Cost Difference Between Freestyle Libre 2 and 3 Explained

While continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are made to minimize the hassle of managing diabetes, selecting a less competent CGM system may increase your frustration. Thus, make sure not to look only at the price, but also consider the accuracy, lifespan, AID compatibility, alerts, sensor size, and any other features you may need. The Freestyle Libre CGMs rank among the best CGM sensors in the US; however, you still need to determine which one is right for you. There are some latest models introduced by Freestyle, but this blog focuses on the cost difference between Freestyle Libre 2 and Freestyle Libre 3.

Cost Comparison Between FreeStyle Libre Model

This is just a price comparison with some important information on glucose reading frequency, minimum age requirements, and AID compatibility. A detailed features comparison table is available later in this blog.

Note: Prices are subject to change and may vary based on insurance coverage.

Detailed Comparison of Features, Advantages, and Costs

Let’s not focus on the continuous glucose monitoring devices cost alone; instead, look at the differences between Libre 2 and 3 a bit more closely.

1. Sensor Size and Wearability

• FreeStyle Libre 2: About the size of two stacked quarters, this sensor is discreet but still noticeable.
• FreeStyle Libre 3: Holds the crown of the smallest sensor in the world, about the size of two stacked pennies. The sensor not only provides enhanced comfort but also remains unnoticeable.

2. Glucose Reading Frequency

• FreeStyle Libre 2: Gives minute-to-minute glucose readings but requires you to scan the sensor with a reader or smartphone (whichever you are using).
• FreeStyle Libre 3: Minute-to-minute glucose readings are transmitted directly to your smartphone app, without you requiring to scan the sensor.

Did you know?

The Freestyle Libre systems are not only comparatively economical but also more accurate. The accuracy of any CGM sensor can be measured in MARD.

3. Smartphone Compatibility

• FreeStyle Libre 2: Compatible with the smartphone app;
  FreeStyle LibreLink iOS app for Libre 2
  FreeStyle LibreLink Android app for Libre 2
• FreeStyle Libre 3: Compatible with the smartphone app;
  FreeStyle Libre 3 app for Android
  FreeStyle Libre 3 app for iOS

4. Sensor Wear Duration

• Both models last for up to 14 days, providing the same wear duration.

5. Cost Comparison

• FreeStyle Libre 2: One sensor costs around $99 to $114.99, depending on numerous factors, such as your state, retailer, and more.
• FreeStyle Libre 3: The one is typically priced between $99 and $139.99 per sensor. And just like any other sensor, the price may vary based on various factors.

Did you know?

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6. Insurance Coverage

Both models are usually covered by insurance, but coverage varies depending on your insurance plan.

Important: The Freestyle Libre 2 and 3 will be available in the US market through September 30th. The newer models available now are Freestyle Libre 2 Plus and Freestyle Libre 3 Plus.

7. Integration with Insulin Pumps

• FreeStyle Libre 2: Not compatible with automatic insulin delivery (AID) systems.
• FreeStyle Libre 3: Just like Libre 2, the Libre 3 is also not compatible with AID systems.

Individuals looking for AID-compatible CGM sensors may look at Freestyle Libre 2 Plus or Freestyle Libre 3 Plus sensors.

8. User Experience and Alerts

• FreeStyle Libre 2: Offers optional high and low glucose alarms, but users need to scan to receive updates.
• FreeStyle Libre 3: Provides real-time alerts for high and low glucose levels, with automatic data transmission to the app. However, it requires you to be within a range of 33 feet (unhindered).

9. Accuracy and Performance

Both systems offer reliable readings, with the Freestyle Libre 2 having a MARD value of 9.2% (in adults) and the Libre 3 with a dazzling 7.8% (in adults).

The Libre 3 boasts enhanced accuracy and more frequent data transmission.

Conclusion

The major differences between Libre 2 and Libre 3 include accuracy, the difference between automatically transmitted and manually scanned glucose data, and the size of sensors.

Libre 2 has an overall MARD of 9.2% (in adults), whereas Libre 3 boasts 7.8% overall MARD (in adults). Libre 2, although it detects your glucose data every minute, requires you to scan the sensors with your smartphone or the reader (whichever you are using), while the Libre 3 detects your readings every minute and transmits them to your receiving device. Moreover, the Libre 2 sensors have dimensions of 5mm (height) x 35mm (diameter), whereas the Libre 3 and Libre 3 plus are just 2.9mm (height) x 21mm (diameter).