A Critical Review & Comparison of the Dexcom G7
Gary tries the G7
Seven is usually considered a lucky number. Rolling a 7 in craps is a win. There are 7 Wonders of the World. And it’s no coincidence that Snow White had exactly 7 dwarfs to watch over her.
The trend continues with the Dexcom G7 – the latest CGM (continuous glucose monitor) to enter the marketplace.
For those who have been in a coma for the past ten years, a CGM is a device that measures glucose concentrations in real-time every few minutes. A tiny metallic sensor, placed below the skin with a spring loaded insertion device, generates a tiny electric current based on the glucose concentration. The electrical signal is transmitted to a receiver, which interprets the signal and displays the data in numeric and graphic format. The receiver, which can take the form of a smartphone, insulin pump, or handheld device provided by the manufacturer, can alert the user of high or low glucose levels. The glucose and trend can be viewed on a smartwatch, but at present still requires the use of a smartphone to receive the transmission from the sensor and allow it to sync and display on the watch face.
WHAT ARE THE DEXCOM G7 PROS?
Dexcom G7 will replace the Dexcom G6, which has been the market leader among those on intensive insulin therapy for several years. G7 does many of the same things as G6: data updates every 5 minutes for 10 days per sensor, direction arrows, customizable high/low and rate-of-change alerts, predictive “urgent low” alerts, no calibration required (but calibration by way of fingerstick is still allowed), and the option of using a Dexcom handheld receiver or smart device for displaying data.
So what is “new and improved” with G7, other than it being “1” better? Plenty. Here are the top 7:
1. Accuracy has improved. The MARD value (Mean Absolute Relative Difference – the average discrepancy between the sensor value and a lab value) is down to 8.2% for adults, 8.1% for kids aged 7-17, and 9.3% for kids under age 7. This sets the standard in the CGM market, and is about 10% better than the G6’s MARD (which was around 9% overall). Nearly 90% of the glucose values generated by G7 are within 15% of lab values (or within 15 mg/dl if the reading is below 100).
2. The sensor itself is about 60% smaller, and much flatter. There is no need to attach a transmitter to the sensor; the transmitter is built right into the sensor. The sensor filament is about 50% shorter. It inserts perpendicular to the skin (not at an angle), which may lead to a reduction in erroneous “compression lows”.
3. The warmup time is considerably shorter – only 30 minutes (actually closer to 27 minutes). And for those who want to take the warmup time down to zero minutes, it is possible by placing the new sensor on the skin 30 minutes before the old one expires.
4. There is a “grace period” after the 10-day sensor session has ended. The system will continue to work for up to 12 additional hours.
5. There are a number of new ways to customize the high/low alerts that make them more actionable and less of a nuisance. For starters, the user can set thresholds at which rise/fall alerts take place. For example, if the glucose is falling fast, the user can set an alarm to occur only if this takes place when the glucose is below 130 mg/dl. It is also possible to set high alerts to only occur if the glucose is above the high threshold for a specified period of time. That way, temporary highs that occur after soon meals won’t trigger meaningless alerts. The US version of G7 offers a “quiet mode” feature that sets all alerts to vibrate, except for unconfirmed urgent low alerts, for up to six hours.
6. Clarity features are built right into the Dexcom G7 app. Just scroll down the screen to see important data such as recent average and time-in-range.
7. Events (food, insulin, exercise) can be logged more easily. There is an icon right on the G7 home screen for event entries.
WHAT ARE THE DEXCOM G7 CONS?
There are a few relatively minor downsides to the G7 compared to G6. Because the adhesive patch is smaller and the company recommends wearing it on the arm, there is more likelihood of the sensor coming off before 10 days of use. Dexcom provides an “overpatch” with each sensor to help with adhesion and stability.
Dexcom is clearly the CGM market leader when it comes to connectivity with other devices and software. However, connectivity requires an agreeable partner. Users of DIY Loop can already utilize Dexcom G7 when upgrading to version 3.0, but users of Tandem’s Control IQ and OmniPod5 will have to wait until the companies update their device firmware to be compatible with G7. In the case of Tandem, that should take place within a few months since a simple software patch is all that’s needed. In the case of Insulet, it may take considerably longer since each pod has to be rebuilt with new firmware. Users of InPen will also have to wait until Dexcom and Medtronic come to an agreement before G7 data will sync with the InPen app.
HOW MUCH DOES THE DEXCOM G7 COST?
The list price for a 3-pack of G7 sensors is similar to the price of G6 sensors – around $200.
However, keep in mind that there is no additional transmitter to purchase when using G7. Medicare, most private health insurance plans and many Medicaid plans already cover G7. For those whose private insurance does not yet cover G7, Dexcom has a special Simple Start program that limits the out-of-pocket cost for a 3-pack (30-day supply) of sensors to $89 at most major pharmacies. Pharmacists should be able to apply this automatically at checkout. For those without any insurance, the free Good Rx program provides about a 10% savings on the cash price.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Overall, Dexcom G7 looks like a winner. I still wish they could figure out a way to cut down on the amount of plastic waste (there is about 20% less plastic with the new inserter compared to G6, but it still seems like too much). And the Clarity reports, while simple to use, could be re-designed to provide better insight. But G7 will certainly improve the lives of countless people with diabetes.
I went with the Dexcom G7 after using the G6 for a year. The main problem that I have is that with the G7, I have a lot of sudden large changes in my Glucose level. The chart looks like W’s with a lot of gaps on the G7, where it was more of a gradual line with the G6.
Agreed, a lot of people find that the irregularity of readings and loss of signal with the G7 leads to reduced accuracy periods , which, in turn, leads to the appearance of glycemic instability. Hold on as there is word about that Dexcom has plans in process to improve their product.
The G7 is a piece of junk. If always losing signals. I don’t stay on. In a month time I’ve use about 6 of the G7. And the mean resting I dislike the G7 is that it can’t get wet. The first sweated off. You can’t take a shower with it on or doing any water sports or any activity the use water for fear of it (Dexcom G7) falling of.
I give it a 3 on a scale of 1-10.
Dexcom G6
We definitely echo your concerns Roland, and hope the company pivots to correct the issues rapidly
I just got the G7 and was very excited to use upgraded technology. I followed the directions to the letter and was impressed on how fast the warm up time was compared to the G6. Readings started and I noted them on my phone and the receiver. My joy lasted a whole 2-3 hours. I’m sitting at my computer and all of a sudden the receiver goes off with a failed alert! You have got to be kidding me! I go to this site and I see this is an ongoing issue with the G7. Here is my problem, I have good insurance that they are paying a ton of money for this. The reason is, I pay them a ton of money! How am I expected to trust a product that can’t even last more than a few hours? Yes, I get it, contact the company and get a replacement. 1st, I should not have to do that! Second, I am reading that the replacements are doing the same thing! Not sure what incompetent individual thought that this was a product to release to the public but they should be looking for another job! Bring back the G6! It had it’s problems but nothing like this!!!
We’re with you Ron,
These companies need to appreciate the level of trust we place in their products and put the time into development and proper real world testing. We can go back to the G6, it is still in production. But we hope to see the company pivot with improvements very soon.
I used Libre 3 for a year, so not new to CGMs. I started G7 last week and have gone through 2 sensors already… one fell off after 4 days, and the second lasted less than 4 hours after getting caught on my shirt and then having very low readings that were way off from my finger stick results. Dexcom is replacing these two, but the G7 has an adhesive problem…. I never had an issue with the Libre 3 CGM falling off and they are good for 14 days and do not require an over patch. Added SkinTac to this one.
Bottom line is Libre 3 is the better product from a usability perspective….and while I have limited G7 software use, my initial impression is the Libre 3 is as good if not better. Unfortunately my insurance forced the switch to Dexcom. I am not impressed though.
We HATE that your insurance forced a device switch, that impinges on your rights as a person with diabetes! We should never be forced to use inferior devices. I recommend documenting the signal loss and inaccuracies you are having (Your clarity daily reports will show those) compared to a similar span of time with libre. Your doctor can submit for a “exemption by failure” to have your insurance approve the libre since the Dexcom is not doing what you need it to do (give you usable data and help keep you safe)
IMHO Dexcom 7 stinks (I could use stronger language). I am constantly using a finger stick to “synchronize” my actual blood sugar with the incorrect readings coming from Dexcom 7. My Dexcom app keeps telling me that it’s in an experimental phase and I shouldn’t rely on it. And when I tried to submit a ticket/ big report Dexcom’s support page kept telling me that I was not a valid user. My insurance company FORCED me to switch from Libre 3 to Dexcom. On the phone tomorrow (Monday) to lodge a complaint and switch back to Freestyle Libre 3. What’s the point of a CGM if it can’t give you accurate numbers?
Hi Irene,
A very common complaint, unfortunately.
I recommend documenting the signal loss and inaccuracies you are having (Your clarity daily reports will show those) compared to a similar span of time with libre. Your doctor can submit for a “exemption by failure” to have your insurance approve the libre since the Dexcom is not doing what you need it to do (give you usable data and help keep you safe)
New to this. Only my 3rd sensor. First two stayed on fine for the 10 days. 3rd week the pool reopened and the sensor keeps coming off in 10 minutes. Customer service is a joke as all they do is keep sending me new sensors. Need to have a better overpatch included with the G7 that will stay on in the water as advertised.
the plasticky G7 overpatches are abysmal in water, I recommend getting a kinesio/fabric tape based overpatch like the SImpatch(the stickiest I’ve found so far) or griffgrip, skingrip etc. These hold well in water and can be rubbed dry after pool time to keep adherent to the skin.using preps that help to increase how tacky the skin is before putting our devices on can help too. here’s a link to some of those:
https://www.pantherprogram.org/_files/ugd/29eb34_7d1c547ea2d54da0b16c5f158da5acdd.pdf
we shouldn’t have to use these things, but until our devices catch up, these are what we have
I like my G6, but was planning to “upgrade” to G7. Sounds like it wouldn’t be an upgrade! I think I’ll just be satisfied with what I have. It works.
Wish I would have read these comments before switching to the G7. I’ve yet to experience a 10 day sensor, 5 max. I just put one on yesterday, and I’m sure by the end of the day today or tomorrow, it’ll be off. I hate the fact that I can no longer wear it on my stomach area.
Even though they replace the sensors, I’d rather have a G6! Too much time explaining the same things over and over to a representative and then sending them back and waiting for replacements, I have better things to do.
I am having the same issue and customer service is not helpful. The Dexcom g6 was much better I always got my 10 days. My doctor told me to buy Skin Tac Wipes and it will stay on longer. I ordered mine from Amazon and just received them so I put one on.
First time trying a CGM, just my opinion but a horrible system!!! Not accurate most of the time (by a lot when compared to a BGM) as well as other issues with the sensor/reader. I will look into other CGM’s, been using this for about 4 months, this is garbage in my opinion!!
CGM is a great technology when it works well, but it is far form perfect.
A big piece is knowing what to expect going in. (We are often sold on these things like they are sports cars and get home to realize we bought a used family sedan)
Accuracy should be within about 20% when BGs are not in a state of rapid change, the accuracy diminishes after that due to the delay between blood sugar and interstitial fluid levels. We also want to make sure our alters are not set at levels that are simply a nuisance rather than a reminder for action. CGM has made massive leaps in the short time they’ve been on the market, but they definitely have a way to go and clearly there are a lot of issues that Dexcom needs to address in the G7
I had 2 censors and a transmitter quit in the first 2 weeks. I have number that are 60 point off my finger stick readings, I have a dexçom 7, these thing are dangerous.
I am reminding patients that you can go to G6 instead of staying with the inferior G7.
My issue is different from most here. I have had 2 G7 monitors and they both quit charging after a few weeks. I contacted Dexcom and they sent me a replacement for the first one and then the replacement failed. They were not able to explain the reason for the failure. All they can do is replace it. Was wondering if anyone else has run into this problem.
Hi Frank,
not once I’ve heard about, but with so few people using the receiver I’m not surprised by that. You might want to check the charge cable/charge block/outlet you’re using. (use a different outlet, then a different cable, then a different block) perhaps there is an issue there.
I like others have been using the G6 xand recently started using the G7. I have replaced 5 sensors in 2 weeks. The first one stayed on for 7 days and came off. The next two came off within 2 days. Dexcom sent me 2 replacements and i accidentally jerked the first one off the day after I put it on and the second replacement I hit a vein and the blood ran down my arm and soaked the sensor. I’m going to try a bit longer (I’m going to place on abdomen and try that) but I NEVER had this much of a problem with my G6. I like the size and the fact that it warms up quicker. I feel like the manufacturer is going to have to make changes. Too many unhappy customers with a product that’s suppose to be better.
I have been using the G7 for 3 months now. When it works, it works fine, but I have yet to have a single sensor last close to the full 10 days that they are supposed to. They either fall off or fail. Just today I had one fall off that I had had on for less than 5 days. The new one I put on lasted me just a couple hours and now I have a “sensor failed, remove sensor” message.
As others have said: the concept is great, but in practice I’m not all that happy with the product.
I totally agree. My sensors are falling off at about 5-7 days. Yes they will send a new one, but that takes 4-6 working days. Why can’t they use a patch that will last 10 days?
Used the G6 for years, went to the G7 about a month ago……really not a good product. Out of the 4 I’ve done, only 1 stayed on for the full 10 days. Signal strength is abysmal, I am in a sensor issue even as I’m typing this…….wish I could go back to G6
You can go back I called and they are supposed to send me the G6 in my next order. Get the Skin Tac wipes you can get on Amazon my doctor recommended them when I told her. I got it this morning and put one on crossing my fingers. Customer service and tech support are not helpful. They are sending me 3 replacement and I only have 1 left and still have 2 months left with this faulty order
I keep getting seriously low readings at night below 60 and as low as 40. I have the sensor on my left arm and I sleep on that side. When I roll over to my right side during the night. My reading goes up over 90. Apparently, sleeping on it causes false readings which unfortunately results in lower averages and my throw the overall numbers off. I’ve only been using it for a month so I don’t know how it compares to actual results but right now, my GMI is consistent with my last A1C.
I had a reading of 97 and didn’t feel like it was accurate so I did a finger stick and the finger stick was 96, so impressed there. I feel like you can only compare during a stable period. The G7 seems to lag behind finger sticks when the data is volatile.
Hi Clay,
all non implanted CGMs are prone to “compression lows” when we lay on them circulation around them is reduced so they read low.
Likewise all CGM are prone to a delay between finger stick and CGM value when BGs are moving swiftly, this is because BG changes in the blood (finger stick) well before it circulates into the fat layer (CGM)
Great observations
Hi
Background: Type 1 diagnosed 1955, Pump trials and therapy since 1981. A1c less than 6.0 for years and below 6.4 for over 20 years. Have been using Dexcom CGM systems for over 10 years. I am a quality engineer (including design assurance) for medical devices for over 30 years. G7 PROS – All in one system: decreased wait time for BG readings, tape for adherence within all-in-one system, accuracy of readings above 110mg/dl accurate. CONS -Like the G6 the G7 results are often discrepant (greater than 40% or 40mg/dl for results below 100mg/dl (yes, I’ve done analysis); placement on the upper butt not convenient and irritated by wearing pants; placement on upper arm is less that desirable when: little fat/adipose tissue and more muscle, device gets ripped off when working with arms – weights, close quarters, or carrying children, different answers for same questions posed to Tech Service. Actual diabetic user requirements do not seem to have been used for design validation or the actual diabetic population used to gather user requirements did not include all body types or activities. Does not appear as if risk management, control, evaluation was done without bias and/or Dexcom decided that the benefits outweigh the risk, which does not help the patient when the device comes off or when BG results are low. Dexcom G7 shows results at 80mg/dl, the real result of the patient may be 57mg/dl. This is an issue.
HI Richard, just a reminder that here at IDS we just review the products,We don’t make them or design them, we live with type 1 too. We recommend reaching out to the manufacturers with your comments
Does anyone know how to stop the “falling fast” alert on the Dexcom G7, with an Android ? The alert shows on the screen and you can hit ok, but it keeps going on and on and on
I started about three years ago with the G6. I had a great experience with the G6. Sure there were the occasional bad sensor but Dexcom’s customer support team is amazing.
Now for the not so good news. Two months ago i started with the G7 expecting great things. I really enjoy wearing the G7, I almost forget I am wearing it. But, to say I’m disappointed is an understatement. The transmitters are very weak. Get up and go to the kitchen and leave your phone behind, signal loss. Go to Church, no signal the entire service. Have your sensor on the left and your night stand is on your right, signal loss on and off all night. Wear your phone on the left and sensor on the right, you get the picture. Tech support replaced the first sensor. I had the same issues with the second. For the third one, I used the replacement as it was a different lot number…same same.
I’m ready to go back to the G6 at this point.
Agreed Scott, the signal strength on this product is hugely problematic for real life with diabetes! Even transmittion to the pump gets lost far too easily with “line of sight” issues.
I have beening using the G7 for 24 hours after using the Libre 2 for a couple of years. The Libre 2 wins. So, CGM’s are new to me. G7 is just awful and terribly inacurate, goes out all the time so it cannot be used. WIl use the remaining patches and will reorder Libre 2 which is much easier to use and more accurate. Horrible experience. I know what I am talking about, I have been a diabetic for 54 years, and say this item is much too overated.
I am Type I for 46 years, on pump for 23 years, using G6 for 3 years and a month ago switched to G7. I want to go back to G6. I find the G7 is less accurate, and I spend more time pricking my finger to get better accuracy. I calibrate the G7 more than I ever had to with the G6.
In addition, the signal is much weaker, and I can be in the next room and the signal loss is going off constantly. I did not have this issue with G6.
I also find that the sensor comes off way to easily and when I try and use the over patch, the patch is so thin and flimsy it crumples up before I can even get it on.
I have always used the Dexcom receiver because I do not believe in putting my most personal health data into cyber space. The G7 receiver is smaller and made more cheaply than the G6 receiver. Because of the smaller size the graph is basically useless.
I am pursuing my healthcare provider to go back to G6. This G7 is not ready for market.
The most significant issue, however, is that it is less accurate than G6. Do not believer the hype that G7 is more accurate than G6. It is not.
I believe they have tried to take cost cutting measures, and they have compromised the value of the CGM.
Wisely done on switching back to the G6. No need to stay on a product you don’t enjoy or trust when there is a more reliable version still on the market.
I can not believe that what seems like the most innovative version of Dexcom gets rid of the most life threatening feature…… hypo repeat. With Dexcom 6 you could select “hypo repeat” and the alarm would continuously go off until the user acknowledged it. This is not the case with the g7. It will only alarm you every 5 minutes if you don’t acknowledge the alarm the first time. That seems very irresponsible for the creators. It wouldn’t even wake the dead so we will be switching back to the g6. I don’t want my husband going into a coma, seizure, or death or being that he’s in construction trade and can’t hear or feel the vibrate, get hurt using a power tool. I called dexcom customer support about this hoping I was just missing something and that they could walk us through how to get that setting…… nope, no such thing. Until they iron that issue out, we will be going back to the old version.
We agree! and more to the point we also can’t delay to say, don’t alert me about a low I DO acknowledge for another hour! It will continue to alert over and over for the same low, even if I KNOW i’ve treated it and BG has come back up. This can stimulate a lot of anxiety and interrupt our lives in a lot of unnecessary ways. Hey industry NEVER take features from us! only add better ones in!
I went from the g6 to the g7 because of the size. Most of the time they lose the signal which means no readings. I haven’t had any problems with it staying on.
Glad your G7 is at least staying on, the signal loss is a really common problem, we have to stay close to our receiving device, and even then may lose signal. You can go back to the G6 while Dexcom works on improving their product, or try the libre3, though accuracy below 100 and above 220 are problematic there.
I’ve delayed getting a G7 and after reading the issues with the G7, I’ll stay with the G6 until they can provide a BETTER sensor not a worse sensor.
I can’t get the g7 to stay on. I put one on last night and less than 24 hours latet it has already come off. That’s the 4th one straight that I’ve had come off my arm. I want them to work, but I’m about to give up.
My husband is on his 3rd batch of G7, only 1 of whi h stayed on the full 10 days. They are put on his arm properly witht he e tra adhesive. He sweats or showers and it falls off. And the fact the sensors are single use it’s like throwing away $89/month. Not reliable at all!! DexcoM should relplace for free theones that fall off. They are defective!
Dexcom will replace any sensors that do not make it the full wear time, or that fail in accuracy or connection
you can call their customer service line, or go to their website and enter a customer ticket.
I have just started trying to use the G7. 3 sensors, each latest no more than 6 hours!! I used the over patch, did not help!!
I too have experienced problems with the adhesive on the G7 sensors. Mine will not last more than two days each time. And – God forbid when u take a shower! I really don’t think the manufacturer thought this through!
Out of curiosity are you using the provided over tape? (We are also gaining experience with these products like everyone else)
I use SkinTac (and TacAway for cleanup) and heven’t even needed the overpatch.
Hi
My son age 12, started with the g6 and had it for 2 years. Got the g7 cause it said it was more accurate. It is! It’s smaller in size witch he loves. But he has to have his phone on him all the time. If it’s in the next room, no signal. Even The Follow app looses data even when we’re next to him. We want to continue with the G7 because it is more accurate but it’s nerve racking when I have no data on him if he’s outside and I’m not. Or at night and I check on his data and I have to run to his room to see what his phone shows.
You may have made it smaller but I think you made the signal less powerful. If he wants to stay overnight at someone’s house he’ll be on his own I fear.
HI Nicol,
as a reminder, we don’t make or sell any diabetes devices, we review educate and support users. We agree to short range on the G7 is a major step backward for Dexcom and a massive oversight and shows a real lack of understanding of the real world life of a person with diabetes.
These companies have got to learn to consult people with diabetes, not their R&D team!
I was using the G6 for almost 3 years and wanted to upgrade to the G7. With the G6 I never had any issue of them coming off. I know you could order the overpatch for the G6 but I never needed them. Now the G7 is horrible at staying on. I have had 4 of them come off already. I prep the location by rubbing the arm down with alcohol and let dry before applying the sensor. I will get 2 maybe 3 days before the patch starts coming loose. Dexcom must know of this major problem since they include a overpatch with every sensor. I’m not going to wear a bunch of medical tape over the sensor or wear any kind of arm band around it. I don’t want it to look like i’ve had major surgery on my arm all the time. From what I’m reading, I’m not the only one complaining about this. Does anyone know of a fix or is Dexcom even trying to solve this issue? I don’t want to go back to the G6l as I like all the upgraded features the G7 has, just not the adhesion issues.
Hi Randy,
unfortunately the sensor was not designed for the overtape to be optional, it was designed and tested with the overtape in use, I agree it’s a pretty huge and awful overtape, but that’s what they went with.
I really don’t like the arm location – problems with overpatch, seeing it, etc. Dexcom is sticking with that recommendation, but I wonder if it woouldn’t work on the belly as well. Anyone know anything about that?
The FDA approves CGMs for the locations on which they were tested in clinical trials, however there is plenty of independent data on alternate location use being safe and statistically accurate enough to safe hybrid closed loop use. including the abdomen, lower back, back of arm, and glutes.
Love the greatly reduced size of the receiver, along with its improved functionality. As a side sleeper and modest-about-technology showing person, the arm location is a problem. Compression “lows” are a constant issue at night,, and it is now summer, short-sleeve season. However, I suspect it will work just fine in other locations. Meanwhile, the watch app is a step backwards! Does not have color, does not show on home “face” and does not show time! You cannot check the time on ;your watch while using the Dexcom app. Also, it does not stay connected very well. Sigh. Good thing that receiver is tiny and easy to keep handy. When I get my Tandem pump, though, the decision between which two devices to connect will become a problem. Been using CGM for 10 years, pumping for 25.
unfortunate to hear you’re having compression low issues as that was reported to be one of the big benefits of the G7’s low profile, that it had fewr compression lows.
The App itself does not show time but you can still have the BG displayed on your watch “home” screen as a wiget, just not the graph.
And you can have both your phone/watch and your Tandem pump receive your Dexcom data at the same time, so no need to pick between the two at that point. (just don’t have them both alert at the same settings or you will have the dueling banjos of alerts)
The connection is a MAJOR problem
one way to improve it is to go into your phone’s bluetooth settings and delete any unnecesary bluetooth devices. the more devices you are connected to, the weaker the signal strength. deleting old transmitters, ear buds, speakers, etc helps a bit. but the limited range is pretty unacceptable!
The Dexcom g7 sensors do not work. I have tried 6 g7 sensors and all of them failed to recognized the 4 digit pin. I am switching back to g6 so I no longer have to prick my fingers.
This is definitely not the norm. You are definitely experiencing an issue with your receiver or app and should reach out to tech support for advanced troubleshooting.
I also have problems with the dexcom G7 failing
I had 3 fail and when calling tech support, they sent me a new sensor which also failed.. The dexcom G6 did not fail as much. I’m going to talk to my Dr. And try to go back to the Dexcom G6.
Should I consider switching from Libre 3 to Dexcom7 , which is more user friendly . I am also traveling overseas – Northern Europe , will these monitors work there
both sensors are about the same level of “user friendly” and both work fine anywhere in the world (internet and cell service are required to transmit data to the cloud but not for the sensor itself to work)
Gave the Dexcom G7 a try and it was a horrible experience. The sensors would not stay on my arms longer than 2 or 3 days. After multiple calls to Dexcom with no resolution, I asked my doctor to switch me back to the G6.
Hi Michelle,
That’s interesting that you are having issues with the G7 staying on, were you using the provided over tape? I know different people’s skin chemistry can make adhesives bind or not bind differently. I find the adhesive int he G7 to be too sticky for my skin.
I have the exact same problem. They will not stay on arm or abdomen. A G6 user for many years I NEVER had a G6 fall or or peel off unexpectedly. I’ve yet to have EVEN 1 G7 stay on more than 4 days. The G7 has a horrible design – adherence wise – their overpatch is totally a joke and the focus group or morons who ok’d the adhering portion should be in the unemployment line. I’ve tried an arm band. One of the plastic Freedom covers … both suck and I cannot get more than 4 days with a sensor no matter what I put on it or how much skin-tac I use. Customer service/Tech support is useless other than hard to get a hold of and sending you another useless sensor. Hasta la vista G7. i’ll stick to what works.
You need to use Smith & Nephew Skin-Prep® Protective Barrier Wipes and a Lexcam over-patch. Both are available on amazon. When using these two items, I have to work to remove the sensor after 10 days. I feel like you are already shaving the area and using an alcohol prep pad to clean the site.
Someone should pay attention to Chris’s comments. What he indicates needs attention as th4ese units are very expensive and Dexcom’s customer support is not good at all.
I don’t think Dexcom monitors comments on clinician websites. We always recommend our community report their feedback directly to the manufacturers. WE neither manufacture sell nor distribute devices. We report on our, and our clients’ experiences with them.
Been using for just over 30 days. My time with tech support over that period is nothing short of woeful. Pretty obvious that this product was taken to market without the necessary beta testing to keep up with the popularity of the low profile Libre. This was a massive mistake. Sensors fail days before their anticipated replacement, signal drops even though phone is fully charged and sensor is less than 24″ from phone. Also a heavy battery draw on my S20 unlike it’s predecessor. If you are on a G6, stay there until these bugs are resolved.
Great feedback Andy, I’d have to say that’s my current recommendation as well.
I’ve been using the Dexcom G7 for over 4 months. The only issue is the loss of connection. It’s all night long. I just can not have notifications on at night anymore. I can deal during the day. I never had any issues with G6. My doctor will not switch me back too.
The issue of the sensor adhesive is huge for me. They don’t last 24 hours before falling off and that is with the patch over it.
Wearing it on the back of my arm means I can’t change it myself. My shirt sleeves rub it constantly and has caused bleeding.
The unit may be better but using it is much more difficult.
Wow Nancy that is really abnormal for the adhesive to not last more than a day. do you have a lotion or oil on your skin? some people’s skin just naturally produces more oil so adhesives can be problematic. you can use a prep like IV prep or skin-tak to help. You can also use an over wrap like a lycra band or coban to help keep your sensors on. (not the most comfy option, but it will help in a pinch)
I know I can’t wear my CGM on the back of my arm due to sleeves and general clumsiness of ripping them off.
I 100% agree with you.
I’ve been using the G6 for about 2 years. Want to go to the G7. Found out today that I must obtain a G7 receiver before Medicare Part B will cover sensors but I can’t get a G7 receiver unless I’ve had the G6 receiver for greater than 5 years. Therefore had to buy a G7 receiver out-of-pocket. Used a GoodRx coupon which brought the price down from $380 to $80. The next question to be answered is how will Medicare know I purchased the G7 since I’m paying cash.
HI Neil , you can submit your proof of purchase to medicare.
however it looks like you were working with someone who does not properly understand the medicare regulations and approvals on this one. CGM recievers can be replaced every three years. and in the case of an up grade your prescriber could appeal for a medically necesary upgrade to get it faster if you had a problem with adhesive or inaccuracy that could lead to a severe hypo etc with the G6
Does this device need the internet to work or is the smart phone all that is needed?
no internet needed. when the smart phone connects to wifi or cellular data data uploads to the cloud. but data continues to transmit even when there is no cellular or data service available.
There is event a receiver available for those who do not use a compatible smart phone.
Doesnt work with most Samsung Mkdels for example S8+, etc…cant find a receiver right now …I have 3 paperweights @ a cash price….
You left off a big “con”: the combined sensor-transmitter is single use and cannot be restarted. I know this “is not allowed” with the G6 (and 5, and …) but many people who cannot otherwise afford a CGM rely on restarted sensors (and even home-modified transmitters with replaced batteries) in order to make the system affordable. This literally saves lives and I know a lot of people who won’t be able to afford to upgrade to G7.
I agree Chris, they took that away so they could make more money from us.
I’m having the same problems with receiver staying on . Not sure if it’s the adhesive not sticking properly, or I just got a bad batch of receivers. I have not been able to go two days without sensor failing. In two days I’ve already had to replace three receivers. Then I get a message saying there’s a brief issue data stops transmitting tells me to wait, and then the next message is replace sensor. Like I said in 3 days I have already replaced three sensors. I’m not sure that this is something I want to be constantly dealing with. I like the concept, the updated data, it’s great when it’s working, but I haven’t been able to have it on for more than 24 hours before I have to replace. The adhesive issue is a big problem. If you accidentally touch the adhesive by mistake, you’re most likely messed up. Also, between my blood glucose meter and my G7, I get very varied readings, making it difficult for me to make a proper treatment. For example, I had one reading on my G7 that indicated low dropping under 55. And my glucose blood meter indicating that I was at over 100. I was not feeling low at all. How am I expected to treat that accurately