Freestyle Libre and Freestyle Libre 2 – What’s the Difference?

Freestyle Libre (original version)

Freestyle Libre 2

Recommended use

For adults aged 18 years and older with diabetes

For adults and children aged 4 or older with diabetes

Scanning

Scan of the (original) Libre Sensor by the Libre Reader or app yields a profile from the past 8 hours.  Ideally you want to scan at least every 8 hours to get a 24 continuous “picture” of your patterns without any time gaps

Scan of the Libre 2 Sensor by the Libre 2 Reader or app yields a profile from the past 8 hours.  Ideally you want to scan at least every 8 hours to get a 24 continuous “picture” of your patterns without any time gaps

Note: Using Bluetooth technology, the Libre 2 system can be set to alert users without needing to scan the Sensor.

Alarms to warn if too low or high

No

3 optional real-time glucose alarms available through the Libre 2 Reader and Freestyle ibre 2 phone app – Low Glucose Alarm, High Glucose Alarm and Signal Loss Alarm

Sensor lasts for

14 days

14 days

Sensor / Reader / version compatibility

Original version of Libre Sensor is only compatible with the original Freestyle Libre Reader and app.

You cannot use an original Libre Sensor with the new Libre 2 Reader or Libre 2 app.

Libre 2 Sensor is only compatible with the Libre 2 Reader and Libre 2 app.

You cannot use a Libre 2 Sensor with the original Libre Reader or app.

Coverage

Covered on many provincial and private insurance plans

Not (yet) covered on any provincial plans; covered on some private insurance plans.

Abbott is working on coverage by more plans.