The choice of blood glucose monitor depends on individual needs and preferences. Each system offers distinct advantages depending on individual needs, whether it's affordability, integration with insulin pumps, or advanced glucose monitoring capabilities.
Let’s explore the pros, cons, and use cases for each:
1. Dexcom G6
- Best For: Real-time glucose monitoring with ease of use.
- Accuracy: Highly accurate with a reputation for reliability.
- Features: No fingersticks needed for calibration, real-time glucose data, customizable alerts, and integration with smartphones and insulin pumps.
- Pros: Easy setup, user-friendly app, integration with various insulin pumps and other diabetes management tools.
- Cons: Higher cost, sensors need to be replaced every 10 days.
2. Dexcom G7
- Best For: Enhanced accuracy and convenience with a more compact design.
- Accuracy: Improved accuracy over the G6 with a smaller, discreet sensor.
- Features: No fingersticks needed, real-time glucose data, improved sensor design, and faster warm-up time compared to G6.
- Pros: Sleeker and easier to apply, longer sensor life, integration with various insulin pumps and apps.
- Cons: Higher cost, not universally available yet as it is newer.
3. FreeStyle Libre (Libre 2 and Libre 3)
- Best For: Continuous glucose monitoring with ease of use and affordability.
- Accuracy: Reliable with good accuracy for glucose trends.
- Features: Sensor worn on the back of the arm, provides glucose readings with a scan, Libre 2 includes optional real-time alarms for low and high glucose, Libre 3 offers real-time glucose readings directly to your smartphone.
- Pros: No fingersticks required for calibration, lower initial cost, easy to use with smartphone integration.
- Cons: Requires scanning for data (Libre 1 and 2); the Libre 3 offers real-time data but may not be as accurate in some cases.
4. Omnipod
- Best For: Integrated insulin delivery and glucose monitoring.
- Accuracy: Integrates with various CGM systems for real-time glucose monitoring.
- Features: Insulin pump that can be paired with CGMs like Dexcom for integrated diabetes management, tubeless design for insulin delivery.
- Pros: Offers both insulin delivery and glucose monitoring, eliminates need for traditional insulin injections, easy to use.
- Cons: High cost, requires using with compatible CGMs for glucose monitoring.
5. Medtronic CGMs (Guardian Connect and 780G)
- Best For: Comprehensive glucose monitoring with advanced insulin pump integration.
- Accuracy: Reliable with good accuracy and advanced features.
- Features: Guardian Connect offers real-time glucose monitoring and alerts; the 780G system integrates CGM data with an insulin pump for automated insulin delivery.
- Pros: Real-time glucose data with customizable alerts, integrated with Medtronic insulin pumps for automated insulin adjustments.
- Cons: Higher cost, more complex system, requires compatible insulin pumps for full functionality.
Ultimate CGM Picks
Your monitor of choice should depend on your specific lifestyle and needs:
- Dexcom G6/G7: FreeStyle Libre and Dexcom are both excellent options for those seeking continuous monitoring and in-depth glucose trend data.
- FreeStyle Libre: Best for affordable and easy-to-use glucose monitoring, with the Libre 3 offering real-time data to smartphones.
- Omnipod: Best for combining insulin delivery with CGM integration, suitable for users needing both insulin management and glucose monitoring.
- Medtronic CGMs: Best for users seeking advanced insulin pump integration and automated insulin delivery based on real-time glucose data.
Secure Any CGM with Reliable Adhesive Patch
Plus Patches provides a secure and comfortable way to snugly fit and secure your continuous glucose monitor of choice, so you can set it and forget it throughout the life of your device.