The CGM Blog
The Future of CGM: Introducing Dexcom G7
The Dexcom G7 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System is now available for Canadians. Dexcom G7 is our most accurate, comfortable, and easy-to-use CGM system yet.*†‡,1,6 Dexcom G7 has all your favourite Dexcom G6 CGM System features but with a few powerful upgrades. The new all-in-one sensor-transmitter is so discreet you’ll forget you’re wearing it.*,1 With a reimagined mobile app experience and new, simplified receiver technology, Dexcom G7 is designed to make monitoring your glucose as intuitive as possible.
What is the Dexcom CGM System
Dexcom G7 is a CGM system that makes it easier to monitor your glucose levels throughout the day and even while you’re asleep. Unlike blood glucose meters (BGMs) which require you to prick your finger and draw blood to get a glucose reading, the Dexcom G7 CGM System uses a sensor you can wear on your body that regularly takes glucose readings up to every five minutes. Your readings are sent to your compatible smart device or receiver so that you can see your glucose levels in real time in the palm of your hand; no routine fingersticks required.§||
What makes Dexcom G7 a great diabetes management tool is that it provides meaningful, easy-to-understand insights into what’s happening with your glucose levels. On the Dexcom G7 app or receiver, you can see where your glucose is at in the moment, where it’s been, and where it’s going. BGMs can only provide a snapshot of your glucose level at the moment you take the reading.
When you can view past patterns in your glucose levels and get a peek into whether you may be going high or low, you’re empowered to take action to make treatment decisions in the moment. You can also use past glucose data to help inform improvements to your diabetes management plan in collaboration with your doctor and diabetes care team.
Using Dexcom CGM, including Dexcom G7, has been shown to help increase time spent in your target glucose range 1 (generally defined by Diabetes Canada as between 3.9–10.0 mmol/L ), helping you feel your best more often. CGM use has also been shown to improve A1C, which can contribute to better overall health.3,4
Who can use Dexcom G7?
Dexcom G7 can be used by individuals living with either type 1 diabetes (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D), and it’s approved for children as young as two years old. The Dexcom G7 is also the only CGM system approved for use throughout pregnancy for those living with T1D or T2D and for individuals experiencing gestational diabetes.
The Dexcom G7 System is also a good option for those who rely on others to support glucose management, such as young children, elderly individuals, and people who live with a disability. Dexcom G7 integrates with the Dexcom Follow app, which allows parents and caregivers to remotely monitor glucose from their own compatible smart device from anywhere.#
How Dexcom G7 Supports Diabetes Management
Managing diabetes is a demanding responsibility that requires 24/7 care. Keeping an eye on your glucose levels and trying to stay in your target glucose range is a constant battle that takes a significant amount of mental energy. Using Dexcom CGM can help take some of the stress out of monitoring your glucose levels so that you can feel more confident about managing diabetes and find the freedom to focus on what matters most to you.
Dexcom G7 is the latest evolution in Dexcom CGM technology. The new system is designed around customers’ everyday needs, challenges, and goals based on their experiences managing diabetes with Dexcom G6. The advancements you’ll find in Dexcom G7 combine innovative sensor technology with an all-new app experience, making glucose monitoring simple, yet powerful.
Our Smallest Sensor for Convenient Wear with Zero Scans
Dexcom G7 sensor technology combines the sensor and transmitter into one sleek wearable device. The all-in-one sensor and transmitter is 60 percent smaller than the Dexcom G6 sensor, which means it sits closer to the skin, so it feels comfortable under your favourite outfits. The sensor transmits glucose readings directly to your compatible smartphone or receiver, so you never have to remember to scan to get a reading. You can also view readings on a smartwatch§ connected to your smartphone.
The Dexcom G7 sensor can be worn for up to 10 days. A 12-hour grace period at the end of the wear session allows you to switch sensors when it’s convenient for you. Dexcom G7 sensors are waterproof**, allowing you to sweat, swim, and bathe without missing out on the benefits of CGM.** Adults can choose to wear their sensor on the back of the arm or lower abdomen, while children from ages two to six can wear it on their upper buttocks in addition to these two other options.
Painless Sensor Application and the Quick Startup
It’s also easier than ever to apply the sensor which has a built-in transmitter. Each Dexcom G7 applicator comes pre-loaded with an all-in-one sensor and transmitter. Inserting the sensor is as simple as holding the applicator firmly over the area you want to apply it to and pressing the button to secure it to the skin. People who have been using Dexcom G7 report that applying the sensor is painless.††6
Dexcom G7 has the fastest warmup time of any CGM, clocking in at about 30 minutes from the moment the sensor is inserted.6, A quicker warmup period means readings come faster and you don’t need to worry about missing out on critical glucose data, giving you a little extra peace of mind.
Customizable Glucose Alerts and an Urgent Low Alarm
Dexcom G7 allows you to create custom alerts to let you know when your glucose levels are higher or lower than your target range. Based on customer feedback about Dexcom G6 alerts, Dexcom G7 offers additional custom alerts as well as a larger library of new alert sounds, so you can choose the ones you prefer.
When you set a custom alert for high glucose, you can delay the first alert so that you’re only notified when your glucose has been high for a certain period of time. For example, you could program Dexcom G7 to sound the alert only when your glucose has been over your target range for 20 minutes.
In addition to custom alerts, both Dexcom G6 and Dexcom G7 are the only CGM systems on the market that provide a predictive Urgent Low Soon alert that can notify you up to 20 minutes before a serious low under 3.1 mmol/L. This alert can help you take proactive action to prevent lows before they happen. Just like Dexcom G6, Dexcom G7 also has a built-in Urgent Low alarm that can let you know when you’re experiencing a low so you can treat it.
Comprehensive Glucose Insights at a Glance
The redesigned Dexcom G7 app experience includes user-friendly screens that make it easy to understand your glucose readings. You can quickly view your glucose levels over the last few hours as well as know where your glucose is headed by the colourful trend arrows that turn yellow when you’re going high and red when you’re going low.
The Dexcom G7 app also features a new section called the Clarity Card, which provides glucose insights you can find in the separate Dexcom Clarity app.‡‡ The Clarity Card displays a summary of your glucose patterns across the last 3 to 90 days. It shows you your average glucose levels, how much time you spent in range, and your glucose management indicator (GMI) over the time period you select. Using Dexcom Clarity reports to spot glucose patterns has been shown to help increase time in range.§§
Get Glucose Monitoring that Works for You with Dexcom G7
Dexcom G7 can make monitoring your glucose levels a little easier and can help you improve your diabetes self-care habits with better insights into glucose patterns. Talk to your doctor about whether Dexcom G7 fits into your diabetes management plan.
*Patients reported that 94% of Dexcom G7 sensors worn were comfortable to wear (mild, no discomfort).
† Dexcom G7 CGM System User Guide
‡ When compared with CGM systems commercially available in Canada as of October 2023. Sensors worn on the back of the upper arm have been found to be slightly more accurate than sensors worn on the abdomen.
§ For a list of compatible smart devices, please visit dexcom.com/compatibility.
|| If your glucose alerts and readings from the Dexcom G6 do not match symptoms or expectations, use a blood glucose meter to make diabetes treatment decisions.
# Separate Follow app and internet connection required.
** The Dexcom G7 Sensor is waterproof and may be submerged under eight feet of water for up to 24 hours without failure when properly installed.
†† Patients reported 94% of insertions were painless (mild, no pain).
‡‡ An internet connection is required to send data to Dexcom Clarity.
§§ Do not use Dexcom Clarity for treatment decisions such as dosing insulin. The user should follow instructions on the continuous glucose monitoring system.
† Dexcom G7 CGM System User Guide
‡ When compared with CGM systems commercially available in Canada as of October 2023. Sensors worn on the back of the upper arm have been found to be slightly more accurate than sensors worn on the abdomen.
§ For a list of compatible smart devices, please visit dexcom.com/compatibility.
|| If your glucose alerts and readings from the Dexcom G6 do not match symptoms or expectations, use a blood glucose meter to make diabetes treatment decisions.
# Separate Follow app and internet connection required.
** The Dexcom G7 Sensor is waterproof and may be submerged under eight feet of water for up to 24 hours without failure when properly installed.
†† Patients reported 94% of insertions were painless (mild, no pain).
‡‡ An internet connection is required to send data to Dexcom Clarity.
§§ Do not use Dexcom Clarity for treatment decisions such as dosing insulin. The user should follow instructions on the continuous glucose monitoring system.
1 Dexcom, Data on File, 2023
2 Imran AS, et. al. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada: Targets for Glycemic Control. Can J Diabetes 2018:42(S42–S46). doi: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2017.10.030
3 Beck RW, et al. Effect of continuous glucose monitoring on glycemic control in adults with type 1 diabetes using insulin injections: The DIAMOND randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2017;317(4):371-378. doi: 10.1001/jama.2016.19975
4 Welsh JB, et al. Accuracy, Utilization, and Effectiveness Comparisons of Different Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2019;21(3):128-132. doi: 10.1089/dia.2018.0374
5 Garg SK, et al. Accuracy and Safety of Dexcom G7 Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Adults with Diabetes. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2022;24(6):373-380. doi:10.1089/dia.2022.0011
6 Dexcom G7 User Guide, 2023
7 Freestyle Libre 2 User Manual
8 Akturk HK, et al. Real-World Evidence and Glycemic Improvement Using Dexcom G6 Features. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2021;23(S1):S21-S6.
2 Imran AS, et. al. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada: Targets for Glycemic Control. Can J Diabetes 2018:42(S42–S46). doi: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2017.10.030
3 Beck RW, et al. Effect of continuous glucose monitoring on glycemic control in adults with type 1 diabetes using insulin injections: The DIAMOND randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2017;317(4):371-378. doi: 10.1001/jama.2016.19975
4 Welsh JB, et al. Accuracy, Utilization, and Effectiveness Comparisons of Different Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2019;21(3):128-132. doi: 10.1089/dia.2018.0374
5 Garg SK, et al. Accuracy and Safety of Dexcom G7 Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Adults with Diabetes. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2022;24(6):373-380. doi:10.1089/dia.2022.0011
6 Dexcom G7 User Guide, 2023
7 Freestyle Libre 2 User Manual
8 Akturk HK, et al. Real-World Evidence and Glycemic Improvement Using Dexcom G6 Features. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2021;23(S1):S21-S6.