FreeStyle Libre 2 vs. FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus: What’s the Difference?

Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre series has been a game-changer in diabetes management, and the introduction of the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus adds new features that further enhance continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Here's a comparison of the FreeStyle Libre 2 and FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus, focusing on what's new.

1. Real-Time Glucose Alerts

Both sensors offer real-time glucose alerts for high and low glucose levels, but with different approaches:

• FreeStyle Libre 2: Provides real-time alerts but requires users to scan the sensor to see their glucose reading.
• FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus: Offers automatic real-time glucose readings that are sent every minute to your smartphone via Bluetooth, removing the need to manually scan the sensor.

2. Sensor Size and Wearability

Comfort is a priority in both models, but the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus is more discreet:

• FreeStyle Libre 2: Slightly larger and bulkier but still manageable for most users.
• FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus: Smaller and thinner, offering a more comfortable and discreet wear experience.

3. Enhanced Connectivity

The FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus significantly improves connectivity:

• FreeStyle Libre 2: Requires manual scanning of the sensor to update readings via Bluetooth.
• FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus: Automatically transmits glucose readings every minute to your smartphone or compatible insulin pump, such as the Tandem t
  X2 insulin pump with Control-IQ technology, offering seamless integration for better insulin delivery management.

4. Insulin Pump Compatibility

One of the standout features of the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus is its compatibility with insulin pumps:

• FreeStyle Libre 2: Provides data via Bluetooth but does not directly integrate with insulin pumps.
• FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus: Authorized to work with the Tandem t
  X2 insulin pump, enabling automatic insulin delivery adjustments based on glucose readings. This integration enhances diabetes management by allowing for real-time insulin adjustments without manual intervention.

5. Accuracy and Performance

Accuracy is a cornerstone for both models, but the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus steps up:

• FreeStyle Libre 2: Provides reliable and accurate readings but occasionally requires manual calibration in certain scenarios.
• FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus: Features improved sensor accuracy, especially in the low glucose range, offering users even more reliable data.

6. Sensor Wear Time

Both models offer 14-day wear times, allowing for continuous glucose monitoring for two weeks without interruption.

• FreeStyle Libre 2: Offers 14-day wear time with manual scanning.
• FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus: Maintains the same wear time but provides automatic, continuous readings without the need for scans.

Conclusion

The FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus offers significant improvements over the FreeStyle Libre 2, particularly in terms of real-time automatic readings, smaller sensor size, and insulin pump compatibility. This makes it an ideal choice for users seeking more seamless and hands-off glucose monitoring, particularly if they use insulin pumps for automated insulin delivery.