The FreeStyle Libre 3 Sensor Is Being Discontinued: What You Need To Know About The New Libre 3 Plus
The landscape of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is undergoing a significant and urgent change as of December 2025. Users of the highly popular FreeStyle Libre 3 system must be aware of a critical transition: the original FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor is being discontinued and replaced by the advanced FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor. This major update from Abbott is designed to streamline their technology, enhance features like wear time, and, most importantly, future-proof the device for integration with Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) systems.
This is not a minor update; it requires current users to obtain a new prescription to ensure they can continue their glucose monitoring regimen without interruption. The new Libre 3 Plus is set to become the standard, building on the success of its predecessor while introducing key technological advancements that solidify its position in the competitive CGM market.
FreeStyle Libre 3 Technical Profile and Transition Summary
The FreeStyle Libre 3 system, manufactured by Abbott Diabetes Care, revolutionized glucose monitoring by offering the world’s smallest and thinnest sensor. This discreet design, often compared to the size of two stacked U.S. pennies, made it a favorite for many. The core functionality—providing minute-to-minute, real-time glucose readings directly to a smartphone app—remains the gold standard for diabetes management.
The transition to the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus is a strategic move to offer superior features and greater integration capabilities. While the original Libre 3 was known for its 14-day lifespan, the Plus version extends this to a full 15 days.
Key Specifications: FreeStyle Libre 3 vs. Libre 3 Plus
- Manufacturer: Abbott Diabetes Care
- Device Type: Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System
- Sensor Size: World's smallest and thinnest (approx. two stacked pennies)
- Data Transmission: Real-time, minute-to-minute glucose readings
- Accuracy Metric (MARD): High accuracy, with a Mean Absolute Relative Difference (MARD) around 8.9% for the Libre 3.
- Original Libre 3 Wear Time (Discontinued): 14 days
- New Libre 3 Plus Wear Time: Up to 15 days
- Key New Feature (Libre 3 Plus): Compatibility with Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) systems and insulin pumps.
- Pediatric Indication (Libre 3 Plus): Indicated for children as young as 2 years old.
The Critical Reason for the Upgrade: Automated Insulin Delivery (AID)
The single most important driver behind the discontinuation of the standard Libre 3 sensor is the push towards advanced Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) systems, often called "closed-loop" systems or hybrid closed-loop systems.
AID systems require a CGM sensor that can communicate seamlessly and reliably with an insulin pump to automate insulin dosing based on real-time glucose trends. The new FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor is specifically engineered to meet the stringent requirements for this interoperability. This makes the Libre 3 Plus a crucial component for patients seeking to integrate their glucose monitoring with the latest generation of smart insulin pumps, simplifying the complex task of managing Type 1 diabetes.
For individuals who rely on the most advanced technology to manage their condition, the Libre 3 Plus opens the door to a truly automated experience, reducing the daily burden of manual calculations and injections. The ability to connect the sensor to an external device for automated therapy is a game-changer for diabetic care.
Affordability, Accuracy, and the Competitive CGM Landscape
While the technological advancements of the Libre 3 Plus are significant, the FreeStyle Libre system has always maintained a strong competitive edge in two primary areas: cost and size.
Cost-Effectiveness and Accessibility
When comparing the FreeStyle Libre 3 to its main competitor, the Dexcom G7, the Libre system is often significantly more affordable. The lower price point dramatically increases the accessibility of real-time CGM technology for a broader range of patients, including those with Type 2 diabetes or those managing their condition without extensive insurance coverage. This affordability remains a cornerstone of Abbott's strategy, ensuring that minute-to-minute glucose data is available to more people.
Accuracy and Performance Metrics
The accuracy of a CGM is measured by the Mean Absolute Relative Difference (MARD), where a lower percentage indicates higher accuracy. The FreeStyle Libre 3 boasts an impressive MARD of approximately 8.9%. While some studies may show the Dexcom G7 with a slightly lower (better) MARD, both devices offer industry-leading performance that is clinically reliable for making daily treatment decisions, including insulin dosing. The difference in MARD is often negligible for the average user, making factors like size, cost, and wear time more decisive.
The 15-day wear time of the Libre 3 Plus also provides a slight advantage in convenience over the G7's 10-day lifespan, meaning fewer sensor changes each month. This extended lifespan contributes to better patient adherence and a reduced overall cost of diabetes supplies.
Urgent Transition and Safety Notices for Current Users
Current users of the FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor must act promptly to switch to the new Plus version. Abbott has mandated that the original Libre 3 sensor, along with the older Libre 2, will be discontinued as of late 2025.
The process is straightforward but requires action:
- Consult Your Healthcare Provider: You will need a new prescription specifically for the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor. The old prescription for the Libre 3 will no longer be valid for the new inventory.
- Check for Safety Notices: In November 2025, Abbott issued an Urgent Field Safety Notice and a medical device correction for a specific subset of both FreeStyle Libre 3 and FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors. Users should check the official Abbott or FreeStyle website to confirm if their current batch of sensors is affected and follow all guidance provided. These notices are critical for ensuring the safe and accurate use of the device.
- Verify App Compatibility: Ensure your smartphone and the FreeStyle Libre app are updated to the latest version to maintain seamless connectivity and receive all necessary alarms and alerts from the new Plus sensor.
The shift to the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor is a positive step forward, driven by the demand for longer wear time and advanced integration with insulin delivery technology. By transitioning now, users can ensure they benefit from the latest innovations in glucose monitoring technology while maintaining the affordability and small, discreet size that the Libre family is famous for.
Detail Author:
- Name : Sheridan Miller
- Username : eldridge.lueilwitz
- Email : kris.josh@gmail.com
- Birthdate : 1982-04-11
- Address : 9137 Mellie Flat Suite 980 Port Drake, ME 69479-6479
- Phone : +1.443.305.3322
- Company : Smith LLC
- Job : City Planning Aide
- Bio : Corporis earum dolore tenetur et rerum et eligendi. Placeat occaecati qui dolorem rerum ab debitis vel. Sed sed et assumenda repudiandae voluptatem voluptatem.
Socials
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/nia_weber
- username : nia_weber
- bio : Corrupti rem aliquid voluptatibus. Et sunt placeat quo aut enim. Alias libero ipsum ex.
- followers : 2883
- following : 2806
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/webern
- username : webern
- bio : Veritatis quia temporibus autem illum unde. Et aut id qui nesciunt. Neque error dolorum officiis est animi architecto.
- followers : 1583
- following : 2313
