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Not all sensors are the same. In the table below, consider the key features of the currently available glucose sensors in Canada that are the most important to you. Take the time to make a careful decision about which sensor option will best fit into your life. After all, it is YOU who will be wearing it!
Dexcom G7
Freestyle Libre 2
Medtronic Guardian Connect
or Guardian 3 (with 770G /780G insulin pump)
Dexcom G7
Freestyle Libre 2
Medtronic Guardian Connect
or Guardian 3 (with 770G /780G insulin pump)
Key Sensor Features
Insertion parts
What do I use to insert the sensor?
Dexcom G7
1 piece (single use):
Freestyle Libre 2
2 pieces (single use):
sensor pack & sensor applicator
Medtronic Guardian
3 pieces: sensor (single use), inserter, transmitter
Wearable pieces
What will the sensor look like?
Dexcom G7
All-in-one sensor & transmitter
Freestyle Libre 2
All-in-one sensor & transmitter
Medtronic Guardian
Sensor & transmitter
Sensor sites
Where can I wear the sensor?
Dexcom G7
Ages 7+: Back of upper arms & stomach
Ages 2-6: Back of upper arm, stomach
or upper buttocks
Freestyle Libre 2
Back of upper arm
Medtronic Guardian
Abdomen, arm, upper buttocks
Sensor warm-up time
How long do I have to wait for a first reading?
Dexcom G7
30 minutes
Freestyle Libre 2
1 hour
Medtronic Guardian
2 hours
Sensor wear time
How long can I wear each sensor?
Dexcom G7
10 days
(+ 12-hour grace period once expired)
Freestyle Libre 2
14 days
Medtronic Guardian
7 days
Display devices
Where will my glucose readings be displayed?
Dexcom G7
- Smartphone (Apple & Android)
- Smartwatch*
- Receiver
Check compatibility here: https://www.dexcom.com/en-CA/compatibility/select
Freestyle Libre 2
- Smartphone (Apple & Android)
- Reader (requires scanning to receive glucose data)
Check compatibility here:
https://freestyleserver.com/Payloads/IFU/2023/q3/ART39109-002_rev-S-pub.pdf
Medtronic Guardian
- Smartphone
- Smartwatch*
- MiniMed insulin pumps
Check compatibility here:
https://www.medtronic.com/ca-en/diabetes/home/support/product-compatibility.html
Spoken glucose readings
Can I ask Siri to recite my readings out loud?
Dexcom G7
YES
– “Siri, what’s my glucose?”
Freestyle Libre 2
NO
Medtronic Guardian
NO
Displays
Trend arrows
Do sensor readings have arrows that show if glucose is going up or down?
Dexcom G7
YES
Freestyle Libre 2
YES
Medtronic Guardian
YES
Automatic viewing of glucose readings
Are readings automatically sent to the display device?
Dexcom G7
YES
Freestyle Libre 2
With smartphone – YES
With reader, scanning is required to retrieve readings
Medtronic Guardian
YES
Alerts
In-the-moment alerts
Are there low and high glucose alert options?
Dexcom G7
YES
-Urgent low (3.1 mmol/L)
-Low
-High (option to set length of time with high glucose)
-Falling or rising fast
Freestyle Libre 2
YES
-Low
-High
Medtronic Guardian
YES
-Urgent low (3.1 mmol/L)
-Low
-High
-Falling or rising fast
Predictive alerts
Dexcom G7
YES
-Predicts urgent low within next 20 minutes
Freestyle Libre 2
NO
Medtronic Guardian
YES
-Alert before low
-Alert before high
Alert convenience settings
Dexcom G7
-Quiet modes (vibrate & silence all)
-Snooze option for low & high alerts
-Optional 2nd alert schedule
Freestyle Libre 2
–
Medtronic Guardian
-Alert silence options (insulin pump only)
-Snooze option for low & high alerts
Other Features
Waterproof/resistant
Dexcom G7
Waterproof
Depth of 2.4 metres (8 feet) up to 24 hours
Freestyle Libre 2
Water resistant
Depth of 1 metre (3 feet) up to 30 minutes
Medtronic Guardian
Water resistant
Depth of 2.4 metres (8 feet) up to 30 minutes
Insulin pump integration
Dexcom G7
Update Pending in Canada
(Tandem t:slim currently compatible with Dexcom G6 in Canada)
Freestyle Libre 2
–
Medtronic Guardian
MiniMed 770G & 780G (Guardian 3)
Glucose data sharing
(with family, friends)
Dexcom G7
Dexcom Follow app
Freestyle Libre 2
LibreLinkUp app
Medtronic Guardian
CareLink™ Connect app
Glucose data report website
(for personal & healthcare team use)
Dexcom G7
Dexcom Clarity
(Select report data viewable in G7 app)
Glooko
Freestyle Libre 2
LibreView
(Key reports viewable in LibreLink app)
Medtronic Guardian
CareLink™ Personal, MiniMed Mobile
Purchase Locations in Canada
Dexcom G7
Pharmacy
Freestyle Libre 2
Pharmacy
Medtronic Guardian
Medtronic
*Smart device required to display readings on watch
But which glucose sensor is the best?
Indeed, it can feel overwhelming to consider the various features of all the glucose sensor options. Keep in mind your key reasons for using it in the first place. The sensor that is best for you is the one that will fit into your everyday life and can help you meet your goals. Talk to your healthcare team about your goals and any concerns you may have. Most likely there’s a way to find a glucose sensor option that will work for you.
