Dexcom G7
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.
What is Dexcom G7?
What is Dexcom G7 used for?
Monitor glucose levels in adults and children ages 2 years and older
How Dexcom G7 works
The Dexcom G7 system is made up of 3 parts that work together to measure and record your glucose levels throughout the day.
Sensor and transmitter: The sensor and transmitter comes pre-assembled in one device that you wear on your skin. The sensor measure your glucose levels from just underneath the skin. The transmitter sends the glucose readings directly to the receiver.
Receiver: The receiver displays and stores the readings. The receiver can be the Dexcom receiver, your smart phone (using the Dexcom app), or an insulin pump that's compatible with the Dexcom G7 system.
Drug Facts
More on Dexcom G7 essentials
Get your GoodRx coupon
Pros and cons of Dexcom G7
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
Pharmacist tips for Dexcom G7
How to set up your Dexcom G7:
You can use either the Dexcom G7 receiver or a separate smart device (e.g., your smart phone) to display and store your glucose readings.
If you want to use the smart device, you should check to see if your device is compatible with Dexcom G7 first. If so, you'll need to download the Dexcom G7 app in order to get started. Refer to this guide to help you use the app.
If you're using the receiver from Dexcom G7, refer to this guide to help you set up the receiver.
How to insert Dexcom G7 sensor:
When you're ready to insert your Dexcom G7 sensor, first wash and dry your hands. Choose the place where you want to insert the sensor and wipe the area with an alcohol wipe.
Then, relax your muscles and insert the Dexcom G7 sensor using the applicator. After you're done, save the applicator because you'll need the pairing code to pair with your smart device or the receiver.
Once the Dexcom G7 sensor is in place, apply the overpatch on top of the sensor to prevent the sensor from falling off or getting knocked out of place.
After you first apply a new Dexcom G7 sensor or overpatch, try to keep the area dry and free of sweat as much as possible. The longer you keep that area dry during the first 12 hours after application, the better your patch and sensor will stay on your skin.
Once your Dexcom G7 sensor and patch are in place, make sure to enter the pairing code on the applicator into your smart device or receiver. Pairing allows the sensor to send blood sugar readings to your smart device or receiver. Once pairing is complete, there's 30-minute warm up time before you'll start receiving your blood sugar readings.
How to remove Dexcom G7 sensor
You need to replace your Dexcom G7 sensor every 10 days. You have 12 hours to do so after it expires. If you're out and about and can't replace the expired sensor right away, this means your sensor will still record glucose levels during this time.
To remove the Dexcom G7 sensor, first peel the overpatch off. If it's not coming off very easily, you can use body oil, like baby oil, to loosen the edges. To remove any residual adhesive, you can use adhesive removal wipes for skin to clean the skin as you peel off the patch.
Frequently asked questions about Dexcom G7
How to save using GoodRx
What are the risks and warnings for Dexcom G7?
Dexcom G7 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
You should avoid getting a magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scan, or high-frequency
electrical heat (diathermy) treatment. The Dexcom G7 system hasn't been tested with these medical tests. There's a risk that the tests can damage the Dexcom G7 system, which means your glucose readings might not be accurate. If you're scheduled for any medical tests or imaging, let your healthcare team know that you're using Dexcom G7. You might need to to take out your Dexcom G7 during the tests.
Warning for security machines
If you're going through security, such as at the airport, let the security personnels know that you're wearing a CGM. You can still go through the walk-through metal detector and Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) body scanner. But if you do, consider using a glucometer and fingerstick tests to check your blood sugar levels until you leave the security area. This is because the Dexcom G7 hasn't been tested with every security scanner and you might not be allowed to bring your receiver into the security area.
You can also ask for hand-wand, full-body pat-down, or visual inspection instead of going through a scanner.
Avoid skin care or other topical products
Don't put skin products, such as sunscreen or insect repellent, on the skin before inserting your Dexcom G7 sensor. Doing so can might damage your CGM or cause the sensor to not stick well, which means Dexcom G7 won't work as well to measure your glucose levels. If you do get topical skin products on your Dexcom G7, wash your hands and use a clean cloth to wipe the products off your device.
Low or high glucose levels
If you have symptoms of low or high blood sugar and they aren't matching up with your Dexcom G7 readings, always do a fingerstick blood sugar test and contact your diabetes care team. Make sure to have a separate blood glucose monitor at home, since the app doesn't provide one.
Risk of medications causing false glucose readings
Certain medications can affect the accuracy of the glucose readings from Dexcom G7. If you're taking hydroxyurea for either sickle cell anemia or cancer, your glucose readings might be falsely high. Also, if you're taking more than the maximum recommended dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol) (more than 1 gram of acetaminophen every 6 hours), your glucose readings might also be falsely high. This can raise your risk for dangerously low blood sugar levels.
Dexcom G7 dosage forms
Typical dosing for Dexcom G7
People ages 2 years and older: Place a new Dexcom G7 sensor on the skin of the back of the upper arm (or upper buttocks for people ages 2 to 6 years old only) once every 10 days.
How much does Dexcom G7 cost?
Dexcom G7 contraindications
Getting magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scan, or high-frequency electrical heat (diathermy) treatment at the same time.
What are alternatives to Dexcom G7?
Monitor glucose levels in adults and children ages 2 years and older
What is the latest news about Dexcom G7?
Get savings updates for Dexcom G7
Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Dexcom G7 and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.
References
Best studies we foundDexcom, Inc, (2024). Changing Your Sensor and Transmitter.
Dexcom, Inc, (2024). How to Get Started and Set Up the G7 Receiver.
Dexcom, Inc, (2022). Using your receiver: G7.
Dexcom, Inc, (2023). G7 app essentials.
Dexcom, Inc, (2023). G7 start here guide.
Dexcom, Inc. (n.d.). Can I calibrate* Dexcom G7?
Dexcom, Inc. (n.d.). Connected pumps.
Dexcom, Inc. (n.d.). Dexcom Follow app for friends & family.
Dexcom, Inc. (n.d.). Do patients still need to buy the receiver?
Dexcom, Inc. (n.d.). Is your device compatible with Dexcom products?
Heinemann, L., et al. (2020). Benefits and limitations of MARD as a performance parameter for continuous glucose monitoring in the interstitial space. Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology.
Compare other Diabetes Type 2, Diabetes Type 1 drugs
Browse medications
View AllResearch prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.