Medtronic Simplera
Freestyle Lingo
Summary
The Simplera continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is Medtronic’s first disposable, all-in-one CGM. This sensor lasts for 7 days and sends real-time glucose readings to a compatible smartphone app or directly on an Apple Watch. No finger pricks or scanning is needed.
FDA-approved for people with diabetes ages 2 years and older.
Freestyle Lingo is an over-the-counter low-profile, all-in-one glucose sensor/transmitter. This sensor lasts for up to 14 days and sends real-time glucose readings to a compatible smartphone app. No finger pricks or scanning is needed. FDA approved for people 18 and older who are not on insulin.
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Components
Sensor
Sensor uses a thin, flexible filament inserted just under the skin to measure glucose levels every 5-minutes. Push-button applicator allows sensor to be placed on the body in one step.
Receiver
Conveniently access glucose readings using a reader, smartphone, or directly on an Apple Watch. Phone app available for both iOS and Android devices.
Sensor
Sensor uses a thin, flexible filament inserted just under the skin to measure glucose levels every minute. Push-button applicator allows sensor to be placed on the body in one step.
Receiver
Conveniently access glucose readings using a reader, smartphone, or both. Available for both iOS and Android devices.
Device Details
Overview
The Simplera is Medtronic's smallest continuous glucose monitor. It's disposable and has a flat, square shape.
Smallest, thinnest, all-in-one glucose sensor/transmitter with low and high blood glucose alarms can be worn on the upper arm.
Affordability and Access
$$$$
No insurance coverage data. Provided by DME and/or Pharmacy.
$$$$
Widely covered. Provided by pharmacies. Price range; $49 for one 14-day sensor, $89 for two sensors, or $249 for six sensors. Often, it is the cheapest and easiest-to-access sensor.
Data Monitoring Options
Yes
Automatically and continuously sends data to the user’s Care Partner web-based cloud which is accessible by clinicians.
Yes
Sensor automatically sends data to the user’s LibreLingo account which enables sharing with HCPs and caregivers via the LibreLink app.
Data View Options
Yes
Users must download the Simplera app to view and share data. Messages via the simplera app or text messages to notify care partners when glucose is high or low.
Yes
Freestyle Libre Lingo app provides glucose readings and alarms, multiple data views, the ability to share glucose data and real-time alarms with LibreLingo.
Duration and Storage
7 Days
Sensors last 7 days.
14 Days
Sensors last 14 days and work between 50ºF - 113ºF. They are shipped in orders of 1-3 months at a time - which is 2-6 boxes at a time.
Vision / Auditory / Dexterity
YES text to speech
YES vibration alerts
3 sound sources
SOME dexterity needed
NO text to speech
YES vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed
Patient Considerations
Active Lifestyle
Waterproof when submerged in water and must be within range of the feet of the receiver or mobile device.
Water-resistant for up to 3 feet deep for 30 minutes and light on the body, does not get in the way of activity.
Avoiding Highs and Lows
Custom alerts can be set for highs, lows, and rapidly rising or falling glucose levels. Trend arrows show the direction glucose is heading, with the rate of change.
Optional glucose alerts for low and high glucose levels. Trend arrows show the direction glucose is heading, with the rate of change.
Comfort
Smaller size. The sensor is small and flat, and no overtape is required. Simplera’s adhesive is made from an anti-lint material that prevents sweat and water from reaching the sensor.
Lowest profile sensor and smallest adhesive (about the size of two stacked U.S pennies).
Easy Insulin Dosing
Real-time data and alerts make dose adjustment easier. The device can be integrated with the Medtronic InPen, which offers a bolus calculator based on carb ratios, meal estimations, the amount of insulin on board, and fixed dosing regimens
Sensor trends can be used for dose adjustment.
Easy to Use
No scanning is required. Readings are sent directly to the mobile app every 5 minutes.
No scanning required. Minute-by-minute readings are sent directly to the mobile app.
Fewer Fingersticks
Factory-calibrated sensor. Finger sticks needed for backup only.
Factory-calibrated sensor. Finger-sticks needed for backup only.
Privacy
Discreet. Small, flat shape and ability to see sugar on a watch or phone.
Hypoglycemia safety alarm. Discreet size but built-in hypoglycemia safety alarm alerts users when glucose is below 55 mg/dl and is always on.