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Freestyle Libre Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (CGM)

You can check your blood glucose without fingersticks using the continuous glucose monitoring FreeStyle Libre 14 day system from Abbott, a CGM with a glucose sensor, handheld reader & smartphone app. Read answers to frequently asked questions.

With a history spanning over 130 years, Abbott has long been a leading company in the medical world. Abbott products are trusted in fields ranging from diagnostics to pharmaceuticals. US MED carries a pair of Abbott-brand continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems - the FreeStyle Libre 14-day system and the FreeStyle Libre 2 CGM - as well as FreeStyle Libre sensor options.

FreeStyle Libre
FreeStyle Libre

The FreeStyle Libre 14-day system is a CGM system that relies on a glucose sensor you’ll wear on the back of your upper arm. That sensor - which measures glucose every minute thanks to a thin filament placed just below the skin - can be scanned with either a handheld reader or a compatible smart device.

Benefits

Go Fingerstick Free
With the FreeStyle Libre 14 day system, you’ll be able to live your day-to-day life while nearly eliminating the need for finger prick tests.

Smart Glucose Info
Check your glucose levels in an instant - all you need is your smartphone!

Make Managing Diabetes Easy
The FreeStyle Libre 14 day system can help you cut down on your time in hypoglycemia.

Long-Lasting Sensors
Your FreeStyle Libre 14-day sensor will last up to two weeks before it needs to be replaced.

Compatibility

These smartphones are recommended for use with the FreeStyle LibreLink app. Note that Android phones must have near-field communication features and use Android 7.1 or higher to be compatible with the app. Compatible iPhones must use iOS 13.2 or higher.

Apple

  • iPhone 7
  • iPhone 7 Plus
  • iPhone 8
  • iPhone 8 Plus
  • iPhone X
  • iPhone XR
  • iPhone XS
  • iPhone XS Max



  • iPhone 11
  • iPhone 11 Pro
  • iPhone 11 Pro Max
  • iPhone 12
  • iPhone 12 Pro
  • iPhone 12 Pro Max
  • iPhone 12 Mini
  • iPhone SE (2020)

Google

  • Google Pixel
  • Google Pixel 2
  • Google Pixel 2 XL
  • Google Pixel 3
  • Google Pixel 3 XL
  • Google Pixel 4
  • Google Pixel 4 XL

LG

  • LG Nexus 5X

Samsung

  • Samsung Galaxy S5
  • Samsung Galaxy S6
  • Samsung Galaxy S7
  • Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
  • Samsung Galaxy S8
  • Samsung Galaxy S8+
  • Samsung Galaxy S9
  • Samsung Galaxy S10
Diabetes Supplies Online

The FreeStyle Libre 2 system is the latest diabetes monitor system from Abbott. It offers a user experience similar to that of its predecessor, newly enhanced with a number of noteworthy features.

Benefits

Glucose Monitoring For (Almost) All Ages
Unlike the original FreeStyle Libre system, the FreeStyle Libre 2 can be used by both adults and children as young as 4 years old.

Get Connected
The FreeStyle Libre 2 has been designated as an iCGM by the FDA - that means it’s capable of digital communication with other devices.

Alarming Feedback
With the FreeStyle Libre 2, you can choose to receive real-time glucose alarms that will let you know when your levels are too low or high.

Accurate Results - Fast
This system will give you the quick, reliable glucose readings FreeStyle Libre is known for.

FreeStyle-Libre-2

Compatibility

The FreeStyle Libre 2 system has been designed for use with its own app for smart devices. As of April 2021, however, the FreeStyle Libre 2 app was still under FDA review. In the meantime, the system can be used with a dedicated reader.

How FreeStyle Libre Systems Work

Whether you choose the FreeStyle Libre 14 day system or the FreeStyle Libre 2, the process of getting started with your new CGM is simple. First, you’ll choose a site to wear the sensor and clean the skin there. Then you’ll open your sensor pack, place it on a hard surface, and press down on it firmly with the included applicator. Finally, put the sensor applicator on your chosen site and press down firmly until the sensor is in place.

Once your sensor is in place, you’ll be able to scan it regularly with your reader. FreeStyle sensors are designed to stay in place for up to 14 days, so you won’t have to worry about replacing it for quite some time!

Frequently Asked Questions

The FreeStyle Libre 14 day reader costs $99.99 cash/credit from US MED, while the FreeStyle Libre 2 reader costs $149.99 cash/credit. These rates are discounted for customers purchasing FreeStyle Libre systems without insurance. The customers will also need to purchase the sensor packs separately.

Medicare can cover FreeStyle Libre systems for US MED members meeting criteria for eligibility.

These systems require a prescription and medical records from your physician.

To take off a FreeStyle Libre sensor, pull up on the edge of the adhesive and slowly peel the sensor away. If there is any adhesive left on your skin, it can be removed with isopropyl alcohol or warm, soapy water.

With the FreeStyle Libre 14 day system, you can use a compatible smartphone in lieu of a handheld reader. Since FDA approval of the FreeStyle Libre 2 app is pending, you’ll still need to use a handheld Libre 2 reader with the newer system.

If you receive error messages while using either the FreeStyle Libre 14 day system or the FreeStyle Libre 2 system, check your user’s manual to learn more.

These systems do use a small needle in the sensor application process. The needle is not left in the application site while patients wear their sensors.

Applying and scanning FreeStyle Libre sensors is pain-free for most users.

Sounds and vibrations made by the reader are associated with confirmation, notifications, and reminders. If you’d like to change sounds and vibrations, you can find options related to this feedback in the reader’s software.