Choosing the right continuous glucose monitors (CGMs)
There are two standalone CGMs to choose from.
On this page
1 May 2025 | FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus listed
Read more about the listing of the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus, including:
- the new features
- when it will change
- what you need to do
Freestyle Libre 2 Plus and the Dexcom ONE+
The two CGMs have different features.
|
Compare |
Dexcom One+ |
Abbott Freestyle Libre 2 Plus |
|---|---|---|
|
Image (not shown to scale) |
 |
 |
|
Supplier |
NZMS |
Abbott |
|
Accuracy (MARD) |
8.2% |
8.2% |
|
Warm-up period |
30 min |
60 min |
|
Sensor life |
10 days |
15 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
Using the mobile application
CGMs can communicate with an application you install on your phone. Make sure your phone and its operating system are compatible with the CGM app.
Once you have the app installed, before upgrading the OS you'll need to check it's still compatible with the app. Consider turning off automatic updates for your OS, because the app may stop working if the OS updates before the app is compatible.
Dexcom 1+ compatibility check | Dexcom website(external link)
LibreLinkUp App compatibility [PDF] | Freestyle website(external link)
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 Plus reader, free of charge, by completing a form on the Mediray website(external link).
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.