The CGM Blog

Dexcom G6 vs. Freestyle Libre 2: Why the Differences Matter

For people living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, blood glucose management can be frustrating and complicated. You have to consistently track your glucose levels, monitor your activities and diet daily, making constant adjustments to avoid highs and lows.

The traditional method of measuring blood sugar with a fingerprick and a blood glucose monitor only gives insight into glucose levels at that single moment in time. Today, there are different glucose sensor technologies available that can give people living with diabetes even more information. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems like the Dexcom G6, and flash glucose monitoring (FGM) systems, such as the FreeStyle Libre 2, both can give people living with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes valuable glucose data beyond just a single glucose number.

While both continuous glucose monitoring and flash glucose monitoring are able to identify trends in glucose levels, send alerts, and even share data with loved ones, they each have their own unique features that may impact your diabetes care differently. To help you determine which system is right for you, let’s discover what Dexcom G6 CGM vs FreeStyle Libre 2 have to offer in our CGM comparison.

The Similarities Between Dexcom CGM vs FreeStyle Libre FGM

Both Dexcom G6 CGM and Freestyle Libre 2 Flash Glucose Monitoring System can measure glucose levels continuously and translate the readings into data on your compatible device. However, Dexcom G6 offers continuous glucose data in real-time with no scanning required. But what does that mean?

To view glucose data with FreeStyle Libre 2, you need to manually scan the sensor with a compatible device or reader. For those using FreeStyle Libre 2 Flash Glucose Monitoring System and are sharing their data with others, this also means that those who follow you only receive glucose readings when the sensor is scanned.

With Dexcom G6, glucose data is continuously transmitted to your compatible device up to every 5 minutes. This means your glucose data is just a quick glance away, without ever having to manually scan your sensor. Your glucose data is also continuously sent to anyone you share your data with via the Dexcom Follow app.^|| This is especially helpful for parents of children living with diabetes as both they and their child no longer have to wake up at night to scan the sensor and get a reading. Both the Dexcom G6 user and followers receive continuous data. With Dexcom G6, you can set your phone down and feel confident knowing the system can continuously be sending updates to your phone, and to your loved ones, without you needing to take any action.

What makes Dexcom G6 Different from Other Glucose Monitors?

The Power of Predictive Alerts

Both the Dexcom G6 and Freestyle Libre 2 have the ability to send customizable alerts to your compatible device or receiver to warn you if your glucose levels are heading too high or too low.

The difference between the two systems is how these alerts impact your diabetes treatment decisions. While the FreeStyle Libre 2 does send alerts, they are optional and received once you’ve already reached the your set threshold for low glucose. This allows you to make reactive changes to avoid further complications from a potential hypoglycemic event, but you won’t be notified if there’s a sudden or rapid change in your glucose levels. The FreeStyle Libre 2 alert will also not show your glucose reading unless you manually scan.

Dexcom G6, however, alerts you of changes to your glucose levels to help you make timely decisions about your diabetes treatment decisions. There’s the predictive Urgent Low Soon alert that can notify you before a serious low. You can also customize high and low alerts to take action* if your glucose levels are moving out of range, day or night. Plus, the Alert Schedule feature lets you create a second group of alerts that suits your lifestyle. These intuitive easily customized alerts give you the power to be proactive and make adjustments to prevent to suit your diabetes management needs.

Continuous Data Visibility vs. Manual Scanning

Both Dexcom G6 and Freestyle Libre 2 monitors can measure glucose levels continuously and translate the readings into data on your compatible device. However, Dexcom G6 offers continuous glucose data in real-time with no scanning required. But what does that mean?

To view glucose data with FreeStyle Libre 2, you need to manually scan the sensor with a compatible device or reader. For those using FreeStyle Libre 2 and are sharing their data with others, this also means that those who follow you only receive glucose readings when the sensor is scanned.

Choosing The Right Glucose Monitor For Your Diabetes Management

When it comes to diabetes management, every person has needs that are unique to their specific lifestyle and routine. That’s why it’s important to understand which continuous glucose monitor has the features that suit your needs best.

Apart from data visibility and the predictive alert, there are additional key benefits that make Dexcom G6 unique from FreeStyle Libre 2:

With Dexcom G6 and the Dexcom Follow app, you can automatically share real-time glucose data with up to 10 loved ones^|| without any manual scanning.
The Dexcom CLARITY web-based platform and mobile app provides important glucose metrics over time, such as your time in range (TIR) percentage.
Dexcom G6 has more approved placements, including the upper arm and abdomen for adults (18+), and the upper buttocks and abdomen for children ages 2 to 17 years. FreeStyle Libre 2 can only be applied to the back of your upper arm.^†
Dexcom G6 is water-resistant^¶ for up to 24 hours submerged in 2.4 meters of water. FreeStyle Libre 2 is water-resistant^§ for just 30 minutes submerged in only 1 meter of water.

Someone with a busy lifestyle might want to avoid the hassle of manual scanning and choose the convenience of continuous glucose data from Dexcom G6. Or for those who might be hypo-unaware, the predictive alert offered by the Dexcom G6 can be helpful in preventing serious lows throughout the day and night.

At the end of the day, living with diabetes can feel like a constant balancing act. Selecting the glucose monitor that complements your lifestyle and provides stability in your day-to-day activities can help you confidently transition from everyday maintenance to proactive diabetes management.

Learn more about the Dexcom G6 CGM system here. Need help with insurance coverage? Speak to our team of Account Specialists to start taking control of your diabetes with Dexcom G6.