Freestyle Libre 3 vs Dexcom G7 | SHOCKING results!

In this video I’ll share my first-hand experience with the newest CGMs on the market - the Freestyle Libre 3 and Dexcom G7! As a diabetic and Physician Assistant working in endocrinology, I'm always on the lookout for the latest technology that can help me manage my diabetes more effectively, and I'm excited to share my thoughts with you today.
In this video, I'll take you through all of the critical details you need to know about these two cutting-edge CGMs. From accuracy, size, software, warm-up time, sensor expiration, adhesive, bluetooth range, and everything in between. I'll delve into the nitty-gritty of both systems and give you my honest take on how they perform in real-world situations.
Moreover, I'll also be comparing these new CGMs to their predecessors, the Dexcom G6 and Freestyle Libre 2, and highlighting the key differences and improvements you can expect. With a side-by-side comparison, you'll be able to see just how far CGM technology has come in recent years and what you can expect from these new systems.
Whether you're a type 1 diabetic, type 2 diabetic, or prediabetic learning about CGM technology, this video is for you.
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[DISCLAIMER: While I am a Physician Assistant, none of the content I post should be taken as medical advice. Please consult with your doctor or healthcare provider if you have questions about your diabetes management and overall health.]

[@starpartyguy5605]

Note to Medicare patients, the Libre 3 is only covered if you order the meter on the first order. Even if you don’t want to use it, you have to order it for the system to be covered.

[@BeKind419]

I just finished doing an experiment wearing both the G7 and the Libre 3 to see the accuracy between the 2 devices. (Sample of the Libre 3 from endocrinologist) The G7 was the most accurate. You may have to calibrate it during the 10 days. The Libre 3 you can’t calibrate. I was getting extreme fluctuations within minutes. Low alert for 54. Then one minute later back to 87 (while standing or sitting) there was nothing putting pressure on the Libre. I would have 15-20 random reading in the 40’s and 50’s. While the G7 was consistently giving accurate readings; confirmed with finger pricks. The Libre3 was so inaccurate I removed it 4 days early. I previously used the Libre 2 for several years. Then moved to the G7 since it was released. So I have experience and understand how to use the devices correctly.

[@miller2478]

Great video! My son just got his first batch of G7s. We still have 2 g6 sensors to use then we can start with the 7. He’s super excited for the small size and not having to clip in a transmitter. Makes me so happy seeing him excited for this. Thanks again!

[@diabetesdailydigest]

Thank you so much! I get super excited for new diabetes tech myself. I'm sure he'll love the G7, its really a great CGM.

[@yurisilverov4038]

I really like this straightforward comparison with no bla-bla-bla. Subscribing now and thanks for good review.

[@diabetesdailydigest]

Thank you!

[@dawnb2224]

Thank you for this. You always have some great info in your videos.

[@diabetesdailydigest]

Thank you so much!

[@payugpog]

Great information. Thank you

[@diabetesdailydigest]

You bet!

[@starpartyguy5605]

Last post for the night. The position I use is on the inside of the arm, halfway between bicep and tricep. If I put it in the recommended position I would lay on it, probably causing a compression low and potentially bending the sensor. Abbott said that was a good spot. Don’t know why they don’t recognize the issue with side sleepers.

[@sevalle]

Glad you have a lot of positives about the G7, I had more negatives than positives, such as the tape wearing out after 2-3 showers, I had a 50%ish fail rate on the sensors where I was constantly emailing dexcom support to replace faulty sensors, I will say though that their support is top notch and always fast to send out replacement sensors, but having to replace at least 1 sensor per month is kind of off putting. Also found that the G7 could be wildly inaccurate at times and even though the app has a "calibration" option to align it with my blood, it then says that that features doesn't work with the G7 so there were sensors where the accuracy was 20+ off from my blood and other times it was spot on. I haven't used the libre 3 yet but I am actually going to be switching to it next week once I pick up my first sensor. My biggest concern is always going to be the tape wearing out and the sensors falling off.

[@MJafro]

Tell us the difference between wearing G6 and G7

[@Roadpizza]

I just got on the G7 in the last 24 hours. The first sensor died within 10 hours. This coninued for two more G7 till the fourth , put in the front area on the arm as opposed to the back of the arm. I had G6 before this. I at this point do not like the Dexcom G7 at all.

[@Roadpizza]

Same here...when you can get a hold of someone ,all you get is a bunch of sorry for that. And then they send you more non -working CGMs

[@BeKind419]

I just finished doing an experiment wearing both the G7 and the Libre 3 to see the accuracy between the 2 devices. (Sample of the Libre 3 from endocrinologist) The G7 was the most accurate. You may have to calibrate it during the 10 days. The Libre 3 you can’t calibrate. I was getting extreme fluctuations within minutes. Low alert for 54. Then one minute later back to 87 (while standing or sitting) there was nothing putting pressure on the Libre. I would have 15-20 random reading in the 40’s and 50’s. While the G7 was consistently giving accurate readings; confirmed with finger pricks. The Libre3 was so inaccurate I removed it 4 days early. I previously used the Libre 2 for several years. Then moved to the G7 since it was released. So I have experience and understand how to use the devices correctly.

[@BeKind419]

I can confirm, I’ve also had many failures with the G7 device. What I learned is you need to delete the other sensors from your Bluetooth settings. Haven’t had any failures since. Customer service is great about sending out new sensors. The Libre 3 was so inaccurate from the beginning. Was frustrated I couldn’t calibrate it. Constant random low alerts all day. Then 2 minutes later back to 100’s. I have severe reactive hypoglycemia; postgrandial, exercise reactive (even going on walks) and nocturnal. Always have to have glucose tablets. I also prefer the G7 app vs the Libre3. Good luck in your CGM journey.

[@pscgst]

Thank you. I have been using the G7 several months now and it is good. But based on your review, I would happily switch to the Libre3, but it is not for sale in the UK. The Libre3 clearly had 3 main advantages: 1) It is smaller (which matters when sleeping, I think) 2) It lasts considerably longer, which means less sticking around in your year. On a year, it saves you 10 sensors (36 G7s vs 26 Libre3's). 3) The Bluetooth signal is longer (a minor issue though) 4) It is more reliable I must say, though, that my own experience with the G7 shows that it is actually super reliable compared to my old Libre2. And having a CGM is much nicer than having to scan manually. The G7 app is quite good too. It is nice that you can zoom in and out the curve, so that you can better understand the variation (you can choose to show 3, 6, 12, or 24 hours). Strange enough, you cannot enter any food information on the G7 app (only carbs), whereas the Libre2 app, at least, has more input options. I found that better.

[@diabetesdailydigest]

Very good points! Thank you!

[@Dynamytguy]

I used libre 14 day for a couple of years. Then went to libre 2 for a year. Now, I've used dexcom 7 for 6 months. I can tell you that I never had to worry about calibrating the libre. It was always dead on. I've had maybe 3 dexcom sensors that were pretty close. Most are off a finger stick by 20 to 40 percent. The one I'm using now jumps up and down 20 percent in 5 minutes and I know that is not correct. I have never had any sensor do that from either company. I have to calibrate every sensor. The only reason I changed was bc of insurance. Medicare didn't cover libre.

[@Roadpizza]

The G7 has been off by 120 either way , up or down. I hear you on the Medicare thing. Medicare needs to know that Dexcom is the BOEING of CGMs.

[@christinehamilton8191]

Thank you for this video (and all of them, really!)! Do you know anyone who has tried the Dexcom sensors with the Lilly Smart Tempo pen / Tempo Personalized Diabetes Management Platform? I'm struggling to find any reviews or real life opinions of it.

[@albertsilva2818]

Very informative review! I would like to know if they give you the capability to scroll in the graph to see past readings values, thanks!

[@diabetesdailydigest]

Thanks! So on the Libre you have to ability to see past readings from the app, on the Dexcom you can turn it in landscape mode and see the past 24 hours of data, for further info you need to access the clarity app.

[@gotbordercollies]

Great video thanks

[@diabetesdailydigest]

No problem! Thank you!

[@AintNoFool]

I have to recalibrate my G7's sometimes several times a say. Highs are usually way off, too high. Lows, still off, too low. It is frustrating.

[@starpartyguy5605]

Update on my Libre 3 experience. Finger sticks show it's within 10 points, usually the sensor shows higher than finger sticks. Only problem I'm having is the sensor can lose contact if my arm is pressed against my body and under the covers. The issue is intermittent though. It always reconnects though without intervention.

[@lucieni]

I can only say from personal experience Libre 1 was excellent, G6 was great but clunky in size, G7 is much smaller but there’s a lot of downtime with the app but I would really like to try Libre 3 but it’s only available here in the U.K. on prescription from an Endo right now… not available to purchase from the manufacturers.

[@Akeldama626]

G7 just added widget today on iOS.. wish libre3 had a widget or watch app , it only shows on watch if you get a high plot low alert

[@starpartyguy5605]

I’m on day 9 of my first Libre 3 sensor. The first 2 sensors failed because the area recommended to apply it fought back and bent the fiber. I called Abbott twice, once for each failure. First girl had real language issues and gave me incorrect information. For instance, she said the sensor would need replaced if the meter was out of range. Not true obviously. On the second call, the guy said he didn’t know the meters were available yet. But I applied a third sensor successfully, this time putting it on the fleshy inside of the arm. He said that would be fine. Over the week I’ve done many finger sticks, on lows, normal, and highs. Except for one reading that was 60 points low, they have been close

[@Roadpizza]

I just got on the G7 in the last 24 hours. The first sensor died within 10 hours. This coninued for two more G7 till the fourth , put in the front area on the arm as opposed to the back of the arm. I had G6 before this. I at this point do not like the Dexcom G7 at all.

[@sumitagg1]

There is significant variability batch to batch in Libre 3. Most of the time it is 10-25%higher than my glucometer. Only reason I stick with it is cost. As a type 2, g7 is not covered.

[@mndyD9]

Can I get opinions on which one has better accuracy IRL? Trying to decide which is better as the previous Libre 3 I used was consistently off

[@mikefa5891]

You've probably answered this question before, but in case your new viewers (like myself), don't know yet, of all the CGMs you have reviewed and tested, which one do you use personally?

[@lucieni]

@1:14 I NEVER had a problem with the adhesive on any Libre product but Dexcom definitely have an issue to sort out with their products. I do use skin-tac wipes applied to the dressing before I apply the sensor but it’s still not the greatest at staying put on my arm compared to Libre adhesive.

[@joannem567]

Same problem here, I've just started with the Libre 3 to see if the adhesive is better.

[@lucieni]

@@joannem567 Are you UK?

[@mpoharper]

The libre was often off by a lot from finger pricks, but the G7 was really quite a bit more accurate.

[@johns3081]

I got started on Libre 3 a few months ago. I found the monitor to be very accurate and easy to use. But, the 14 days seems to pass by quickly, so 10 days Dexcom is not for me. Diabetes treatment involves a lot of plastic, so I wish we could send the used applicator back to the company. I changed my pharmacy recently to Express Scripts. They were able to send 6 Libre 3 at a time, however I have had trouble with 3 of them. One fell off while sleeping and set off an alert which woke me up. The other two worked okay for 8 hours and then while asleep the both dropped to 56 which set off the alarm, but when I tested with my old meter I was at 97, so, fake numbers on the Libre 3. I'm concerned they are getting damaged by cold or heat while in transit. I will temporarily go back to using Walgreens to test their out for reliability.

[@fretless05]

Since the warmup on the G7 starts at insertion and not when you officially "start" the sensor, does that mean you can insert and continue using an expiring sensor until the new one is about ready?

[@diabetesdailydigest]

Yep, you can essentially eliminate the warm up time by doing this.

[@fazleomar3002]

Do you have any information on Medtronic’s Simplera Sensor? Any release update?

[@diabetesdailydigest]

I posted a video a couple months ago going over all of the details. Hopefully will be out sometime this year though.

[@davetremblay5710]

This Work with t SIM x2 ?

[@quadgirl1011]

Hi. I am trying the Libre 3 with my dexcom g6’s. The dexcoms lately have been super wonky and needing many calibrations so I am getting frustrated. My question is this: my Libre’s have been dead-on with last two finger sticks! While dexcoms have been way off (dex reading 131, me feeling gross, and Libre reading 168, which was dead on with finger stick using contour next one meter), so my question with 3 readings of Libre exact to meter - aren’t the CGM’s supposed to be 15 minutes behind since using interstitial fluid? And if so, does this make the Libre actually behind more and wrong? I really am trying to understand and cannot wrap my head around it yet. Nor why dexcoms have been so bad for me the last few months (and I get 9o day supplies, so is there such a thing as bad lot numbers or even 4 digit coded ones)? I am getting to be superstitious. I love the feel of Libre but they have been 20 points under dex most of the days for 2 14 day sessions. I am on a pump break due to not trusting dexcom so much at the moment, much less to inform pump decisions. Can you p,ease help me understand how Libre in my system is so very dead-on to finger sticks and if that is a good or bad thing. I generally have fantastic management, so knew that weird 168 felt like crap while Dex happened to be reading lower, much, than Libre 3 in that instance, but usually reading 20 points higher. Thanks so much! You have helped me so much and I enjoy your demeanor and clear explanations. Take care.

[@joannem567]

There is typically a lag of between 5-15 minutes between a blood fingerstick test & CGM/interstitial fluid- HOWEVER the amount of lag time will vary depending on if your glucose is steady, what you've eaten recently, have you exercised, etc. Don't get too bogged down by this, use whichever system is covered by your insurance, Or if both are covered- the one you prefer- each system has plusses and minuses.

[@quadgirl1011]

Thanks for that @@joannem567 ! I appreciate those thoughts!

[@lucieni]

@1:41 Has anybody else had an issue with the application of a G7? The last 3 sensors I had to ask somebody else to fire them into my arm because I just physically couldn’t activate the button? I’m an active 51 yr old and I don’t consider myself unable by any stretch of the imagination but I struggled with my last 3 sensors application.

[@diabetesdailydigest]

With the dexcom G7 applicator, you have to push down on the top of the applicator for the button to engage. If you don’t push down on the applicator, the button will not work. So make sure when it’s on the arm, press down hard on the top, then press the button and it should work.

[@lucieni]

@@diabetesdailydigest Hey! I’ve been using DG7 for a year or so now and maybe I suddenly have a dexterity issue but yep I’ve had a real problem applying my last 3 G7 sensors.

[@sethauto44]

I have had no problem inserting the sensor. However the over patch is a problem. I go through 3 or 4 before i get it right

[@stevenzak199]

You mentioned that both Dexcom G7 and Libre 3 stay on well. Did you mean WITH a gigantic ugly overpatch in place, or without? I waited a long time for G7 mostly and primarily because I thought the gigantic, medical-looking G6 was an atrocity to be seen in public with. The G7 would be nice and small but for the seeming need to have the overlay on it, which I found, to my disappointment, was necessary if I hoped to keep a G7 sensor on for more than a few days. (Even taking off a T-shirt would pull a G7 off my arm - even with the addition of Skin Tac for extra adhesion.) Is it your experience that either the G7 or the Libre 3 WILL stay on you with just the adhesive these sensors already have and without the use of giant patches or duct tape or anything else that negates the otherwise small size and look of these devices? Because if I thought the Libre 3 would stay on - by itself - I'd consider switching from Dexcom for that reason alone.

[@diabetesdailydigest]

During my testing I did not wear an overpatch for either one and they both stayed on the full 10/14 days.

[@chrisalbert5868]

I used a Dexcom G6 for years and had to wear an over patch and Skin tac to keep it on for the full sensor life. With the Freestyle Libre 3, I am good for the full 14 days without any issues. I understand that doesn't answer about the G7, but thought it might help. The alarms on the Freestyle are a HUGE issue. If you are high, it will tell you once. If you does to correct and it wasn't enough, you won't ever hear another alarm again until it drops under the high level. It's an issue over night. I have seen my A1C increase from a 6.1 to a 6.6 since switching to Freestyle because of the night time highs and the poor alarm. If cost isn't an issue, I would be going with the G7.

[@thorritz8520]

Spoke to my endocrinologist last week. He said he was getting reports that dexcom 7 and tandem would most likely get ability to communicate in Fall. Can't wait! Does anyone know if medicare will pay for dexcom 7?

[@diabetesdailydigest]

Yep, Medicare covers the G7, I've been prescribing it for my Medicare patients for the last couple of months without any issues.

[@happyforest558]

I have medicare, who will not cover the g7 reader since I only started with the g6 1 year ago. Medicare told me that they only replace the reader every 5 years, therefore will have to pay for the reader out of pocket. Not to happy.

[@diabetesdailydigest]

@@happyforest558 I would reach out to your endocrinologist office. Our office has been receiving samples readers for patients, your office may have some available.

[@cc2160g]

My insurance said both Lebre 3 and G7 are NOT COVERED by Medicare. It’s sad. I’ve been wearing Lebre 2 and it has been very inaccurate and three to four in a week it didn’t monitor for about 3 hours in my sleep at night.

[@scentsitive7672]

How much are they out of pocket?

[@stevenzak199]

Also, you mentioned, almost in passing, that the G7 now has an app for Apple Watch. Dexcom has been promising almost since the Stone Age a direct-to-watch capacity. Are you saying - so casually - that they now have it, and if so, would that mean that someone with a Samsung phone (I have the S23 Ultra) could get an Apple Watch and get blood sugar readings on it even without having an Apple phone?

[@diabetesdailydigest]

Not as of yet. They have an app for the Apple Watch (not android) but it requires the phone to transmit the signal. They have promised a direct to watch capability, but it has still not been released.

[@LATOHOUSTON]

I just got my libre 3 today. Not accurate. Started by a difference of 16-19 mg higher on tbe sensor as opposed to finger prick. Now the sensor says 181mg and finger prick 138mg WTH

[@chrisalbert5868]

The first day is usually bad. I have started applying the sensor a day before the expiring sensor actually expires and that has taken care of the wonky day 1 blood sugars.

[@Akeldama626]

Stuck between which one to get.. I’m on the G6 and my dr gave me a sample of the 2 G7 and libre3 and now idk what one to get .. what do you recommend?

[@joannem567]

Try both & see which you prefer !!

[@Roadpizza]

I was on the G6, now on the G7......... I do not like the G7 at all! I think this is going to be a real problem piece of S...!

[@Akeldama626]

@@Roadpizza went with the g7 .. like it better than the g6 in comfort.. but some things need improved like Bluetooth range etc

[@Roadpizza]

@@Akeldama626 I got rid of the G7 Dexcom app as I use a Tandem Tslim 2 and it had proven nightmare . Still on my first 24 hours on the G7. I went through three before finding a spot that worked . The front area near the bicep . Still very shakey about the G7 but, hope it gets worked out as the GGM now seems to be working.

[@Roadpizza]

@@Akeldama626 I have had 4 fail and 2 "working" but, they don't seem to reliably work with thTandem T slim 2. I am having a real time with them. I can't seem to get them to work on the back of my arm yet.

[@aam6058]

Thanks for the comparison. Much appreciated. Gone for the Dexcom G7 as I really like the software and the flexibility with the alarms setup.

[@diabetesdailydigest]

Thank you!

[@Nenea2a]

Hi! Although the moment of sensors has arrived, maybe we shouldn't give up on classic glucometers just yet. In addition, not everyone has or can afford a sensor. That's why I suggest you do a test... or a comparison. A comparison to check the classic blood glucose result, with that of sensors and several other glucometers. The condition is that immediately after taking blood from your vein, note down the result of the sensors and do it with several different glucometers. I think few ppl have many and various glucometers, and sensors even fewer. It's easy for you to be able to make such a comparison. And I don't think there has been such an experiment done by anyone so far. Or maybe i'm wrong. What do you say ? Will you act on such an experiment? P.S. One time cannot be enough. Let's say that it should be repeated at least three or four times? That way we could also see if the difference between the different values of the glucometers is preserved.

[@starpartyguy5605]

The Libre 3 meter has a slot for test strips. It sometimes suggests doing a finger stick.

[@znaip]

What is the price and how can I get it

[@diabetesdailydigest]

That all depends on the country and insurance. Here in the US they are both available right now.

[@sumitagg1]

Biggest issue with Libre app is that you can’t look at your blood glucose values over time. You’re just guessing.

[@quadgirl1011]

Hi. I was told of a workaround where you “follow’ yourself in librelinkup and you can pull up that app and see the past moving your fingers across it. I think it is only 12 hours and a bit clunkier than dexcom, but it works. If libre had clarity I would use it and only it for its accuracy for me. Also if I could stop compression lows that mess up the entire overnight readings. Good luck!

[@mirkorenerLT]

there is a logbook, you can see the daily graph day by day 😃

[@kendavis8335]

I switched to the Dexcom G7 after 4 years with the various Freestyles and their 40% failure rate.

[@diabetesdailydigest]

Dexcom is definitely a great CGM. How do you like it so far after switching from Libre?

[@kendavis8335]

I love it.

[@eleventy-seven]

Your liver supplier must have issues. I have used both Libre2 and 3 and have had one failure in 6 months. I much prefer the phone app as the range is much better.

[@mefirst4266]

LIBRE 3 AT TIMES IS OFF BY 40 UNITS....

[@diabetesdailydigest]

So sorry to hear that.

[@matteo6875]

App and alarms are the 2 reasons that keep me away from libre. The app is just terrible and the alarms are useless.