The Dexcom G7. How Does it Differ from the G6?

Dexcom G7 versus G6 Overview

As providers, you're probably getting questions about the Dexcom G7. What's new? What's the same? How is it different from the G6? Following is an overview and side-by-side comparison to get you up to speed on this newest continuous glucose monitor (CGM).

Dexcom G7s New Features

The Dexcom G7's newest features include:

Smaller Size: 60% smaller on body sensor unit

All-in-One Transmitter/Sensor Unit: versus the G6's separate transmitter and sensor

Shorter Warm-Up Time: 30-minute sensor warmup (G6 is 2 hours)

Replacement Grace Period: 12-hour Grace Period to replace finished sensor upon notification that sensor has expired after the 10 day wear. During this time, the user has the option of inserting a new sensor and not starting it until they are ready to transition from the expiring sensor. This limits (or can eliminate) the amount of time the user goes without readings. This transitional time period can also help those who tend to have less accurate readings from new sensors by allowing it time to settle in.

Redesigned, Integrated User App: The user app is redesigned to integrate Clarity software into the phone app. This enables the user to see events like food, insulin, and physical activity on the trend graph on their phone app. If the user is using a receiver instead of a phone, they can still get their Clarity reports via the Clarity software on their browser. The provider is still able to view reports as before via the Clarity software.

Improved Alert Settings: Improved alert setting personalization including the ability to set the threshold for both rise and fall alerts, ability to turn off certain alert sounds as a set profile or with a one setting change to make all alerts silent (for up to 6 hours) or vibrate only (except for Urgent Low, App Bluetooth turned off, App is Closed, App Location is Off, App Stopped: Phone Storage Full, App Stopped Working, Phone Bluetooth is Off, Phone Location is Off, Replace Sensor Now, Sensor Failed).  Ability to create two different alert profiles, snooze alarms for 15 minutes – 6 hours, delay the first high alert (for 15 minutes -6 hours) when starting a new sensor or after a meal and change the sounds of alerts with additional sound options.

Redesigned Optional Receiver: this receiver is smaller and has a display that was redesigned to be easier to read

New Indication for Wear: The Dexcom G7 is indicated on the back of the upper arm for ages 2 years and older or the upper buttocks for ages 2-6 years old. It is not indicated for wear on the abdomen. 

90-degree Insertion: vs 30 degree insertion of the G6

24 Hour Data Storage: The transmitter can store up to 24 hours of data in case the receiver or phone is out of range of the sensor. Once the receiving device is back in range, the data will be transmitted to the phone or reader thus avoiding data gaps.

New Applicator: An easier experience that allows the user to apply the entire device with the click of a button

Less Packaging! For reduced waste

What Hasn't Changed?

The following features remain the same and are being brought over from the Dexcom G6:

No Finger Sticks Required:  No finger sticks, scanning or calibration required. Both G6 and G7 can be calibrated if desired. But as a reminder, "Finger sticks required for diabetes treatment decisions if symptoms or expectations do not match readings".

Real-Time Glucose Readings: are sent automatically every 5 minutes to an approved phone or receiver.

Similar Integrations: with Apple Watch, Garmin and other digital health apps. View full list.

Remote Monitoring: enabling users to share glucose data with up to 10 followers

Predictive Low Alerts: that can recognize hypoglycemic incidences before they occur

What Will Be Similar? (But Isn't Yet)

Pump, AID and other System Delivery Integrations: Dexcom is working with its insulin delivery system partners to integrate Dexcom G7 into current and future insulin delivery systems in addition to certain chronic disease management platforms. These integrations are not available at the current time. Dexcom G7 does currently integrate with Tidepool Loop. Keep an eye on the Dexcom website for the latest updates.

Insurance: Not all contracts are finalized with private insurance companies yet so some who have Dexcom G6 coverage may learn that the G7 isn't covered at this time. As an interim step, Dexcom has created a program called The Dexcom G7 Simple Start program. This program will automatically apply an $89/month price for sensors if a patient's commercial insurance does not yet cover the G7. Note, not all pharmacies are participating in this program, so call ahead. Also, this program only works if the insurance denial code is "70". If the code appears as 75 or other, the patient may not qualify. Again, visit the Dexcom website for the latest details since this program may only be available short-term.

Side-By-Side Comparison of the Dexcom G6 and the G7

Summary

The new Dexcom G7 offers similar functionality to the G6 but with a smaller, integrated all-in-one sensor/transmitter unit and enhanced features to make diabetes management easier and more convenient for the user. However, some integrations with insulin delivery devices and other systems are still in progress so users who depend on the CGM for AID should keep an eye on the Dexcom website for upcoming announcements regarding timeframes.

To learn more about how the Dexcom G6 and G7 compare to other CGMs, visit our Find and Compare CGM page.

References

^{Dexcom Press Release Dexcom G7 Receives FDA Clearance: The Most Accurate Continuous Glucose Monitoring System Cleared in the U.S. 12/08/2022. Accessed online 1/13/23}

^{Accuracy and Safety of Dexcom G7 Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Adults with Diabetes}

^{Satish K. Garg, Mark Kipnes, Kristin Castorino, Timothy S. Bailey, Halis Kaan Akturk, John B. Welsh, Mark P. Christiansen, Andrew K. Balo, Sue A. Brown, Jennifer L. Reid, and Stayce E. Beck Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics 2022 24:6, 373-380}

^{Tidepool Loop Press Release Tidepool Announces FDA Clearance of Tidepool Loop  January 24, 2023 Accessed online 02/08/2023}

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