Freestyle Libre - comparison of glycemic monitoring systems
Freestyle Libre - comparison of glycemic monitoring systems
The Freestyle Libre sensor appeared on the world market in 2014. A lot has changed since then, and the sensor itself has been followed by Freestyle Libre 2 and the newest Freestyle Libre 3. A small, white disc placed on the back of the arm has revolutionized the approach to blood glucose monitoring. Since then, the number of finger pricks to check glucose levels by people using the sensor has been significantly reduced. It was enough to put on the sensor, start it and then by scanning the NFC module to get the current blood glucose level and a graph with trends - changes in the level over time.
Initially, the Freestyle Libre 1 sensors worked only with the reader (i.e. an additional device resembling a small phone). However, with time, the reader began to be replaced by the application for the phone created by the manufacturer - Libre Link. Currently, the use of Freestyle Libre sensors is possible only on the basis of applications and a compatible phone - the readers have been withdrawn from production and sale. In the meantime, additional overlays have also appeared on the market, such as MiaoMiao 3 or Bubble Mini, which can transform the Freestyle Libre sensor into a full CGM based on additional applications.
Freestyle Libre 1 with additional MiaoMiao and Bubble Mini attachments
Over time, the philosophy of the sensor evolved, the Freestyle Libre 2 model appeared, which did not change in terms of dimensions and shape, but a very important element was added to it - a bluetooth module that allowed direct communication with the phone and receiving alarms without scanning.
The Freestyle Libre 2 sensor allows you to receive data remotely, without additional overlays.
The Freestyle Libre 3 sensor brought a revolution and a breakthrough - the shapes and dimensions has changed and a full CGM system was created. The new design is, above all, greater discretion and a size comparable to two 5-cent coins. The accuracy has also been improved and the applicator has been changed, which now consists of one coherent part.
The Freestyle Libre 3 sensor is the world's smallest sensor for continuous glucose monitoring
Freestyle Libre - comparision table
|
|
Freestyle Libre 1 |
Freestyle Libre 2 |
Freestyle Libre 3 |
|
Dimensions |
Ø 30 mm |
Ø 30 mm |
Ø 21 mm |
|
Waterproof |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Communication - NFC |
Yes |
Yes |
- |
|
Communication Bluetooth |
- |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Monitoring standard |
FGM |
FGM/CGM* |
CGM |
* creating a CGM from Freestyle Libre 2 requires you to configure an additional application on your own.