The Dexcom G7 is a continuous glucose monitor that allows users to monitor their glucose levels. It starts with a small sensor that is worn on the skin to measure glucose levels continuously, providing real-time data that can be accessed via a mobile app or a dedicated receiver. More specifically, the system measures the interstitial fluid beneath the skin and is approved for individuals age 2 years and older.

Where to Start?

Start by making sure you have everything you need – your Dexcom G7 sensor, and the application device – either a smartphone with the Dexcom G7 app or Dexcom’s dedicated receiver. If you are using a smartphone, download the Dexcom G7 from the App Store or Google Play. Login or create an account.

Next, choose a site on your body where you’ll apply the sensor. The recommended areas are typically on on the back of the upper arm, but you could also apply it on your abdomen. Clean the skin with an alcohol wipe and let it dry completely.

Avoid areas:

• With loose skin or without enough fat to avoid muscles and bones
• That get bumped, pushed, or where you lie on the most while sleeping
• Within 8 centimeters of an infusion or injection site
• Near your waistband or with irritations, scarring, tattoos, or lots of hair

How to Put the Dexcom G7 On

Remove the sensor applicator from its packaging and then unscrew the cap. The sensor is inside the applicator that also contains a needle for insertion. Don’t touch the needle inside the applicator and don’t use the applicator if it’s damaged or previously opened.

Place the applicator on your selected site, ensuring it’s properly aligned. Relax the muscles around the area and press the applicator firmly. Apply pressure until the clear ring disappears. Hold the applicator in place while pressing the button to insert the sensor just beneath your skin.

You’ll hear a click when it’s in place. It’s quick, and the process shouldn’t hurt, although it might feel like a small pinch. Now you can take the applicator away. Press the top of the sensor for 10 seconds and rub firmly around the sensor 3 times.

Save the applicator because you will need its sensor ID later.

The Overpatch

If necessary, use the included overpatch to further secure the sensor to your skin. The overpatch can be found with the instructions in the sensor packaging.

Gently remove the clear liners one at a time, avoiding contact with the white adhesive surface. Position the overpatch over the sensor using the colored tab, then smooth it down. Finally, peel off the colored liner using the tab.

How to Pair and Activate your Dexcom G7 Sensor

Refer to the instructions on the app or receiver to activate the sensor. You can either enter the 4-digit pairing code or, if you are using the Dexcom G7 app, scan the QR code with your smartphone. The G7 generally requires a brief 30-minute warm-up before it starts delivering readings.

Once the warm-up is done, you can start monitoring your glucose levels directly through the app or receiver. You’ll get real-time data, trends, and alerts for high or low sugar levels.

When the sensor session is complete, remove the patch like you would a bandage. To make the removal easier, try these tips:

• Gently lift the edge and apply a body oil (such as baby oil) or an adhesive remover for skin.
• Use adhesive removal wipes to gently rub the exposed skin as you peel off the patch.

Experiment with different removal techniques:

• Gently peel off the patch by folding it over itself, following the direction of hair growth.
• Stretch the loosened edge, then use your fingers to lift the patch and pull it off your skin.

Features of the Dexcom G7

The G7 is designed to be worn for up to 10 days with a 12-hour grace period, after which you’ll need to replace the sensor.

It starts providing glucose readings in as little as 30 minutes, compared to other brands which could take up to 1 hour or more.

The sensor is water-resistant up to 2.4 meters, so you can wear it while swimming or showering without issues.

The sensor sends a glucose reading to your receiver or other display device every 5 minutes.

You can use up to 3 display devices at once and get your glucose information on your smartphone, smartwatch and the Dexcom receiver. Using Direct to Watch mode, your smartwatch gets information from the sensor and you could leave your phone behind if you’d like. The Apple Watch or Garmin smartwatches are compatible with Dexcom G7 sensor – be sure to check which models are compatible.

You are also able to calibrate your Dexcom G7 CGM System using your blood glucose (BG) meter. You may want to calibrate the G7 sensor if there is accuracy concerns or a discrepancy between what the sensor is reading and what your BG meter is reporting. It is important you enter the BG meter value into the system within 5 minutes of measuring your BG.

What does your Dexcom G7 do?

The G7 provides you with the data you need to maintain your glucose levels within range. It also allows you to personalize your alerts and gives you a 20-minute notice when your glucose is rapidly approaching 3.1 mmol/L.

You are also able to generate reports and view your glucose data from the past 3, 7, 14, 30, and 90 days. This helps you spot trends and identify areas for improvement.

The reading on the G7 app or receiver is numerical, but also displays a trend arrow to help to quickly determine your trend.

Red	Yellow	White
Low, Urgent Low Soon, Urgent Low	High	Between high and low alert levels

Any sensor reading below 2.2 mmol/L or above 22.2 mmol/L is outside the limits of the Dexcom G7, and the accuracy of the sensor reading in relation to your blood glucose level may not be accurate. You should use your blood glucose (BG) meter to ensure that you are making treatment decisions based on the most accurate reading.

Important Tips for the Dexcom G7

If your symptoms don’t align with your sensor readings and how you feel differs from what the sensor shows, use your blood glucose (BG) meter to check your blood glucose. For instance, if you’re feeling unwell, but your sensor indicates you’re in range, wash your hands thoroughly and check with your BG meter. If the BG meter reading matches your symptoms, use that value to guide your treatment.

The longer you keep the patch dry and free from sweat during the first 12 hours, the better it will adhere to your skin. If it gets wet, gently blot it dry as soon as possible. If the patch starts to peel off, trim the loose areas and apply a new overpatch or medical tape.

Ensure your smartphone or receiver is within 10 meters of the sensor, and your smartwatch is within 6 meters. Keep the path clear of any obstacles between your display device and the sensor to maintain proper communication.

Once sensor readings resume, up to 24 hours of missed readings can be displayed on the trend graph in the phone app or receiver. For the watch app, up to 6 hours of missed readings can be filled in on the trend graph.

Some FAQ with the Dexcom G7

Avoid using your Dexcom G7 sensor during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or high-frequency electrical heat (diathermy) treatments, as they are not MRI safe. However, a CT scan is safe as long as the sensor remains outside the scanned area and is covered with a lead apron during the procedure.

At security checkpoints: You can wear the Dexcom G7 CGM System sensor when passing through walk-through metal detectors and Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) body scanners.

When using portable radio frequency communication devices (including peripherals like antenna cables and external antennas), ensure they are kept at least 30 centimeters away from any part of the Dexcom G7, including manufacturer-specified cables. Closer proximity may affect the performance of the equipment.

Other Applications for the Dexcom G7

Dexcom Follow

It is a mobile app designed to allow caregivers, family members, or other trusted individuals to monitor and view your glucose levels remotely. Share your information every 5 minutes – almost as soon as you get it. It is important that you always treat using the primary G7 phone or watch app, not the Follow app. Unfortunately, the watch app doesn’t support sharing with Followers.

Dexcom Clarity

It is a web-based and mobile app tool provided by Dexcom that helps users and healthcare providers track and analyze data from the Dexcom G7 sensor. With Dexcom Clarity, you can share your glucose data not only with your healthcare provider but also with family members.
The app includes advanced features that provide analytical information on trends, graphs, and reports, helping you identify key metrics such as time in range and glucose variability. If you only use the receiver, upload your data to Clarity at least once every 6 months.

For further information you should reference Dexcom’s website and the G7 manual.