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The newest no finger stick gadget available for estimating glucose is the Dexcom G7. So how does it compare to the Libre3?
Dexcom G7 and Freestyle Libre3 are both continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems used to monitor their blood glucose levels throughout the day. While both systems have similarities, there are also some differences to consider.
Here are some key differences:
Ultimately, the choice between Dexcom G7 and Freestyle Libre3 will depend on personal preferences, lifestyle, and individual healthcare needs.
Can Tylenol or other forms of acetaminophen cause false blood sugar readings on sensor?
Medtronic Guardian and 670g systems Yes*
Dexcom CGM systems (G4/G5) Yes, G6 No*
Abbott FreeStyle Libre No, but vitamin C may affect readings. *
*From manufacturers user guides
What about the effect of acetaminophen (Tylenol ®) on fingerstick glucose meter tests? There is not much to worry about if a person has no liver disease and follows dose guidelines. Meters using the glucose oxidase method are more likely to be interfered with by substances such as acetaminophen, vitamin C, and dopamine. Some meters using this method include AgaMatrix, Novo Max, OneTouch Ultra2 (but not Verio) and ReliOn Prime.
Acetaminophen safety. The big issue is taking too much can cause liver damage, sometimes serious enough to require liver transplantation or death.
To be sure that you take acetaminophen safely, you should
Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you have questions about the safe use of acetaminophen or acetaminophen-containing products. Source: NIH MedlinePlus
Abbott Freestyle Libre™
LibreLink® app allows use of phone as reader
Abbott FreeStyle Libre is now available without insurance for about $116/mo. If you are testing 3-4 times daily it could be cost effective to avoid fingersticks.
As of November 14, 2018, available for iOS in US, Android expected soon
PROs
CONs
Details
A finger prick test using a blood glucose meter is required during times of rapidly changing glucose levels when interstitial fluid glucose levels may not accurately reflect blood glucose levels or if hypoglycemia or impending hypoglycemia is reported by the Sensor or when symptoms do not match the Sensor readings.
PRICE: the reader and a month of sensors can be purchased for approximately $200 without insurance. Thereafter, retail price ranges from $120 – $130 per month. This information derived from my personal purchases in Orangeburg South Carolina.
Dexcom G6™
PROs
CONs
DEXCOM
The Dexcom G6 CGM is FDA-permitted to make diabetes treatment decisions without confirmatory fingersticks or calibration. However, if glucose alerts and readings from the G6 do not match symptoms or expectations, one must use a blood glucose meter to make diabetes treatment decisions.
Trend lines show where glucose levels are headed and how fast they’re getting there, so you can take action.
It appears smart phone/watch compatibility is limited to specific devices. Reviews on Google Play are very negative. A list of compatible devices including android, iPhones and iPads (US) can be found here.
COST: Transmitter $286. Three sensors with inserters $379.10
The Eversense™ Long-Term CGM System
Here’s what I know about the Eversense system so far.
PROs
CONs
Details
COST: Insurance coverage unknown, cost anticipated at about $240 monthly. Insertion/removal device is advertised on the Internet at $1300+.
BLUECON
The BluCon (NightRider) transmitter sits on top of the freestyle sensor. An app [LinkBluCon] for iOS and Android is available for download. The device uses a standard replaceable battery and can be used multiple times. There are 2 versions, one waterproof and the other not. It sticks on top of the Libre sensor and will require an armband or a covering tape. Information is sent to the phone every 5 minutes. Click here for website
COST: standard version $85; waterproof version $135.
It can be linked to Alexa
The following is quoted directly from the San Francisco company’s website.
“How it works
MIAOMIAO
This reader (from China) has its own adhesive and is attached to the arm at the sensor. There are apps for android and IO smart devices. The data can be moved to a smart watch, shared with health care provider, family or stored in the cloud. Rechargeable battery lasts up to one year. Click here for web site.
The apps (Spike for IO and Glimp and xDrip+ for android) contain high and low alerts and alarms.
COST: $200 shipped from China. Company recently announced possible delays of 3 – 4 weeks because of the trade war.
The generic name of most biologic drugs end with” mab” or “cept”
In this list the generic name is followed by the branded name
reslizumab (Cinqair)
reteplase (Retavase)
rilonacept (Arcalyst)
rimabotulinumtoxinB (Myobloc)
rituximab (Rituxan)
romiplostim (Nplate)
sargramostim (Leukine)
sebelipase alfa (Kanuma)
secukinumab (Cosentyx)
siltuximab (Sylvant)
tbo-filgrastim (Granix)
tenecteplase (TNKase)
tocilizumab (Actemra)
trastuzumab (Herceptin)
ustekinumab (Stelara)
vedolizumab (Entyvio)
ziv-aflibercept (Zaltrap)