Medtronic Sensor vs FreeStyle Libre: Key Differences

According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 133 million Americans suffer from diabetes. In many of these cases, one of the major concerns of healthcare providers is to make a personalized plan, including medications and lifestyle changes, to keep blood glucose levels within the target range. However, to actualize these measures, doctors need to have reliable, long-term BGL data at hand. This is often achieved by utilizing continuous glucose monitoring, where the decision frequently comes down to a comparison of Medtronic Sensor vs FreeStyle Libre to determine which device best captures the data necessary for a successful treatment plan.

In this article, we will go through the key differences between the Medtronic sensor vs FreeStyle Libre sensors to find out which of them produces better results when it comes to blood glucose monitoring. In addition, some of the well-known CGM brands have also been linked for the reader’s convenience.

What is the Medtronic Sensor?

Medtronic blood glucose monitoring sensors are easy-to-use CGMs that are known for their high efficacy as well as user comfort. Being small and compact in their design, these wearable products do not become prominent when worn under the clothes. As the sensor works 24/7, getting a thorough insight into the fluctuations of the patient’s BGL levels becomes possible.

Using the Medtronic Sensors: Pros and Cons

Pros

• The Medtronic sensors offer seamless integration with the Medtronic pumps to allow closed-loop insulin delivery.
• The stronger algorithm of these Medtronic sensors ensures better control over the blood glucose levels.
• Unlike some other CGMs, the Medtronic sensors can be applied to more than one skin site.
• The BGL data collected by the Medtronic sensors is visible on the pump and the CareLink app, from where it can be easily shared with the healthcare provider.

Cons

• Medtronic sensors, as compared to other competitive brands, are bulkier due to their larger shape. That’s why the device is often easily visible from above the clothes.
• Some patients also experience adhesive issues with the use of Medtronic sensors due to their larger size.
• The two-hand insertion process of applying the Medtronic sensors complicates the procedure for the patient. Here, assistance is often required.
• An accuracy lag does exist for Medtronic sensors as they estimate the BGL value from the interstitial fluid instead of directly from the blood.
• Changing the Medtronic sensor at nighttime becomes difficult as there is a need to charge the transmitter between sensors. In addition, a warmup time of 2 hours also complicates the process.

What is the FreeStyle Libre Sensor?

The FreeStyle Libre sensors are small-sized, discreet CGM sensors (claimed to be the smallest CGM sensors in the world) that have been designed to be worn at the back of the upper arm. As the systems are painless to apply, patients prefer them considering their comfort. The device shows the BGL results on the smartphone having the FreeStyle Libre systems app.

Using FreeStyle Libre Sensors: Pros and Cons

Pros

• The small and discreet size of these CGM sensors makes them inconspicuous, leading to enhanced patient comfort.
• With the use of FreeStyle Libre sensors, there is no need for taking frequent fingerstick tests as the device provides quick and reliable BGL results. In addition, manual calibration is also not required as the device comes with a factory-set algorithm to do so automatically.
• When compared based on the cost, these FreeStyle Libre CGM sensors are more cost-effective than other available options.

Cons

• Some people may experience skin issues, like redness, itching, or irritation at the site of insertion.
• People with an active lifestyle can experience loosening of the sensor or its displacement due to strenuous exercise. In addition, the sensor can also give temporary errors during the activity.
• Despite their numerous benefits, these FreeStyle Libre sensors present an accuracy lag. This is because the device measures glucose levels from the interstitial fluid, which lags behind the glucose levels in the blood. Generally, it is not a major issue, but can become one in case of rapid BGL changes.
• As the FreeStyle Libre sensors work for up to 14 days, twice a month replacements are required.

Medtronic Sensor vs. FreeStyle Libre Sensor: How Do They Differ?

When it comes to choosing a suitable continuous glucose monitor for yourself or for your loved ones, the choice can become overwhelming due to the availability of numerous brands. Here, drawing a comparison among different products facilitates the decision. In this regard, the following table lists the features of the Medtronic sensors and FreeStyle Libre sensors to show their similarities and differences:

Features	Medtronic Sensors	FreeStyle Libre Sensors
Insertion Parts	Three pieces, including sensor, inserter, and transmitter	Two pieces, including sensor pack and sensor applicator in case of Libre 2, one piece for Libre 3
Wearable Pieces	Sensor and transmitter	All-in-one sensor and transmitter
Usage Frequency	Single use	Single use
Suitable Placement Sites	Abdomen, arm, upper buttocks	Back of upper arm
Sensor Warm-Up Time	2 hours	1 hour
Wear Time	Up to 7 days	Up to 14 days
Compatible Display Devices	Smartphone, Smartwatch, MiniMed Insulin pumps	Smartphone (Apple, Android), Reader (requires scanning to receive glucose data)
Spoken Glucose Readings	✘	✘
Trend Arrows	✔	✔
In-the-Moment BGL Alerts	✔ Urgent low (3.1 mmol/L) Low High Falling or rising fast	✔ Low High
Predictive Alerts	✔ High and low within the next 60 minutes	✘
Alert Convenience Settings	Alert silence options (insulin pumps only) Snooze option for high and low alerts	–
Waterproof/Water-Resistant Sensor	✔ Water-resistant until the depth of 2.4 meters (8 feet) for up to 30 minutes	✔ Water-resistant until the depth of 1 meter (3 feet) for up to 30 minutes
Need for Fingerstick Calibration	✘	✘
Relevant Data Sharing App	CareLink Connect app	LibreLinkUp app
Glucose Data Report Website	CareLink Personal, MiniMed Mobile	LibreView

Continuous Glucose Monitors at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications

Checking the blood sugar level of a diabetic patient multiple times a day helps get an insight on how well the body is responding to certain medication or lifestyle modifications. Conventionally done by fingerprick tests that caused a lot of pain and discomfort to the patient, the process has been updated with the use of continuous glucose monitors.

However, when it comes to learning about the Medtronic sensors and FreeStyle Libre sensors, it is also essential to look into some of the products that many brands manufacture. Some of these well-known continuous glucose monitors are also available at Health Supply 770 and have been detailed below, along with their features and purchase links:

Medtronic Guardian Sensor 4 For 780G BX/5

Product Details

Medtronic Guardian sensor 4 is a continuous glucose monitor known for its versatility and safety among individuals from all age groups, including children above the age of seven. These products have been approved after they have been subjected to extensive testing. One of the main advantages of these Medtronic sensors is that they can record and display real-time BGL readings.

In addition, the product also displays graphs and trends representing all the fluctuations in the blood glucose levels throughout the day. The device can also make precise adjustments in the rapid-acting insulin depending upon the highs and lows in the blood glucose levels. Moreover, an under-estimated carbohydrate count can also be automatically corrected by the system in case of highs in the BGL, along with mitigating the effects of occasionally missed meal doses.

Furthermore, these Medtronic sensors are compatible with the relevant receivers as well as the smartphones that have the relevant sensor app. The device is a prescription-only product that can be inserted under the skin to read the BGL levels for a period of 7 days.

FreeStyle Libre 14-Day Sensors

Product Details

FreeStyle Libre sensors are continuous glucose monitors that are widely used by diabetic patients who need a real-time estimation of their sugar levels. With a wear time of 7 to 14 days, these single-use sensors need replacement due to lacking accuracy in the results. The product is water-resistant, which means it can be worn while swimming or taking a shower.

In addition, these FreeStyle Libre sensors are small and discreet, a feature that keeps the users comfortable by keeping the device hidden under the clothes. When connected with a suitable receiver or a smartphone, the device shares the recorded data, where it is displayed in the form of trends, graphs, and arrows indicating whether your glucose is rising, falling, or stable. Keep in mind that the device must contain a relevant Reader app.

Furthermore, the product is also known to reduce A1c. The product also off alarms to indicate to the patient whenever their glucose levels are falling or rising above the target range. The recorded data can also be shared with the healthcare provider. Owing to their exceptional features, these FreeStyle Libre sensors are considered suitable for use in children of 4 years and above, adults, including pregnant women.

Dexcom G7 Glucose Sensor 1 unit

Product Details

Dexcom G7 glucose sensor 1 unit is one of the best blood glucose estimating products available in the US market. These are easy-to-use systems that come with a single-use applicator for a quick and easy insertion. The wear time of the sensor is up to 14 days, which exceeds almost all the other CGM sensor brands. The product is also capable of notifying the user regarding the decreasing or increasing BGL levels, which can lead to hyper- or hypoglycemia.

In addition, the automatic calibration feature of the device, based on the factory-set algorithm, eliminates the need of frequent fingerstick tests necessary for manual calibration. Moreover, the product is soft and flexible due to its skin-friendly construction material. The design is basic and contains a platinum anode and a silver-coated, steel-based cathode.

Furthermore, these Dexcom G7 glucose 1 unit sensors are highly efficient as well as accurate in their performance. The alarms and alerts features let the patient know when immediate action is required to prevent the BGL from falling out of the target range. The product can also be worn under water for 30 minutes at a depth of 3 feet as it is waterproof.

The Dexcom G7 transmitter works in a seamless way when connected to the receiver or a smartphone, leading to the provision of real-time BGL information to the patient. However, the smartphone connected to these CGM sensors must have the Dexcom G7 app for viewing the glucose readings, trends, and reports.

The products linked in the article, while learning about the Medtronic sensors and FreeStyle Libre sensors, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link at the end of the article to check the wide range of diabetic care products.

Conclusion

Chronic diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in the US. This is because, when not properly controlled, the condition can give way to several other disease states, including diabetic retinopathy, neuropathy, and cardiovascular disorders. However, by looking at the BGL fluctuations and modifying the therapeutic regimen accordingly, diabetes can, in fact, be well-controlled.

In this regard, the use of CGM sensors, such as the Medtronic sensors and FreeStyle Libre sensors, is promoted by the healthcare providers. These devices track a person’s BGL throughout their wear time of 7 to 14 days and thus, eliminate the need for frequent fingerstick tests. In addition, the results are highly reliable and can be shared directly with the healthcare provider to take immediate guidance.

Considering their importance, CGMs are an integral part of diabetic care and are, therefore, needed within all the relevant healthcare facilities as well as in home settings. For purchasing different kinds of medical devices, including the Medtronic sensors and FreeStyle Libre sensors, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.

References

https://diabetes.org/sites/default/files/2023-09/ADA-CGM-Utilization-White-Paper-Oct-2022.pdf