Will Freestyle Libre 2 Be Discontinued - Guide | Cured Pharmacy

Will Freestyle Libre 2 Be 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 rely on the FreeStyle Libre 2 to manage your diabetes day to day, you may have noticed a growing buzz online about whether the sensor is being phased out. Questions like will freestyle libre 2 be discontinued have been trending across UK diabetes forums, social media groups, and pharmacy enquiry desks throughout 2025 and into 2026, and it is completely understandable to feel anxious if this is your primary glucose monitoring tool.

Quick Summary

Abbott has been actively transitioning the UK market away from the original FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor and toward its upgraded successor, the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus. While the original sensor has not been completely withdrawn overnight, its availability is becoming increasingly limited — and understanding what this means for your glucose monitoring routine is essential right now.

  • Abbott is phasing out the original FreeStyle Libre 2 in favour of the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus across the UK and Europe
  • The FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus offers real-time glucose readings, improved accuracy, and a longer 15-day wear period
  • Most NHS patients eligible for Libre 2 will be transitioned to Libre 2 Plus with similar prescription criteria
  • The two sensor generations are not compatible with each other's readers, so some equipment may need updating
  • Private purchase of FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus sensors is available now through registered UK pharmacies like Cured Pharmacy

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Table of Contents

Is the FreeStyle Libre 2 Being Discontinued in the UK?

The short answer is: yes, the original FreeStyle Libre 2 is being phased out, but this is happening gradually rather than all at once. Abbott, the manufacturer behind the FreeStyle Libre range, formally began transitioning customers in the UK and across Europe toward the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus during 2024, and this process has continued well into 2026. The original Libre 2 is not being yanked from shelves overnight, but its availability is tightening, and Abbott has made clear that the Libre 2 Plus is now its flagship product in this category.

For people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes who depend on the sensor, this naturally raises a host of practical questions. Will your current reader still work? Will your NHS prescription automatically update? Can you still buy sensors privately while the transition is ongoing? These are legitimate concerns, and the answers vary depending on how you currently access your sensors. What is important to understand is that this is a product upgrade, not an abandonment of continuous flash glucose monitoring technology.

  • Abbott began formally communicating the phase-out to UK healthcare providers in late 2023 and throughout 2024
  • The original Libre 2 sensor may still be dispensed in some settings until existing stock is exhausted
  • Abbott has confirmed that the Libre 2 Plus is the intended long-term successor
  • Patients on NHS prescriptions have been receiving communications via their diabetes care teams
  • Private supply is already predominantly switching to the Libre 2 Plus across registered UK pharmacies

Why Abbott Is Moving Away From the Original Libre 2

Understanding why this change is happening can actually make the transition feel much less unsettling. Abbott has invested heavily in improving its glucose monitoring technology, and the Libre 2 Plus represents a meaningful clinical upgrade rather than a cosmetic rebrand. The original FreeStyle Libre 2 required users to actively scan the sensor with a reader or their smartphone to obtain a glucose reading. The Libre 2 Plus changes this fundamentally by providing real-time, continuous glucose data that is automatically pushed to your device without the need to scan — a significant improvement for people managing insulin-dependent diabetes.

Clinically, the Libre 2 Plus also demonstrates improved accuracy. Abbott's data shows a Mean Absolute Relative Difference (MARD) of approximately 7.9% for the Libre 2 Plus, compared to around 9.2% for the original Libre 2. While both figures are within acceptable clinical thresholds, the improvement matters in practice, particularly when making real-time insulin dosing decisions. The sensor also offers a slightly extended wear period of 15 days versus the original 14 days, which while modest, reduces the frequency of sensor changes over time.

  • Real-time glucose data is transmitted automatically without manual scanning
  • Improved MARD of around 7.9% offers greater accuracy for clinical decisions
  • Wear period extended from 14 to 15 days per sensor
  • Enhanced compatibility with insulin pumps and hybrid closed-loop systems
  • Better integration with third-party diabetes management apps

FreeStyle Libre 2 vs FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus: Key Differences

If you are currently using the original Libre 2, the most pressing practical concern is what changes when you switch to the Libre 2 Plus. The most immediate issue is reader compatibility. The original FreeStyle Libre 2 reader device is not compatible with the Libre 2 Plus sensor. If you rely on a dedicated reader rather than the LibreLink smartphone app, you will need either a new compatible reader or a compatible smartphone running the updated LibreLink app. This is one of the most common pain points reported by patients during the transition, and it is worth addressing proactively rather than waiting until you open a new box of sensors only to find they will not work with your existing device.

However, the good news is that the LibreLink app is freely available for both Android and iOS, and for the vast majority of smartphone users, it provides a seamless and arguably more feature-rich experience than the standalone reader. You can view glucose trends, set customisable alarms for high and low readings, and share data directly with your diabetes care team through LibreLinkUp. The FreeStyle Libre reader for flash glucose monitoring is also still available for those who prefer a dedicated device rather than relying on a mobile phone.

  • Reader compatibility: original Libre 2 readers do NOT work with Libre 2 Plus sensors
  • Libre 2 Plus requires the updated LibreLink app or a compatible new reader
  • Real-time streaming eliminates the need to actively scan
  • Customisable glucose alarms are available on the Libre 2 Plus
  • LibreLinkUp allows remote monitoring by family members or care teams
  • Sensor application method and body placement remain the same (back of upper arm)

What the Transition Means for NHS Patients in 2026

For the majority of NHS patients, the transition to the Libre 2 Plus should be relatively smooth. NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidance already supports the use of flash glucose monitoring for eligible patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, and the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus sits firmly within this framework. In 2026, most NHS diabetes services across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have already begun updating prescriptions from Libre 2 to Libre 2 Plus as part of routine reviews or when patients contact their surgery to request a repeat prescription renewal.

If you are on an NHS prescription and your GP surgery has not yet updated your prescription, it is worth proactively contacting your diabetes nurse or GP to discuss the transition. Some practices have been slower to update prescription templates simply due to administrative workload rather than any clinical objection. The FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus sensor is available on NHS prescription under broadly the same eligibility criteria as the original Libre 2, so most patients should not face any barriers to switching. Eligible groups include people with Type 1 diabetes, people with Type 2 diabetes on insulin who meet specific criteria, and certain other clinical groups as defined by local Integrated Care Board policies.

  • Contact your GP or diabetes nurse to request an updated prescription for Libre 2 Plus
  • NHS eligibility criteria for Libre 2 Plus broadly mirror those for the original Libre 2
  • Integrated Care Boards may have slightly varying local policies — your diabetes team can advise
  • You can bridge any gap in NHS supply by purchasing sensors privately at very reasonable cost
  • Keep a record of your sensor usage data to support any prescription update conversations

Where to Buy FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus Sensors in the UK

Whether you are bridging a gap in NHS supply, supplementing your allocation, or simply prefer to manage your sensors privately, buying the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus sensor from a registered UK pharmacy is straightforward and affordable. Cured Pharmacy offers the Libre 2 Plus at competitive pricing with a free private prescription service, UK-based prescribers, and discreet, tracked delivery — meaning you can keep your glucose monitoring routine uninterrupted without waiting weeks for a GP appointment.

It is also worth noting that if you require more frequent sensor changes than your NHS allocation allows, or if your prescription has not yet been updated following the Libre 2 phase-out, private purchase offers a practical and immediate solution. The FreeStyle Libre Two Plus sensor is one of the most cost-effective continuous glucose monitoring options currently available privately in the UK market. For those managing multiple aspects of their diabetes care, the FreeStyle 0.05mm blood lancets are also available for finger-prick confirmatory testing when needed.

  • Cured Pharmacy offers FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus with free private prescription and discreet UK delivery
  • No GP appointment needed for private purchase through a registered online pharmacy
  • Buying privately is ideal when bridging a gap in NHS prescription updates
  • Check that your chosen pharmacy is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
  • Purchasing in packs of two or three sensors reduces the per-sensor cost significantly
  • For users of the FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor, this newer model is also privately available and represents the most advanced option in the range

FreeStyle Libre Sensor Comparison Table

Feature FreeStyle Libre 2 FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus FreeStyle Libre 3
Sensor Wear Duration 14 days 15 days 14 days
Reading Method Scan to read (flash) Real-time + scan Real-time (automatic)
MARD (Accuracy) ~9.2% ~7.9% ~7.7%
Glucose Alarms Optional alarms Customisable alarms Customisable alarms
Sensor Size Standard Standard Smaller and thinner
Compatible Device Libre 2 reader / LibreLink app New reader / updated LibreLink app LibreLink app (iPhone/Android)
NHS Availability Being phased out Available on NHS prescription Available on NHS prescription
Private Availability UK Limited/reducing Widely available Available
Warm-Up Period 60 minutes 60 minutes 60 minutes
Third-Party App Support Limited Improved Good

Key Takeaways

  • The FreeStyle Libre 2 is being phased out across the UK in favour of the upgraded FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus, which offers real-time readings and improved accuracy
  • The two sensor generations are not cross-compatible — you will need a new reader or compatible smartphone app to use the Libre 2 Plus
  • Most NHS patients eligible for the original Libre 2 will qualify for the Libre 2 Plus under the same or broadly similar prescription criteria in 2026
  • Private purchase of FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus sensors is a practical, accessible option for bridging any supply gap during the NHS prescription transition period
  • The FreeStyle Libre 3 represents the most advanced option in the range and is also available on the NHS and privately for eligible patients

When to Seek Professional Advice

While the transition from FreeStyle Libre 2 to Libre 2 Plus is generally straightforward, there are specific situations where it is important to speak with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your glucose monitoring setup. If you are managing insulin-dependent diabetes with a hybrid closed-loop pump system, compatibility between your pump and new sensor must be confirmed before switching. Not all pump systems integrate automatically with both sensor generations, and your diabetes technology team or specialist nurse should guide this process to avoid any disruption to your automated insulin delivery.

You should also seek professional advice if you are experiencing recurrent inaccurate readings from your current sensor, if your glycaemic control has deteriorated and you are unsure whether this reflects a sensor accuracy issue, or if you are pregnant and managing gestational diabetes. Pregnant women have tighter glucose targets and greater sensitivity to monitoring accuracy, making a timely and correctly guided sensor transition particularly important. Similarly, if you are a carer for a child with Type 1 diabetes, always liaise with the paediatric diabetes team before changing sensor type, as clinical protocols for children can differ from those for adults.

  • Always consult your diabetes care team before switching sensor type if you use an insulin pump
  • Seek advice if your blood glucose control has changed unexpectedly around the time of a sensor change
  • Pregnant women managing gestational or Type 1 diabetes should speak to their specialist team before transitioning
  • Children and young people should have any sensor changes guided by their paediatric diabetes nurse or consultant
  • If your GP has not yet updated your prescription, contact your surgery proactively rather than waiting for your next annual review

Scientific References

  1. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Type 1 diabetes in adults: diagnosis and management. NG17. NICE, 2022 (updated). [Accessed 12 August 2026]
  2. Diabetes UK. Flash Glucose Monitoring and Continuous Glucose Monitoring. Diabetes UK, 2024. [Accessed 12 August 2026]
  3. NHS England. Flash glucose monitors and continuous glucose monitors for diabetes. NHS England, 2023. [Accessed 12 August 2026]
  4. NICE Diagnostics Guidance DG21: FreeStyle Libre for glucose monitoring in adults with type 1 diabetes, NICE, 2017 [Accessed 12 August 2026]
  5. NICE Technology Appraisal TA943: FreeStyle Libre 2 and FreeStyle Libre 3 for managing blood glucose, NICE, 2024 [Accessed 12 August 2026]
  6. NHS England National arrangements for funding of Flash Glucose Monitoring (FreeStyle Libre), NHS England, 2019 [Accessed 12 August 2026]
  7. Bolinder J et al., Novel glucose-sensing technology and hypoglycaemia in type 1 diabetes: a multicentre, non-masked, randomised controlled trial, The Lancet, 2016 [Accessed 12 August 2026]
  8. MHRA Medical Devices regulatory guidance: conformity assessment and UK market authorisation, MHRA, 2023 [Accessed 12 August 2026]
  9. Diabetes UK position statement: Consensus guidelines on continuous glucose monitoring technology use in clinical practice, Diabetes UK, 2020 [Accessed 12 August 2026]

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor still available in the UK in 2026?

The FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor is still available in the UK in 2026, though Abbott has been transitioning users toward the upgraded FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus. The original Libre 2 remains accessible via prescription and private purchase while stocks continue, but availability may reduce as the newer sensor becomes the standard option offered by pharmacies and GP surgeries.

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 Plus model offers real-time continuous glucose monitoring without needing to scan, improved accuracy with a lower MARD rating, optional alarms, and compatibility with more insulin pumps and third-party apps, making it a meaningful upgrade for most people managing diabetes on a daily basis.

Can I use my FreeStyle Libre 2 reader with the new Libre 2 Plus sensor?

You cannot use your existing FreeStyle Libre 2 reader with the new Libre 2 Plus sensor, as the two systems are not cross-compatible. The FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus requires either its own dedicated reader or the LibreLink app on a compatible smartphone to scan and display your glucose readings correctly and without interruption to your monitoring routine.

How do I get FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus on prescription in the UK?

You can get FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus on prescription in the UK by speaking to your GP, diabetes nurse, or a private prescribing pharmacist. It is available on NHS prescription for eligible patients with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, and it can also be purchased privately through registered online pharmacies like Cured Pharmacy with a free private prescription included.

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