Syringe and Vial
Freestyle Lingo
Summary
Traditional syringe and needle. The most affordable insulin delivery option.
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
Needles
Classic syringes with plunger used to fill insulin for injection
Long-acting insulin
Basal (long-acting) insulin vial for steady release of insulin that helps control blood sugar between meals, and overnight.
Rapid-acting insulin
Bolus (fast-acting) insulin vial for meal time or high blood sugar correction.
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
Nothing on the body when not in use but very visible when dosing.
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
$$$$
Syringes are available worldwide in pharmacies or DME without prescription. Price Range: $0-$300/month depending on insurance coverage.
$$$$
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
No Options
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
No Options
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
28 Days
Open vials can be stored at room temperature (not above 80º F) for up to 28 days. Unopened vials should be stored in the refrigerator (36ºF - 86ºF.)
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
NO text to speech
NO vibration alerts
A LOT dexterity for insertion
NO text to speech
YES vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed
Patient Considerations
Active Lifestyle
Limited Adjustability. No way to adjust long-acting insulin for higher activity on the fly.
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
Limited customizability. Requires a high level of engagement and effort to avoid highs and lows but can be paired with a CGM for improved blood sugar control.
Optional glucose alerts for low and high glucose levels. Trend arrows show the direction glucose is heading, with the rate of change.
Comfort
Many components. Must carry insulin vials and large syringes but nothing attached to the body.
Lowest profile sensor and smallest adhesive (about the size of two stacked U.S pennies).
Easy Insulin Dosing
Requires attention. You have to do the math to figure out your dose. Unable to adjust basal in real-time.
Sensor trends can be used for dose adjustment.
Easy to Use
Many steps. Requires effort to figure out doses and deliver insulin every single time you need it.
No scanning required. Minute-by-minute readings are sent directly to the mobile app.
Fewer Fingersticks
Frequent finger-sticks are required.
Factory-calibrated sensor. Finger-sticks needed for backup only.
Privacy
Hideable. Vials and syringes can be hidden when not in use but very visible when in use. Frequent injections are unavoidable.
Hypoglycemia safety alarm. Discreet size but built-in hypoglycemia safety alarm alerts users when glucose is below 55 mg/dl and is always on.