Introduction to Dexcom CGM
Where and How to Order
Is Dexcom available at my pharmacy?
You may have pharmacy coverage for Dexcom through your insurance, which would allow you to get supplies at your local pharmacy.
Common Activities with Dexcom CGM
Will using Dexcom G6 change my daily diabetes management routine?
If you’re already familiar with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, the Dexcom G6 CGM System may or may not notably affect your day-to-day routine.
CGM and Daily Life
What is the A1C test?
The A1C test, also known as a glycohemoglobin or hemoglobin (Hb) A1C test..
What is type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body’s own immune system mistakenly destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
Can type 2 diabetes be prevented?
Type 2 diabetes can’t be totally prevented, but making healthy lifestyle choices like diet changes, increased exercise, and weight loss can lower your chances of developing it or having complications.
Is type 1 diabetes (T1D) genetic or hereditary?
Is type 1 diabetes hereditary? Learn about the genetics, family history and environmental factors contributing to type 1 diabetes (T1D) onset and susceptibility.
Blood Sugar Levels
What is fasting blood sugar (FBS) or glucose level?
A fasting blood sugar (FBS) level or fasting glucose in diabetes is the result of a blood sample taken after a patient fasts for at least 8 hours. Learn more.
What are the signs and symptoms of diabetes?
Signs and symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes can include increased thirst and urination, increased appetite, loss of weight, fatigue, frequent infection, and patches of darkened skin.
What is a normal fasting blood glucose for a person with diabetes?
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines, patients with diabetes should strive to achieve fasting blood glucose levels below 131 mg/dL, and levels following meals below 180 mg/dL.
What is hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar (glucose) or a level of 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or fewer, and symptoms can range from shakiness, nervousness, sweating, to hunger.
Who Can Use CGM?
What are the main symptoms of type 1 diabetes?
Symptoms related to type 1 diabetes (T1D) build over time or come on suddenly, sometimes within just a few weeks when the disease reaches a critical point.
CGM Accuracy and Studies
Is diabetes a disease?
Diabetes mellitus is a group of diseases that are characterized by abnormally high blood glucose levels, resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both.
What are the benefits of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)?
Unlike a single reading from a blood glucose meter, a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) provides real-time information about your glucose levels and alerts you, without any fingersticks.
Dexcom CGM vs. Blood Glucose Meters: Which Is Accurate?
For Dexcom CGM users, the expected level of accuracy is based on comparisons to the traditional self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG).
What are the symptoms of type 2 diabetes?
Some of the most common symptoms of type 2 diabetes (T2D) are increased thirst, frequent urination, incresed hunger, unexplained weight loss, rapid breathing, fatigue, headaches and other. Contact your doctor if you experience symptoms.
Inserting and Starting Your Sensor and Transmitter
How do I start my Dexcom G6 sensor?
When you start a new Dexcom sensor, you must enter a code into your display device to use Dexcom G6 without fingerstick calibrations. Please make sure to follow each onscreen prompt step by step.
Where can I insert my Dexcom G6 sensor?
Dexcom G6 sensors may be inserted on the abdomen (indicated for patients age 2 years and older) or the upper buttocks (ages 2-17 years). Sensor placement is important and you will want to change your insertion site with each sensor.
Is it painful to insert a Dexcom G6 sensor?
The Dexcom G6 auto applicator was designed for easier, more consistent sensor insertions. According to a survey of Dexcom G6 users, 84% reported that the initial sensor insertion was painless and 100% reported that the applicator was easy to use.
Using Your Sensor and Transmitter
Does the Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System require calibrations?
Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) requires no fingersticks or calibrations – just enter the unique G6 sensor code on the label during setup. Learn how to calibrate if needed.
Using Your Receiver
Do I need to use my receiver?
Medicare requires the use of the receiver for their patients. For all other payers, the patient has the choice of what device to view their numbers.
Do I need to use my Dexcom receiver for my Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System to work?
You have the flexibility to use only the Dexcom G6 app, only the Dexcom receiver, or both at the same time, depending on your diabetes management preferences.
Changing Your Sensor and Transmitter
What is a sensor code and why do I need one?
A sensor code allows you to use the Dexcom G6 CGM System without the need for fingersticks or calibrations.* When you start a new sensor, you must enter a code into your display device.
Order and Shipment Questions
Where can I purchase the Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System?
You can purchase the Dexcom G6 CGM System from a medical distributor or a pharmacy.
With G7 launching, will Dexcom discontinue G6?
As with all previous generations of Dexcom CGM, Dexcom G6 will eventually be discontinued. Until then, G6 will still be available, and we are working closely with all our partners to transition users from G6 to G7.
Understanding Data and Trends
How does the Urgent Low Soon alert work?
The Urgent Low Soon alert can warn users in advance (within 20 minutes) of a severe hypoglycemic event (55 mg/dL), which helps give them time to take appropriate action before an event occurs.