Dexcom G6
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.
What is Dexcom G6?
What is Dexcom G6 used for?
- Monitor glucose levels
How Dexcom G6 works
The Dexcom G6 system has 3 parts that work together to measure and record your glucose levels throughout the day.
- Sensor: This small part attaches to your skin and measures your glucose levels from just underneath the skin.
- Transmitter: This connects to the sensor and sends your glucose readings directly to the receiver.
- Receiver: This shows and stores your readings. It can be the Dexcom receiver, your smartphone (using the Dexcom app), or a compatible insulin pump.
Drug facts
Side effects of Dexcom G6
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Skin irritation (redness or swelling) at the needle or patch site
Less Common Side Effects
- Skin picking
- Infection
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Pros and cons of Dexcom G6
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
Pharmacist tips for Dexcom G6
How to set up your Dexcom G6:
- You can use either the receiver that comes with Dexcom G6 or your smartphone to see and save your glucose readings.
- If you're using a smart phone, follow this guide and training video to set up Dexcom G6 with your phone.
- If you're using the receiver, follow this guide and training video to set up Dexcom G6 with your receiver.
How to start using your Dexcom G6:
- Wash and dry your hands before putting on the Dexcom G6 sensor. Pick a spot on your skin and clean it with an alcohol wipe. Then press and hold the sensor for 30 to 60 seconds.
- Once the Dexcom G6 sensor is on your skin, remove the safety guard on the orange button. Then press the orange button to insert the sensor — you should hear a click and feel little to no pain.
- After inserting the Dexcom G6 sensor, insert the transmitter into the slot on the sensor.
- If you're using a new transmitter, you must pair it with the receiver or smartphone. Pairing can take about 2 hours, but once it’s done you’ll get a glucose reading every 5 minutes.
- You can use a sticky overpatch or medical tape to keep your Dexcom G6 sensor in place.
- Keep your receiver or smartphone within 20 feet of Dexcom G6. Walls and distance can block the signal.
- You can shower while wearing the Dexcom G6 sensor and transmitter. They are water resistant in 8 feet of water and for up to 24 hours. But the receiver isn't water resistant, so keep it dry.
How to remove Dexcom G6 sensor:
- You'll need to replace your Dexcom G6 sensor once every 10 days.
- To take off the sensor, gently peel the patch away from your skin. The sensor and transmitter will come off together, then remove the transmitter from its holder.
- The transmitter has a lifespan of 3 months, so you can reuse it if the battery is still good.
- Always place a new sensor in a different spot than the old one. Doing so will give your skin a chance to heal and lessen scarring.
- Be sure to enter the new sensor code. If you skip this, you'll need to calibrate the new sensor by using fingersticks every day to check your blood sugar levels.
Common questions about Dexcom G6
You'll need to replace your Dexcom G6 transmitter once every 3 months because the battery only lasts that long. When it's almost time to replace it, you'll get a warning on your display, whether you're using a receiver or a smartphone app.
Yes, you can use one Dexcom G6 transmitter for up to 3 months. During that time, you can use it with multiple sensors. You'll get a reminder 10 days before your battery runs out, so you have time to get a new transmitter. If the battery has less than 10 days left, you won't be able to connect a new sensor, and you'll need to replace the transmitter first.
Dexcom G6 and Dexcom G7 are continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) for people with diabetes who are 2 years or older. Both systems check your glucose every 5 minutes and have sensors that last for up to 10 days. The main difference is that G7 is a newer, improved version. Its sensor is smaller and thinner, and it only takes 30 minutes to warm up, unlike the G6, which takes 2 hours. The G7 also comes with the sensor and transmitter already put together, which makes it easier to use. Talk to your prescriber about comparing the two.
You'll need to replace your Dexcom G6 sensor once every 10 days. Your receiver or smartphone will send you a reminder the day before it's time to change the sensor. This helps to make sure you don’t miss a reading and stay on track with your glucose monitoring.
You can put the Dexcom G6 on your belly. Children between the ages of 2 to 17 can also place it on their upper buttocks. Don't insert the sensor on skin that has tattoos, scars, irritation, or thick hair. And avoid areas that are bony or near waistbands. Also, make sure you insert the sensor at least 3 inches away from an insulin pump infusion set or insulin injection site. Placing the sensor in the wrong spot can affect how accurate your glucose readings are.
Dexcom G6 has an overall mean absolute relative difference (MARD) of about 9%. MARD is a common way to measure how accurate a CGM is by comparing the device's reading to your actual blood glucose level. A lower MARD means the CGM is more accurate. Because the Dexcom G6's MARD is less than 10%, it's considered to be fairly accurate and reliable.
Omnipod DASH and Omnipod 5 are wearable insulin delivery systems, which means they deliver insulin into your body automatically. This is different from Dexcom G6, which only monitors your glucose levels every 5 minutes but doesn't give insulin. But Omnipod 5 can be paired with Dexcom G6 to create an automated insulin delivery system, which adjusts insulin based on your glucose readings.
Yes, you can use an overpatch with Dexcom G6 to keep the transmitter in place. Apply the overpatch or medical tape over the white patch on all sides to help it stick better. Don't place the overpatch underneath the transmitter or its plastic holder since this can affect how the device works.
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Risks and warnings for Dexcom G6
Dexcom G6 can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Warning for medical tests and imaging
Avoid wearing Dexcom G6 during a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scan, or diathermy treatment. The system hasn't been tested with these medical tests. There's a risk that the tests can damage the system, leading to inaccurate glucose readings. If you're scheduled for any medical tests or imaging, let your prescriber know that you're wearing Dexcom G6 since you might need to remove it beforehand.
Warning for security machines
If you're going through security, such as at the airport, let the staff know that you're wearing Dexcom G6. Don't go through body scanners or X-ray machines since it might damage the system. Ask for another screening option, such as a hand-wand, visual check, or walk-through metal detector.
Avoid skin care or other topical products
Try to keep skin products like sunscreen or insect repellent off your Dexcom G6. These products can damage the plastic, which might cause the device to stop working correctly. If any product gets on your Dexcom G6, wash your hands and gently wipe it off with a clean cloth.
Low or high glucose levels
If your symptoms of low or high blood sugar don't match your Dexcom G6 readings, check your glucose levels with a fingerstick test and let your prescriber know. It’s a good idea to keep a separate blood glucose meter at home.
Risk of medications causing false glucose readings
Some medications can make Dexcom G6 readings less accurate. If you take hydroxyurea for sickle cell anemia or cancer, your glucose readings might show as higher than they really are. Taking too much acetaminophen (over 1 gram every 6 hours) can also cause falsely high readings. This can raise your risk for dangerously low blood sugar.
Dexcom G6 dosage
Carton| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 sensors | 1 carton | $174.09 | $174.09 |
| 1 transmitter | 1 carton | $49.94 | $49.94 |
| 1 receiver | 1 carton | $371.25 | $371.25 |
Typical dosage for Dexcom G6
Place a new Dexcom G6 sensor on your belly every 10 days. For people ages 2 to 17, the sensor can also be placed on the upper buttock if preferred.
Replace the Dexcom G6 transmitter once every 3 months.
How much does Dexcom G6 cost?
$49.94
Dexcom G6 contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Dexcom G6 will not be safe for you to take.
- Wearing Dexcom G6 during MRI, CT scan, or diathermy
What are alternatives to Dexcom G6?
