Below is a comparison of some of the key features of the glucose sensors available under the PEI Glucose Sensor Program.
|
Dexcom (G6 and G7 sensors) |
Freestyle Libre (Libre 2 sensor and Libre 3 plus sensor) |
Medtronic (Guardian 3 and Guardian 4 sensors) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| How long does the sensor last? | 10 days | Libre 2 = 14 days Libre 3 plus = 15 days |
7 days |
| Have high and low alerts / alarms? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| How often are calibrations required? (with finger stick testing) | G6: Once at start up, and more frequently if you do not enter a sensor code | No calibration required | Guardian 3: Twice per day minimum (can be 3 to 4 times per day) |
| G7: Do not need to calibrate | Guardian 4: No calibration required | ||
| Where can I insert the sensor on my body? (may vary for young children) | Arms, abdomen, legs, buttocks | Upper arm only | Guardian 3: Arms, abdomen, legs, buttocks |
| Guardian 4: Arms, abdomen, buttocks | |||
| Can I shower when wearing it? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Can I go swimming with the sensor? | Yes (maximum depth of 8 feet for up to 24 hours) |
Yes (maximum depth of 3 feet for up to 30 mins) |
Yes (maximum depth of 8 feet for up to 30 mins) |
| Are my glucose results shareable with family members? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Are my glucose results shareable with my health care providers? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Does it work with an insulin pump? | Yes (with Tandem pump and Omnipod 5 pump) |
No | Yes (with Medtronic pump) |
| Guardian 4: Compatible only with 780G pump | |||
| Does it work without an insulin pump? | Yes | Yes | Yes, Guardian 3 sensor only |
| Maximum allowable # of sensors per year under PEI program | G6: 39 sensors (13 boxes) |
26 sensors | 55 sensors (11 boxes) |
| G7: 39 sensors | |||
| How do I get a replacement sensor if my sensor falls out (or I have to remove it) early? | Customer Service 1-844-832-1810 (Option 1) |
Customer Service 1-888-205-8296 (Option 2) |
Customer Service 1-800-284-4416 (Option 1) |
| How long does the transmitter last? | G6: 3 months | Not applicable | 1 year |
| G7: Not applicable | |||
| Where can I get a no-cost replacement transmitter? | G6: Local pharmacy (every 3 months) | Not applicable | Local Pharmacy (1 per year) or contact Medtronic Customer Service (toll free # above) |
| How do I know if my smart phone / device is compatible with my sensor? | If you can download and open the app on your device, the sensor is compatible | ||
Websites for more information (listed in alphabetical order):