Blog - Diabetes Treatment
Dexcom G6 vs Dexcom G7: Which CGM is right for me?
The innovative Dexcom G7 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System is full of benefits to help simplify your diabetes management. Whether you’re wondering if real-time CGM is right for you or interested in switching to it from the Dexcom G6 (or another CGM system), it’s important to look at their benefits side-by-side to see which product best fits your needs.
The progression of Dexcom (and the G-series)
Over the past 20 years, we’ve been busy developing and innovating our products to create a simpler and more powerful way for people to manage their diabetes. From the time we opened our doors in 1999 and created our first sensor in 2004, we’ve made huge strides, emerging as a global leader in diabetes care technology.
Our timeline shows how decades of dedication has launched us to where we are today — as the creators of the powerful Dexcom G7 CGM System.
1999: Dexcom was founded and established its headquarters in San Diego, California, USA
2004: Our short-term sensor programme was created
2007: The SEVEN® system was created, the first FDA-approved CGM
2012: Our next generation CGM, the Dexcom G4 PLATINUM, is introduced internationally
2016: G5 Mobile System launches as the first mobile CGM system
2018: Dexcom G6 launches, the first CGM with no finger pricks* or scanning required
2021: Dexcom ONE launches as an affordable CGM system for people outside the US
2023: Dexcom G7, the next generation of CGM, launches
The Dexcom G7 difference
Discover how the Dexcom G7 is simple, reliable, and flexible to use, helping to put the power into your hands so you can better manage your diabetes. With its added alerts, it’s ideal for people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) who may need extra support, such as people who are hypo unaware or children. You’ll even read about some of our very own Warriors’ Dexcom G7 experiences.
1. Sensor size
The Dexcom G7 sensor is our most comfortable and discreet sensor yet - it's 60% smaller than the Dexcom G6.† At just 24 x 27.3 x 4.6mm (about the size of a two-euro coin), you'll forget you might even find yourself wearing it.
'I hardly notice the Dexcom G7 and sometimes almost forget that I am wearing it, that has almost become a matter of course.'
- Shreya,‡ Dexcom Warrior
2. Sensor warmup and grace period
The Dexcom G7 sensor is not only our smallest† but also our fastest sensor with only a 30-minute warmup required.§ Compared to the 2-hour warm-up time of Dexcom G6, you now can get on with your day even faster. Additionally, we understand that life sometimes gets busy, so we’ve made sensor replacement even easier. Our 12-hour grace period allows you to change your sensor when it’s convenient for you, giving you more peace of mind.
“I can’t mention enough how much I love the improved 30-minute warm-up time feature of the Dexcom G7—it gives me so much more peace of mind!”
- Natalie,‡ Dexcom Warrior
3. All-in-one sensor and transmitter
By combining the sensor and transmitter, the Dexcom G7 makes application even simpler, while keeping the design sleek and discreet.
Applying the all-in-one wearable is easy and virtually painless. In fact, in a study conducted, 94.3% of users reported feeling no pain during sensor insertion.2 With an overall MARD rate of 9.5,|| many of our users also claim that the simple application and integrated system gives them more accuracy in their experience with glucose monitoring,2 like Natalie, one of our Warriors:
“I always found the Dexcom G6 to be very good, so that was a benchmark for me. The Dexcom G7 matched and surpassed it in my opinion. The major difference I encountered is that the 10-day transmitter matches the battery life of the sensor, giving even more accurate readings!”
- Natalie,‡ Dexcom Warrior
In addition to this, the Dexcom G7 is waterproof up to 2.4 metres, compared to the Dexcom G6 that is water resistant up to the same depth. This makes it an ideal choice for athletes and avid swimmers.
4. Sensor wear location
Unlike Flash Glucose Monitoring (FGM), both the Dexcom G6 and Dexcom G7 offer multiple options for sensor placement. This includes, on the back of your arm, abdomen, or upper buttocks (Dexcom G6, 2—17 years old, and Dexcom G7, 2—6 years old). As you can see, the Dexcom G6 offers the benefit of more placement options for children and teenagers.
As our smallest sensor available, the Dexcom G7 is so discreet and comfortable, it’s easy to forget you’re even wearing it,1 no matter where you place it!
“The Dexcom G7 sensor is also much more comfortable to wear and less bulky, even compared to previous generations of the G series. I love that you have options for sensor placement—I tend to find myself rotating it between my lower abdomen and upper arms.”
- Shreya,‡ Dexcom Warrior
5. Dexcom G6 and G7 Alerts
Even more customisable alerts are available to you with the Dexcom G7—beyond the alert functions you already get with Dexcom G6. Both real-time CGM systems allow you to customise sound, volume, and your alert schedule, as well as receive high and low alerts and an Urgent Low Soon alert. The new alert sounds and sound options that are available with Dexcom G7 include:
Silent mode
This setting makes all alerts vibrate, with none escalating to sound. This function can be set for up to 6 hours or indefinitely.
This setting makes all alerts vibrate, with none escalating to sound. This function can be set for up to 6 hours or indefinitely.
“I have used the new Dexcom G7 alert features. I actually quite like the ‘silence all’ feature because I do a lot of filming. When I was doing a reality series, I had my Dexcom G7 on and I found it very useful to not have to refilm things due to bleeping in the background.”
- Natalie,‡ Dexcom Warrior
Delay 1st alert
You’re able to delay your first high alert for a specific amount of time (from 15 minutes, up to 4 hours), only activating if the reading is still at or above the designated alert setting. This customisation allows for more peace of mind. If your glucose level rises or falls during this timeframe, the high alert will not trigger, which is designed to give insulin injections time to act and minimise alarm fatigue.
You’re able to delay your first high alert for a specific amount of time (from 15 minutes, up to 4 hours), only activating if the reading is still at or above the designated alert setting. This customisation allows for more peace of mind. If your glucose level rises or falls during this timeframe, the high alert will not trigger, which is designed to give insulin injections time to act and minimise alarm fatigue.
6. Dexcom CGM system connectivity
With the Dexcom G6 being the most connected CGM in the world,1 we partner with some of the best digital health software and apps. Our goal is to provide you with seamless diabetes management by integrating our products with devices and technology, such as insulin pumps, smart insulin pens, and smart trackers. We make it easy to connect your Dexcom CGM System to your mobile or smartwatch apps,¶ so you can easily check your glucose numbers at a glance, no matter where you are or what you’re doing.
While Dexcom G6 is compatible with a number of insulin pumps, pens, and apps for seamless insulin delivery and glucose monitoring. The Dexcom G7 is not currently able to be integrated with insulin pumps. However, we’re working on making this function available to users in the very near future — giving you even more options for seamless insulin delivery.
You can find more information on our integrations and connectivity page, including available insulin pens, pumps and digital health apps.
See the Dexcom G7 difference for yourself
Interested in experiencing all the unique benefits the Dexcom G7 CGM System has to offer? You can discover a simpler way to manage your diabetes with all its improved features, like smaller size, an all-in-one sensor and transmitter, reduced 30-minute warm-up time, and new alerts. Remember, if you’re using or plan to use an insulin pump, you should stay on the Dexcom G6 for now. Be sure to chat to your HCP to choose the best option for you.
References and Footnotes * Finger pricks required for diabetes treatment decisions if symptoms or expectations do not match readings.
† Compared to prior generation Dexcom CGM system.
‡ Warriors Shreya and Natalie are paid spokespeople for Dexcom.
§ Dexcom G7 can complete warmup within 30 minutes, whereas other CGM brands require up to an hour or longer.
|| MARD is a statistical measure of accuracy.
¶ Smart devices sold separately. For a list of compatible smart devices, please visit dexcom.com/compatibility.
1 Dexcom, Data on File, 2020.
2 Dexcom G7 User Guide.
† Compared to prior generation Dexcom CGM system.
‡ Warriors Shreya and Natalie are paid spokespeople for Dexcom.
§ Dexcom G7 can complete warmup within 30 minutes, whereas other CGM brands require up to an hour or longer.
|| MARD is a statistical measure of accuracy.
¶ Smart devices sold separately. For a list of compatible smart devices, please visit dexcom.com/compatibility.
1 Dexcom, Data on File, 2020.
2 Dexcom G7 User Guide.
Please note that this is a paid article by Dexcom