Dexcom CGM Explained
Dexcom G7 Arrow Meanings for Better Treatment Decisions
Jan. 22, 2025 • 5 min read
The trend arrows on a Dexcom G7 CGM show the direction your glucose is heading and how fast. We explain the meaning of each
arrow and how to make treatment decisions.
The content in this article should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider regarding your individual health needs.
Did you know that Dexcom CGM systems are non-adjunctive?
This means that Dexcom CGM systems are so accurate that users don’t need to confirm their glucose readings with a fingerstick† before making diabetes treatment decisions. In fact, using a CGM system like the Dexcom G7 is a better way of managing and making diabetes decisions.
†Fingersticks required for diabetes treatment decisions if symptoms or expectations do not match readings.
Unlike a blood glucose meter, which shows your glucose level
at a single moment in time, the Dexcom G7 CGM system continuously sends your glucose number and displays the direction your glucose is heading—up, down, or steady—via a system of arrows directly to your smartphone. This allows you
to see how food, activity, and medication affect your levels in real-time and make a treatment decision based on that number using both lifestyle and medications.
Basically, the Dexcom G7 enables you to manage your diabetes more proactively, and it’s clinically proven to lower A1C1-5, reduce hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, and increase time in range.
In this article, we will examine what each arrow means and provide a few examples of how you might respond or make treatment decisions based on the information shown on the glucose tab of the Dexcom G7 CGM app.
So what do the Dexcom G7 CGM System Arrows Mean?
Here is an easy-to-follow Dexcom G7 arrows chart that shows how the arrows work and what they mean:
Responding to arrows
The following examples are intended as general examples only and do not constitute medical advice. Everyone responds differently when making diabetes treatment decisions. Talk through the scenarios below with your healthcare provider to
figure out what works best for you.
Get started on Dexcom G7
If you live with diabetes and do not use CGM, talk to your doctor about Dexcom G7. We can help you get started with a free benefits check. Click the button below to send us some basic information.
*Smart device sold separately. *To view a list of compatible devices, visit dexcom.com/compatibility.
1 Beck RW, et al. JAMA. 2017;317(4):371-378. 2 Beck RW, et al. Ann Intern Med. 2017;167(6):365-374. 3 Martens T, et al. JAMA. 2021;325(22):2262-2272. 4 Laffel LM, et al. JAMA. 2020;323(23):2388-2396. 5 Welsh JB, et al. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2024;18(1):143-7.
BRIEF SAFETY STATEMENT: Failure to use the Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring System and its components according to the instructions for use provided with your device and available at https://www.dexcom.com/safety-information and to properly consider all indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and cautions in those instructions for use may result in you missing a severe hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) or hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) occurrence and/or making a treatment decision that may result in injury. If your glucose alerts and readings from the Dexcom CGM do not match symptoms, use a blood glucose meter to make diabetes treatment decisions. Seek medical advice and attention when appropriate, including for any medical emergency.