Is Dexcom a Continuous Glucose Monitor?

What if tracking your blood sugar was as easy as checking the weather on your phone? Dexcom provides this type of simplicity! As digital health tools become essential in our modern world, Dexcom has become a technology leader in glucose monitoring. But the question remains: “Is Dexcom a Continuous Glucose Monitor, or just a cool gadget?”

The answer is yes, but the long answer is more interesting, especially for people who manage diabetes, take care of someone with diabetes, or simply want to make the best choices for their health.

This article will explain what Dexcom does, how it works, and how it compares to other CGMs on the market. If you are new to glucose monitoring or interested in an upgrade, we’ve got you covered!

Dexcom: Most Advanced Continuous Glucose Monitor

Dexcom, whose full official name is DexCom Inc., is an innovative and well-established medical device company based in San Diego, California, that specializes in producing continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGM) for diabetes control. Just to be clear, Dexcom is not merely a CGM; it is one of the leading, instantly recognizable, and most advanced CGM systems available today.  

Dexcom CGM systems, such as the G6 and G7, come with an entire monitoring ecosystem. This includes a wearable sensor, wireless transmitter, and display (smartphone, smartwatch, or dedicated receiver). Dexcom CGM devices are made to measure blood sugar levels in real time and also offer trend data and warnings. These systems can also help integrate automated insulin delivery technologies for improved diabetes management.  

Dexcom’s Product Line: Overview and Features

The product line has evolved immensely over the years. It evolves with each iteration based on user experience, workflow, accuracy, and making glucose monitoring as easy and efficient as possible. 

Dexcom G6

• FDA-approved insulin dosage without fingerstick confirmation 
• 10 day sensor wear period 
• Factory calibrated with all sensor launches, meaning no fingersticks prior to wearing sensors 
• Seamless integration with Android and iOS devices, one can integrate with either. 
• Personalized glucose maximum and minimum alert settings.

Dexcom G7

• All-in-one compact design (sensor + transmitter)
• 12 hours grace period to change sensors
• Just 30 minutes of warm-up time
• Accuracy and ease of insertion has improved
• Easily syncs with leading health platforms and smartwatches

Dexcom’s CGMs allow glucose readings every 5 minutes, for true reliability in managing daily highs and lows — all available on a mobile device or smart device.

How Does Dexcom CGM Work? Step-by-Step Process

In order to really understand what Dexcom’s Continuous Glucose Monitoring technology is capable of, let’s take a look at how the system works from the start-up process to the data sharing stage:

Sensor Insertion

The sensor is inserted under the skin using an automatic applicator. The sensor may be placed in the upper arm or abdomen, depending on the patient. The sensor takes continuous measurements of glucose from the interstitial fluid in the user’s tissue.

Activation & Calibration

After insertion, the sensor then has a warm up period (G6: 2 hours, G7: 30 minutes), after which either the G6 or G7 model is automatically calibrated for the user since both G6 and G7 models are factory calibrated to be “zero or click” standards without any need for fingerstick calibrations.

Wireless Transmission

The small transmitter attached to the sensor wirelessly connects to the smartphone, smart watch, or receiver to transmit the glucose data and the data is streamed every five minutes.   

Data Monitoring

The user will have access to their current mg/dl glucose level along with historical trend line, reminders, alerts, and information regarding level of glucose and prevent either spikes or drops in blood sugar.

Data Sharing

Through the Dexcom Follow app, users can share their real-time glucose data with up to 10 people for sharing their glucose data with caregivers, parents or medical teams.

Dexcom vs. Other CGM Brands: A Comparative Table

Feature	Dexcom G7	Freestyle Libre 2/3	Medtronic Guardian Connect	Eversense E3
Wear Time	10 days	14 days	7 days	180 days (implantable)
Calibration Needed	No	No	Yes (2–4x/day)	Yes (daily)
Real-Time Alerts	Yes	Yes (Libre 2/3)	Yes	Yes
Phone Integration	Yes (full app)	Yes	Yes	Yes
Insertion	Auto-applicator	Manual	Manual	Implanted in clinic
Accuracy (MARD)	~8.2%	~9.2%	~10.6%	~8.5%

Advantages of Using Dexcom as a CGM

Real-Time Monitoring

Dexcom’s CGMs monitor every 5 minutes, or a maximum of 288 times a day, to provide incredible detail about glucose levels, allowing tight glycemic control and reducing complications.

Alerts for Highs and Lows

Smart alerts can notify users of an impending glucose spike or drop so they have an opportunity to respond before a crisis occurs.

Integration with Insulin Delivery Systems

Utilizing hybrid closed-loop systems with automated insulin regulation, Dexcom works and partners with platforms such as Tandem Control-IQ and Omnipod.

No Routine Fingersticks

Factory calibrated CGMs do not require fingersticks for calibration which helps to manage diabetes without the interruptions of daily glucose testing.

Remote Monitoring

Caregivers or family members can view real-time glucose trends, giving parents of children with diabetes or providers of older adults additional peace of mind.

Who Can Use Dexcom CGMs?

People with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Dexcom is an FDA-approved CGM for individuals with T1D and insulin-using T2D, viable to use to avoid hypoglycemia and long-term complications.

Children and Teens

Age appropriate for children 2 years and older, Dexcom’s streamlined application and remote share capabilities can be beneficial for a family managing their child’s diabetes.

Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes

Women must maintain tight glucose control during pregnancy. Dexcom offers remote sensory observations without daily fingersticks, making it a simple treatment to manage their gestational diabetes.

Athletes and Biohackers

Non-diabetics use Dexcom CGM off-label to assess glucose variations surrounding exercise, nutrition, and performance parameters. It can ultimately assist an individual in managing their metabolic health.

How to Access a Dexcom CGM?

Prescription Requirement

In the U.S. Dexcom CGM are by prescription only. It is the responsibility of a health care provider, typically a physician, to determine whether or not an individual is eligible for Dexcom based on their medical history and glucose management requirement.

Insurance Coverage

Most insurance coverage ordinarily extends the coverage for Dexcom systems inclusive of Medicare and Medicaid, but it is subject to a criteria for coverage eligibility either as an insulin user, or with constant hypoglycemia.

Out-of-Pocket Purchase

Users may buy Dexcom CGM either through pharmacies, dexcom.com or medically prescribed supply venders. The cost is a burden for users, and often increases out of pocket especially for long-term use.

Challenges and Considerations

• Cost

Possible out-of-pocket costs for Dexcom may include:

• Transmitter: around $300 (transmitter lasts 90 days)
• Sensors: between $350–$400 per month (3–4 sensors)
• Optional Receiver: about $200

•  Adhesive Issues

Some users say they have irritation or allergies from the adhesive of the Dexcom. Issues can usually be alleviated by using skin barriers, over-patches, or changing sites frequently.

• Learning Curve

Learning how to utilize the CGM and how to react to it will be overwhelming at first, but most users learn how to utilize it and build confidence quickly with continued use.

Conclusion

Dexcom monitoring is more than just a health device; it is a high-performance real-time Continuous Glucose Monitor that helps patients take charge of their health. Whether you have diabetes, are supporting a child with T1D, or simply want to find out how to optimize metabolism, Dexcom provides users with precise, helpful data points. Dexcom G6 and G7 provide ease of use by offering predictive alerts, insulin pump integration, and remote data sharing. Overall, these are some of the most user friendly and best options for CGMs on the market today.

FAQs 

1. Is Dexcom only for people with diabetes?

While Dexcom is FDA approved as an FDA device to manage diabetes, there are some athletes and enthusiasts of health and wellness who will use it for purposes off label; they are also primarily using it for metabolic tracking. Because it is prescription only, if you do not have diabetes you will still need to see a health care provider to order it, and any non-diabetic uses are not covered by insurance, whereas it would be if you had diabetes.

2. How long does a Dexcom sensor last?

The G6 sensor has a 10-day Dexcom approval period, and the G7 sensor has a 10-day approval period as well. However, each G7 sensor has a 12-hour grace period for extensions, allowing for a maximum of 13 days of use. If it is not replaced on time, you will get inconsistent data when it will be most important to have consistent and accurate glucose numbers.

3. Can I use Dexcom with my smartphone?

Yes, Dexcom has CGM devices that can connect to any smart phone or smart watch, it must be an iOS or Android product through a free Dexcom app download. You can see your numbers in real-time, get alerts and notifications and you can share the readings to a caregiver with single touch access through your own phone or smart watch app.

4. Does Dexcom require finger stick calibration?

No, both G6 and G7 have been factory calibrated, so you are not required to fingerstick routinely as you would with most CGM devices. You may use fingersticks to verify readings if your symptoms are not congruent with the CGM data using two fingersticks for verification if needed, but its optional.

5. How much does Dexcom cost without insurance?

Without insurance, you would be looking at about $300 transmitter every 3 months, about $350 to $400 a month for sensors. Keep in mind as well, there may be some pharmacies or programs offered by Dexcom that supply a discount on your initial costs, or have starter kit offerings to help you off-set some of your costs.

Evelyn Brown