Are Freestyle Libre 2 Sensors Being Discontinued - Guide | Cured Pharmacy

Are Freestyle Libre 2 Sensors Being Discontinued

Freestyle Libre 2 Plus Sensor

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Freestyle Libre 2 Plus Sensor

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Tarun Kumar, Prescribing Pharmacist at Cured Pharmacy

Medically reviewed by

Tarun Kumar, Prescribing Pharmacist (GPhC 2233073)

Reviewed on: 21 June 2026

Last Updated: 12 August 2026

If you've recently heard rumours circulating among the diabetes community about the future of the FreeStyle Libre 2, you're certainly not alone. Many people living with diabetes in the UK have been asking the same pressing question: are FreeStyle Libre 2 sensors being discontinued, and if so, what does that actually mean for their day-to-day glucose monitoring? It's understandable to feel anxious when a device you rely on for managing a serious health condition appears to be facing changes, but the picture is more nuanced — and more reassuring — than many fear.

Quick Summary

Abbott has been gradually transitioning away from the original FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor in favour of the upgraded FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus and FreeStyle Libre 3. While the original Libre 2 has not yet been fully withdrawn in the UK, availability is narrowing and prescribing patterns are shifting significantly in 2026.

  • The original FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor is being phased out in favour of the Libre 2 Plus across both NHS and private channels
  • The FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus offers real-time continuous readings every minute, unlike the scan-on-demand Libre 2
  • Most NHS Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) are updating formularies to list the Libre 2 Plus as the preferred sensor
  • If you currently use a Libre 2, your reader remains compatible with Libre 2 Plus sensors
  • Private prescriptions for Libre 2 Plus sensors are available now at Cured Pharmacy from just £50.99

Libre 2 Transition Checker

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Table of Contents

What Is Actually Happening With FreeStyle Libre 2 Sensors?

Abbott, the manufacturer of the FreeStyle Libre range, has been quietly but deliberately shifting its product strategy away from the original FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor. Across the UK and Europe, Abbott has introduced the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus as the direct successor — a device that sits on the same platform, uses the same applicator, and retains compatibility with existing readers, but delivers significantly improved clinical performance. This transition has caused understandable confusion, particularly for people who have been using the original Libre 2 for some time and are wondering whether their supply is at risk.

To be clear: as of mid-2026, Abbott has not issued a formal global recall or an immediate hard discontinuation of the FreeStyle Libre 2. However, availability has been diminishing. Stock in UK pharmacies has become patchier, and Abbott's own promotional and prescribing support has shifted almost entirely toward the Libre 2 Plus. This is a textbook product lifecycle transition — the original sensor is being wound down in favour of its successor, rather than being switched off overnight.

The pain point here is real. When you depend on a medical device every day to manage diabetes safely, even the hint of a supply disruption is stressful. Many users have built routines, alarm thresholds, and app integrations around their current sensor. The good news is that because the Libre 2 Plus is largely compatible with existing Libre 2 infrastructure, the transition is designed to be low-disruption. Understanding exactly what is changing — and what isn't — is the best way to feel in control of the situation.

  • Abbott has not issued a full discontinuation notice for Libre 2, but supply is reducing across UK channels
  • The FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus is the official successor and is already widely available
  • Prescribing support from Abbott now focuses on the Libre 2 Plus platform
  • Pharmacy formularies and NHS ICBs are updating their preferred sensor lists accordingly
  • Stock of the original Libre 2 may continue to exist in limited quantities for some months

FreeStyle Libre 2 vs Libre 2 Plus: What's the Difference?

Understanding the practical differences between these two sensors matters when you're deciding whether to transition voluntarily or wait until you're forced to. On the surface, both sensors look nearly identical — they're worn on the back of the upper arm, last for 14 days, and use the same small, discreet applicator. But under the hood, the Libre 2 Plus offers genuinely meaningful improvements that make it more than just a rebrand.

The most significant upgrade is the shift from intermittently scanned CGM (isCGM) to real-time CGM (rtCGM). With the original Libre 2, you needed to actively scan the sensor — either with a reader or your phone — to get a glucose reading. The Libre 2 Plus, by contrast, automatically transmits your glucose level to a connected device every single minute without you needing to scan. This is a substantial clinical upgrade, particularly for people who experience nocturnal hypoglycaemia or who cannot always scan at the appropriate intervals during a busy day.

The Libre 2 Plus also supports optional customisable alarms for both low and high glucose levels, which were a feature on the original Libre 2 but are now more reliably triggered through continuous Bluetooth transmission. The sensor has CE mark approval and MHRA recognition in the UK. Abbott has also reported improved accuracy data for the Libre 2 Plus, with a mean absolute relative difference (MARD) of 7.9%, which puts it among the most accurate flash CGM sensors currently available in the UK market.

  • Real-time glucose readings every 60 seconds without needing to scan
  • Improved accuracy with a MARD of approximately 7.9%
  • Compatible with the existing FreeStyle Libre 2 reader and the LibreLink app
  • Optional low and high glucose alarms transmitted automatically via Bluetooth
  • Same 14-day wear duration and same application method as the Libre 2

Are Freestyle Libre 2 Sensors Being Discontinued on the NHS?

The NHS angle is where this question becomes most pressing for the majority of UK patients. Millions of people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes currently receive their FreeStyle Libre sensors on NHS prescription, following NICE guideline updates that expanded access significantly. The pivotal concern for many is whether their existing NHS prescription will continue to be honoured, and whether they need to take any action at their next appointment.

The short answer is that different Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) across England are making different decisions on their own timelines, but the trend is unmistakably toward listing the Libre 2 Plus as the preferred or only sensor on local formularies. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland operate under different prescribing frameworks, but the same directional shift is evident across all four nations. In practical terms, this means that if you currently receive Libre 2 sensors on prescription, your GP or diabetes nurse may soon only be able to prescribe the Libre 2 Plus as a replacement.

This is not necessarily bad news. Because the two sensors are clinically and technically compatible, switching doesn't require a new education programme, a new reader, or a significant change to your management approach. It is worth checking with your diabetes care team or GP surgery whether your local formulary has already made the switch. If you receive your sensors through a hospital diabetes clinic, your consultant or diabetes nurse specialist will be able to tell you exactly which sensor version is currently on their list. Being proactive now avoids any risk of running low on sensors while waiting for an administrative delay to resolve itself.

  • NHS ICBs are progressively updating formularies to favour the Libre 2 Plus over the original Libre 2
  • Existing Libre 2 prescriptions may continue for a transitional period depending on your ICB
  • Patients in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland should check with their devolved prescribing authority
  • No clinical retraining is required when switching from Libre 2 to Libre 2 Plus
  • Speak to your GP, practice nurse, or hospital diabetes team to confirm your local situation

Will My Libre 2 Reader Still Work With the New Sensors?

One of the most frequently asked questions from people navigating this transition is whether their existing FreeStyle Libre 2 reader — the small, handheld scanning device — will still work with the new Libre 2 Plus sensors. This is an entirely understandable concern, particularly for patients who rely on the reader rather than a smartphone, or who have received their reader on the NHS and are unsure about the process for getting a new one.

Abbott has confirmed that the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus sensors are compatible with the FreeStyle Libre 2 reader. This means you do not need to purchase or request a new reader solely because your sensor has been upgraded. The LibreLink smartphone app, which is available on both iOS and Android, also supports both sensor versions without any additional update or configuration required. For most users, the transition from Libre 2 to Libre 2 Plus should require nothing more than opening a new box of sensors.

It is worth noting, however, that if you want to take full advantage of the real-time streaming capability of the Libre 2 Plus, you will need Bluetooth enabled on your phone or reader at all times. Unlike the scan-on-demand Libre 2, the Libre 2 Plus sends data continuously — which means Bluetooth connectivity is now a functional requirement rather than an optional feature. Most modern smartphones support this without issue, but it is a small but important change in how the device operates day to day.

  • FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus sensors are backward compatible with the existing Libre 2 reader
  • The LibreLink app supports both sensor generations without reconfiguration
  • Bluetooth must remain enabled to receive real-time readings from the Libre 2 Plus
  • You do not need a new reader when transitioning to Libre 2 Plus sensors
  • If you use the FreeStyle Libre reader flash glucose monitoring system, it remains fully functional with the new sensors

Should You Upgrade to the FreeStyle Libre 3 Instead?

With all this talk of upgrades, some users are wondering whether they should skip the Libre 2 Plus entirely and move straight to the FreeStyle Libre 3. It's a fair question. The FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor is Abbott's most advanced continuous glucose monitor currently available in the UK, and it offers some genuinely compelling benefits over the Libre 2 Plus.

The Libre 3 is the world's smallest and thinnest CGM sensor at the time of writing. It sends real-time glucose readings directly to a smartphone every minute without any scanning at all — the phone simply receives data passively in the background. It also features an improved MARD of approximately 7.7%, making it marginally more accurate than the Libre 2 Plus. Crucially, however, the Libre 3 uses a different reader and a different app, so it does not share the same backward compatibility with the Libre 2 ecosystem. Switching to Libre 3 represents a more significant transition than moving from Libre 2 to Libre 2 Plus.

From an NHS access perspective, NICE guidelines and local formularies have been extending Libre 3 availability, particularly for people with type 1 diabetes or those who need more intensive glucose monitoring. Whether you can access it on prescription will depend on your clinical classification and your local ICB's funding decisions. For many people, upgrading to Libre 2 Plus first represents a sensible, lower-friction next step, while keeping the Libre 3 as a longer-term option to discuss at an annual review.

  • The FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor is Abbott's most advanced CGM and offers real-time streaming with no scan needed
  • Switching to Libre 3 requires a different reader and app — a bigger transition than Libre 2 to Libre 2 Plus
  • NHS access for Libre 3 depends on your clinical category and local ICB formulary
  • Most people transitioning from Libre 2 will find the Libre 2 Plus the most practical immediate next step
  • Ask your diabetes team about Libre 3 eligibility at your next annual review

Where to Buy FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus Sensors in the UK

Whether you're waiting for an NHS prescription update or you prefer the convenience and flexibility of a private prescription, there are several ways to access the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus in the UK today. Cured Pharmacy offers the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus sensor with a free private prescription service, meaning you don't need a GP appointment to get started. Orders are fulfilled by UK-based prescribers, with discreet delivery to your door.

For those who prefer to buy in bulk and reduce per-sensor costs, Cured Pharmacy also stocks the FreeStyle Libre Two Plus sensor and the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus sensor in a pack of 2, as well as the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus sensor 1 kit for new users who want to get everything they need in a single purchase. If you also use finger-prick testing alongside your CGM, the FreeStyle 0.05mm Blood 200 Lancets 28g are available at competitive prices.

Private prescriptions for CGM sensors are increasingly popular in 2026 among people who want consistent access without the administrative delays that NHS prescribing sometimes involves. Cured Pharmacy's online consultation service takes under three minutes to complete, and once approved by a GPhC-registered prescribing pharmacist, your sensor is dispatched promptly. The lowest price guarantee on all Libre 2 Plus sensors means you can feel confident you're not overpaying.

  • Private prescriptions are available at Cured Pharmacy without a prior GP appointment
  • Orders are reviewed by UK GPhC-registered prescribing pharmacists
  • Multiple pack sizes and kit options are available to suit different needs and budgets
  • Discreet, tracked delivery is available across the UK
  • A lowest price guarantee applies to all FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus sensor purchases

Sensor Comparison Table: FreeStyle Libre 2 vs Libre 2 Plus vs Libre 3

Feature FreeStyle Libre 2 FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus FreeStyle Libre 3
Reading Type Scan on demand (isCGM) Real-time every 1 minute (rtCGM) Real-time every 1 minute (rtCGM)
Wear Duration 14 days 14 days 14 days
Sensor Size Standard Standard World's smallest CGM (as of 2026)
Accuracy (MARD) ~9.2% ~7.9% ~7.7%
Glucose Alarms Yes (on scan) Yes (automatic via Bluetooth) Yes (automatic via Bluetooth)
Reader Compatibility Libre 2 reader / LibreLink app Libre 2 reader / LibreLink app Separate Libre 3 reader / LibreLink 3 app
NHS Prescribing (UK 2026) Being phased out Current preferred sensor (many ICBs) Available (eligibility criteria apply)
Private Prescription Limited availability Available at Cured Pharmacy from £50.99 Available at Cured Pharmacy
Scanning Required Yes No (continuous transmission) No (continuous transmission)
Best For Existing users with limited stock remaining Most Libre 2 users transitioning now Users wanting the most advanced, compact option

Key Takeaways

  • The FreeStyle Libre 2 is being phased out across the UK — it has not been recalled outright, but supply is narrowing and prescribing is shifting to the Libre 2 Plus
  • The FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus is the direct, compatible successor — it uses the same reader, the same arm placement, and the same 14-day wear cycle, but delivers real-time readings without scanning
  • NHS ICBs across England and devolved nations are progressively updating formularies to list the Libre 2 Plus as the preferred or exclusive sensor option
  • Transitioning is low-disruption: no new reader, no new education programme, and no clinical recertification is needed
  • Private prescriptions for Libre 2 Plus sensors are available today at Cured Pharmacy from £50.99, with free private prescription and discreet UK delivery

When to Seek Professional Advice

While the FreeStyle Libre 2 to Libre 2 Plus transition is straightforward for most users, there are situations where you should speak to a healthcare professional before switching or if you are experiencing difficulty with your sensor supply.

You should contact your GP, diabetes nurse, or hospital diabetes team if any of the following apply to you:

  • Your current prescription has not been updated and you're running low on Libre 2 sensors
  • You have skin sensitivity issues or have experienced adhesive reactions with previous sensors
  • You are pregnant, as CGM requirements during pregnancy may differ and specialist input is important
  • You are unsure whether you qualify for NHS funding for the Libre 2 Plus or Libre 3 under NICE guidelines
  • You are experiencing calibration issues or inaccurate readings with any version of the Libre sensor
  • You are considering moving to a fully implanted CGM or hybrid closed-loop system and want guidance on the most appropriate next step

If you're simply looking to switch from Libre 2 to Libre 2 Plus for private use, a clinical consultation with a Cured Pharmacy prescribing pharmacist can be completed in minutes, with no GP referral required. For any concerns about diabetes management more broadly, your GP or NHS diabetes team should always be your first point of contact.

Get Your FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus Sensor Today

Don't wait until your Libre 2 supply runs out. Switch seamlessly to the Libre 2 Plus with a free private prescription from UK-based prescribers at Cured Pharmacy.

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Scientific References

  1. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Type 1 diabetes in adults: diagnosis and management. NG17. London: NICE; updated 2022. [Accessed 12 August 2026]
  2. Diabetes UK. Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) and Flash Glucose Monitoring. Diabetes UK; 2024. [Accessed 12 August 2026]
  3. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Medical devices: conformity assessment and the UKCA mark. MHRA; 2023. [Accessed 12 August 2026]
  4. Type 1 diabetes in adults: diagnosis and management, NICE guideline NG28, NICE, 2022 [Accessed 12 August 2026]
  5. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensors and flash glucose monitoring (FGM) sensors: guidance for procurement, MHRA, 2023 [Accessed 12 August 2026]
  6. Flash glucose monitoring position statement, Diabetes UK, 2021 [Accessed 12 August 2026]
  7. FreeStyle Libre 2 for managing type 1 and type 2 diabetes, NICE technology appraisal TA943, NICE, 2024 [Accessed 12 August 2026]
  8. Pickup JC et al., Real-world use of flash glucose monitoring in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, BMJ Open, 2022 [Accessed 12 August 2026]
  9. Integrated continuous glucose monitoring position statement, Diabetes UK, 2023 [Accessed 12 August 2026]

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor still available in the UK?

The FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor is still available in the UK in 2026, although Abbott has been transitioning users toward the upgraded FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus and Libre 3 sensors. Existing Libre 2 prescriptions may continue for now, but new prescriptions are increasingly being issued for the newer Libre 2 Plus platform across NHS and private settings.

What is the difference between FreeStyle Libre 2 and Libre 2 Plus?

The difference between FreeStyle Libre 2 and Libre 2 Plus is that the Libre 2 Plus offers real-time continuous glucose monitoring every minute, compared to Libre 2's on-demand scanning. The Libre 2 Plus also delivers optional alarms and improved connectivity, making it a meaningfully upgraded replacement for everyday diabetes management.

Can I still get FreeStyle Libre 2 on NHS prescription?

Whether you can still get FreeStyle Libre 2 on NHS prescription depends on your local Integrated Care Board and GP's formulary decisions. In 2026, many NHS trusts have moved toward prescribing FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus as the successor device. It is worth speaking to your diabetes care team to confirm which sensor version your prescription covers.

How long will FreeStyle Libre 2 sensors remain available to buy?

How long FreeStyle Libre 2 sensors will remain available to buy is not yet publicly confirmed by Abbott, but stock continues to be sold through pharmacies and online retailers in 2026. Patients are advised to transition to FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus at their next review, as supply of the original Libre 2 sensor may reduce gradually over time.

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