Managing diabetes requires continuous monitoring of blood glucose levels to ensure they stay within a healthy range. Traditionally, people with diabetes have relied on fingerstick testing, where a small sample of blood is used to check glucose levels. However, the advent of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, such as the Freestyle Libre, has provided a new, more convenient way of tracking glucose levels. In this blog, we will compare the Freestyle Libre CGM with traditional glucose monitoring, highlighting the pros and cons of each method.
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What is Traditional Glucose Monitoring?
Traditional glucose monitoring primarily involves fingerstick tests using a glucose meter. To use this method, individuals must prick their finger with a lancet, place a drop of blood onto a test strip, and then insert the strip into a glucose meter to get a reading. This method provides a snapshot of blood glucose at a single point in time and is typically done several times a day, often before and after meals or exercise.
What is the Freestyle Libre?
The Freestyle Libre is a Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) system that provides real-time glucose readings without the need for fingersticks. It consists of a small sensor, worn on the skin (usually the back of the upper arm), that continuously monitors glucose levels in the interstitial fluid (the fluid between cells). The sensor sends data to a reader or smartphone app, allowing users to track their glucose levels throughout the day and night.
Key Differences Between FreeStyle Libre and Traditional Glucose Monitoring
Frequency of Testing
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Traditional Glucose Monitoring: Requires multiple fingerstick tests throughout the day. This can be inconvenient and painful for some users, particularly if they need to test frequently.
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Freestyle Libre: The Freestyle Libre sensor continuously tracks glucose levels, eliminating the need for routine fingersticks. Users can check their glucose levels at any time by scanning the sensor with a reader or smartphone.
Ease of Use
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Traditional Glucose Monitoring: Requires multiple steps, including pricking the finger, applying the blood to a test strip, and inserting the strip into a glucose meter. Some people find this process cumbersome and time-consuming, especially if they need to test several times a day.
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Freestyle Libre: The Freestyle Libre is far more convenient. It only requires a quick scan of the sensor to get a reading, which is faster and less invasive than fingersticks. Users also don’t need to carry around test strips or a glucose meter.
Real-Time Data and Trends
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Traditional Glucose Monitoring: Provides a single snapshot of blood glucose levels at the time of testing. It doesn’t show trends or fluctuations, which can make it more difficult to understand how glucose levels are changing throughout the day.
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Freestyle Libre: One of the main benefits of the Freestyle Libre is that it provides continuous, real-time data. The system shows users their current glucose levels, along with trends and arrows that indicate whether their glucose levels are rising, falling, or remaining stable. This data helps users make more informed decisions about their insulin, food, and exercise.
Pain and Discomfort
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Traditional Glucose Monitoring: Fingerstick testing can be painful, especially for those who need to test multiple times a day. The pricking of the skin and the potential for sore fingertips can be a significant drawback for some users.
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Freestyle Libre: The Freestyle Libre sensor is minimally invasive and painless to wear. The sensor is applied to the skin using a small needle, and once it’s in place, users don’t feel it. Some users may experience mild irritation from the adhesive, but the process of applying and using the sensor is much more comfortable than fingerstick testing.
Cost
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Traditional Glucose Monitoring: The cost of traditional glucose monitoring is generally lower upfront, as glucose meters and test strips are more affordable than CGM systems. However, if someone needs to test frequently, the ongoing cost of test strips can add up.
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Freestyle Libre: The Freestyle Libre system has a higher initial cost due to the price of the sensor and reader. However, since it eliminates the need for test strips, the overall cost may be comparable or even lower for individuals who test frequently. Many users find that the continuous data and convenience of the Freestyle Libre make it worth the extra cost.
Data Sharing and Integration
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Traditional Glucose Monitoring: Data from traditional glucose meters must be manually recorded and tracked, which can make it harder to identify patterns or share data with healthcare providers.
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Freestyle Libre: The Freestyle Libre allows for easy data tracking, and users can share their glucose data with healthcare providers through apps or downloadable reports. Some models of the Freestyle Libre even integrate with smartphones and other health apps, making it easier to track glucose levels alongside other health metrics.
Duration of Use
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Traditional Glucose Monitoring: There is no time limit on how long you can use a glucose meter, but it requires daily testing and frequent changing of test strips. The meter itself can last a long time with proper care.
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Freestyle Libre: The Freestyle Libre sensor lasts for up to 14 days before needing to be replaced. This means users don’t have to worry about daily testing, but they do need to change the sensor periodically.
Accuracy
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Traditional Glucose Monitoring: Glucose meters are generally very accurate when used properly, but there can still be some variability depending on the meter and the user’s technique.
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Freestyle Libre: The Freestyle Libre is designed to be highly accurate and is regularly tested for precision. However, like any CGM system, it can be subject to minor fluctuations or variances, particularly in extreme conditions (such as dehydration or high fever).
Which is Right for You?
The decision between traditional glucose monitoring and a CGM like the Freestyle Libre depends on your personal preferences, lifestyle, and the level of diabetes management you require.
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If you are someone who prefers a quick snapshot of your glucose levels throughout the day and don’t mind multiple fingersticks, traditional glucose monitoring may be sufficient.
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However, if you want more comprehensive, real-time data on your glucose levels, and prefer a more hands-off approach to testing, the Freestyle Libre could offer significant advantages. Its continuous monitoring and trend analysis make it a great choice for people who want to better understand how their glucose levels fluctuate throughout the day.
Conclusion
Both traditional glucose monitoring and CGMs like the Freestyle Libre have their advantages. While fingerstick testing has been the standard for many years, CGM technology offers a more comprehensive and convenient solution for those who need constant blood sugar monitoring. Whether you choose a traditional meter or the Freestyle Libre, the important thing is to find a system that works best for you and helps you manage your diabetes effectively.
If you're considering the Freestyle Libre for continuous glucose monitoring, make sure to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best option for your diabetes care.
Check out our Freestyle Libre patches here.
Sources:
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Abbott. (2023). FreeStyle Libre. Retrieved from https://www.freestylelibre.com
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American Diabetes Association. (2023). Continuous Glucose Monitoring. Retrieved from https://diabetes.org/advocacy/cgm-continuous-glucose-monitors
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Considerations for Blood Glucose Monitoring and Insulin Administration. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/injection-safety/hcp/infection-control/index.html#:~:text=Summary%20of%20recommendations&text=Clean%20and%20disinfect%20blood%20glucose,for%20more%20than%20one%20person.