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The exciting news diabetics have all been waiting for, Libre is coming to Canada! Abbott’s Libre 3 CGM (continuous glucose monitor) was approved for use by Heath Canada on July 21, 2023. This exciting news of Libre 3’s approval brings this long-anticipated upgrade to Libre 2 one step closer to diabetics across Canada.
What do we know about the new Freestyle Libre 3?
Do you still need to scan Libre 3?
No More Scanning is required. The FreeStyle Libre 3 (manufactured by Abbott) differs from earlier Libre models, in that it does not require regular scanning to obtain a glucose level and will provide blood glucose threshold alerts alongside readings every minute. You read that right – NO MORE SCANNING with our phones or Libre reader.
Is Libre 3 the same size as Libre 2?
Libre 3 is significantly smaller, In fact, the Libre 3 continuous glucose system is 70% smaller than FreeSyle Libre 2. It is 70% smaller than the FreeStyle Libre 2, comparable to 2 pennies stacked on top of one another. Abbott describes the Libre 3 as the world’s thinnest, and most discreet sensor. In contrast, Libre 2 is about the size of two quarters staked on top of one another.
Will Libre 3 will require a new app?
Yes, Using the United States and Europe, similar to the shift from Libre to Libre 2, it is expected that Libre 3 will require a new mobile app to be installed on your phone. The Health Canada approval of Libre 3 includes apps for iOS, Android, as well as a Libre 3 reader kit.
Is Libre 3 Approved in Canada?
Yes, Libre 3 was approved and received clearance from Health Canada on Friday, July 21, 2023. The approval included iOS and Android app’s, a reader kit, and a sensor kit.
Will Libre 3 have different coverage requirements than Libre 2?
Approval having just been announced, it remains to be seen when the Freestyle Libre 3 will be available for sale and what will be the requirements of Private Insurance companies and Provincial health plans. We know, however, looking at experience south of the border in the United States, Libre 3 is expected to be priced close to that of previous versions.
That being said, as Libre 3 is now a fully continuous glucose monitor, insurance companies may not consider the eligibility of the Libre 3 similar to other devices like the Dexcom G7 ad G6 which typically require either the use of an insulin pump or a “Type 1” diagnosis and not the typical more generic definition of diabetes control using insulin. It could be an interesting few months.
When will Libre 3 be available in Pharmacies and from Abbott Canada?
Using Libre 2 as an example, it took approximately 4 months from when Libre 2 was approved in December 2020 until it was available at pharmacies and distributors. Using myself as an example, my first Libre 2 prescription was filled on April 10, 2021. Based on a similar timeline we are looking towards the end of the year – October or November time frame. Just in time for holiday celebrations and really putting our new CGM to the test.
Where can I find information about Health Canada’s approval of Freestyle Libre 3?
The Health Canada Medical Device License information for Libre 3 is as follows:
| FREESTYLE LIBRE 3 APP (ANDROID) Licence No.: 109791 |
| FREESTYLE LIBRE 3 APP (IOS) Licence No.: 109791 |
| FREESTYLE LIBRE 3 READER KIT Licence No.: 109791 |
| FREESTYLE LIBRE 3 SENSOR KIT Licence No.: 109791 |
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Abbott shouldn’t have announced Libre 3 until it was ready to go out the door. They won’t give you an answer as to why it’s been delayed so long. Just like the Eglinton LRT, not on time and the wait continues.
LOL on the LRT. Multi billion dollar projects do take time and safety is equally as important – however, another story there. As for Libre 3 – In many ways, besides the size difference, the upgrades to Libre 2 has accomplished everything I need from my sensor. The fact that we no longer need to scan our sensors was a game changer. I am actually concerned that if insurance companies consider Libre 3 in the same category as Dexcom, it will exclude every insulin dependant Type 2 users.
Libre 3 has been available in the USA. However, I don’t recall Abbott making a formal announcement that Libre 3 was coming, just that users like me saw that they had filed the application to be able to sell it as a medical device – which i suspect did open the door for the upgrades we saw with Libre 2. However, just a guess’s. I think they have found their market for Libre here in Canada with Libre 2.
What features of Libre 3 were you looking forward to?
The size is the biggest attraction for me. I find the 2 sticks out too far causing it to snag on things fairly often. Would love to reduce the amount of times it rips off in daily activities. I have tried all the suggested workarounds and that doesnt solve it completely.
Was this a mirage? We are over a year later and the Libre 3 is still not available at any Canadian pharmacies that I am aware of. Will this ever actually show up in Canada?
I agree – it has not been made available within any timelines that we had hoped. However, with the Libre 2 software update late last fall to remove the need to scan our sensors may have something to do with it. As a long time Libre user, the update to L2 gives me almost everything I need.
I only wish Abbott has better integration with 3rd party devices like Smart Watches. I would love to have my Libre data on my Garmin devices.