Diabetes is associated with an imbalance of blood glucose levels. The symptoms thus impact the patient’s quality of life who often feels lethargic and hungry or thirsty. To manage the condition, a proper assessment of the blood sugar level is necessary. For this purpose, the use of continuous glucose monitors (CGM) like Dexcom G7 sensors is recommended. Despite their high accuracy as well as reliability, patients are often confused about how long does Dexcom G7 sensor lasts.
Dexcom G7 sensors offer a wear time of up to 10 to 14 days
In this article, let us find out for how long does Dexcom G7 sensor lasts. In addition, let us get into some tips to maximize the life of the device.
What is a Dexcom G7 Sensor?
Dexcom G7 sensor is a continuous glucose monitor that, when placed on the skin, checks the patient’s blood sugar level every 5 minutes and sends the data to a compatible smart device. This way, the patients keep getting alerts about their blood glucose fluctuations throughout the day which keeps them aware of how their body is responding to the dietary as well as other lifestyle modifications.
How Long Does Dexcom G7 Sensor Last?
To answer the question of how long does Dexcom G7 sensor lasts, it is safe to say that the sensor has been designed to provide a wear time of up to 10 days. Some sources also claim that the G7 sensors can be worn for 14 days. In addition, a grace period of 12 hours is also allowed in case the patient cannot change the sensor at the right time.
Can a Dexcom G7 Sensor Fail Before its Wear Time?
Despite their 10-day long wear time, the Dexcom G7 sensors can become ineffective only after a few days. Why does it happen? Several reasons could cause such issues. For instance:
- Improper insertion of the sensor at the site
- Wrong choice of site for sensor attachment
- Excessive sweating
- Unstable adhesion to the skin
- Skin irritation due to the attachment of the sensor
- Manufacturing fault within the Dexcom G7 sensor
All of the given reasons, while learning for how long does Dexcom G7 sensor lasts, even though they rarely happen, can cause the sensor failure. Fortunately, by adopting proper measures while choosing the attachment site and by following the correct process, the life of the Dexcom G7 sensors can be increased to achieve the recommended wear time.
The Dexcom G7 sensor estimates BGL from the interstitial fluid under the skin
How to Maximize the Wear Time of Dexcom G7 Sensor?
While learning for how long does Dexcom G7 sensor lasts, it is also important to look into the ways of maximizing the sensor life. For this purpose, the given measures should be adopted:
Select a Suitable Sensor Site
Choosing a proper site for attachment for the sensor, while learning for how long does Dexcom G7 sensor lasts, is important as a poor selection can result in the dislocation of the sensor in worst case scenario. Therefore, an ideal skin location should have the following features:
- An area with moderate movement is good for attaching the Dexcom G7 sensors as there is a higher chance of sensor dislocation in areas that experience high movement.
- Do not apply the Dexcom G7 sensor on bony areas as this may impact the accuracy of the readings. In addition, scarred tissues should also be avoided due to similar reasons.
- Always clean the site properly before attaching the sensor while learning how long does Dexcom G7 sensor lasts. This will remove any dirt, oil, or skincare products that might affect the sensor placement.
Follow the Proper Sensor Placement Method
While learning for how long does Dexcom G7 sensor lasts, remember that once a good site for sensor attachment has been chosen, the next step is proper placement of the device. To do so, keep the following in mind:
- Always look into the placement guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
- When the sensor is placed on the skin, gentle pressure should be applied to achieve a strong adhesion. This will help the sensor to stay in place as the risk of dislodgement will be minimal.
- After the sensor has been attached properly, avoid moving the site for a few minutes until the adhesive has dried.
A balanced BGL reflects a healthier lifestyle and improved quality of life
Enhancing the Dexcom G7 Sensor Life: Additional Tips
In addition to the above-mentioned steps for learning how long does Dexcom G7 sensor lasts, some of the following measures also prove to be effective when it comes to increasing the life of a Dexcom G7 sensor:
Waterproofing the Sensor
While learning for how long does Dexcom G7 sensor lasts, it is important to know that despite being water-resistant, Dexcom G7 sensors can be affected by water. Therefore, it is always a good idea to cover the sensor with a waterproof patch or an adhesive overlay while taking a shower or going for a swim. These waterproof coverings are also helpful when the patient has to perform a physical activity that could cause heavy sweating.
A good product in this regard is the Smith & Nephew 4975 Transparent Adhesive Waterproof Film that can act as a cover over the CGM sensors. This medical-grade product has been linked below for the buyer’s convenience.
In addition, while learning for how long does Dexcom G7 sensor lasts, keep in mind that there may be a need to change the adhesive covers a few times if the exposure to water or sweat is prolonged. Feel free to do so whenever the covering starts to separate from the skin.
Preventing the Pressure on the Sensor
By bumping the sensor site with something, dislodgement of the device can happen. Therefore, avoid such conditions that could do so. Also, wearing clothes that are too tight can put enough pressure on the sensor to cause its detachment.
In addition to learning how long does Dexcom G7 sensor lasts, the effect of the sleeping position of the sensor should also be kept in mind. Sleeping on the side where the sensor has been applied often loosens it from its place. As a preventive measure, a comfortable sleeping position should be chosen which does not bother the sensor. Also, wearing a compression sleeve is a good idea.
Dexcom G7 sensors are water-resistant systems that do not get affected while swimming or bathing
Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitors at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications
Diabetes is a chronic health condition that requires proper management of blood glucose levels. This way, not only the disease can be controlled but the associated symptoms are also alleviated. To do so, the use of CGMs like the Dexcom G7 sensors is recommended.
While learning how long does Dexcom G7 sensor lasts, the patients should also look into some of the available products in the market. Some of these Dexcom G6 and G7 sensors are also available at Health Supply 770 and have been detailed below along with their features and purchase links:
Dexcom G7 Glucose Sensor 1 Unit
Dexcom G7 Continuous Glucose Monitor Sensor 1 Unit
US$129.88
Product Details
Dexcom G7 glucose sensor I unit is a continuous blood glucose monitoring system that can be worn for 10 to 14 days. So far, the product is claimed to have the longest wear time as compared to all the other products available in the US market. Moreover, while learning for how long does Dexcom G7 sensor lasts, it is important to know that these Dexcom G7 sensors also come with an improved factory-set algorithm that can sense the BGL with an unmatched accuracy.
Furthermore, these Dexcom G7 glucose sensor 1 units are capable of sending sound alerts and notifications to the receivers or connected smartphone devices that alert the patient whenever their blood glucose level is about to fall below or rise high above the target range.
Moreover, the products also show real-time BGL data that can be shared with the healthcare provider who can then make necessary alterations in the therapeutic regimen. In addition, while learning for how long does Dexcom G7 sensor lasts, remember that the device also gives trends, graphs, and other reports on the smartphone to see how well the patient’s BGL is controlled by the therapy or lifestyle changes.
Dexcom G7 Receiver
Dexcom G7 Receiver
US$312.88
Product Details
The Dexcom G7 receiver is a device that can be connected to the Dexcom G7 sensor. Once connected, the system then displays the blood glucose readings taken by the sensor. The display screen is well-lit and the values can even be read when the light is dim. Moreover, the system also shows all the trends and graphs made based on the readings taken by the sensor every 5 minutes.
Furthermore, these Dexcom G7 receivers also give a sound alarm whenever the blood glucose level of the patient is about to fall below the target range. In addition, an alert is also given when the BGL rises too much.
While learning for how long does Dexcom G7 sensor lasts, keep in mind that the given system can also send the collected data to a healthcare provider or the caregiver via the Dexcom Clarity app.
Dexcom G6 Glucose Sensor (3pk) Medicaid/Medicare STS-OM-003
Dexcom G6 Sensors
US$389.88
Product Details
Dexcom G6 glucose sensor (3pk) (Medicaid/Medicare insured) is an easy-to-use sensor that is also lighter in weight. The accuracy of the product is up-to-the-mark and it offers a wear time of up to 10 days. Moreover, the sensor is also waterproof and can be worn while taking a shower or during swimming.
In addition, these Dexcom G6 Medicaid/Medicare glucose sensor (3pk) meets the standards of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The blood glucose reading can be recorded every 5 minutes and is then displayed on the receiver or smartphone screen.
Furthermore, the product is also covered by Medicare as well as Medicaid for diabetic patients who meet their criteria for insurance. Overall, the product is excellent in performance, smaller in size, and has a discreet shape that is not noticeable beneath the clothes.
DEXCOM G6RECRE Dexcom G6 Glucose Receiver Retail STK-OE-001
DEXCOM G6RECRE Dexcom G6 Glucose Receiver Retail STK-OE-001
US$293.88
Product Details
Dexcom G6 RECRE glucose receiver retail STK-OE-001 is a product that is used for displaying the blood glucose readings recorded by the Dexcom G6 sensors. The receiver provides real-time readings of the data every 5 minutes that can then be converted into trends and graphs and displaying to get an overview of the blood sugar level. Moreover, the recorded data can also be shared with the healthcare provider for further assistance.
Furthermore, these Dexcom G6 RECRE glucose receivers also have alert options that set off a sound alarm to let the patient know whenever their blood glucose levels are about to fall. In addition, the Dexcom Clarity app can be employed for sharing the data with the doctor or the family members.
*Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary depending on the vendor.
Checking the BGL regularly helps control diabetes effectively
The Dexcom G6 vs G7 sensors mentioned in this article learning how long does Dexcom G7 sensor lasts, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased from Health Supply 770 (https://hs770.com/), a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link at the end of the article to check the wide range of continuous glucose monitors.
Conclusion
Continuous glucose monitors are the devices that are employed for measuring the blood glucose level of a diabetic patient frequently. One such system is the Dexcom G7 sensor which offers a wear time of up to 14 days, the longest in comparison to that offered by other devices.
While learning how long does Dexcom G7 sensor lasts, it is also good to know what issues can affect the performance and longevity of the sensor. In addition, some of the tips and tricks to enhance the sensor life should also be kept in mind.
Owing to their longer wear time as well as cost-effectiveness, Dexcom G7 sensors should be purchased in bulk. For purchasing Dexcom G7 sensors after learning how long Dexcom G7 sensors last, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
Click to Buy Adhesive Films from Health Supply 770
Smith & Nephew 4975 Transparent Adhesive Waterproof Film 5½ in. x 4 in. CS/4BX
PhD Scholar (Pharmaceutics), MPhil (Pharmaceutics), Pharm D, B. Sc.
Uzma Zafar is a dedicated and highly motivated pharmaceutical professional currently pursuing her PhD in Pharmaceutics at the Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab. With a comprehensive academic and research background, Uzma has consistently excelled in her studies, securing first division throughout her educational journey.
Uzma’s passion for the pharmaceutical field is evident from her active engagement during her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, where she not only mastered industrial techniques and clinical case studies but also delved into marketing strategies and management skills.
