In this day and age, diabetes is one of the chronic health conditions that require proper management and treatment. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 38 million Americans are diabetic which accounts for almost 1 in 10 people. In addition to the necessary measures to reduce the incidence of diabetes, proper management strategies are also needed for people who already have it. In this regard, the use of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) like Dexcom G6 vs G7 is recommended by healthcare providers.
The Dexcom G7 sensor is being worn by a patient on the back of the upper arm
In this article, let us learn about the Dexcom G6 vs G7 sensors and find out why G7 sensors are considered superior to the G6 systems.
What are Dexcom Blood Glucose Meters?
Dexcom is a wearable continuous glucose monitoring system. It is a small and easy-to-use device that gets attached to the skin and keeps track of blood sugar levels. These systems have a sensor that reaches below the skin and estimates the glucose level from the interstitial cells. This measured reading is sent to a transmitter that further sends it to the app on the smartphone.
What are Dexcom G6 vs G7?
Dexcom G6 vs G7 are two types of continuous glucose monitors from the Dexcom line. G7 is a newer and improved version of G6 sensors in terms of its smaller size, better design, etc. These improvements have rendered the Dexcom G7 superior to the G6 in many ways. Both of these CGM sensors take a BGL reading every 5 minutes and display it on the smart device connected to the sensor via the Dexcom app.
Dexcom G6 vs G7 for Diabetes Management: Key Differences
Some of the key differences between Dexcom G6 vs G7 diabetes management sensors are as follows:
Sensor Size and Design
When compared based on their size, Dexcom G6 vs G7, despite being small, differ by at least 60%. The G7 sensor is smaller and has a more discreet shape as compared to the G6. It is a plus point because the sensor does not become prominent when worn and therefore provides a streamlined appearance. This feature is especially useful for people who are highly conscious about wearing a continuous glucose monitor outdoors or at their workplaces.
Warm-Up Time
Warm-up time is required by the CGM sensors to adjust in their place before taking the first reading. In Dexcom G6 vs G7 systems, this period has been 2 hours for the former. However, in G7 devices, the warm-up time has been reduced to 30 minutes. This is particularly helpful when the sensor is used in case of an emergency.
Precision of BGL Readings
In Dexcom G7 systems, the sensor quality has been improved as compared to that offered by the G6 devices. These better sensors are capable of measuring the blood sugar level with high precision and accuracy. Subsequently, diabetes patients are in a better position to decide which diet, how much exercise, and what medications work for them best for managing diabetes. In addition, the chances of false alarms are also reduced.
Dexcom G7 sensors offer an all-in-one application that enhances the ease of usage and reduces warm-up time
Ease of Usage
Although both Dexcom G6 vs G7 systems are easy to use, the latter is even simpler than the prior one. This is primarily because, in G7 devices, the sensor and the transmitter have been integrated. This minimizes the number of steps required to start the sensor. In addition, there is less room for error as well. This user-friendly design is especially useful for people who are employing the Dexcom G6 vs G7 sensor for the first time.
Connectivity to Compatible Smart Devices
Both Dexcom G6 vs G7 sensors can be connected to a compatible device such as a smartphone and smart watch etc. via the Dexcom Follow app. This way, the user can get their readings on the device screen along with other information. However, the G7 sensor can be connected to a wide range of devices as compared to the G6 systems. Moreover, the G7 devices also allow real-time data sharing with healthcare providers who can check the patient’s BGL and make informed treatment decisions.
Sensor Wear Time
Wear time indicates how many days the continuous glucose monitoring sensor should be worn. For Dexcom G6, this duration is up to 10 days while the G7 sensor can work for up to 14 days. This means two G7 sensors can last the patient for a month while three sensors are required if G6 are being used. Therefore, G7 sensors are often preferred by diabetic patients as they save the overall cost. Moreover, fewer replacements also reduce the inconvenience.
Alert Settings
Dexcom CGM sensors come with an alert system that notifies the user when their blood sugar level falls below or elevates above the target range. This way, diabetic patients can manage the condition before it gets worse. These alert settings are customizable in both Dexcom G6 vs G7 systems. Moreover, these sensors also have a predictive ‘Urgent Low Soon’ alarm setting that notifies the patient 20 minutes before their BGL is about to crash. This is enough time in which the patient can eat or drink something to prevent hypoglycemia.
The Dexcom G6 system offers easy placement and removal with a wear time of up to 10 days
Comparison of Dexcom G6 vs G7 Sensors
Both the Dexcom G6 vs G7 sensors have features that are similar in some ways but differ in others. Nevertheless, both of these devices can be employed as they are efficient in performance and are of good quality. The following table gives a comparison of Dexcom G6 vs G7:
| Features | Dexcom G6 | Dexcom G7 |
| Reading Accuracy | High | Higher than G6 sensor |
| Sensor Size | Small (W: 1.2” x L: 1.8”) | 60% smaller than G6 sensor (W: 1.07” x L: 0.94”) |
| Application | Easy and quick | All-in-one application |
| Warm-Up Time | 120 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Gap between Readings | 5 minutes | 5 minutes |
| Ease of Usage | Easy-to-use sensor | Easier to use due to integrated design |
| Connectivity to Smart Devices | ✔ | ✔ |
| Sensor Wear Time | 10 days | 14 days |
| Replacements Per Month | Thrice | Twice |
| Sound and Volume Alerts | Customizable | Customizable |
| High and Low BGL Alerts | ✔ | ✔ |
| Real-Time Glucose Readings | ✔ | ✔ |
| Urgent Low Soon Alerts | ✔ | ✔ |
| All-in-One Sensor and Transmitter | ✘ | ✔ |
| Grace Period | ✘ | 12 hours |
| Use during Pregnancy | ✘ | ✔ |
| Water Resistance | Up to 2.4 meters for 24 hours | Up to 2.4 meters for 24 hours |
| Wear Location for Adults | Abdomen | Back of upper arm |
| Wear Location for Children | Upper buttock (2 to 17 years) | Upper buttock (2 to 6 years) |
Dexcom G6 vs G7 sensors are waterproof and can be worn while swimming
Dexcom G6 vs G7 CGMs at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications
Diabetes is a condition that requires proper management in terms of diet, exercise, as well as medications. Most healthcare providers want to see a detailed graph of how their patient’s BGL varies throughout the day. For this purpose, they recommend the use of CGM systems like Dexcom G6 vs G7.
Both of these devices are efficient and provide real-time values of the patient’s blood sugar level that can be sent to the physician. 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 G6 retr Dexcom Transmitter Retail
Dexcom G6 Transmitter
US$285.88
Product Details
Dexcom G6 retr Dexcom transmitter retail is a product that is employed for measuring the blood sugar level of diabetic patients. The device is easy to place and can be worn for up to 10 days without any interruption. Moreover, these Dexcom G6 sensors are waterproof so they can also be worn while swimming or taking a shower.
In addition, these Dexcom G6 retr Dexcom transmitter sensors are small in size and do not become prominent. This is advantageous for people who are conscious about how a CGM looks on their skin. These sensors are also lightweight and do not make the user uncomfortable when they are under the clothes.
Furthermore, with their connectivity to the smart devices, Dexcom G6 sensors can provide real-time BGL readings that can be shared with the healthcare provider. The device gets attached to the sensor via Bluetooth. Another notable feature of the system is that it sends customizable alerts when the BGL is either too high or too low.
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 G6RECRE Dexcom G6 glucose receiver retail STK-OE-001 is employed for displaying the blood glucose values. This is an easy-to-see screen that shows the readings even in low light. The Dexcom sensor records the real-time blood sugar level readings that are sent to the receiver every 5 minutes.
Moreover, these DEXCOM G6RECRE Dexcom G6 glucose receiver retail STK-OE-001 systems are also capable of identifying the patterns in BGL variations and making informed decisions based on the data.
The sound alerts indicate when the patient needs to manage their BGL as it is either becoming too high or too low. Furthermore, the device also offers data sharing with the healthcare provider via the Dexcom Clarity app.
Dexcom G7 Glucose Sensor 1 unit
Dexcom G7 Continuous Glucose Monitor Sensor 1 Unit
US$129.88
Product Details
Dexcom G7 glucose sensor 1 unit is an improved form of Dexcom G6 systems. These devices offer a 14-day long wear time that is longer than almost all the CGMs available in the US market. The device is capable of self-calibration using a factory-set algorithm. Moreover, because of using these Dexcom G7 glucose sensors, the need for multiple finger pricks is eliminated.
In addition, these Dexcom G7 glucose sensors are highly accurate in their readings. The system also sends an alert whenever the BGL becomes too high or too low, there is a change in sensor status, or a glucose reading has been missed.
Furthermore, Dexcom G7 glucose sensors also offer seamless working with compatible transmitters so that real-time glucose data can be displayed. The Dexcom G7 app also shows graphs, trends, and reports related to the patient’s BGL. The system is also waterproof.
Dexcom G7 Receiver
Dexcom G7 Receiver
US$312.88
Product Details
The Dexcom G7 receiver gets connected to the G7 sensor and displays the BGL readings. The screen is prominent and shows values even in low light. Moreover, these receivers also show patterns and graphs of the values that can be shared with the healthcare providers.
In addition, these Dexcom G7 receivers allow remote monitoring due to their connectivity to the Dexcom Clarity app on smart devices. The alert system works by sending sound notifications to alert the patient whenever they need to readjust their BGL.
*Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.
Dexcom G6 is larger as compared to G7 sensors
The Dexcom G6 vs G7, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased from Health Supply 770, 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
Diabetes is a condition affecting millions of Americans. Despite the fear and anxiety associated with the condition, there are thousands of people living a healthy life with diabetes. The key to this diabetes management is to manage your blood glucose level in a way that the target range is not disturbed.
However, to do so, there is a need to look into the real-time BGL values. Here, the role of a continuous glucose monitor like Dexcom G6 vs G7 comes into play. These systems are easy to use and efficient devices that measure the patient’s sugar level every 5 minutes. Moreover, the systems are also capable of alerting the user if the BGL is about to crash within the next 20 minutes.
The use of CGM systems like Dexcom G6 vs G7 sensors has made life easier for many. Therefore, it is best to start using one of these after consulting your healthcare provider. For purchasing Dexcom G6 vs G7, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
References
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/communication-resources/diabetes-statistics.html
