The Freestyle Libre 3 is one of the latest and greatest Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) available today. The Omnipod 5 is a recent hybrid closed-loop insulin pump that currently only works with the Dexcom G6 (though support for the G7 is rumored to be coming soon). Gluroo supports users of both the OP5 and the Libre 3, enabling them to remotely monitor data from both devices. For OP5 users that prefer the Libre 3 over Dexcom’s offerings, many are wondering – is the Freestyle Libre 3 going to be compatible with the OP5?
(Scroll to the bottom to see the most up-to-date information about OP5 integration announcements!)
The Details – Freestyle Libre 3 and Omnipod 5
The Freestyle Libre 3 is currently available in the US. It received clearance from the FDA on May 31, 2022. I’ve already used the Libre 3 once, and compared it directly to a Dexcom G6. I scoured the internet searching for details on if and when the OP5 will support the Libre 3, and here’s what I found.
One article said that “Abbot is already in the process of folding the FreeStyle Libre devices into so-called artificial pancreas systems with Insulet’s Omnipod 5 insulin pump and Tandem Diabetes Care’s t:slim X2 pump…”
Another article on diatribe.org stated that “The FDA cleared the Libre 2 and 3 for use with automated insulin delivery (AID) systems on March 6, 2023.” The article mentions that Abbot already has partnerships with insulin pump manufacturers like Tandem and Insulet (who make the Omnipod 5), and has plans to integrate the Libre 2 and Libre 3 sensors with those insulin pumps. The article further states that “Abbot is working to finalize partnerships with insulin pump manufacturers and roll out the modified sensors later in 2023.”
Lastly, I found a helpful table that shows the expected device collaborations coming in the next year. Note where “Insulet/Abbott” have entries. “Omnipod 5 with FreeStyle Libre 3” is listed as “Expected 2023”. Note, though, that the “Omnipod 5 with G7” is listed as “Expected 2022”. Yet here we are, nearly halfway through 2023 at the time of writing. That is to say that the table below may be overly optimistic.
Connecting the Omnipod 5 to Gluroo for Remote Monitoring
Although the Omnipod 4 had a rudimentary “View” app (iOS only), the Omnipod 5 still does not have any second screen capabilities to monitor the pump remotely. Gluroo has an experimental (and not yet in coordination with Insulet) integration with the Omnipod 5 system that enables one-way synchronization of the insulin activity entered on a compatible full phone running the Omnipod 5 app connected to an OP5 patch pump. Using this experimental integration means you do not have to “double-enter” boluses both in the Omnipod 5 app and in Gluroo in order to get some of the benefits of Gluroo.
In short, using Gluroo will allow you to see insulin doses from the OP5 on any phone, anywhere.
To do this, simply download Gluroo from the app stores and follow the instructions here: Setting up Gluroo as 2nd Screen for Omnipod 5.
Benefits of the FreeStyle Libre 3
If you’re still trying to decide between the Libre 3 and the Dexcom G7, here are some of the benefits of the Libre. (If you’re not clear about the benefits of CGMs in general, check out our guide to Continuous Glucose Monitors.)
First, the Libre 3 has a 14-day sensor life compared to 10 days with the G7. Second, the Libre 3 is smaller and thinner than the G7 – Abbott claims that it’s “smaller than two stacked pennies“! And lastly, The Libre 3 sends glucose readings every minute, as opposed to every 5 minutes with the G7. (Note that the Libre 2 had one-minute readings as well.)
Final Thoughts
The summary is that all signs point toward the Omnipod 5 being compatible with the Freestyle Libre 3 by the first half of 2024.
In the meantime, users of the Omnipod 5 will need to continue monitoring their glucose levels with their current device. Once the integration is complete, users can look forward to an even more streamlined experience managing their diabetes, with the convenience of having all their data in one place, as well as real-time alerts and improved accuracy.
Gluroo already supports the Libre 3 as a standalone CGM and the OP5 as an insulin pump, so hop in today and worry less about diabetes!
Updates
- February 7, 2024 – Insulet announces integration with the Freestyle Libre 2 Plus. The CE mark was approved and this collaboration will be available to the Netherlands and the UK in the “first half of 2024, with additional markets to follow”. Source