking so high compared to my meter readings. I called my doctor and asked for the Dexcom instead. I am not using the Freestyle 2, just the original Libre 14 day, as my insurance doesn't cover it.
Thank you for sharing and sorry to hear about your issues my friend! Hope Dexcom will work better for you! Wishing you all the best!
I'm still on the Libre 1st gen. . . just waiting patiently on the Libre 3.
What is the difference in the gen
I tried Freestyle Libre 2 and Dexcom G6 both where off 20 or 30 points even higher compared to my freestyle glucose strips. Going back to my strips I trust them 100%
You need to allow 15 mins or so when comparing the strip result to the CGM .
Thanks for the great insight to cover all that different aspects. Your video helps.
Maybe the model has changed but now the freestyle 2 if activated by phone will give you constant readings, you do not need to scan every few hours, also the alarms are received as soon as activated.
The freestyle libre 2 is a CGM. I use the freestyle Libre 2 because it will give alerts (very loud alerts) if my blood sugar is dropping passed a pre-set glucose level. It will also let you know if your blood glucose is continuous or if it is dropping or rising quickly. The only time there is a break in the monitors record is when you change the sensor. When you change the sensor it takes 60 minutes before it is able to give a reading again. I am currently looking into using the Dexcom, because as of right now, to my knowledge, it is a model that can also operate with an insulin pump. I have been a type 1 diabetic for 17 years and had to deal with the difficulties of this disorder, so I can only give you the knowledge and experience I have, and with type 1 diabetes everyone's story is different.
Thank you so much for sharing Megan. Much appreciated! All the best!
Thanks for making this video as im new to this and trying to make a decision on which one.
Good video. But I'm not sure if i misunderstood the Alarm with Libre 2. I do get Alarm and Notification on my Phone when BS is too high or too low without scanning. I think this is the main upgrade from Libre 1 -> 2 that it's actually connected with Bluetooth to send alarms.
I get spurious results from both. I've had 3 bad Libre 1 sensors.
I suffer from inflammation and the dexcom would record massive Glucose swings that were really my body storing interstitial fluid or releasing it.
Hi Kirk. Sorry to hear that. Wishing you al the best!
I love your videos! Ok, I was very excited about this new technology and when I wore the dexcom g6 I got the the full 9 days of readings accurately without any issues. I applied both libre 2s two days in advance as suggested. However, I have now had 2 faulty libre sensors: the first one was like a random number generator. It give me readings out of the blue and after 6 days of agony i took if and threw it away. I figured maybe that was a rarity, so I installed another one. it seems to do great for the first 2 days. then all of a sudden i noticed it did not register one of my big meals. This was confirmed by the finger stick showing a spike and the CGM not. Now, it seems to have stopped registering anything, and it is only the fourth day. it just gives me stable glucose readings whether I eat or not. I don't understand what is going on? Is it two faulty sensors or does the libre just not work for me. I no longer want to try the libre 3 for this reason, as it would also require me to order it in from another country. The price difference between dexcom is massive and I don't get insurance coverage so this is the main reason I wanted to switch. Anyone experience something similar?
Congrats. Excellent video mainly for those, like me, starting in this new world for T1D.
Thank you so much! Welcome to the team!
Tom I can't even do finger sticks! But I am able to use the libra system just so I can get my numbers and its easy for me to set up and use. And it's like my little toy I love to scan.
Thank you for putting this together, very informative.
Thank u I’m moving on to the g6 so thanks 🙏
A few tips: Guys- suggest you shave hair, if necessary on back of arms. At start using Freestyle- sensor came off mid day with blood on shirt.
You can use a large sticky cover over it...but I found a quick cleanup with razor kept site smooth for a few months, with excellent adherence to skin.
2- In Canada- Freestyle is free since 2020. I received government report addressing Freestyle + Dexcom decision. Freestyle won government approval...because of lower price, in the final analysis.
(I used to pay $100. every two weeks for sensors.)
3- After loading needle- LOOK AT IT TO ENSURE IT IS STRAIGHT-I FOUND 2 BENT ones that freaked me out !
I also found a few that were greenish colour around the base of the needle; it should be WHITE.
The company replaced all defective units; but their legal responsibility says: not responsible to provide to physician or patient reasons of defect. I might take this up with Health Canada; Company should tell us to inspect the above to assure medical safety !!
Thank you for sharig all this info!
Thank you very much for this comprehensive review. Excellent!
Awesome video, I just got a trial of the libre 2 and G6, really liking the libre 2 so far
Glad to hear that Michael. And thanks for the compliment. Have a great day!
This was a very good video. I watched it from beginning to end. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for your kind words my friend!
You have to calibrate the dexcom sensor after it wsrms up and once every morning or night for it to be Very Accurate.
Gotta get my doc to give me a damn prescription in order to get a cgm. And let me tell ya the VA won’t be happy that this kid ain’t taking his type two meds and taking the holistic medical approach.
wow for me it's exactly opposite. This morning FreeStyle 14 day sensor read 51. Low. I did a finger stick and that read 76. I've had at least 3 Freestyle sensors replaced. I call Dexcon and they told me Dexcon is a little more accurate. Also trying to deal with FreeStyle (Abbott)? You're very lucky to talk to someone in the US. Person I talked to didn't know what an X-Ray was. Only other way to contact them messenger on FB. Ugh Also
Both love & hate my Libra Freestyle, the back of the arm is Not an ideal location. I am on crutches & I go through doors somewhat clumsily, I have dislodged a few! Mid Pectoral is far more protected. Interstitial fluid is circulated more rapidly & consistently than on the back of the arm. The arm is a bit stuttery particularly at night I can have multiple highs & hypos being indicated when niether have occurred! However they will not replace a failed sensor if you tell them
Abbott just started the pump integration in December👍
I just watched ur video and I have to disagree between the free style 2 and dexcom g6
I have used the free style 2 and it’s very inaccurate, it’s usually between 10 and 15 points off which is bad for me, but it is easier to install. The dexcom G6 is more accurate and both apps are super easy to follow on my phone (cLARITY,dexcom) for me dexcom gets the nod for accuracy and app but it is more bulky and changing sensors is a bit much but doable. U said you weren’t being paid but it sounds like freestyle might be in your pocket my opinion. Thanks for the video
in my opinion
I had a Deccom G6 for like 4 years. My health insurance changed and the copay is too high. I decide to try Freestyle libre. The best choice I made. Very precise in the results. It is a real time result. Dexcom takes 15 minutes to get a result. “Not in real time” which leads to making wrong bolus decisions. Very different results with the finger. Too many problems to connect with my IPhone 12. Always disconnected! I had a lot of mistakes! Very expensive! Lots of alerts! I was very anxious, despite having read a high or low result and having taken an action, it continued to bother me. It caused me enough anxiety to the point of denying my condition that I have been with it for 36 years and I handled it calmly. Dexcom for now, nothing to see.
I wear my dexcom on my abdomen, the safest place for me without loosing it. Always had Trouble to keep the fsl on for 2 weeks without extra tape.
My cons for dex is the 2hr warmup..
Great video !!
Thank you for sharing Jenny! 👍
I have a rare form of hypoglycemia. I need a CGM to alert me to the lows and sudden drops. I once dropped over 100 points in 15 minutes. I wore FSL2 for a year and just switched to Dexcom G6.
I like that the FSL2 alarm will keep going off until you acknowledge it. Dexcom G6 only alerts once.
I like that Dexcom G6 has different alarm sounds so I can tell what is happening without looking. Very helpful when driving. FSL2 just has vibrate or beeping then you have to scan to see the trend.
I like that I can see the history of the scans on my FSL2. With the Dexcom G6 I have to manually track the numbers.
I like that the Dexcom G6 allows me to set alarms for rapidly falling glucose. With the FSL2 I either had to scan frequently or wait until I was already low.
The biggest plus so far for Dexcom G6 is reliability. Often times if I dropped below 60 or my glucise dropped too fast my FSL2 would not work and id have to wait at least 10 minutes.
This is a very nice presentation. Thank you kindly! 🙏🏼
I hav used the Freestyle Libre 1 and now 2 for over 4 years. I loved the Libre 1 with a Maio Maio bluetooth adapter as I could see my bold sugars constantly without scanning my arm, this also helped alert me to the fact that the sensor had stopped connecting. Compare that to the Libre 2 using bluetooth, and the Libre 2 is terrible. If I am really busy and forget to check my blood sugars, I can have slept the entire night above 11 or worse and not one alarm, same thing during the day, it's a nightmare, yet the next day I'll get constant alarms and reminders. I find the Libre's alarm system so flaky and faulty. It gives great alarms for three days, I get amazing control, I Strat to trust it and then find it's just stopped sending any alarms at all for 10 or more hours. Yes I should check it all the time, but I find it also fails to read the sensor most times and is a real pain if I am skiing or riding a motorcycle, I cannot see what is going on without completely stopping my activity. I give the Libre 2 a 4 out of 10 for so many faults and bad software application. Oh and you can easily calibrate the Libre 1 using Maio Maio, it's very straight forward. Once again Libre 2 software is very average. I may have to switch to Dexcom 6 or go back to the Libre 1 as it's much easier to monitor your blood sugars, I would have to swipe my arm once or twice over the 14 days.
Great video but giving the Libre 2 an Integration score of 1/10 skews the overall comparison...without that category m, your video here is a clear win for the Libre 2 (71/90 vs 65/90)
Again very helpful and detailed review !!
Thank you Arsenio. Glad it was helpful!
This video is 10/10
Thank you so much for your kind words my friend!
I use to use libre 2 but It was 50-200 points off. 8 was told that the G6 was better and in process of switching over. The Libre was easy to install, easy to use but liked to fall off in summer, Abbot was very good with sending replacement. The Libre worked with my Motorola phone but G6 does not!
Wish me luck with G6
I have just started with the Dexcom G6 . This video really helped me to decide .
My Doctor was not well inform about CGM and I really had to push . Even his insurance person had trouble . Dexcom talked by her through the process !
great video, thank you so much for your information. I have to switch from a finger glucometer to one of those devices and I was not very clear which should be better for me in terms of accuracy and cost. Thank you so much and congratulations.
Thank you I'm watching late but very helpful
Great review! Very thorough and concise