What is the Freestyle Libre 2 Plus?

In this blog we're explaining what the Plus means for FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus and how it compares. Note, this sensor is being rolled out from June 2024 in the UK and will replace Libre 2 - expected to be phased out by the end of August 2025.

Overview

In brief, the Libre 2 Plus sensor has these features: 15 day sensor wear Website price same as Libre 2 when compare to daily price of £3.45 per day (UK pricing) Approved for PWD aged 2 years and older Reduced likelihood of interference for settings making it more reliable with less signal loss Improved accuracy at the low glucose range MARD 8.2% Uses same App in UK as Libre 2 No calibration 1 hour warm-up

How does this compare to the FreeStyle Libre 2?

It's the same size and same application process. It also uses the same Libre 2 app and whilst extending the time of wear to 15 days, meaning that you change the sensor less frequently - it also means that if you had a regular 'changeover day' then that's no longer possible. There are no changes or updates to many of the key features that come with a Libre 2 sensor, some of which are quite frustrating to wearers of this CGM.

There is no means to calibrate the sensor and this looks unlikely to change as a spokesperson for Abbott has previously commented that the device is deliberately factory calibrated to keep things simple.

There's also no change with the warm-up time which still means there's a 1 hour period when wearers can't see their glucose levels. This contrasts with the Dexcom 7 which has just a 30 minute warm-up and the a more flexible option for changing a sensor with a 12 hour grace period.

Pump integration

Tandem pumps

If using the Tandem pump, you use the Tandem app so not seeing data on Libre app and data is not captured and available in Libre Linkup App. It’s understood that Libre/Tandem are working to enable followers to get access to data once it’s in Tandem’s cloud so that it then can be seen in LibreView and followers can get the information, but it’s not possible currently. 

Omnipod 5 integration

Freestyle Libre recently announced that the Libre 2 Plus sensor is compatible with Omnipod 5 for use as a hybrid closed loop, however, users have raised several issues with this.

It's known that there will initially be some issues with the integration of Libre 2 Plus at launch…readings will only be available on an Omnipod PDM (Personal Device Monitor ie. separate reader/dummy phone. Glucose levels will NOT be available on a smartphone or updated to LibreView including to followers using LibreLinkUp.

FreeStyle Libre CGM Comparison

	FreeStyle Libre 2	FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus	FreeStyle Libre 3
Real-time CGM	Yes – updates every minute	Yes – yes updates every minute	Yes – updates every minute
MARD	9.2%	8.2%	7.8%
Published accuracy data	Yes (T1 n=133)	No (T1=128)	Yes (T1 n=83)
Stand-alone use	Yes	Yes	Yes
Pump/hybrid closed loop (HCL) compatibility	No	Omnipod 5 & Tandem	YpsoPump
Sensor wear time	14 days	15 days	14 days
Sensor warm up time	60 mins	60 mins	60 mins
Separate transmitter	No	No	No
Smartphone app	LibreLink	LibreLink	Libre 3
Reader available	Yes	Yes	Yes (different to Libre 2 reader)
Calibration	No	No	No
High & low alarms	Yes	Yes	Yes
Predictive alarms	No	No – stand-alone use	No - stand-alone use Yes - HCL use
Smart pen data connection	NovoPen 6 & Echo Plus	NovoPen 6 & Echo Plus	No
Data share HCP	LibreView	LibreView	LibreView
Data share friends/family app	LibreLinkUp	LibreLinkUp – not when using as HCL	LibreLinkUp
UK approved wearable site	Back of upper arm	Back of upper arm	Back of upper arm

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Thank your for reading. If you have any comments on this blog or the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus that would be helpful to other members, please email us - hello@lovemylibre.com

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