Dexcom One + v Libre 2+

[dannybgoode]

The Dexcom One+ demo sensor has arrived and the Libre replacement is on its way.

As I'm seeing the GP and DS consultant next week I've decided I may as well wear both sensors together and see which I prefer.

Dexcom has already got off to a bad start as it's not compatible with Android 15 which is pretty poor form considering it's been out some months.

I would have thought these companies would want maximum compatibility and it's not like the dev version of new releases isn't available for months before it's released for them to start work on.

The Dexcom One+ app has also flagged some potential issues with iOS18.2 but given the timescales I'm on I'll just have to take the punt.

I'll post more thoughts when I've got them both up and running - hopefully both with work and I'll be able to give the GP some feedback and a convincing case for a script...

 

[Satan’s little helper]

Wish you all the best with your trial. I tried the G6 once. Just as good as the Libre for me, but preferred the lower profile on the white disk. (Less messy looking tape, too.)

 

[Inka]

The Dexcom One+ is like the G7 - a tiny, low profile disc.

I hope your experiment goes smoothly @dannybgoode I have the Dexcom G7 and find it hugely more accurate than the Libre. I’ve never tried the One+ but with the G7, I have the receiver so compatibility isn’t an issue.

 

[dannybgoode]

Wish you all the best with your trial. I tried the G6 once. Just as good as the Libre for me, but preferred the lower profile on the white disk. (Less messy looking tape, too.)

The One+ is a very similar size to Libre so no big difference there.

The Dexcom One+ is like the G7 - a tiny, low profile disc.

I hope your experiment goes smoothly @dannybgoode I have the Dexcom G7 and find it hugely more accurate than the Libre. I’ve never tried the One+ but with the G7, I have the receiver so compatibility isn’t an issue.

Biggest issue at the moment is the app seems flawed.

If you have your phone in silent you won't hear alerts and there is no override. This is different to the Dexcom 7 app so it seems a cynical attempt to have people upgrade to a more expensive sensor.

Alerts are fundamental to the whole point of a CGM and having to have your phone not on silent is silly.

Note this is definitely the case. Read the reviews of the Dexcom One+ app on the app store and it gives specific warnings when you first set the app up that this is the case...

 

[goodybags]

It’s good that you have a replacement Libra2plus on its way @dannybgoode plus you now have the DexcomOne+ even if your concerned about any possible un compatibility

hope you are successful in getting funded CGM, not sure you will get a choice of which system they prescribe if your request is successful, It’s my thoughts that the practice usually has a preference, the GP/ Consultant at the hospital will want to track you via the systems they use.

that was the case for me, although due to a few failures I had my GP has said if I really wanted to he could switch me from the Libra to the Dexcom

I tried both the Libra2 and the One+ and at the time didn’t see much benefit of the Libra so at the time when I was looking to self fund ordered the 3 months subscription to Dexcom (making it better value for me)
one thing I prefer with the Libra is the every minute updates (without the need to scan) whereas the Dexcom is every 5
although I thought the Dexcom (in my case was maintaining a better connection)

to be fair to Abbott any problems I’ve had they’ve been really keen to replace anything suspect and even when I had realised it wasn’t the sensor but something I had done wrong they were happy to send a replacement out

Regarding Android 15 compatibility
I’m not sure if it’s still the case but certainly recently both Abbot & Dexcom both recommended not upgrading to Android 15 (or i-os 18) they both emailed me regarding this, as had previously trialed both,

Android 15 and iOS 18 updates could impact FreeStyle Libre apps usage, Abbott advises

If you do not download the new iOS 18 or Android 15 updates, or you use the FreeStyle Libre 2 reader to monitor your glucose levels, then you will not be affected. Android 15 update The Android 15 update is not yet fully available to all Android phones. It is expected to become for Pixel...

www.diabetes.org.uk

 

[dannybgoode]

Screenshot from app showing warning about it being on silent...

 

[dannybgoode]

Regarding Android 15 compatibility
I’m not sure if it’s still the case but certainly recently both Abbot & Dexcom both recommended not upgrading to Android 15 (or i-os 18)

This really winds me up. The resources these firms have access to and they can't even update their apps even months after a new OS is released is pretty shoddy imo!

 

[Inka]

Can you afford a receiver @dannybgoode ? I think @Lucyr uses the One+ (apologies if I’m misremembering, Lucy).

 

[Satan’s little helper]

The One+ is a very similar size to Libre so no big difference there.

Biggest issue at the moment is the app seems flawed.

If you have your phone in silent you won't hear alerts and there is no override. This is different to the Dexcom 7 app so it seems a cynical attempt to have people upgrade to a more expensive sensor.

Alerts are fundamental to the whole point of a CGM and having to have your phone not on silent is silly.

Note this is definitely the case. Read the reviews of the Dexcom One+ app on the app store and it gives specific warnings when you first set the app up that this is the case...

You might find some hacks for your phone with third party apps that can override. Or even sent to a watch?

 

[goodybags]

Can you afford a receiver @dannybgoode ? I think @Lucyr uses the One+ (apologies if I’m misremembering, Lucy).

I know Abbott (if users ask) usually are happy to send FOC to users who might have compatibility problems

 

[dannybgoode]

Can you afford a receiver @dannybgoode ? I think @Lucyr uses the One+ (apologies if I’m misremembering, Lucy).

It's certainly an option if I like it enough to want to go that route.

Will see what I think of them both and then see if I can get the prx for one and take it from there.

You might find some hacks for your phone with third party apps that can override. Or even sent to a watch?

Good thought, I'll have a hunt around...

 

[Satan’s little helper]

Good thought, I'll have a hunt around...

Although I use a Libre. I know from my hunting that the third party free apps can accommodate Dexcom. Looking at user set ups in topic discussions & developer manuals online is a great way to start. In some cases, you don’t need the latest tech? My mark 4 smartwatch was new but dirt cheap due to the release of the 5,6 & 7. There’s no need to bankrupt yourself with a phone either. Good luck.

 

[dannybgoode]

In some cases, you don’t need the latest tech

Nah, I *need* the latest, greatest and most expensive smartphone and watch . My one little luxury in life and one that my wife permits also.

I have a Garmin watch though and mainly rock Android. Only have an iPhone for work and that's work funded so is older than I'd like.

Running Garmin means hooking up to Libre or Dexcom will require a third party app anyway.

I'll figure all that out once I've decided which sensor I prefer in terms of accuracy and overall ease of use. And of course assuming I get it signed off...

 

[Satan’s little helper]

Nah, I *need* the latest, greatest and most expensive smartphone and watch . My one little luxury in life and one that my wife permits also.

I have a Garmin watch though and mainly rock Android. Only have an iPhone for work and that's work funded so is older than I'd like.

Running Garmin means hooking up to Libre or Dexcom will require a third party app anyway.

I'll figure all that out once I've decided which sensor I prefer in terms of accuracy and overall ease of use. And of course assuming I get it signed off...

I appreciate where you are coming from. There are worst “vices” than the latest tech. 😉 it depends on circumstances. I like where I am with my 2019 phone & 2021 watch got, last summer. If I leave my phone? The watch says “no data” in the BG complications & rattles. I go back to phone, pocket it. & a minute later, it joins the dots. Or I can ditch the phone with Juggluco & connect my sensor straight to my watch. Best wishes with your choice of sensor.

 

[dannybgoode]

Very early days obviously however the accuracy of the One+ is impressive. It a tracking my FP readings to within a +/- 0.1.

Be interesting to see how Libre compares to that.

I love all things tech and could happily upgrade PC, MacBook, iPad, phone etc every few months

 

[Lucyr]

Can you afford a receiver @dannybgoode ? I think @Lucyr uses the One+ (apologies if I’m misremembering, Lucy).

I used it for a test one, didn’t like it and stuck with libre

 

[Satan’s little helper]

I love all things tech and could happily upgrade PC, MacBook, iPad, phone etc every few months

On that score. lol, I’d find that too much hassle. Even the “phone or tablet clone feature” over my WiFi router isn’t worth it unless I get a serious issue with the old unit that warrants an upgrade? Like the built in battery is screwed or “built in obsolescence” on the OS & support? (Which really grinds my gears.)

 

[dannybgoode]

Well the Libre is here and I'm pleased to say this sensor is working just fine. The good news is that the app works just fine with Android 15 so I can properly test the app as it will be used 'in the wild'.

The Dexcom started off pretty much matching my BG meter but has drifted high by a couple of mmol over the last 24 hours.

So far the Libre has started off matching my BG meter also so will be interesting to see if it drifts also.

 

[dannybgoode]

Both sensors still working nicely and both seem equally as accurate, or indeed inaccurate.

Sometimes the Libre pretty much matches my BG meter, sometimes it's the Dexcom. No particular pattern as to which is in the zone (eg it doesn't seem one is more accurate when my BG is high and the other when it is more normal).

I prefer the Libre app I think though so I think that's what I'm going to ask for. Bed to get some runs in once the ice has finally melted so I can see how they both respond to that and see if one is more useful than the other there.

 

[Satan’s little helper]

Both sensors still working nicely and both seem equally as accurate, or indeed inaccurate.

Sometimes the Libre pretty much matches my BG meter, sometimes it's the Dexcom. No particular pattern as to which is in the zone (eg it doesn't seem one is more accurate when my BG is high and the other when it is more normal).

I prefer the Libre app I think though so I think that's what I'm going to ask for. Bed to get some runs in once the ice has finally melted so I can see how they both respond to that and see if one is more useful than the other there.

Give it the life duration of use on the demo Dexcom before you fully make up your mind. You got 4 more days on the Libre. 😉