Lingo vs Dexcom ONE+: which should you buy in the UK?

Reviewed by the JForH team · 2026-10-30

If you have diabetes, Dexcom ONE+ is the one made for you: it's a medical CGM, £35 ex VAT for a 10-day sensor or £79 ex VAT a month on subscription. Lingo is a wellness biosensor at £59 for a 2-week plan, and Abbott says it is 'not intended for diagnosis or management of any disease including diabetes'. Pharmacies list FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus at about £51 and Libre 3 Plus from about £81 per sensor. Most people with type 2 who don't use insulin aren't eligible on the NHS.

Lingo or Dexcom ONE+: which should I buy?

It depends on one question: do you have diabetes? If you do, choose a medical CGM such as Dexcom ONE+ or a FreeStyle Libre sensor. If you don't, and want to see how food and exercise affect your glucose, Lingo is built for that.

Abbott is clear about this. Its UK Lingo site says 'Lingo is not intended for diagnosis or management of any disease including diabetes'. It is not for medical use and is for adults aged 18 and over.

How much do Lingo, Dexcom ONE+ and Libre cost in the UK?

The Libre prices are listings from online pharmacies, not Abbott's own price list, and they change. We couldn't load Abbott's own UK shop prices to check them.

What does that work out at per month?

• Dexcom ONE+: £79 ex VAT on the monthly subscription, or £105 ex VAT if you buy three single sensors.
• FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus: two 15-day sensors, about £102 at the listed price.
• FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus: two sensors from about £162.
• Lingo: two 2-week plans would be £118.

Diabetes UK puts self-funded CGM at roughly £50 to £150 a month, depending on the device. That matches what we found.

What does 'ex VAT' mean on the Dexcom price?

Dexcom shows prices without VAT and says that if you have diabetes, you can claim VAT relief. If you don't qualify for relief, VAT is added on top.

Can I use Lingo if I have type 2 diabetes?

Abbott says it isn't intended for managing diabetes. If you take insulin, gliclazide or another medicine that can cause hypos, you need a sensor and plan you can rely on for treatment decisions.

If you have type 2 diabetes managed by diet or metformin and just want to learn how meals affect you, a medical sensor such as Libre 2 Plus costs a similar amount for two weeks and is made for your condition.

Can I get a CGM on the NHS with type 2 diabetes?

Only some people can. NICE NG28 says to offer a flash monitor (isCGM) to adults with type 2 diabetes who use multiple daily insulin injections and have any of these:

• recurrent or severe hypos
• hypos they can't feel coming
• a condition or disability that stops them doing finger-prick tests
• a need to test 8 or more times a day

Adults on insulin who would otherwise need a carer to test for them qualify too. If you don't take insulin, you generally won't get a CGM on the NHS. Diabetes UK says your main option then is to self-fund.

Abbott UK offers a free 15-day trial of a Libre 2 Plus sensor to new customers who aren't eligible for NHS funding. Conditions apply.

Is the old Libre 2 still sold?

Many people still search for 'Libre 2', but the sensor now sold is the Libre 2 Plus. It gives minute-by-minute readings, optional high and low alarms, and lasts up to 15 days. It works with the existing Libre 2 app and reader.

What about Dexcom Stelo in the UK?

Dexcom has said it plans to launch Stelo, its over-the-counter sensor, in the UK during 2026. We couldn't confirm it's on sale yet. Check Dexcom's UK site before you buy from anyone else.

How long does each sensor last?

A Dexcom ONE+ sensor lasts 10 days, with a 12-hour grace period to change it at a time that suits you, and warms up in 30 minutes. A Libre 2 Plus lasts up to 15 days. Lingo is sold as a 2-week plan with one biosensor, and that plan doesn't auto-renew.

Do I still need finger pricks with Dexcom ONE+?

Sometimes. Dexcom says finger pricks are needed for treatment decisions when symptoms or expectations don't match the sensor reading. Keep your meter and strips if you take insulin or a medicine that can cause hypos.

So which is right for me?

• Type 2 on insulin with hypos: ask your GP about NHS eligibility before you pay.
• Type 2 on tablets, paying yourself: Dexcom ONE+ on subscription or Libre 2 Plus are usually the lowest-cost medical options.
• No diabetes, curious about food and exercise: Lingo is designed for you.
• Not sure: try Abbott's free trial sensor if you qualify, and share the report with your GP or diabetes nurse.

We don't sell any of these sensors through this guide. Prices were checked on 30 October 2026 and can change.

Find out if a sensor is worth it for you (free check)

Last updated: 2026-10-30. Educational information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor before changing your treatment.