Dexcom CGM Explained
NEW! Dexcom G7 Direct to Apple Watch: Manage Diabetes Hands-Free
Oct. 17, 2024 • 5 min read
The content in this article should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider regarding your individual health needs and Dexcom alert settings.
Over the last five to 10 years, smartwatches have increasingly become an essential part of many people’s lives. Those who use smartwatches not only receive texts and make calls, but also track their fitness and health on the go. That’s why a smartwatch can be such a powerful tool for people living with diabetes to monitor glucose levels discreetly, conveniently track the direction their glucose is headed and act when receiving an alert.
In fact, monitoring your glucose levels on an Apple Watch* has been one of Dexcom users' favorite features since the launch of Dexcom G5 in 2015.
There was only one catch… for your smartwatch to receive glucose values, it needed to be within Bluetooth range of your smartphone. That’s fine for most situations we find ourselves in, but what about times where it would be nice not to lug your phone with you? What if your CGM sensor could connect directly to your Apple Watch itself?
Dexcom has been the leader in CGM innovation for the last 20 years with the singular goal of helping people manage their diabetes and take control of their health, and we couldn’t be more excited to introduce the new Direct to Apple Watch feature!
What is Dexcom Direct to Apple Watch?*
Living with diabetes, it can be frustrating to feel as if you always need to have your phone close by so you can keep an eye on your glucose. Now, the new Direct to Apple Watch feature allows your Dexcom G7 sensor to connect to your Apple Watch through its own dedicated Bluetooth connection, independent of a user's iPhone.†
This means when Direct to Apple Watch is connected you no longer need to keep your iPhone within Bluetooth range of the Dexcom G7 sensor to get your glucose readings.†
With Dexcom Direct to Apple Watch, you now have freedom and flexibility to go on a run, leave your phone in the car while running errands or leave your phone on the charger while you are in another room -- all while still getting the most accurate1 glucose readings in real-time, right on your wrist.
5 reasons Dexcom Direct to Apple Watch is a game changer:
- Leave your iPhone behind,† glucose numbers on your wrist anytime, anywhere - Before Direct to Apple Watch, a user’s Apple Watch* was dependent on their iPhone to get glucose values. Now the Dexcom G7 sensor connects directly with a compatible Apple Watch* via its own Bluetooth connection. Go for the run, enjoy that dinner out and feel confident leaving your iPhone behind† knowing you still have your glucose numbers with you.
- Enhanced discretion with glucose numbers at a glance – Whether you’re in a meeting, enjoying a movie or out to dinner with a loved one, sometimes it’s hard or inconvenient to pull out your phone to check your numbers. With Dexcom G7 Direct to Apple Watch, it’s easy to see where your glucose is and where it's headed with just a quick glance at your wrist.
- An added layer of protection if you misplace your phone – Nobody likes it, but we’ve all been there. You pat your pocket, and the phone isn’t there. With Direct to Apple Watch, if you misplace your iPhone, you still have your glucose numbers with you.
- The only CGM that can display glucose readings on your phone, smartwatch* and receiver or AID system simultaneously – Dexcom G7 is the only CGM that allows for connectivity to three display devices of your choosing. Connect your Dexcom G7 to your phone, smartwatch,* and receiver or AID system and get your numbers the way you want them.
- Actionable and acknowledgeable alerts from your watch – CGM alerts can help you increase the time you spend in range. When Direct to Apple Watch is connected, alerts are generated on your watch and are acknowledgeable, so you won’t have to pull out your iPhone* and acknowledge the alert once you get one.
How do I connect my G7 sensor directly with my Apple Watch?
With Direct to Apple Watch, you can see your CGM information on your Apple Watch, even when you’re not near your iPhone.†
To use Direct to Apple Watch you must have:
- Apple Watch 6 or later, running watchOS 10 or later
- iPhone running iOS 17
Setup
- In your Dexcom G7 app, go to Connections > Direct to Watch to begin. Then, follow the on-screen instructions in your Dexcom G7 app to set it up. Your smartwatch will load the app. If it doesn’t, open the smartwatch app on your phone. In the My Watch tab, go to the Available Apps list, find Watch and tap Install.
Dexcom G7 Direct to Watch Tips
- See an orange phone icon: Keep your phone nearby. When you see the orange phone icon beside your sensor reading, Direct to Watch mode is temporarily not working. Your smartwatch isn’t getting information from the sensor. Instead, it's copying from your phone, so you need to keep your phone nearby. When the phone icon disappears, Direct to Watch mode is working. Your smartwatch is getting information from your sensor, so you don't have to keep your phone nearby to receive glucose readings.
- Open watch app while changing settings: The watch app copies settings† from your phone app. Whenever you change your CGM settings on your phone app, open and display the app on your smartwatch while your phone is nearby to ensure settings are copied to the smartwatch.
- Allow notifications in Focus mode: Manage your phone settings to allow Dexcom notifications while your phone is in focus mode.
- Sensor transition: When you start a new sensor, the phone app will prompt you to pair your sensor with your smartwatch.
- Switching smartwatches: Your CGM only lets you pair your sensor with one smartwatch
- Mirror iPhone Alerts from the G7 phone app: Keep this feature on in the watch app on your phone. If you turn it off, you won't get alerts on your watch in either Standard Smartwatch mode or in Direct to Watch mode.
Do I have to have an Apple Watch to be able to connect directly to my Smartwatch?
Dexcom G7 Direct to Apple Watch is only available on Apple Watch, but that shouldn’t stop you from taking advantage of your smartwatch to help manage your diabetes. Follow this link to see if your smartwatch is compatible and explore this article to see why having your numbers on your smartwatch is so helpful.
Start on Dexcom G7, now with Direct to Apple Watch!
If you live with diabetes and don’t use CGM, talk to your doctor about Dexcom G7. We can help you get started with a free benefits check. Click the button below to send us some basic information.
Are you still using Dexcom G6 and want to experience Dexcom G7 with Direct to Apple Watch connectivity?
1 Dexcom, Data on File, 2023
*Smart device sold separately. To view a list of compatible devices, visit dexcom.com/compatibility. †Compatible smartphone is required to pair a new Dexcom G7 sensor with a compatible Apple Watch. To use Share/Follow the smartphone must be within 20 feet of the Dexcom G7.
BRIEF SAFETY STATEMENT: Failure to use the Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring System and its components according to the instructions for use provided with your device and available at https://www.dexcom.com/safety-information and to properly consider all indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and cautions in those instructions for use may result in you missing a severe hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) or hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) occurrence and/or making a treatment decision that may result in injury. If your glucose alerts and readings from the Dexcom CGM do not match symptoms, use a blood glucose meter to make diabetes treatment decisions. Seek medical advice and attention when appropriate, including for any medical emergency.
Dexcom, Dexcom Clarity, Dexcom Follow, Dexcom One, Dexcom Share, and any related logos and design marks are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Dexcom, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.