DexcomOne+ or Freestyle Libra2plus (to self fund)

[goodybags]

I’m going to need to make a decision
which do I go with ?
I’m getting on really well with CGM to help me control my diabetes

So after approximately 35 years of being diagnosed as diabetic (although looking back I reckon I was definitely pre or possibly diabetic but un-diagnosed as long ago as around 40 years ago)
used to be quite healthy so for years never really saw Dr..
very different these days (as some people on here know)

I really think CGM even for us T2’s (especially those of us on Insulin) is a game changer
to help us understand how we doing
far better than finger pricking
no need to log etc
and obviously if provided by HCP ability for sharing data etc.. but I’ve been told no I’m unsuccessful at getting CGM funded.

Ive tried the freestyle Libra 2Plus on their 14 day Free Trial
I actually received a second as the first seemed to develop a fault (or maybe it was me)
anyway I was quite happy with it over the 29 days I ended up trialing their product for

Then yesterday
I received my Free 10 day Trial of Dexcom One+
In some ways I think the DexcomOne+ will be better than the Libra for me (certainly slightly cheaper)
in other ways I’m thinking the Libra will be the one I go for

I was hoping anybody else who might’ve tried both (especially if your self funded)
can you share your thoughts, your advice will be welcome

 

[Bruce Stephens]

In some ways I think the DexcomOne+ will be better than the Libra for me (certainly slightly cheaper)

Is it cheaper? Dexcom One+ is £35 for 10 days (so £105 for 30 days), but you can buy a starter pack of 2 Libre 2+ sensors (also 30 days) for £86.23.

If you want to take gaps when you're not using a sensor (which is a perfectly reasonable way to reduce costs) then it's a bit more complex, I guess. Maybe a 10-day sensor is better for that (though people have certainly used Libre in that way).

 

[goodybags]

Is it cheaper? Dexcom One+ is £35 for 10 days (so £105 for 30 days), but you can buy a starter pack of 2 Libre 2+ sensors (also 30 days) for £86.23.

If you want to take gaps when you're not using a sensor (which is a perfectly reasonable way to reduce costs) then it's a bit more complex, I guess. Maybe a 10-day sensor is better for that (though people have certainly used Libre in that way).

Thanks for your reply @Bruce Stephens
I had based my calculations on a getting the twin pack of 2 libre sensors (infact my first delivery was dispatched only today) so will arrive anytime in the next few days.
3 X twin / starter packs of Libra2 works out £258.69 (£2.87 per day equivalent)
VS
buying Dexcom One+ on a 90 day (cancel label at anytime subscription) rather than a 30 day sensor pack
the 90 day deal with Dexcom currently is £229 (£2.54 per day equivalent)

Overall a annual difference of im maybe £120.54
(im comparing both suppliers current shall we call them multi buy offers)

so
now thinking from a experience/ more than just the money

TBH - its a shame the freestyle libre didn’t seamlessly work better
in the alerts of my phone,
that could’ve made my decision even easier (than it currently is)
it has been suggested I contact Abbot regarding that but havent, yet
…l
UPDATED
Reason fr the Edit Bs going low

glad I’m now using CGM
time for some LIFT glucose tabs
before I take what will send me to a much needed
Zzz (It’s on prescription from my GP so it’s okay)
feeling Hypo

WOW both CGM & Finger Test @same
that’s a tick for Dexcom

 

[victorhamesse]

I've tried both and in the end gone for Dexcom1+. It's about 25% cheaper. I found with Libre that after the initial 2 pack at a cheaper price I was unable to buy any more, so had to use the single purchase price. With the Dexcom1+ on a subscription, the 9 at a time price was about 34% less than the 1 at a time Libre2 on a daily basis.

Dexcom1+ - 9 pack £ 233.99 - 90 days - £ 2.6 per day
Libre2 - 1 pack £ 51.74 - 15 days - £ 3.5 per day
Dexcom1+ = savings of 34% ( = savings of 21% if only 9 days per sensor)

I'll only switch back if the Dexcom stutter problem annoys me sufficiently. (Stutter = gives erratic readings for the first day and the last 12 hours - it settles down after a day. Not an issue for me yet as I'm only using this to make decisions about eating times, quantities and types of food not insulin dosage.). I've had the stutter problem on two of the last three sensors.

 

[Taighnamona]

I’ve only tried the Libre2, not the newest version so can’t comment on that. It was helpful in the ways you’ve described for sure in helping me manage my diabetes but I found it to be inaccurate at high/ low levels. Remember I’m still talking about the previous version.
I’ve since self funded the dexcom1 plus on the three monthly subscribe n save deal. It’s defo more accurate matching with my t2 meter about 80% of the time and pretty close the rest of the time. Plus it also links with my Apple Watch without needing a third party app.
Downside …if I move around the house or garden without carrying the phone it loses the signal. It does reconnect and no data is lost but it’s a little bit annoying.
Overall there’s not a huge daily difference in the price and I may consider retrying the newer Libre in the future. Future costs will certainly influence my decision. To ease the overall costs I usually wear it for a few weeks then take a break.
It’s been the best thing to help me tighten and maintain control of my diabetes and it’s very short sighted of the nhs not to fund them for all diabetics esp at the early stages when dietary control could save a lifetime of misery.

 

[goodybags]

I've tried both and in the end gone for Dexcom1+. It's about 25% cheaper. I found with Libre that after the initial 2 pack at a cheaper price I was unable to buy any more, so had to use the single purchase price. With the Dexcom1+ on a subscription, the 9 at a time price was about 34% less than the 1 at a time Libre2 on a daily basis.

Dexcom1+ - 9 pack £ 233.99 - 90 days - £ 2.6 per day
Libre2 - 1 pack £ 51.74 - 15 days - £ 3.5 per day
Dexcom1+ = savings of 34% ( = savings of 21% if only 9 days per sensor)

I'll only switch back if the Dexcom stutter problem annoys me sufficiently. (Stutter = gives erratic readings for the first day and the last 12 hours - it settles down after a day. Not an issue for me yet as I'm only using this to make decisions about eating times, quantities and types of food not insulin dosage.). I've had the stutter problem on two of the last three sensors.

Thanks for the reply, do you know from your experience ?
do Dexcom like replacing any problem sensors
I ask as on the LibraPlus2 that I had on the free 14 day trial, when I had a few connection issues, Abbott seemed quite willing to just send another which is a tick in their box

 

[victorhamesse]

Thanks for the reply, do you know from your experience ?
do Dexcom like replacing any problem sensors
I ask as on the LibraPlus2 that I had on the free 14 day trial, when I had a few connection issues, Abbott seemed quite willing to just send another which is a tick in their box

So far my experience with Dex1+ is that there are two issues stutter and accuracy. When I raised this with Dex, they reacted to the accuracy but not to the stutter. I found a Dex reading of 3.7 and a fingerprick reading of 6, but after a while they converged. I guess they put the difference down to the "first 24 hour stutter". They did offer to immediately replace the sensor if the inaccuracy continued.

I found that the Dex1+ didn't complain about disconnection but the Libre2 did. When the phone/sensor distance did cause a disconnect, it reestablished without a drama. Not so with the Libre2 (had to re-enable bluetooth etc). There's no visible stutter with the Libre but this may just be smoothed out by the software. Probably better for the user I think.

The Dex1+ sticks like a limpet with the extra doughnut patch while I did knock a Libre2 sensor off my arm on a door frame.

 

[goodybags]

So far my experience with Dex1+ is that there are two issues stutter and accuracy. When I raised this with Dex, they reacted to the accuracy but not to the stutter. I found a Dex reading of 3.7 and a fingerprick reading of 6, but after a while they converged. I guess they put the difference down to the "first 24 hour stutter". They did offer to immediately replace the sensor if the inaccuracy continued.

I found that the Dex1+ didn't complain about disconnection but the Libre2 did. When the phone/sensor distance did cause a disconnect, it reestablished without a drama. Not so with the Libre2 (had to re-enable bluetooth etc). There's no visible stutter with the Libre but this may just be smoothed out by the software. Probably better for the user I think.

The Dex1+ sticks like a limpet with the extra doughnut patch while I did knock a Libre2 sensor off my arm on a door frame.

thanks for your input I like the way the Dexcom seems to automatically re-connect seamlessly, whereas on the Libra2Plus I did find it needed usually about 4 scans to get it to re-connect,
so will most likely decide to go with the DexcomOne+ also it comes with its own ring and I think it’s more waterproof which could be a good idea for when swimming (I am trying to improve my fitness) and relaxing in sauna/spa after a swim.

 

[Robin]

thanks for your input I like the way the Dexcom seems to automatically re-connect seamlessly, whereas on the Libra2Plus I did find it needed usually about 4 scans to get it to re-connect,
so will most likely decide to go with the DexcomOne+ also it comes with its own ring and I think it’s more waterproof which could be a good idea for when swimming (I am trying to improve my fitness) and relaxing in sauna/spa after a swim.

I’m on Day 2 of my Dexcom One+ trial, and I must say, losing signal was one of the things I wasn’t looking forward to, having read loads of posts on the forum about connectivity problems. But as you say, if I've wandered off down the garden without my phone (which I’m very prone to doing )it just reconnects itself when I get back in.

 

[goodybags]

I’m on Day 2 of my Dexcom One+ trial, and I must say, losing signal was one of the things I wasn’t looking forward to, having read loads of posts on the forum about connectivity problems. But as you say, if I've wandered off down the garden without my phone (which I’m very prone to doing )it just reconnects itself when I get back in.

thanks for that @Robin
as far as I can see the only downside to the Dexcom (in comparison to the Libra) is you cant scan (but then again its just CGM) and can’t take screenshots
I suppose not everyone wants screenshots, I kind of did like that whilst wearing my trial Libra

Im still hoping to be able to put a case forward to a HCP, in the hope they can fund rather than self funded
still got 6 days left on this One+ sensor that is currently stuck to my arm
but so far apart from the annoyance of not being able to screenshot I’m surprising impressed with the DexcomOne+

 

[Bruce Stephens]

as far as I can see the only downside to the Dexcom (in comparison to the Libra) is you cant scan

As I understand it Dexcom is designed not to need scanning, so has a Bluetooth protocol for filling in gaps. Libre 2 (because it started as a scan-only thing) doesn't, and all it's doing is sending a reading once a minute (originally for the alarms), so to fill in gaps you need to scan. I believe people who've used Libre 3 report it can also fill in gaps over Bluetooth.

 

[Chelseagirl]

I trialled the L2 this time last year. I had 3 amd none of them worked properly. I then tried the G7 which I was very happy with. Switched to One+ as it was cheaper. I am also very happy with the One+. Apply replacement when I go into the 12 hours grace period, then “switch it on” 4-6 hrs later. Usually pretty accurate from the get go, but calibrate once or twice and it remains close for the rest of the time. Had one G7 which was dodgy, and was replaced promptly. Only difficulty was that the agent was in Germany, and we had some communication issues! One+ sticks like glue, think they use superglue on mine as I can’t get the blasted thing off!

 

[goodybags]

so far having tested for myself both
TBH im quite impressed with the DexcomOne+

having said that today spoke to both my GP & a DSN at length regarding my ongoing Diabetes control
after explaining everything, it seems - there might still be a way that I might not need to self fund after all, (fingers crossed) following making my GP aware I’ve had night time hypos recently,
I was sure I had told him before, but seems he wasn’t aware, anyway he’s going to re-apply to whoever does the funding and see, as we all know funding from NHS it seems isn’t available to T2’s as a rule

the DSN reckons if this request comes back in my favour and she thinks it might
following my chat with the GP as it was him who asked her to call me
plus I’m being referred for face to face consultation with the Diabetic Consultant at the local hospital
previously ive never seen a consultant actually face to face ever dispite being diagnosed as Diabetic approximately 30 years ago (so fingers crossed)

Edit so
having just posted this comment
I glanced at my phone
anyone who also regularly posts in the waking average thread
will know why I was surprised to see that on my Dexcom app
TC

 

[stev1]

I’m going to need to make a decision
which do I go with ?
I’m getting on really well with CGM to help me control my diabetes

So after approximately 35 years of being diagnosed as diabetic (although looking back I reckon I was definitely pre or possibly diabetic but un-diagnosed as long ago as around 40 years ago)
used to be quite healthy so for years never really saw Dr..
very different these days (as some people on here know)

I really think CGM even for us T2’s (especially those of us on Insulin) is a game changer
to help us understand how we doing
far better than finger pricking
no need to log etc
and obviously if provided by HCP ability for sharing data etc.. but I’ve been told no I’m unsuccessful at getting CGM funded.

Ive tried the freestyle Libra 2Plus on their 14 day Free Trial
I actually received a second as the first seemed to develop a fault (or maybe it was me)
anyway I was quite happy with it over the 29 days I ended up trialing their product for

Then yesterday
I received my Free 10 day Trial of Dexcom One+
In some ways I think the DexcomOne+ will be better than the Libra for me (certainly slightly cheaper)
in other ways I’m thinking the Libra will be the one I go for

I was hoping anybody else who might’ve tried both (especially if your self funded)
can you share your thoughts, your advice will be welcome

Hi Hope you dont mind me asking,but how do you go about getting free trials from Libra and Dexcom

 

[Bruce Stephens]

Hi Hope you dont mind me asking,but how do you go about getting free trials from Libra and Dexcom

For Libre there's a FREE TRIAL button on the website https://www.freestyle.abbott/uk-en/home.html

 

[Chelseagirl]

Hi Hope you dont mind me asking,but how do you go about getting free trials from Libra and Dexcom

I rang Dexcom and asked them! Explained that I was trialling both as a self funder and they sent me a G7 to try. This was about a year ago tho. They were offering trials of the One+ a couple of weeks ago so it might be worth a call.

 

[goodybags]

Hi Hope you dont mind me asking,but how do you go about getting free trials from Libra and Dexcom

hi @stev1
as @Bruce Stephens has already posted
to get a Freestyle Libra2plus on their 15 day FREE trial just head over to their website
fill out a registration, ensure you declare you are diabetic and over 18 and they should send you one

I got the DexcomOne+ on their free trial (just paid£4.99P&P)
which was ordered via their website

however, many have recently posted after Dexcom were swamped with requests they (as it was number limited) seemed to pull it from their website
HOWEVER I’ve just looked on their website
they are again taking registrations to receive a free trial of the DexcomOne+
see here

Dexcom ONE+ Sensor | Dexcom UK Online Store

The Dexcom ONE+ sensors measure glucose levels for 10 days and come with a pre-loaded auto-applicator.

uk.store.dexcom.com

note
on registration at Dexcom ensure you tick the box, to declare you are diabetic within your profile
to be VAT exempt, otherwise when you pay delivery it will automatically add 20% VAT to the delivery charge.

Hope this helps

 

[Foz556]

Hi Hope you dont mind me asking,but how do you go about getting free trials from Libra and Dexcom

I just went online and applied a few days ago and it just arrived today!

 

[Foz556]

I have received my FreeLibre 2 through the post (that was quick)!! I was wondering if anyone has any advice before I stick it on. I only have 14 days and want to make the most of it so did people find it best to continue as normal with diet / exercise and see what was having an impact? Is it best to start it first thing so that you don't get night readings to begin with? Does none of this matter and it's just a case of going for it and then using whatever readings you get? For context I am not on medication so won't need to consider hypos / alarms.

I know 14 days isn't very long to play aorund with different food combinations so I just want to see if this is something I want to continue with (self funded) as I don't earn much.

Any advice for a newby to this type of testing very welcome 🙂

Also I have my next HBA1c today.....don't think it's going to be particularly good

 

[Bruce Stephens]

I only have 14 days and want to make the most of it so did people find it best to continue as normal with diet / exercise and see what was having an impact?

My guess is that's a good way to start: just see what happens for a couple of days when you're doing what you normally do. Then try a few (fairly obvious) tweaks (like a walk after eating, for example) and see what they do. If you're curious about particular foods, it would make sense to make sure you've bought whatever's needed so you can try them. Similarly, if you've been missing going to a particular restaurant, clear time to try that.

But I'm Type 1 so I'm largely guessing about what's likely to be best for you.