Using your Dexcom CGM System

Common Activities with Dexcom CGM

How should I go through airport security with Dexcom G6?

Dexcom G6 is designed to not impact your travel. Learn more about going through airport security with your Dexcom G6.
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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.

Inserting and Starting Your Sensor and Transmitter

How do I insert my Dexcom sensor?

Dexcom designed the Dexcom G6 CGM System sensor auto-applicator for easier, more consistent sensor insertions.

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.

What do I do if my Dexcom G6 sensor wire breaks off?

Don’t ignore broken or detached sensor wires. A sensor wire could remain under your skin. If this happens, please contact our 24/7 Technical Support at 1-844-607-8398.

Using Your Sensor and Transmitter

How long can I wear the Dexcom G6 sensor?

A single Dexcom G6 sensor can be worn up to 10 days. Learn more about G6 sensor replacement frequency and how to change your Dexcom sensor for diabetes.

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.

Do I have to put the sensor code in every time I start a new sensor?

You will need to put in the sensor code from the sensor each time you start a new one.

How long does the Dexcom G6 transmitter last?

The transmitter battery is good for 3 months. We recommend that you have your next transmitter in hand within 3 months of starting your previous transmitter.

Setting up Sharing and Dexcom Clarity

Is Dexcom Clarity compatible with Dexcom G6?

Yes, Dexcom G6 is compatible with the Dexcom Clarity software. Patients will not need to register again, nor download a new Dexcom Clarity app, if they have an existing account.

How do I share my Dexcom G6 glucose data with followers?

Dexcom Share is a feature within the Dexcom G6 app that allows you to share your glucose data with up to 10 designated persons (followers). Learn how to enable sharing.

How do I enable the sharing of my glucose data from the Dexcom G6 app to the Apple Health app?

Apple Health is an app included in Apple devices with iOS 8 and higher. The user can enable the Dexcom G6 app to send glucose information to the Apple Health app. The Health app will display the Sharer’s glucose information with a three-hour delay. It will not display real-time glucose information. Follow these steps to enable the sharing of glucose data from the G6 app to the Health app on your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad.

Using Your Receiver

How do I know which Dexcom receiver I have?

The two Dexcom receivers have different hardware, which makes it easy to tell them apart.

How do I display my trend screen?

The trend screen is the main screen of the receiver.

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.

Can I change my sensor early?

You can change a Dexcom G6 sensor earlier than 10 days.

Why isn't my transmitter working and/or why is my Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System telling me to pair a new transmitter?

Dexcom G6 transmitters are under a limited warranty for the first 90 days from activation provided that activation was within 5 months of the shipping date. You can find your transmitter activated date in the settings screen in your display device.

How do I properly remove the Dexcom sensor adhesive?

Do you find it painful removing the sensor adhesive? Is there a sticky residue left behind on your skin? These techniques and products may help. Remember that what works best for one person may not work best for everyone. You may need to try several different products or methods to figure out what works best for you.

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.

Blood Sugar Levels

What is the difference between the Urgent Low Soon alert and the Fall Rate?

The Urgent Low Soon alert notifies you when your Dexcom G6 reading is predicted to reach 55 mg/dL within 20 minutes. The Fall Rate notifies you when your glucose level is falling 2 or 3 mg/dL each minute.

System Overview

What components are required with the Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System?

The Dexcom G6 CGM System requires Dexcom G6 sensors, Dexcom G6 transmitters, and a compatible touchscreen receiver or smart device (subject to smart device compatibility requirements).

What is a glucose sensor?

A blood glucose sensor for diabetes is the part of a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system that is inserted under the skin, which allows it to measure your glucose levels.

How do Dexcom G6 sensors work with my body?

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems track glucose levels throughout the day. 

Smartwatch Compatibility

Why can’t I find the Dexcom G6 Android watch app?

A Google Play Store update changed the way Android watch apps are shared on the app store. The Dexcom G6 Android watch app isn’t compatible with this Google Play Store version yet, so the watch app isn’t visible in the app store.

Why do dashes show up on my Dexcom G6 Apple Watch complication?

Apple stopped supporting the Modular Large watch face complication on watchOS 9. If you use the Modular Large Dexcom watch face complication, it will permanently show dashes

Can I view my Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System data on an Apple Watch?

Yes, you can get Dexcom G6 CGM glucose monitoring data and readings on your Apple Watch if your watch is connected to a compatible smartphone. See how to set up.

Smartphone Compatibility

Can I view my Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System data on an Android Watch?

If your Android Watch is connected to a compatible smartphone, the Dexcom CGM app for Android will work with Android Wear watches that support custom watch faces and meet the app’s minimum OS compatibility requirement.

Can I share my glucose data with Google Health Connect?

Google Health Connect is Google’s health and fitness tracking app available for use with Android devices. You can enable the Dexcom G6 app to share glucose data with Health Connect, which displays glucose data with a three-hour delay.

Is the Dexcom G6 app compatible with Siri?

This feature is only compatible with iOS devices using iOS 12 and above and supported Apple Watches and watchOS.
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