Dexcom vs. Eversense: 6 Differences Between These 2 Continuous Glucose Monitors
Key takeaways:
Dexcom and Eversense are two brands of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). Dexcom G6, Dexcom G7, and Eversense E3 are some of the newest to provide real-time glucose values.
A Dexcom sensor is inserted and replaced every 10 days by the user. An Eversense E3 sensor lasts for 6 months, but it’s implantable. So, it’s inserted and removed by a healthcare provider.
The Dexcom sensor warm-up period ranges from up to 30 minutes (G7) to 2 hours (G6), while Eversense E3 is 24 hours.
There are ways to save on Dexcom G6 and G7. GoodRx can help you access Dexcom G6 or G7 sensors with an exclusive discount of $220 off the retail price of 3 sensors. This discount also provides $220 off each Dexcom G6 transmitter and $240 off each Dexcom G7 receiver. Patient assistance programs are also available.
Access savings on related medications
Table of contents
Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) have made a huge impact when it comes to living with diabetes. Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, a CGM can make tracking your glucose (sugar) levels easier. And they can help you discover glucose trends over time.
There are a few CGMs available, including Dexcom and Eversense. Dexcom’s G6 and G7 are two very popular models. The Eversense E3 is a longer-lasting, implantable CGM option.
While Dexcom and Eversense have some similarities (such as taking glucose readings every 5 minutes), they also have several differences. Knowing about them can help you and your healthcare provider choose the CGM that best fits your needs. Here, we’ll review six key differences between Dexcom and Eversense.
Save on popular GLP-1 Agonists
Take control of your health. With GoodRx, you may be eligible to save even more on popular treatments.
Note: This article will discuss the Dexcom G6, Dexcom G7, and Eversense E3 models. The manufacturers make other CGMs in addition to these three. The models discussed here are either the newest ones available or, in the case of the Dexcom G6, the most widely used.
1. Each Eversense sensor lasts for 6 months, while Dexcom sensors last for 10 days
Both the Dexcom G6 and G7 have sensors that need to be changed every 10 days. The Eversense E3’s sensors last for 180 days (6 months) — the longest of all currently available CGMs. This may make the Eversense E3 a more convenient option for some people.
All CGMs have a few main components: a sensor, a transmitter, and a receiver. The sensor takes glucose readings from the fluid underneath your skin (interstitial fluid). The transmitter sends those readings to the receiver. The receiver displays and stores glucose readings and trends over time. Both Dexcom and Eversense allow you to use your smartphone as the receiver.
2. Eversense sensors must be inserted by a healthcare provider, while you can insert Dexcom sensors on your own
Many CGMs, including Dexcom, are self-managed. This means a person can insert and remove sensors on their own at home. On the other hand, an Eversense E3 has an implantable sensor. This means the sensors will need to be inserted and removed by a healthcare provider at their office or clinic. Because of this, Dexcom may be more appealing for some people.
Inserting or removing an Eversense E3 sensor is a quick process — usually taking less than 10 minutes. Your provider will numb and make a small incision into the skin on the back of your upper arm. Then, they’ll insert the sensor and cover it with a few sticky bandage strips. To help the incision heal quickly, and reduce the risk of infection, be sure to follow aftercare instructions from your provider.
3. Eversense is only FDA-cleared for adults, while Dexcom is FDA-cleared for people ages 2 and older
Both the Dexcom G6 and G7 are FDA-cleared for adults and children ages 2 years and older. The Eversense E3 is only cleared for adults ages 18 and older. So your child’s healthcare provider wouldn’t prescribe Eversense.
The Eversense E3 model was only studied in adults during its clinical trials, which is why it has an age restriction. However, a more recent clinical trial evaluated a new Eversense CGM model in adults and adolescents ages 14 and older. This version of Eversense would last for 365 days (1 year) if cleared by the FDA.
4. Dexcom has a shorter warm-up period than Eversense
All CGMs have a “warm-up” period. This is the time between when the sensor is inserted and when it starts providing glucose readings. The Dexcom G7 sensor is smaller and thinner than the G6 sensor, with a shorter warm-up time. The Dexcom G7’s warm-up time is up to 30 minutes while the Dexcom G6 has a 2-hour warm-up period. Eversense E3’s warm-up period is much longer at 24 hours.
Good to know: You’ll need to use a glucose meter (glucometer) to check blood glucose levels during the warm-up period.
5. You need to calibrate Eversense, while Dexcom comes ready to use
After the initial warm-up period, you won't need to calibrate the Dexcom G6 and G7. This is different from Eversense E3, which requires daily calibration.
Why calibrate? Some systems need it to ensure the CGM aligns with your blood glucose. To calibrate, you’ll check your blood glucose with a glucometer and enter it into the CGM app. For some systems, this helps to fine-tune the glucose readings you’ll receive. That said, not all CGMs require this anymore. Let’s take a closer look.
Dexcom comes ready to use out of the box. This means there’s fewer steps you need to follow before getting glucose readings. Again, it’s self-inserted, has a shorter warm-up time, and no calibration. However, if your readings aren’t matching how you feel, you should check your blood glucose with a glucometer. Then, you can calibrate the CGM if the results aren’t close to your CGM reading.
The Eversense E3, on the other hand, requires daily calibration. This is because each sensor lasts for several months after insertion. Calibration is essential to ensure you’re getting accurate readings. You’ll need to do this more frequently during the first weeks after insertion.
The recommended calibration schedule for the Eversense E3 is as follows:
Initialization phase: After the warm-up period, you’ll check your blood glucose and calibrate four times. These should be spaced 2 to 12 hours apart. After the second calibration, you’ll start to see glucose readings.
Twice daily calibration phase (lasts 21 days): During this time, you’ll check your blood glucose and calibrate every 12 hours.
Once daily calibration phase: After the first 21 days, you’ll only need to check your blood glucose and calibrate once every 24 hours. However, your Eversense CGM may alert you to complete a twice daily fingerstick test.
Good to know: If you aren’t following calibration instructions, you may be bumped back to the initialization phase.
6. You need to charge Eversense’s transmitter
A minor inconvenience with the Eversense E3 is that you’ll have to recharge the transmitter battery. This is because the 6-month sensor outlives the transmitter’s battery life. Thankfully, the charging process only takes about 15 minutes. But the system won’t log glucose readings during this time or for about 10 minutes after reattaching the transmitter to your arm.
Dexcom transmitters don’t need recharging. The Dexcom G7 is an all-in-one device, meaning the sensor and transmitter are connected and fully disposable. So each time you insert a new sensor, it’ll come with a new transmitter.
The Dexcom G6 has reusable transmitters that have a 3-month battery life, on average. Your system will alert you when it’s about to expire. You’ll need to throw away or recycle the old one and replace it with a new one.
How to save on Dexcom and Eversense
There are ways to save on diabetes glucose testing supplies, including CGMs. The best way to save is by using your insurance, if you have it. Many insurance plans cover CGMs similarly to how they cover glucometers. But they may only cover one CGM brand.
GoodRx can help you navigate the ways to save on your Dexcom or Eversense prescription.
How to save on Dexcom
There are ways to save on Dexcom G6 and G7. GoodRx can help you navigate between GoodRx coupons and patient assistance programs to save money on your prescription.
Save with GoodRx. Anyone with a valid prescription, regardless of insurance status, can use GoodRx to purchase a 30-day supply of Dexcom G6 or G7 sensors with an exclusive discount of $220 off the retail price. This discount also provides $220 off each Dexcom G6 transmitter and $240 off each Dexcom G7 receiver.
Save with a patient assistance program. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for Dexcom’s patient assistance program, which may offer the device for free or at a reduced cost.
How to save on Eversense
Since Eversense E3 is placed by a healthcare provider, the saving opportunities are different. If you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible for the Eversense Pass Program. With this program, your first transmitter and first and second sensors may cost as little as $99. After your first year of using the Eversense E3, your out-of-pocket expenses would cost no more than $600.
The bottom line
Dexcom and Eversense are two brands of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). The Dexcom G6 and G7 models have some notable differences from the Eversense E3.
The Eversense E3 sensors last for 6 months, while Dexcom’s sensors last for 10 days. Dexcom sensors are self-inserted. Eversense sensors must be inserted and removed by a healthcare provider in their office. Dexcom is also FDA-cleared for adults and children ages 2 years and older, while Eversense is only cleared for adults.
Both Dexcom and Eversense have different warm-up periods. Dexcom CGM warm-up times are up to 30 minutes with the G7 and 2 hours with the G6, while Eversense is 24 hours. In addition, Eversense E3 requires daily calibration and battery recharging, while Dexcom G6 and G7 don’t.
Why trust our experts?
References
Ascensia Diabetes Care. (n.d.). Your pass to save on the only 6 month* CGM.
Dexcom, Inc. (2022). Continuous glucose monitoring system: User guide.
Dexcom, Inc. (2022). Dexcom G7 receives FDA clearance: The most accurate continuous glucose monitoring system cleared in the U.S. Business Wire.
Dexcom, Inc. (2022). Using your receiver - G7.
Dexcom, Inc. (2023). Start here.
Eversense. (2017). CGM sensor insertion and removal instructions.
Garg, S. K., et al. (2022). Evaluation of accuracy and safety of the next-generation up to 180-day long-term implantable Eversense Continuous Glucose Monitoring System: The PROMISE Study. Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics.
Senseonics, Inc. (2023). Quick reference guide.
Senseonics, Inc. (2023). Senseonics announces the last patient completion of the 365-day ENHANCE pivotal clinical study. Business Wire.
Senseonics, Inc. (2023). User guide: A guide for using the Eversense E3 Continuous Glucose Monitoring System.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Eversense E3 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System – P160048/S021.
