Choosing the right continuous glucose monitors (CGMs)
There are two standalone CGMs to choose from.
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Update 1 November 2024
Supply status
We are hearing that people and pharmacies are having difficulty accessing CGMs. There is supply with suppliers, however there are delays within the supply chain between the supplier, wholesalers, and pharmacies. We ask that people are patient.
Supply status of the FreeStyle Libre 2
The supplier has brought forward the next shipment of FreeStyle Libre 2. It should be available to wholesalers in the week beginning 4 November 2024.
Prescription charges
We have been made aware that some pharmacies are charging additional fees for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices. CGM devices listed on the Pharmaceutical Schedule are fully funded, meaning that pharmacies should not charge anything more than the prescription co-payment (typically $5).
If you have been asked to pay more than this for your CGM device, please inform your pharmacy that CGMs are fully funded and that the only charge permitted is the standard prescription fee. If you continue to experience issues, please contact us for further support.
Freestyle Libre 2 and the Dexcom ONE+
The two CGMs have different features.
|
Compare |
Dexcom One+ |
Abbott Freestyle Libre 2 |
|---|---|---|
|
Image (not shown to scale) |
 |
 |
|
Supplier |
NZMS |
Abbott |
|
Accuracy (MARD) |
8.2% |
9.2% |
|
Warm-up period |
30 min |
60 min |
|
Sensor life |
10 days |
14 days |
|
Combined sensor size |
4.7 mm (H) x 27.4 mm (L) x 24.1 mm (W) |
5.1 mm (H) x 35 mm (Diameter) |
|
Weight |
3.3 g |
5 g |
|
Separate reader device if required |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Water resistance (Ingress Protection) |
IP28: immersion in water for up to 2.4 meters for 24 hours |
IP27: immersion in water for up to 1 meter for 30 minutes |
|
Ability to use in AID system |
No |
No |
|
Range |
6 metres |
6 metres |
|
Alarm functionality |
High (5.5 - 22.2 mmol/L) and Low (3.3 -8.3 mmol/L) Glucose alert level, signal loss and system alarms |
High (6.7 - 22.2 mmol/L) and Low (3.3 -5.6 mmol/L) Glucose alert level, signal loss and system alarms |
|
Live data sharing |
No |
Yes (through LibreLinkUp(external link)) |
|
Data Sharing with Health Care Providers |
Yes through Dexcom Clarity |
Yes through LibreView |
|
Glucose Reading Frequency |
Every 5 minutes |
Every minute |
|
Approved sites |
Multiple Sites |
Upper arm |
Download this information
Do I need a smartphone?
The CGMs communicate to an app that can be installed on your phone. If you don't have a compatible phone, the suppliers can provide a standalone reader device.
You can get a FreeStyle Libre 2 reader, free of charge, by contacting Mediray. You can call their Customer Care team 0800 106 100 (Option 2).
You can get a Dexcom One+ reader, free of charge, by filling out a form from Dexcom(external link)
What if I change my mind?
You can swap between the two funded CGMs when you get a new prescription. You do not need a new special authority. Just ask your doctor to prescribe the other CGM.
There will be differences in how each CGM works. You may need advice on getting the most out of your CGM.
Learning how to use CGMs
We are working with the suppliers of CGMs and diabetes support groups to develop resources so people can get the most out of their CGM.
We will add more information once it’s available.
Sign up for email updates(external link)
What happens if one or more are faulty?
We know that sometimes technology doesn’t work the way it’s supposed to. Reach out to the supplier or your pharmacist in the first instance.