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Compare Dexcom G6 vs. Dexcom G7

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Dexcom G6 and Dexcom G7 are both continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems used to track glucose levels in people with diabetes. They are similar in that they both monitor glucose levels every 5 minutes and are suitable for people aged 2 years and older. However, there are several differences between the two. The Dexcom G6 requires a separate sensor and transmitter, while the Dexcom G7 combines these into one pre-assembled device, making it smaller and potentially more comfortable to wear. The Dexcom G6 takes about 2 hours to pair a new sensor with the transmitter, whereas the Dexcom G7 only takes 30 minutes. Additionally, the Dexcom G7 offers a 12-hour grace period to replace an expired sensor, unlike the Dexcom G6, which requires immediate replacement. The Dexcom G7 is also slightly more accurate, with a mean absolute relative difference (MARD) of 8.2% compared to the Dexcom G6's 9%. Both systems have similar warnings regarding medical tests and certain medications that can affect glucose readings.

  • Dexcom g6
    Dexcom g7
  • Dexcom g6
    Dexcom g7

  • Summary of Dexcom G6 vs. Dexcom G7

    Summary for Continuous glucose monitoring
    Prescription only

    Dexcom G6 is a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) for people with diabetes ages 2 and older track their glucose levels in real time. It uses a small sensor that's placed just under the skin and a transmitter that attaches to the sensor. The transmitter sends glucose readings every 5 minutes to a compatible phone, receiver, or app, so you can see trends and get alerts for high or low blood sugar. The sensor is worn for up to 10 days, and the transmitter lasts up to 3 months. You don’t need to do fingersticks to check your blood sugar with this device.

    Summary for Continuous glucose monitoring
    Prescription only

    Dexcom G7 is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system. It helps adults and children ages 2 years and older living with diabetes keep track of their glucose levels in real-time without fingersticks. Dexcom G7 comes with a sensor you wear on the skin that's held in place with an overpatch. There's a transmitter that's pre-assembled with the sensor that sends your glucose readings to a receiver (e.g., smartphone or compatible insulin pump). Each sensor can be worn up to 10 days, then must be replaced after that. Calibration with a glucometer is optional, not required.

  • Indications of Dexcom G6 vs. Dexcom G7

    Indications for
    •Monitor glucose levels
    Indications for
    •Monitor glucose levels in adults and children ages 2 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Dexcom G6 vs. Dexcom G7

    Pros and Const for Continuous glucose monitoring
    Pros
    •Can be used by people as young as 2 years old
    •Sends readings every 5 minutes
    •Gives alerts for both high and low glucose levels
    •No fingersticks needed
    Cons
    •Each sensor only lasts up to 10 days
    •Sensor and transmitter are replaced at different times
    •New sensors take about 2 hours to warm up
    •Must remove before certain medical procedures
    Pros and Const for Continuous glucose monitoring
    Pros
    •Can be used by people as young as 2 years old
    •Able to pair with compatible insulin pumps
    •Sensor and transmitter comes pre-assembled
    •Have 12-hours to replace sensor after it expires
    Cons
    •Each sensor only lasts up to 10 days
    •Glucose readings might not be accurate if you're on dialysis
    •Smartphone or G7 receiver needs to be within 33 feet of sensor to work; smart watch needs to be within 20 feet of sensor

  • Common Side Effects of Dexcom G6 vs. Dexcom G7

    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin irritation (redness or swelling) at the needle or patch site
    Common Side Effects for

  • Warnings of Dexcom G6 vs. Dexcom G7

    Common Side Effects for
    •Warning for medical tests and imaging
    •Warning for security machines
    •Avoid skin care or other topical products
    •Low or high glucose levels
    •Risk of medications causing false glucose readings
    Common Side Effects for
    •Warning for medical tests and imaging
    •Warning for security machines
    •Avoid skin care or other topical products
    •Low or high glucose levels
    •Risk of medications causing false glucose readings

  • Prices with our coupons for Dexcom G6 vs. Dexcom G7

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