Best 3 Blood Glucose Monitoring Device in The UK
When selecting a glucose monitor, prioritize accuracy, ease of use, and essential features. Consider your budget, device compatibility, insurance coverage, and healthcare provider's recommendations. Utilize trial periods, read user reviews, and choose a reputable brand for quality and reliability.
Abbott Freestyle Libre:
Abbott is a leading provider of glucose monitoring systems, offering affordable and innovative solutions for people with diabetes. There are two versions of the Freestyle Libre available in the UK, FreeStyle Libre 2 and FreeStyle Libre 3.
FreeStyle Libre 2
The FreeStyle Libre 2 is the 2nd generation of the two versions and is still a popular choice for people with diabetes age 4 and older. It is worn for 14 days and does not require calibration.
It has optional high and low glucose alerts and can share data with healthcare professionals and caregivers via the LibreLinkUp app.
✅ Key Features: Proven and Reliable Option, real-time glucose readings all day and night, water-resistant sensor, easy-to-understand graphs, last up to 14 days, data sharing with doctors.
✅ Accuracy: The FreeStyle Libre 2 is a very accurate glucose monitoring system. It is 99.9% (9.2% MARD1)accurate most of the time.
✅ Ease of Use: Easy to wear, no calibration needed (built-in calibrated and requires no fingerstick calibrations during the 14-day wear period), simple to use.
✅ Cost per month: The FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor costs around £100 per month in the UK without insurance coverage. However, it is available at Ashcroft Pharmacy UK starting from £47.99 per sensor.
✅ Compatibility: The FreeStyle LibreLink app is compatible with most iOS and Android smartphones. Check the device compatibility guide before using the app. FreeStyle LibreLink may require registration with LibreView.
✅ Insurance coverage: May be covered by insurance if you are eligible.
✅ Trial Periods: Free 14-day sensor trial available for self-funded customers who have not tried the FreeStyle Libre 2 system.
✅ Reviews: Generally positive, praised for accuracy, ease of use, and features.
✅ Manufacturer: Abbott Diabetes Care, a well-known company.
✅ Doctor's Recommendation: Talk to your doctor to see if the Freestyle Libre 2 is right for you. Learn more about freestyle libre 2 sensor
FreeStyle Libre 3
The FreeStyle Libre 3 is the newer version of the sensor and was released in the UK in 2023. It is also worn for 14 days and does not require calibration.
It has the same optional high and low glucose alerts as the Libre 2, but it also has a few additional features, including:
- ✅ Most affordable CGM, no fingersticks,over 99% accurate, reliable, and discreet.
- ✅ More sustainable and eco-friendly.
- ✅ World’s smallest, thinnest sensor.
- ✅ Can be worn while swimming or showering.
- ✅ Automatic glucose readings are sent to your smartphone every minute.
The FreeStyle Libre 3 is also compatible with the mylife Loop2 AID system, an automated insulin delivery system that can help people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes achieve better blood sugar control.
⚠️ Important: The FreeStyle Libre 3 system is not yet available on prescription in the UK, but you can still get it if you are eligible for NHS funding. To do this, talk to your diabetes healthcare team. They will check if you qualify for the system and, if you do, they will order it for you.
- Talk to your healthcare team to see if you can get them on prescription.
- Buy them online.
Resources
Dexcom G6 CGM
The Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System is a popular choice for people with diabetes because it offers a number of advantages over other CGM systems.
Here are some of the reasons why people choose Dexcom G6:
❇️ Key Features:
- No need to prick your finger or scanning to check your blood sugar levels.
- Suitable for age 2 and older
- Get alerts up to 20 minutes before your blood sugar goes too low.
- Choose what alerts you want and when you get them.
- You can wear it on your belly, upper arm, or upper buttocks (only 2-17 years).
- Water proof. (2.4m - up to 24 hrs)
✅ Pros:
- Wireless and easy to use
- Accurate glucose readings
- Can be worn for up to 10 days
- Clinically proven to lower HbA1c and reduce hypoglycemic incidents
❌ Cons:
- Can be expensive
- May not be covered by insurance
- Some people may find the sensor to be uncomfortable
More consideration
❇️ Dexcom G6 Cost:
Starter kit
- 1 month trial £159 (excl. VAT)
- 1 x G6 transmitter, 3 x G6 sensors
❇️ 90 day subscription
- Automatic payment every 90 days. £1908 / year (£159 / month)
❇️ 3 month bundle
- £559 (excl. VAT)
- 1 x G6 transmitter
- 9 x G6 sensors
✅ Accuracy: Clinically proven to be accurate within ±20 mg/dL of fingersticks for blood glucose levels below 100 mg/dL and ±20% for levels above 100 mg/dL
✅ Ease of Use: Wireless and easy to use. The system consists of a small, wearable sensor that is inserted into the abdomen and a transmitter that attaches to the sensor. The transmitter sends glucose readings to a compatible receiver or smartphone every 5 minutes.
✅ Essential Features: Real-time glucose readings, customizable alerts, data sharing with healthcare providers, and a variety of compatible devices.
✅ Budget: The Dexcom G6 CGM System is not inexpensive, but it may be covered by insurance. The cost of the system will vary depending on your insurance coverage and supplier.
✅ Device Compatibility: The Dexcom G6 CGM System is compatible with a variety of smartphones and receivers.
✅ Insurance Coverage: The Dexcom G6 CGM System may be covered by insurance, but coverage will vary depending on your individual plan.
✅ Healthcare Provider's Recommendations: Talk to your doctor to see if the Dexcom G6 CGM System is right for you.
✅ Trial Periods: Dexcom offers a free 10-day trial of the Dexcom G6 CGM System.
✅ User Reviews: The Dexcom G6 CGM System has generally positive user reviews.
✅ Reputable Brand: Dexcom is a leading manufacturer of diabetes care equipment.
GlucoRX Aidex
GlucoRX Aidex is a reliable and accurate CGM system that can help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels effectively. However, it is important to consider the potential pros and cons of the system before making a decision about whether or not it is right for you.
✅ Pros:
- Comfortable and easy-to-wear sensor.
- Accurate: Clinically proven to be accurate within ±15 mg/dL for blood glucose levels below 70 mg/dL and ±20% for levels above 70 mg/dL.
- Long sensor wear time of up to 14 days.
- Water resistance up to 3 meters for 30 minutes.
- Durable transmitter with a battery life of up to 7 days.
- Real-time readings: Provides real-time glucose readings every 5 minutes.
- No finger pricks: Does not require finger pricks to calibrate the sensor.
- Early warnings: Has customizable alerts, including alarms for high and low blood sugar.
- Compatible with a variety of Android and iOS smartphones, as well as select receivers.
- Affordability: Relatively affordable, especially when compared to other CGM systems on the market.
❌ Cons:
- Not as widely available as other CGM systems.
- Sensor accuracy may be affected by certain factors, such as temperature and skin conditions.
- May not be covered by insurance for all people with diabetes.
❇️ Cost
GlucoRx AiDEX™ (CGM) System Starter Kit
What's included:
- 1 reusable transmitter (lasts 4 years)
- 2 GlucoRx AiDEX™ sensors (each lasts 14 days)
- Price: £99.85 Ex VAT
- Shipping: Free next working day delivery
❇️ 4 Week Subscription
- 2 x 14 day sensors
- 2 x Sensors delivered every 4 weeks
- Dedicated customer support
Price: £ 79.90 Ex VAT
- Next day delivery
- Auto -renew (unless cancelled) and delivery every 4 weeks
❇️ 12 Week Subscription
- 6 x 14 day sensors
- 6 x Sensors will be delivered every 12 weeks
- Dedicated customer support
- Payment and delivery every 12 weeks ( unless cancelled)
- Free next day delivery
Price: £ 234.95 Ex VAT
- Payment will auto-renew every 12 weeks unless cancelled
Download the GlucoRx AiDEX Information Brochure
https://www.glucorx.co.uk/glucorx-aidex/
Author
| Name | Mr Suhail Jamil |
| Role | Superintendent Pharmacist |
| GPhc Number | 2069518 |
