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by Gary Scheiner MS, CDE Dexcom’s recent release of their G5 system introduces a number of opportunities and a few challenges for people with diabetes, as well as those who care for and treat them. G5, for those who don’t know, is the same as Dexcom’s previous G4 but without the need for a receiver: The transmitter emits a bluetooth signal that is picked up by a cell phone, and an application installed on the phone displays the data and emits alerts and warnings. To be honest, not all that much has changed. The sensors are the same. The accuracy is the same. The trendgraph displays and alert settings are the same. Calibrations are still required a few times a day, and a “share” option exists for those wanting others to “follow” their data.
Sure, it’s nice not having to schlep around a separate receiver to display the Dexcom CGM info, although G5 does come with a receiver for those who choose to use it in addition to or instead of the cellphone app. Having used G5 for a couple of months now (Dexcom sent me a pre-release version to study), I have found a number of advantages and disadvantages to the new system:
Dexcom G5 PROS
No receiver to misplace or lose. I’m much less likely to lose my cell phone than a CGM receiver. I used to pay my kids $5 to find my lost Dexcom receiver, which happened regularly. Then someone suggested they might be hiding it on purpose just to make 5 bucks.
The trendgraph screens allow you to scroll your finger over the graph and see the individual BG values and event entries.
Instead of the usual boring alert beeps, the system allows you to choose from 22 different types of tones for each type of alert… including the sound of a baby crying, a police siren, or a dance beat. Fun!
The trendgraph display is considerably larger (about 4X the size of the Dexcom G4 display, and 5X the size of the Medtronic 530G display).
The Y-axis scale can be set to top out at 300 or 400 mg/dl. For those who don’t go very high, the 300 mg/dl max gives the graph greater resolution.
Because numerical values are typed in rather than scrolled in, it takes less time to enter calibrations and events.
Because the display is essentially your cellphone display, the screen can be set to stay on for as long or short a time interval as you prefer. While working out, I tend to keep my screen on constantly so that I don’t have to press any buttons to see my glucose level.
The app has a built-in user guide that includes some nice video tutorials, a setup wizard, and direct links to Dexcom for tech support.
Dexcom G5 CONS
Currently, the program only works with an iPhone. Plans are underway to create an app for Android systems, but it will be several months before this is available. It also does not yet sync with the Apple Watch.
The transmitter is slightly larger (thicker) due to the blue-tooth component.
Personally, I found the bluetooth transmitter range to be about five to ten feet less than that of the radio transmitter.
The new transmitter battery life is about half that of the old transmitter. It really will only last for 3 months. You will get a warning prior to its end of life, and it won’t go more than a few more days beyond this before it is finished. Not like the G4. So, I would say that the lifetime is 3 months and the user will need to re-order on time. Put a note on the calendar, or a reminder in your phone about a week before that 3 month date to ensure you get a new transmitter all ready to go.
Although there is no separate receiver to charge (unless you choose to use it), most cellphones require charging on a daily basis. And if the phone dies, so does the CGM display.
In many social situations, looking at one’s phone is considered rude or a sign of boredom or disrespect. It is necessary to look at one’s phone to see the CGM data, unless one uses an iWatch or resorts to using the receiver that comes with the G5 transmitter.
Extracting data from the G5 cellphone app is still a work in progress. Dexcom’s “Clarity” software, once up and running, will not have the ability to merge sensor and pump (or meter) data into the same reports… at least not easily.
MY WISH LIST for the Dexcom G5
It would be nice if the G5 app could play customized music based on where my blood sugar is (Jackson Brown’s “Running on Empty” when I’m dropping, Billy Joel’s “I Go To Extremes” when I’m very high, etc…). But realistically, even without having to make costly hardware/software alterations, Dexcom could have easily made some nice improvements to the system. Here are a few simple (and low-cost) changes I would have liked to see:
Data statistics: Generate numerical “scores” on a daily basis, showing average BG, standard deviation, and percentage of time above, below and within target range. This serves as a nice motivator.
More history: Allow scrolling back to previous days’ 24-hour trendgraphs for detection of recurrent patterns.
Customizable alert times: Many people prefer to have more (or less) aggressive high/low thresholds at certain times of day. For example, higher “high alerts” are often desired overnight to allow uninterrupted sleep.
Fix the repeat alerts for wavering glucose! When glucose hovers around one’s high or low threshold, the same alert can occur repeatedly… even if the snooze feature is enabled. The system should be able to recognize when the same alert last took place and block repeats.
There you have it. G5 is clearly a step in the right direction for people with diabetes. Not perfect, but a definite improvement. Compared to G4, it may not radically change the way we manage glucose levels, but it certainly improves the ease and quality of life for people with diabetes. And that’s enough for me!
An award-winning Certified Diabetes Educator, Masters-level Exercise Physiologist and person with type-1 diabetes since 1985, Gary Scheiner has dedicated his professional life to improving the lives of people with insulin-dependent diabetes. He was named 2014 Diabetes Educator of the year by the American Association of Diabetes Educators.
Gary has authored six books: You Can Control Diabetes (1997), Think Like A Pancreas (2004, 2012, 2020), The Ultimate Guide to Accurate Carb Counting (2007), Get Control of Your Blood Sugar (2009), Until There’s A Cure (2012), Practical CGM (2015) and Diabetes-How To Help (2018), as well as dozens of published articles related to diabetes education for consumer and trade magazines and diabetes websites. He speaks at local, national and international conferences on a multitude of topics in diabetes care. Gary is certified to train on all models of insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors and hybrid closed loop systems, and has personally used every system that is currently on the market.
I use Dexcom g5 for about 9 wks. The readings are highly inaccurate. I had to do finger stick 4-5 times a day and for 95% of the time it is highly inaccurate defying its purpose. Eg finger stick is 92 and Dexcom reading is 45. Same way 180 vs 350. So u can not adjust yr insulin dose by g5 readings at all. Sensor works for 3 days and then no reading for 6-8 hrs. I phone software rarely received the readings. I am a physician myself.tthe support is good in apologizing and replaced sensors and transmitter several times either same results. I wonder how they got approval from Medicare etc.
Sounds like you were really having some remarkably difficult times with your sensors. Sounds like there may have been an issue with the transmitter as well to blame. Fortunately medicare patients will stoon be able to swap over to the Dexcom G6. The issues you were having are atypical even for the G5.
This would be outside of expected variability in a steady state. however if BG is riding or falling it would be within expected variability due to delay.
Dexcom has some of the worst customer service in health care. I love the product and believe it has helped my health soar positively, so I find it hard to write this. But they desperately need to improve their phone help and their website. Orders disappear or are filled incorrectly, callbacks are promised but not executed, orders are delayed (by, at times, weeks), technicians are not well informed, and the majority of orders require several phone calls, most of which are riddled with apologies and promises that are not kept. Also, the persons on the phones are hard to understand. I am sensitive to the accents of others, but the agents are simply, at times, impossible to understand, even after multiple apologetic attempts in asking them to repeat things. The company needs help, desperately.
alicia downs September 25, 2019 at 4:51 pm - Reply
Agreed T, i wrote an article recently on exactly this topic. They have said they are restructuring to provide better service, but proof is in the interactions.
Thank you for the information and entertaining thoughts to use for notification.please be aware that the battery life may not last 3 months because my transmitter failed 4 days ago and thankfully a warranty is in place for the event.
I am glad that the Dexcom G5 now uses mobile phones to act as the receiver. I may or may not require the assistance of a Dexcom G5 patch in the future, so knowing that it will be compatible with my smartphone is amazing. I will be sure to seek out a Dexcom product and replace the patch adhesive if I ever need to.
I have been using G5 for 6 weeks, i’m getting a notice that my sensor will expire in 40 min. A very disappointing piece of equipment. If my sensor does expire I will call my supplier and by without it for 2 weeks. Changed my site on Tues after my shower. Use extra skin addhesive, it is now Thurs after 1 shower and I have started to us extra tape to keep it on. I would rate this product at a 1 out of 5. You should not market a product until it work’es right!!!!! Sensor just failed!!! I’ll be 2 weeks without it. I would recommend that people not get this product!!!
I would recommend reaching out to Dexcom about the issue you’re having, it is hard to follow the actual problem to suggest a cause, but it does not sound typical to what we’ve seen in practical use.
I’m not impressed with your product. Even with adding extra adhesive and tape it still has come off me several times. My Metroncs pump stays on me just fine even when I use it for an extra time ( 6 days ) It also is not as accurate as I had hoped, gives me a good idea but I must finger stick to make sure.At this time i’m on the fence on weather I will keep using it or just pack it up and send it back, a lot of bother for small results!
to be clear we do not sell, distribute or promote diabetes technologies. We review and share our experiences with them. If you would like to schedule a consultation we would be happy to help you overcome skin or adhesive issues.
My daughter is type 1 diabetic. She started using Dexcom last year. I think this is a good product because you can track the blood sugar any minutes. Also, the data can be shared to others. As a parent, I love this device. However, Dexcom, the company, really sucks. They always ran out of the product. Each sensor is only good for 10 days. Orders delay all the time. When there’s no sensor, you have to stop using it and go back to finger stick. That is very frustrated. It happened few times already. Very disappointed!
I am new to the Dexcom G5 and I am a type 1 Diabetic for about 44 years. For what ever reason I can comfortably go below 45 without issue (reaction) yet I can easily go to 300 relatively quickly as well. I set the low alert at the lowest possible 60 and the High alert at 200 to try to stay in my goal area. TheDexcom is teaching me how brittle or variable my BG is but the constant alarms are not only driving me nuts they are waking my wife up many times each night. All alerts are set on vibrate only (Vibrate is not silent) but the urgent low has a mandatory audible alarm at 50. So when I hover at either end of my range the alarm goes off every few minutes or so and it’s too much. BG can take time to correct after. Taking or trickling insulin when high or eating cookies when low. I know i’m not perfect but there is too much reminding me of that with these alarms, not to mention I will have to leave the receiver and iPhone in another room while we sleep which removes the benefit of sleep time BG management. My suggestion is one the ie. low BG alarm goes off, the user can react accordingly and the turn off the alert for 30-t0 minutes allowing the sugar to increase at a normal rate.
a critical piece of CGm use is making sure the settings are appropriate. We would be happy to work with you to help you make better use of your technology without so much disruption. Also, we can help you find good healthy diabetes management without the spikes and drops. you can give our office a call to schedule a consultation.
I have been using the G5 since Dec 2018. It if far from being accurate. Just the other day, it was off by 200 points. I have called dexcom many times to offer my constructive criticism, they don’t want to hear it. I still have to do finger sticks a minimum of 6 plus times a day. The only part of the G5 is the high/low aspect, which I cannot depend upon. I would hope that the Libre would develop theirs with this feature, I would certainly dump the G5.
Hi ken, your accuracy experience is deffinitely atypical, i wonder if there is a way that your CGM use can be adjusted to make it more beneficial for you? Give us a call for a consultation appointment and we can work with you to improve these outcomes.
I have had my g5 for well over 2 years. My problem is not with the equipment but with trying to get sensors. I call when I have 2 left and they tell me it is to soon to re order and to call back in a week. When I call in a week they tell me it is going to take 7 to 10 days for them to ship, when I call for shipping status they tell me they have to verify ins but they verified 3 months ago and you will have to call back in a week to 10 days and go through the order process again. I got a notice that the order was being processed, last week but still no shipping date and my current sensor will expire in 3 days, so guess what, I will again be without use of my cgm. Bottom line is the product works but customer service suckks big time.
Are you getting supplies from dexcom directly or from a pharmacy vendor? sounds like your insurance company and customer support are not communicating well. I would recommend calling to discuss this communication issue with your supplier and insurer at a time when you have plenty of supplies. This will reduce the stress and allow for problem solving at a less time sensitive moment. Perhaps requesting that your insurance company allow a refill with more than a 7 day grace period would hep resolve the issues.
Dexcom device is good and I do hope their profits to improve it since not using it for staff hires or customer service. All their phone reps sound polite and listen but seem as if there is a disconnect with each step of reorder process. Representatives are not empowered to correct any problem, not even wrong fax number. Please let big pharm. be nationalized to put patients over profits.
Dexcom definitely needs to invest in their customer services, however many countries with nationalized health systems do not have access to dexcom technology. So there is a lot of growth to be done on both sides.
Jo Ann Befnardo January 27, 2019 at 10:29 pm - Reply
I have had Type 1 since age 9, i’m Now almost 61. I am great full to Dexcom for all the years of using your CGM, but something has happened to the company’s customer service over the past 2 years, and not for the better. In June of 2016 I ordered supplies my co-pay is $15 but in error the person who took my order charged my insurance portion to my debt card, removing over $1,000 from my monthly budget and my son’s graduation party was just days away. It took only seconds for them to remove the money but weeks to put it back. Needless to say we scaled back my son’s party and had little money for bills or anything else the rest of the month. I finally got my insurance company involved and the money was finally returned 3 weeks after it was miss-charged. Next was about 6 months later I was called to order supplies as my insurance year was ending and a sales rep told me he could place the order before the insurance flip date, well that didn’t happen and my insurance deductible is $3,000. I returned the order the day I got it. A year and 6 months later I got a bill from Dexcom for the order I returned, and needed to explain to 3 people that the items were returned. This past fall with the release of the G6, my order for my G5 sensors were delayed for almost 4 weeks.. again a sales person called me to beat my deductible, and again they failed. I experience several extremes low blood sugars during sleep which I do not feel until around 40. Now while on vacation I am in need of a sensor and I am told they can only ship to my home address, which is no help to me as I am in Florida not New York and there is no one at my home to than ship it to me here. So finally she gets permission from her supervisor to send the sensor to me in Florida, but can add no specific directions to the package. So now I sit and wait and pray it get here before we move to another resort on Wednesday. It seems like anytime you order supplies you need to go through a number of steps to get insurance approval for your supplies to be sent and that takes them a number of days or weeks, years ago before I left mini med for some of the same reasons life seemed easier. Dexcom needs to improve their customer service. I really don’t care about your procedures to get my supplies to me, I just need them not some customer support excuses and long drawn out explanations. Looks like mini meg and I are going to be friends again. There are to many other CGM manufacturers on the market for me to deal with such foolishness.
Companies really must learn that sales are not where they make money, customer services is! sitting on hold for extended times and orders being on backorder is not acceptable. Though I will say that often the issue is with third party medical supply companies rather than Dexcom themselves, but both parties have major problems that need to be addressed.
Good luck getting refills if you’re on Medicare, as well. Such a great product. Such a poorly managed company. I’m thinking about switching cgm’s because of Dexcom’s delays in attention to my diabetic needs by no fault of my own, my doctor’s or Medicare’s. Dexcom took my order for suppl ies on Jan. 4. No communication from them on the hold up. Me? I’ve spent over 9 hours on hold looking for answers over the last 2+ weeks. It always seems to be a different answer, a new roadblock…dare I say excuse? Saying that might even get me another month’s delay on supplies.
My beef is that I have come to rely on this device for freedom to drive without fear, exercise without fear, sleep and basically do anything safely. I’m back to finger sticking until they figure this out…and guessing where I’m headed. We can land a man on the moon but we can’t supply Type 1 Diabetics, lifelong Diabetics, with this seemingly life-changing device that is touted on the television as some kind of miracle. They shouldn’t take any new orders until they get this crap figured out.
You might want to discuss Sensionics’ Eversense implantable CGM. This is the only other CGM on the market that can give you alerts. (Libre is coming along but their alerting sensor is not available in the US at this time) Dexcom definitely has run into a problem with their supply and demand issues and customer service. We hope that companies will take notice and learn from one another’s mistakes.
Jean Reifschneider January 20, 2019 at 2:13 am - Reply
I am 76 years old and was diagnosed at age 12 I am in the midst of my second try with the Dexcom. My numbers are off by 40 points betwen the receiver.and my trusted meter. I am concerned about my A1C and hoped it would go down. That is the main reason I wanted to try the Dexcom. When I call Dexxcom for support all they do is send me another sensor.. I really hoped this would work for me but I am concerned about my overall health and do not wish to incur any complications.
Hi Jean, All CGMs can read significantly different from a finger stick on a couple of occasions due to the delay in blood flow from the blood to the interstitial tissue where the CGM measures. The first is when blood sugars are moving swiftly, (Post meal, when boluses are peaking, during vigorous exercise). The delay in change in blood flow to interstitial tissue is typically about 20 minutes. The second time these numbers vary widely is after a low (below 70) these times cause the blood flow to the fat layer to be restricted until the body recovers, often 30-45 minutes. Another consideration may be the meter. Glucometers have a wide range of accuracy, and so an inaccurate meter will show even more variability from a CGM reading, but one can not tell which is off more, the CGM or the meter. technology is still far from perfect, but leaps and bounds from where we were only a decade ago. Thanks for sharing!
Alicia, what I get from your response is that CGMs are not very useful for catching lows while a person is exercising, either while or after the low occurs. I was considering getting one as a safety measure for my exercise program, but now am not convinced it would be at all effective.
CGM technology is actually really useful for catching lows, even more so for catching them before they happen (For example using an alert before setting, or higher alert on setting to catch before blood sugar drops below 80) However, once the low has occurred they are really not accurate for about a half hour-45 minutes. I use my fall rate alert when exercising to get an alert that blood sugar is dropping rapidly. I can then use my own experience and critical thinking skills to take action to prevent lows. None of this would be possible without my CGM. The tech is not perfect, but it is FAR better than nothing at all.
After using the Medtronic system with the Enlite sensor for 2 years always now informed Medicare does not pay for Enlite sensors. Go figure. So for the past 2 months I have been on the phone with my insurance company Medicare Medtronic and Dexcom to figure out plan B. It seems as if Dexcom will be my next go to sensor. And doing some research I found out that Medicare contracted with Dexcom to negate use of smart phones and devices for the G 4 for the G5. However I believe now Medicare does permit Dexcom to sync with smartphones. Dexcom will be a big change for me but I intend to bring my grandson with me for my training and hopefully between the two of us we can get grand mom on track. Hope to see IDs soon.
Hi Gert! We look forward to helping! And in July Medicare did announce that it is allowing users to make use of the Dexcom app for the G5! YAY!!! They still send users the reliever, but it does not have to be used.
L.G. Danielson December 20, 2018 at 2:06 pm - Reply
I have been a diabetic going on 40 years now and have used the old style Blood Sugar measuring IE the test tubes and drops of urine, then the finger pokes with the ball point pin size pokers. I recently got a Dexcom 5 and it seemed nice not to poke 5-7 times a day. I am finding that the Dexcom 5s are not as accurate as was lead to believe….. IE the 20/20 rule. yesterday alone I was 30% off in the morning and do you make what could be life effecting decisions wit that? Next if an alarm occurs lets say early morning it wakes up the entire house you can not silence it even if on vibrate. Next I can not believe that blood sugars will bounce from say 100 to 150 in about 5 minutes even when it takes insulin 2 hours before it starts working ( that’s another misinformation). I have learned that when some one wants to sell something you will always hear the “good” stuff and never any maybe not so good.
Thanks for sharing your experience L.G. One important piece to remember is perspective. There is a big difference between perfect and better than nothing. I’d say the G 5 falls far closer to the perfect side than the nothing side, but is not there yet. getting alerts set properly and making sure audible settings are correct is an important aspect of CGM use. I think it’s of note too point out that here at IDS we do not sell diabetes management devices, nor are we paid by the companies to have people use them. Our reviews and information shared is for user education and based on either studies or our user experiences or those we observe in clinical practice.
HI L.G. The G5 has shown to be as accurate as top meters when calibrated twice daily. One issue may actually be the meter to which it is being compared. if the Dexcom is off by a little, and the meter is off by a lot, the Dexcom looks wrong. CGm technology has a weakness after a low blood sugar, once we go below 70 blood flow changes and this causes reading to be inaccurate for up to 45 minutes (typically appearing much lower for much longer than they actually are) Rapid movements after eating and when insulin activity is peaking are possible but this may also be a calibration issue. We would be happy to help you troubleshoot your CGM use troubles to get better performance. I would recommend checking out our CGM comparisons page. We always share both the Pros and Cons of treatment and technology options. There’s no perfect tech yet. Also to clarify, we do not sell Dexcom CGMs or any other diabetes technology. We make every effort to educate our clients about all the options so that they can chose what is best for them as individuals.
David Thompson October 29, 2018 at 3:46 pm - Reply
Dexcom has a great product but non-existent customer service. You will wait at least 30 minutes for either order or technical support on the phone. They will stop processing your order because something is needed from your doctor, but NEVER request the needed information from your doctor. As a result, you end up with no product for weeks at a time and have to call in, waiting hours to speak with someone. once their are notified of the issue, the needed data is then requested from your physician. The physicians response will take at least another week before they have it in their system.
This makes for a complete nightmare and I am looking at alternative CGMs from companies that do not have these issues.
I’m with you… I’ve asked for technical service call back for the replacement of a failed transmitter five times now over the past month because I can’t get through on the phone. The keep responding the next day by email saying they tried to reach me… by calling to a number that’s not mine. I re-request and point this out in my request and they just keep responding with the same email “attempted reach out to -wrong number-” I’m beginning to think it’s computer generated bs. Current transmitter will expire within a couple weeks and they won’t let me order a new one because the failed transmitter would have my reorder date for transmitters in April. Additionally, reordered sensors over a month ago and have not received them. Last sensor will expire in the next day or so, so what’s the point of having the system if they don’t fill orders timely? Great product – crappy business.
I’ve got the G5, and will be upgrading to the G6 in October 2018. I am very disappointed in Dex’s poor technical service in getting an Android app to run the system on without thinking about a CGM, I sunk $999 in a Galaxy Note9 and the software doesn’t work on it. It does work on a 10 year old iPhune IV relic.
Dexcom needs to allow users to access and review all insulin adm., carb intake, activity, & glucose values together numerical and graph. This needs to be storeable for review, not lost after sensor change. One needs to be able to see the big picture to manage diabetes. A snap shot is nice for a snapshot in time. To prevent the complications one needs to see the big picture. At least to easily review the events that were entered?
dexcom data is view-able on the receiver or phone app in a snap shot. however that data is then uploaded (automatically from the clairity app, or manually from the receiver) into the Dexcom Claritiy website. This give full reports with an extensive history. You can reach out to us at Integrated Diabetes Services for training on downloading, accessing and even analysis of your CGM data and how to apply it to your diabetes management.
If I use an omnipod to check my blood glucose then place my blood glucose in another what is the purpose of two machine on my body I am happy others find it to be beneficial it is very invasive on my I can handle the omnipod that delivers the insulin sticking my self with a needle ain”t gonna happen
I would wait or look at another company. It is impossible to get supplies for the Dexcom G5 that I was convinced to purchase. Now, 9 months later I can say the pharmacy Edgepark is useless and has no concern for their clients.They will not or cannot process refill request in a timely manor.
Hi Jogger, We definitely commiserate on pharmacy difficulties, but would point out that Dexcom and Edgepark are not the same company. Edgepark is a third party distributor. If you are unhappy with their service, reach out to Dexcom and request a new vendor pharmacy to use, or even to purchase directly from Dexcom. It may cost a little more, but better customer service is worth it. Dexcom would also benefit from knowing what suppliers are not properly meeting their clients’ needs.
Very insightful. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was 11 and am now 45. I have used an insulin pump for years and have used both e minimed CGM and am now using the Dexcom. Pros of the minimed CGM over the Dexcom are that I have noticed with the minimed are being significantly smaller (thinner) and less abrupt (more like a rolling hill then a mountain) at the site location this seems to help with the feeling of it easily being ripped off during activities. The cons of the minimed CGM over the Dexcom in my opinion is that Dexcom does not charge for the use of there app where minimed charges $299.00 and using bluetooth with my iPhone 7 seems to have a much better signal quailty with significantly less lost signals in the middle of the night or actually anytime for that matter. My personal opinion is that minimed has better education regarding the CGM. I believe both training methods are adequate however. I believe either option is better then having neither and the technology once understood works very well in helping make informed decisions on how you treat your diabetes.
Ive been speaking with Dexcom for some time now about the new G5 and I asked them why they’re is no app for Android yet, and the answer was that one is coming but it is 6 months to year away. The reason they said they only have one for iPhone is that the programming is easier and it seams like there are more iPhones on the market, I’m not programer and couldn’t tell if he was feeding me line or what, but seams some what legit. A Android app is coming.
ken M stracker January 17, 2017 at 11:50 pm - Reply
Thank you so much for informing us on your findings. It was so helpful. I have had diabetes for 43 year and have seen things come and go. From your very astute and educated finds i will be waiting for theDexcom Emaginers to put their thinking caps on alittle tighter and do some more improvements before I jump on the band wagon.
Sylvana Taylor December 31, 2016 at 11:41 am - Reply
Good suggestions. Omnipod has all those features for 12 years. Not having the app on Android is inexcusable and suspicious.
Gary how often must you put the sensor on , once every three months? Can you shower with it George zoller PS my problem is due to liver disease I get no warning of lows
I am a type 1 diabetic since age 11. I am now 61. I have much experience with this disease.
I’ve used the Dexcom G4 and G5 products for about two years. As a type 1 diabetic, you should be aware of a few issues that could result in danger. First of all, the product is cutting edge but there are some major problems.
When used alone with the iPhone 6, there is continual signal loss. I woke up more than twice with critical insulin reactions. And they resulted in injury. The problem is the signal loss. You can roll over on the transmitter (if located on stomach or wherever) and the signal is lost. I have seen signal loss many times during the day for no reason at all. This is when used (Transmitter and iPhone).
After serious reactions in the middle of the night, I decided to use the G5 Receiver it comes with (as a backup). Since I’ve started this I still have signal loss on the iPhone, but find the G5 Receiver more dependable. The both live together on my night stand at bedtime with alarms on.
I recommend using both the iPhone with the G5 Receiver as a backup. This will not guarantee signal loss, but when the iPhone is not receiving a signal, the G5 Receiver usually reads the signal but not always 100%. But it is more dependable.
I hope this can be fixed. I like the product but it needs work to be used with the iPhone alone.
Thank you!! I am type 1 LADA for about 14 years. My A1c is below 6. Because I test 10 times a day. I am getting tired of poking so much. A pharmacist friend diswayed me from the Libre. She claims it is not accurate and tends to fall off the arm. Gravitating towards the dexcom I had a CGM years ago but it only lasted 3 days and was very large. A couple of thi gs have happened recently including a low when out paddle boarding without supplies my bad. Anyway will discuss with my Endo next month and your post made me understand the pros and cons. Again. Thank you
I use Dexcom g5 for about 9 wks.
The readings are highly inaccurate. I had to do finger stick 4-5 times a day and for 95% of the time it is highly inaccurate defying its purpose. Eg finger stick is 92 and Dexcom reading is 45. Same way 180 vs 350. So u can not adjust yr insulin dose by g5 readings at all. Sensor works for 3 days and then no reading for 6-8 hrs. I phone software rarely received the readings. I am a physician myself.tthe support is good in apologizing and replaced sensors and transmitter several times either same results. I wonder how they got approval from Medicare etc.
Sounds like you were really having some remarkably difficult times with your sensors. Sounds like there may have been an issue with the transmitter as well to blame. Fortunately medicare patients will stoon be able to swap over to the Dexcom G6.
The issues you were having are atypical even for the G5.
late to the party but how about 178 vs 142 in finger on a G6? That’s 25% off. Way off
This would be outside of expected variability in a steady state. however if BG is riding or falling it would be within expected variability due to delay.
Dexcom has some of the worst customer service in health care. I love the product and believe it has helped my health soar positively, so I find it hard to write this. But they desperately need to improve their phone help and their website. Orders disappear or are filled incorrectly, callbacks are promised but not executed, orders are delayed (by, at times, weeks), technicians are not well informed, and the majority of orders require several phone calls, most of which are riddled with apologies and promises that are not kept. Also, the persons on the phones are hard to understand. I am sensitive to the accents of others, but the agents are simply, at times, impossible to understand, even after multiple apologetic attempts in asking them to repeat things. The company needs help, desperately.
Agreed T, i wrote an article recently on exactly this topic. They have said they are restructuring to provide better service, but proof is in the interactions.
Thank you for the information and entertaining thoughts to use for notification.please be aware that the battery life may not last 3 months because my transmitter failed 4 days ago and thankfully a warranty is in place for the event.
I am glad that the Dexcom G5 now uses mobile phones to act as the receiver. I may or may not require the assistance of a Dexcom G5 patch in the future, so knowing that it will be compatible with my smartphone is amazing. I will be sure to seek out a Dexcom product and replace the patch adhesive if I ever need to.
I have been using G5 for 6 weeks, i’m getting a notice that my sensor will expire in 40 min. A very disappointing piece of equipment. If my sensor does expire I will call my supplier and by without it for 2 weeks. Changed my site on Tues after my shower. Use extra skin addhesive, it is now Thurs after 1 shower and I have started to us extra tape to keep it on. I would rate this product at a 1 out of 5. You should not market a product until it work’es right!!!!! Sensor just failed!!! I’ll be 2 weeks without it. I would recommend that people not get this product!!!
I would recommend reaching out to Dexcom about the issue you’re having, it is hard to follow the actual problem to suggest a cause, but it does not sound typical to what we’ve seen in practical use.
I’m not impressed with your product. Even with adding extra adhesive and tape it still has come off me several times. My Metroncs pump stays on me just fine even when I use it for an extra time ( 6 days ) It also is not as accurate as I had hoped, gives me a good idea but I must finger stick to make sure.At this time i’m on the fence on weather I will keep using it or just pack it up and send it back, a lot of bother for small results!
to be clear we do not sell, distribute or promote diabetes technologies. We review and share our experiences with them. If you would like to schedule a consultation we would be happy to help you overcome skin or adhesive issues.
My daughter is type 1 diabetic. She started using Dexcom last year. I think this is a good product because you can track the blood sugar any minutes. Also, the data can be shared to others. As a parent, I love this device. However, Dexcom, the company, really sucks. They always ran out of the product. Each sensor is only good for 10 days. Orders delay all the time. When there’s no sensor, you have to stop using it and go back to finger stick. That is very frustrated. It happened few times already. Very disappointed!
Hopefully Dexcom’s recent customer service restructuring and expanded production reduces these supply and support issues swiftly.
I am new to the Dexcom G5 and I am a type 1 Diabetic for about 44 years. For what ever reason I can comfortably go below 45 without issue (reaction) yet I can easily go to 300 relatively quickly as well.
I set the low alert at the lowest possible 60 and the High alert at 200 to try to stay in my goal area. TheDexcom is teaching me how brittle or variable my BG is but the constant alarms are not only driving me nuts they are waking my wife up many times each night. All alerts are set on vibrate only
(Vibrate is not silent) but the urgent low has a mandatory audible alarm at 50.
So when I hover at either end of my range the alarm goes off every few minutes or so and it’s too much. BG can take time to correct after. Taking or trickling insulin when high or eating cookies when low. I know i’m not perfect but there is too much reminding me of that with these alarms, not to mention I will have to leave the receiver and iPhone in another room while we sleep which removes the benefit of sleep time BG management.
My suggestion is one the ie. low BG alarm goes off, the user can react accordingly and the turn off the alert for 30-t0 minutes allowing the sugar to increase at a normal rate.
a critical piece of CGm use is making sure the settings are appropriate.
We would be happy to work with you to help you make better use of your technology without so much disruption. Also, we can help you find good healthy diabetes management without the spikes and drops. you can give our office a call to schedule a consultation.
I have been using the G5 since Dec 2018. It if far from being accurate. Just the other day, it was off by 200 points. I have called dexcom many times to offer my constructive criticism, they don’t want to hear it. I still have to do finger sticks a minimum of 6 plus times a day. The only part of the G5 is the high/low aspect, which I cannot depend upon. I would hope that the Libre would develop theirs with this feature, I would certainly dump the G5.
Hi ken,
your accuracy experience is deffinitely atypical, i wonder if there is a way that your CGM use can be adjusted to make it more beneficial for you? Give us a call for a consultation appointment and we can work with you to improve these outcomes.
I have had my g5 for well over 2 years. My problem is not with the equipment but with trying to get sensors. I call when I have 2 left and they tell me it is to soon to re order and to call back in a week. When I call in a week they tell me it is going to take 7 to 10 days for them to ship, when I call for shipping status they tell me they have to verify ins but they verified 3 months ago and you will have to call back in a week to 10 days and go through the order process again. I got a notice that the order was being processed, last week but still no shipping date and my current sensor will expire in 3 days, so guess what, I will again be without use of my cgm. Bottom line is the product works but customer service suckks big time.
Are you getting supplies from dexcom directly or from a pharmacy vendor? sounds like your insurance company and customer support are not communicating well. I would recommend calling to discuss this communication issue with your supplier and insurer at a time when you have plenty of supplies. This will reduce the stress and allow for problem solving at a less time sensitive moment. Perhaps requesting that your insurance company allow a refill with more than a 7 day grace period would hep resolve the issues.
Dexcom device is good and I do hope their profits to improve it since not using it for staff hires or customer service. All their phone reps sound polite and listen but seem as if there is a disconnect with each step of reorder process. Representatives are not empowered to correct any problem, not even wrong fax number. Please let big pharm. be nationalized to put patients over profits.
Dexcom definitely needs to invest in their customer services, however many countries with nationalized health systems do not have access to dexcom technology. So there is a lot of growth to be done on both sides.
I have had Type 1 since age 9, i’m Now almost 61. I am great full to Dexcom for all the years of using your CGM, but something has happened to the company’s customer service over the past 2 years, and not for the better.
In June of 2016 I ordered supplies my co-pay is $15 but in error the person who took my order charged my insurance portion to my debt card, removing over $1,000 from my monthly budget and my son’s graduation party was just days away. It took only seconds for them to remove the money but weeks to put it back. Needless to say we scaled back my son’s party and had little money for bills or anything else the rest of the month. I finally got my insurance company involved and the money was finally returned 3 weeks after it was miss-charged.
Next was about 6 months later I was called to order supplies as my insurance year was ending and a sales rep told me he could place the order before the insurance flip date, well that didn’t happen and my insurance deductible is $3,000. I returned the order the day I got it. A year and 6 months later I got a bill from Dexcom for the order I returned, and needed to explain to 3 people that the items were returned.
This past fall with the release of the G6, my order for my G5 sensors were delayed for almost 4 weeks.. again a sales person called me to beat my deductible, and again they failed. I experience several extremes low blood sugars during sleep which I do not feel until around 40.
Now while on vacation I am in need of a sensor and I am told they can only ship to my home address, which is no help to me as I am in Florida not New York and there is no one at my home to than ship it to me here. So finally she gets permission from her supervisor to send the sensor to me in Florida, but can add no specific directions to the package. So now I sit and wait and pray it get here before we move to another resort on Wednesday.
It seems like anytime you order supplies you need to go through a number of steps to get insurance approval for your supplies to be sent and that takes them a number of days or weeks, years ago before I left mini med for some of the same reasons life seemed easier. Dexcom needs to improve their customer service. I really don’t care about your procedures to get my supplies to me, I just need them not some customer support excuses and long drawn out explanations. Looks like mini meg and I are going to be friends again. There are to many other CGM manufacturers on the market for me to deal with such foolishness.
Companies really must learn that sales are not where they make money, customer services is! sitting on hold for extended times and orders being on backorder is not acceptable.
Though I will say that often the issue is with third party medical supply companies rather than Dexcom themselves, but both parties have major problems that need to be addressed.
Good luck getting refills if you’re on Medicare, as well. Such a great product. Such a poorly managed company. I’m thinking about switching cgm’s because of Dexcom’s delays in attention to my diabetic needs by no fault of my own, my doctor’s or Medicare’s. Dexcom took my order for suppl ies on Jan. 4. No communication from them on the hold up. Me? I’ve spent over 9 hours on hold looking for answers over the last 2+ weeks. It always seems to be a different answer, a new roadblock…dare I say excuse? Saying that might even get me another month’s delay on supplies.
My beef is that I have come to rely on this device for freedom to drive without fear, exercise without fear, sleep and basically do anything safely. I’m back to finger sticking until they figure this out…and guessing where I’m headed. We can land a man on the moon but we can’t supply Type 1 Diabetics, lifelong Diabetics, with this seemingly life-changing device that is touted on the television as some kind of miracle. They shouldn’t take any new orders until they get this crap figured out.
You might want to discuss Sensionics’ Eversense implantable CGM. This is the only other CGM on the market that can give you alerts. (Libre is coming along but their alerting sensor is not available in the US at this time) Dexcom definitely has run into a problem with their supply and demand issues and customer service. We hope that companies will take notice and learn from one another’s mistakes.
I am 76 years old and was diagnosed at age 12 I am in the midst of my second try with the Dexcom. My numbers are off by 40 points betwen the receiver.and my trusted meter. I am concerned about my A1C and hoped it would go down. That is the main reason I wanted to try the Dexcom. When I call Dexxcom for support all they do is send me another sensor.. I really hoped this would work for me but I am concerned about my overall health and do not wish to incur any complications.
Hi Jean,
All CGMs can read significantly different from a finger stick on a couple of occasions due to the delay in blood flow from the blood to the interstitial tissue where the CGM measures. The first is when blood sugars are moving swiftly, (Post meal, when boluses are peaking, during vigorous exercise). The delay in change in blood flow to interstitial tissue is typically about 20 minutes. The second time these numbers vary widely is after a low (below 70) these times cause the blood flow to the fat layer to be restricted until the body recovers, often 30-45 minutes.
Another consideration may be the meter. Glucometers have a wide range of accuracy, and so an inaccurate meter will show even more variability from a CGM reading, but one can not tell which is off more, the CGM or the meter.
technology is still far from perfect, but leaps and bounds from where we were only a decade ago.
Thanks for sharing!
Alicia, what I get from your response is that CGMs are not very useful for catching lows while a person is exercising, either while or after the low occurs. I was considering getting one as a safety measure for my exercise program, but now am not convinced it would be at all effective.
CGM technology is actually really useful for catching lows, even more so for catching them before they happen (For example using an alert before setting, or higher alert on setting to catch before blood sugar drops below 80) However, once the low has occurred they are really not accurate for about a half hour-45 minutes. I use my fall rate alert when exercising to get an alert that blood sugar is dropping rapidly. I can then use my own experience and critical thinking skills to take action to prevent lows. None of this would be possible without my CGM.
The tech is not perfect, but it is FAR better than nothing at all.
After using the Medtronic system with the Enlite sensor for 2 years always now informed Medicare does not pay for Enlite sensors. Go figure.
So for the past 2 months I have been on the phone with my insurance company Medicare Medtronic and Dexcom to figure out plan B. It seems as if Dexcom will be my next go to sensor. And doing some research I found out that Medicare contracted with Dexcom to negate use of smart phones and devices for the G 4 for the G5. However I believe now Medicare does permit Dexcom to sync with smartphones. Dexcom will be a big change for me but I intend to bring my grandson with me for my training and hopefully between the two of us we can get grand mom on track. Hope to see IDs soon.
Hi Gert!
We look forward to helping!
And in July Medicare did announce that it is allowing users to make use of the Dexcom app for the G5! YAY!!! They still send users the reliever, but it does not have to be used.
I have been a diabetic going on 40 years now and have used the old style Blood Sugar measuring IE the test tubes and drops of urine, then the finger pokes with the ball point pin size pokers. I recently got a Dexcom 5 and it seemed nice not to poke 5-7 times a day. I am finding that the Dexcom 5s are not as accurate as was lead to believe….. IE the 20/20 rule. yesterday alone I was 30% off in the morning and do you make what could be life effecting decisions wit that? Next if an alarm occurs lets say early morning it wakes up the entire house you can not silence it even if on vibrate. Next I can not believe that blood sugars will bounce from say 100 to 150 in about 5 minutes even when it takes insulin 2 hours before it starts working ( that’s another misinformation). I have learned that when some one wants to sell something you will always hear the “good” stuff and never any maybe not so good.
Thanks for sharing your experience L.G. One important piece to remember is perspective. There is a big difference between perfect and better than nothing. I’d say the G 5 falls far closer to the perfect side than the nothing side, but is not there yet.
getting alerts set properly and making sure audible settings are correct is an important aspect of CGM use.
I think it’s of note too point out that here at IDS we do not sell diabetes management devices, nor are we paid by the companies to have people use them. Our reviews and information shared is for user education and based on either studies or our user experiences or those we observe in clinical practice.
HI L.G. The G5 has shown to be as accurate as top meters when calibrated twice daily. One issue may actually be the meter to which it is being compared. if the Dexcom is off by a little, and the meter is off by a lot, the Dexcom looks wrong.
CGm technology has a weakness after a low blood sugar, once we go below 70 blood flow changes and this causes reading to be inaccurate for up to 45 minutes (typically appearing much lower for much longer than they actually are)
Rapid movements after eating and when insulin activity is peaking are possible but this may also be a calibration issue.
We would be happy to help you troubleshoot your CGM use troubles to get better performance.
I would recommend checking out our CGM comparisons page. We always share both the Pros and Cons of treatment and technology options. There’s no perfect tech yet. Also to clarify, we do not sell Dexcom CGMs or any other diabetes technology. We make every effort to educate our clients about all the options so that they can chose what is best for them as individuals.
Dexcom has a great product but non-existent customer service. You will wait at least 30 minutes for either order or technical support on the phone. They will stop processing your order because something is needed from your doctor, but NEVER request the needed information from your doctor. As a result, you end up with no product for weeks at a time and have to call in, waiting hours to speak with someone. once their are notified of the issue, the needed data is then requested from your physician. The physicians response will take at least another week before they have it in their system.
This makes for a complete nightmare and I am looking at alternative CGMs from companies that do not have these issues.
CUSTOMER SERVICE IS NON-EXISTANT AT DEXCOM
I’m with you… I’ve asked for technical service call back for the replacement of a failed transmitter five times now over the past month because I can’t get through on the phone. The keep responding the next day by email saying they tried to reach me… by calling to a number that’s not mine. I re-request and point this out in my request and they just keep responding with the same email “attempted reach out to -wrong number-” I’m beginning to think it’s computer generated bs. Current transmitter will expire within a couple weeks and they won’t let me order a new one because the failed transmitter would have my reorder date for transmitters in April. Additionally, reordered sensors over a month ago and have not received them. Last sensor will expire in the next day or so, so what’s the point of having the system if they don’t fill orders timely? Great product – crappy business.
I’ve got the G5, and will be upgrading to the G6 in October 2018. I am very disappointed in Dex’s poor technical service in getting an Android app to run the system on without thinking about a CGM, I sunk $999 in a Galaxy Note9 and the software doesn’t work on it. It does work on a 10 year old iPhune IV relic.
Had a unit for about 6 months. Do not trust the readings, sometimes indications are 40 points higher or lower.
Dexcom needs to allow users to access and review all insulin adm., carb intake, activity, & glucose values together numerical and graph. This needs to be storeable for review, not lost after sensor change. One needs to be able to see the big picture to manage diabetes. A snap shot is nice for a snapshot in time. To prevent the complications one needs to see the big picture. At least to easily review the events that were entered?
dexcom data is view-able on the receiver or phone app in a snap shot. however that data is then uploaded (automatically from the clairity app, or manually from the receiver) into the Dexcom Claritiy website. This give full reports with an extensive history. You can reach out to us at Integrated Diabetes Services for training on downloading, accessing and even analysis of your CGM data and how to apply it to your diabetes management.
If I use an omnipod to check my blood glucose then place my blood glucose in another what is the purpose of two machine on my body I am happy others find it to be beneficial it is very invasive on my I can handle the omnipod that delivers the insulin sticking my self with a needle ain”t gonna happen
I would wait or look at another company. It is impossible to get supplies for the Dexcom G5 that I was convinced to purchase. Now, 9 months later I can say the pharmacy Edgepark is useless and has no concern for their clients.They will not or cannot process refill request in a timely manor.
Hi Jogger,
We definitely commiserate on pharmacy difficulties, but would point out that Dexcom and Edgepark are not the same company. Edgepark is a third party distributor. If you are unhappy with their service, reach out to Dexcom and request a new vendor pharmacy to use, or even to purchase directly from Dexcom. It may cost a little more, but better customer service is worth it. Dexcom would also benefit from knowing what suppliers are not properly meeting their clients’ needs.
Very insightful. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was 11 and am now 45. I have used an insulin pump for years and have used both e minimed CGM and am now using the Dexcom.
Pros of the minimed CGM over the Dexcom are that I have noticed with the minimed are being significantly smaller (thinner) and less abrupt (more like a rolling hill then a mountain) at the site location this seems to help with the feeling of it easily being ripped off during activities.
The cons of the minimed CGM over the Dexcom in my opinion is that Dexcom does not charge for the use of there app where minimed charges $299.00 and using bluetooth with my iPhone 7 seems to have a much better signal quailty with significantly less lost signals in the middle of the night or actually anytime for that matter.
My personal opinion is that minimed has better education regarding the CGM. I believe both training methods are adequate however.
I believe either option is better then having neither and the technology once understood works very well in helping make informed decisions on how you treat your diabetes.
Ive been speaking with Dexcom for some time now about the new G5 and I asked them why they’re is no app for Android yet, and the answer was that one is coming but it is 6 months to year away. The reason they said they only have one for iPhone is that the programming is easier and it seams like there are more iPhones on the market, I’m not programer and couldn’t tell if he was feeding me line or what, but seams some what legit. A Android app is coming.
How long can you leave the sensor in
Thank you so much for informing us on your findings. It was so helpful. I have had diabetes for 43 year and have seen things come and go. From your very astute and educated finds i will be waiting for theDexcom Emaginers to put their thinking caps on alittle tighter and do some more improvements before I jump on the band wagon.
Good suggestions. Omnipod has all those features for 12 years. Not having the app on Android is inexcusable and suspicious.
Gary how often must you put the sensor on , once every three months? Can you shower with it
George zoller
PS my problem is due to liver disease I get no warning of lows
now why only iphone ??
No interest in no availability for Android users.
Pls suggest another company that has enough confidence in its product to level the playing field to all in need.
Appreciate your response…
I am a type 1 diabetic since age 11. I am now 61. I have much experience with this disease.
I’ve used the Dexcom G4 and G5 products for about two years. As a type 1 diabetic, you should be aware of a few issues that could result in danger. First of all, the product is cutting edge but there are some major problems.
When used alone with the iPhone 6, there is continual signal loss. I woke up more than twice with critical insulin reactions. And they resulted in injury. The problem is the signal loss. You can roll over on the transmitter (if located on stomach or wherever) and the signal is lost. I have seen signal loss many times during the day for no reason at all. This is when used (Transmitter and iPhone).
After serious reactions in the middle of the night, I decided to use the G5 Receiver it comes with (as a backup). Since I’ve started this I still have signal loss on the iPhone, but find the G5 Receiver more dependable. The both live together on my night stand at bedtime with alarms on.
I recommend using both the iPhone with the G5 Receiver as a backup. This will not guarantee signal loss, but when the iPhone is not receiving a signal, the G5 Receiver usually reads the signal but not always 100%. But it is more dependable.
I hope this can be fixed. I like the product but it needs work to be used with the iPhone alone.
Thank you!! I am type 1 LADA for about 14 years. My A1c is below 6. Because I test 10 times a day. I am getting tired of poking so much. A pharmacist friend diswayed me from the Libre. She claims it is not accurate and tends to fall off the arm. Gravitating towards the dexcom I had a CGM years ago but it only lasted 3 days and was very large. A couple of thi gs have happened recently including a low when out paddle boarding without supplies my bad. Anyway will discuss with my Endo next month and your post made me understand the pros and cons. Again. Thank you
If making the leap to CGM I’d recommend going for the G6! it just started shipping in wide distributin in the US.