FreeStyle Libre 3 vs Libre 2: All Differences Explained

17 key differences between FreeStyle Libre sensors and my advice on which one you should pick. I share my experience with using FreeStyle Libre 3, FreeStyle Libre 2, FreeStyle Libre first generation for an extended period of time.

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Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and this video is not medical advice. Please consult your medical professional regarding your diabetes treatment. I am not affiliated with Abbott and the content of this video was not discussed with or approved by them. I just use and love their products and share my experience.

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#typeonetalks

[TypeOneTalks]

This was a highly requested video. Hope you find it helpful!

[Codependent_confessions]

I’m a nurse and I just wanted to make a point… the arm application in the video is not the correct location for this! It MUST be in the BACK of the arms… in the FAT tissue. The side is too muscular for the sensor and also should never administer insulin here either, only in the fatty tissue ( the chicken wing area)

[defiik]

I don't know about other countries, but recently the libre 2 got an software update that makes it way more similar to libre 3, meaning you also dont have to scan it to get blood glucose information. This is only for the phone app.

[ashleeduncan]

I live in the USA and have a rare condition called neuroglycopnea & I'm on Medicaid. They covered the Libre 3 with no problem. I've had it 2 days now and it's already saved me from a critical low twice. 😊

[ccwalker]

I just switched from L2 to L3 sensor and I was blown away that it is actually monitoring my levels without me checking it. I LOVE THIS!!! I think the L3 sensor it will allow me to finally get a grip on my numbers so I can bring down my A1c. Thanks for the great tips!

[louiswomble]

Thanks for the info! I currently use Libre 3 and it works great for me. The only alarm I use is the distance alarm. You can edit the various alarms in the settings on the app. I’m def looking into the skin patches too! Thanks for that! Stay well all!😊

[Dan_]

I’ve been on Libre 2 since January’23. Over here 🇬🇧 we’re lucky as the NHS supplies them, so they’re free for us. The only downside is we seem to be way behind. I mentioned the 3 to my doctor and she hadn’t even heard about it (I saw her 3 weeks ago).
Libre 1 was definitely a life changer from the old gluco meter (which I still use before driving anywhere). I have the Libre app on my phone plus a reader. Over here the phone laws prohibit you touching your phone while behind the wheel, so I use the reader when I’m driving.
The constant information from the 3, and the size is making me excited but I bet it’s 2 years at least before we get them here.
Thanks for the great video Tom 👍🏼….. I’m addicted to the Soleus exercise now 😂

[Inksaver]

Only used Libre 2 since March this year. Got fed up with repeated NFC failures and was considering an external transmitter. After researching, I side-loaded DiaBox app and no longer need to scan Libre 2. It updates every minute via Bluetooth and shows a graph. You can set custom alarms for very high/high/low/very low and rapid changes. Now have a real-time CGM. Only need NFC to start the sensor.

[benjohnson]

I use libre 2.. the update gives constant glucose reading now.. definitely awesome technology

[DayleByrnes-voxb]

I just got my lines 3 today. The nurse that put it on helped me get started. What I didn't know was it did continual monitoring. I returned from an activity in the dining room to celebrate Cinco day Mayo day only one hour after our noon lunch time and we had one soft taco, some chips and some flavored pop. When I came back to the room I placed something on my tray table where the reader was sitting and alarms went off scaring me!! But after watching your YouTube video I understood the alarms!!! I've spent a few hours trying to figure out how to set the times for my readings!!🤗

[SOLENSA]

I was just approved by my insurance for libre 3 for my hypoglycemia and it’s so helpful. Just this morning I felt like I was gonna collapse and my mom was able to help get my sugar up thanks to the loud notifications

[melaniegonzales]

Regarding that issue where the Libre 3 doesn’t keep a log book like Libre 2 did - On Libre 3, if you select “Add Note” at the bottom of the reading display and type in any kind of comment, even if it’s just an X and choose “Done” and “Done”, it will save the reading in the log book.

[johnnyr]

As stated each sensor has its pros and cons. My endocrinologist just switched me from the freestyle libre 2 to the 3. I like that the 3 is smaller. I also like that the 3 is always monitoring your numbers so you don’t have to scan yourself. With the 2, I was always having a problem where the scan didn’t take and it would ask me to try again or sometimes it would give me an error message and ask me to wait 10 minutes.

The 3 does not have a reader available in the US. With the 2, I always used the reader because I don’t have access to my phone at all times. I know at work the cell signal is terrible so a reader comes in handy. I guess in the meantime the phone app will do. I don’t like the fact that the app has to be running in the background at all times. If I close the app, my phone starts beeping asking me to open the app again. As stated in the video this is going to drain your phone battery much faster. Thank you for sharing it’s my first day using the freestyle 3 sensor so I shall see how it goes!

[SLGreen-tfpi]

I recently switched to Libre 3. I love that it lasts 14 days and I really appreciate the discreet size, but the alarms are terrible. The app says I can customize the alarm tone, but that function doesn't actually work. The default tone is a very loud, shrill alarm that is completely inappropriate for so many circumstances in life; there's no way you could use it in any professional setting or anywhere else quiet like a restaurant or church. At least you can turn off most alarms, though, but not the urgent low alarm. Diabetics obviously need those alarms, but why not offer quieter tones or even a vibrate option?? Most of my urgent low alarms turn out to be false readings anyway as the Libre 3 sometimes runs 15-20 mgs lower than my actual sugar. The only thing you can do to avoid the shrill alarm is to turn off Bluetooth which renders the Libre temporarily useless and defeats the purpose of wearing it. Also, the logbook on the 3 app doesn't log your readings like with the Libre 2. Why in the world would a company make some features worse on the newer product??

[yanglo]

Libre 3 Just recently approved in Canada I'm so excited!

[johnwiegand]

The reason that Freestyle Libre 1 has 14 days on the box is because the ORIGINAL Freestyle Libre, ( the one that I started with) was a 10 day sensor. Those extra 4 days made a big difference. 2 sensors a month instead of 3. I still use FL-1. I tried FL-2, but I kept getting false alarms--so many that I turned them OFF. So now I use FL-1 again. Keep up the good work!

[sabina]

Thank you so much for this great overview, it helped me a lot to make a decision which is perfect for me. 👍😊

[carolm]

Thank you so much for your time making this video, its' very helpful for someone just starting to use a CGM.

[tricialandis]

Great video! I’ve been using Libre 3 since it was available in the US. Phone only, but I’m happy to lose one piece of equipment. Failure rate has been low for me, only one failed immediately and 2 died 3-4 days early. No issue with them falling off. The sensor is behind blood measure, that’s difference between skin and blood, but I’ve been happy with accuracy. Any high needing more than 2 units I do finger check, mostly. I really love this sensor, can’t wait for pump integration here. I set the high alarm to 180 so I can be on top of wrongly assessed insulin need, I’m surprised at how much I like that feature. This is a great channel, thanks so much for the work you put into it.

[melissabailey]

My insurance will not cover any Libre sensor because I am not on insulin. I have been paying out of pocket ($75/two sensors/month) and it has been super helpful to understand how my body reacts to different foods, meds, and activities. I really wish it was covered because I'm not sure how many months I'll be able to afford them.