In this blog we're explaining what the Plus means for FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus and how it compares. Note, this product is being rolled out from June 2024 in the UK.
Overview
In brief, the Libre 2 Plus sensor has these features:
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How does this compare to the FreeStyle Libre 2?
It's the same size and same application process. It also uses the same Libre 2 app and whilst extending the time of wear to 15 days (meaning that you change the sensor less frequently) there are no changes to many of the key features that come with a Libre 2 sensor, some of which are quite frustrating to wearers of this medtech.
There is no means to calibrate the sensor and this looks unlikely to change as a spokesperson for Abbott has previously commented that the device is deliberately factory calibrated to keep things simple.
There's also no change with the warm-up time which still means there's a 1 hour period when wearers can't see their glucose levels. This contrasts with the Dexcom 7 which has just a 30 minute warm-up and the a more flexible option for changing a sensor with a 12 hour grace period.
Pump integration
Tandem pumps
If using the Tandem pump, you use the Tandem app so not seeing data on Libre app and data is not captured and available in Libre Linkup App. It’s understood that Libre/Tandem are working to enable followers to get access to data once it’s in Tandem’s cloud so that it then can be seen in LibreView and followers can get the information, but it’s not possible currently.
Omnipod 5 integration
Freestyle Libre recently announced that the Libre 2 Plus sensor is compatible with Omnipod 5 for use as a hybrid closed loop, however, users have raised several issues with this.
It's known that there will initially be some issues with the integration of Libre 2 Plus at launch…readings will only be available on an Omnipod PDM (Personal Device Monitor ie. separate reader/dummy phone. Glucose levels will NOT be available on a smartphone or updated to LibreView including to followers using LibreLinkUp.
FreeStyle Libre CGM Comparison
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FreeStyle Libre 2 |
FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus |
FreeStyle Libre 3 |
|
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Real-time CGM |
Yes – updates every minute |
Yes – yes updates every minute |
Yes – updates every minute |
|
MARD |
9.2% |
8.2% |
7.8% |
|
Published accuracy data |
Yes (T1 n=133) |
No (T1=128) |
Yes (T1 n=83) |
|
Stand-alone use |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Pump/hybrid closed loop (HCL) compatibility |
No |
Omnipod 5 & Tandem |
YpsoPump |
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Sensor wear time |
14 days |
15 days |
14 days |
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Sensor warm up time |
60 mins |
60 mins |
60 mins |
|
Separate transmitter |
No |
No |
No |
|
Smartphone app |
LibreLink |
LibreLink |
Libre 3 |
|
Reader available |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes (different to Libre 2 reader) |
|
Calibration |
No |
No |
No |
|
High & low alarms |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Predictive alarms |
No |
No – stand-alone use |
No - stand-alone use Yes - HCL use |
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Smart pen data connection |
NovoPen 6 & Echo Plus |
NovoPen 6 & Echo Plus |
No |
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Data share HCP |
LibreView |
LibreView |
LibreView |
|
Data share friends/family app |
LibreLinkUp |
LibreLinkUp – not when using as HCL |
LibreLinkUp |
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UK approved wearable site |
Back of upper arm |
Back of upper arm |
Back of upper arm |
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Thank your for reading. If you have any comments on this blog or the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus that would be helpful to other members, please email us - hello@lovemylibre.com
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Disclaimer
Blogs and publications on this website are independent of any involvement by medtech companies or diabetes related charities. To ensure there is no bias, we do not accept any products, freebies or other material from any medtech provider. Except where credited otherwise, all materials are copyright ©️Love My Libre Ltd.
Love My Libre is not associated or affiliated with Abbott or FreeStyle Libre. Content here and on our website www.lovemylibre.com does not constitute medical advice or replace the relationship between you and healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
The author of this blog has type 1 diabetes and uses the FreeStyle Libre 2 which is provided on NHS prescription.
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