What are people’s experiences of the Dexcom G6 vs G7?
Our son’s still on G6, but we’ve got the opportunity to move to the G7.
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I switched to the G7 in January and had a rough go at first, but am really loving a few things about it now.
First of all - the footprint is so small! It makes a difference in that I don’t get compression lows when I sleep, or catch my clothes on it as much. Also, the 30-minute warm up period is fantastic.
I’ve been having quite a few sensor failures which is annoying, but Dexcom has (so far) replaced all of them. The other thing I don’t love is the adhesive…it’s different than the G6.
Overall, I’m getting used to it and appreciate the changes in design and warm up period!
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I don’t use a CGM, but when the G7 first came out, many of my participants in the HAPPY Study switched to it. Like you, there are pros and cons to it. But most of them are enjoying the smaller form factor, just like you, @LaurenF!
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My experience with G7 is a mixed bag - I like the smaller footprint, that the sensor and transmitter are a single unit, and the short warmup time. But, it does have drawbacks. I have accuracy issues in the first 24 hours where the sensor reads anywhere from 50-100 points too low (never had this with G6). The adhesive will not last 10 days, even with overtape and Dexcom’s customer service around this is… terrible. The only thing I’ve found that keeps the sensor on my body for the full ten days are the guards shown in the photos. They keep the sensor tape down without actually contacting it with the overtape, so it’s easy to replace if/when you need to.
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I was riding with a T1D friend yesterday who’s just gone back to the G6 after trying out the G7.
What killed it for him was the connection between the CGM & pump regularly dropping out - including when he was asleep.
I have been using the G7 for six months and have had a similar experience. I’ve listed some pros and cons below:
Pros:
- New App: The new app design is modern and easier to navigate than the G6 app. I like that they incorporated the TIR summary on the main page. I’m using Clarity a lot less to check TIR.
- Size: I’m surprised that the smaller size made a difference in physical comfort levels. My G6 would cause pain if it were bumped, it ripped off more often, and I noticed it more than the G7.
- Warm-Up: I barely notice the warm-up period with the G7. When I wore the G6, I would try to schedule my insertions to avoid dealing with post-insertion sensor issues at inconvenient times.
- Dexcom Support: The Dexcom support team has been overwhelmed with reports since the G7 release, but they’re doing a great job following up on the reports and sending replacement sensors.
Cons:
- Inserter: I like the new inserter, but it may cause issues for younger kids trying to be more independent with sensor changes or people with dexterity challenges. I also found that the sensor readings are more accurate when you apply more pressure during insertion.
- Innacuary: My sensor readings have been very inaccurate for the first two days. I’ve had BGs in the 300s reading in the 40s and BGs in the 40s reading in the 300s. The latter is not fun when my pump is in automated insulin delivery mode. Last week, I was treating for a BG of 40, and my pump delivered a 1.5-unit correction bolus for the 300 G7 reading.
- Wire Issue: I’ve had two sensors with no wire. After insertion, they read as a sensor error and prompt the user to replace the sensor. After removing the sensors, there were no wires. I’m assuming I just received a faulty batch of sensors.
- Signal: My t:slim and sensor need to be on the same side of my body to avoid connection loss. This isn’t a huge issue for me, but it has taken some time to adjust since the G6 had a more extended range.
- Sites: The G6 gave me more site options since the G7 is the most accurate on my arms. This is a challenge because I like to rotate my sites to avoid too much scar tissue in one area. So far, I’ve been using my arms, and alternating arms is not enough for me.
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This is so helpful. I made the switch to G7 (from G6) this week. I kept putting it off because of all the “concerns” and important points raised above. So far I can summarize (with less than 1 week experience using G7):
- Accuracy is off in the first 24 hours (did many fingstick measurements and similar to discussion above, CGM generally read 50-100 points lower than fingerstick BG)
- I always need overlay tape because of jiu jitsu, but even with SkinGrip overlay patches, the patches started fraying and it’s not even 1 week in (never had issues with SkinGrip with G6, they are awesome…but very little surface area may be causing issues)
- Concerns with random drops or spikes in sensor reading, either causing pump suspension or automated insulin delivery (ughhhh so frustrating) leading to lows
- Accuracy has improved after and 1-2 days so I’ll keep learning from you all and the diabetes community but definitely love the short warm up and the small size like others mentioned
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I tried the G7 and it was ok but found the G6 better for me for one reason.
On insertion, the G7 requires pressing down which risks hitting muscle, causing pain and inflammation. For the G6 you can apply the adhesive, pull the applicator away from the body, mimicking a skin lift, and insert it with minimum pain and inflammation.
Plus the G6 sticks better for me.
Horses for courses I guess
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Great point! I also know that Dexcom has made some changes with their adhesives, specifically with G7 recently, so many of the people using G7 have mentioned recent batches have better adhesion Hopefully they keep improving!
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These seem awesome! I also have issues with the sensor staying on the full ten days. Definitely more challenging with the small footprint.
The G6 continues to work well for me so I’m just waiting until I HAVE to switch to G7. Anyone else in the same boat?
I appreciate all the comments on the +/- of the G7!
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So I used the Dexcom G6 for almost 3 years and i liked some parts and disliked others.
G7 thoughts for me
PRO
- Adhesive - was really strong
A) note… I use skin -tac ALWAYS - Accuracy was generally somewhere in the 90% range…BUT I was inacurate right after inserting and for the NEXT 12 hours
A) I was advised by my Endo to insert the device ASAP when I get the 12 hour warning to let it acclimate to my body and wait as long as possible before switching over…moderately better results on Day 1, results are now within 30-40 points of a blood calibration. Previouly they were off 50-100 points. TLDR: insert sensor into other arm the moment you get the 12 hour warning then wait as long as possible to activate - Sensor range is decent…see the caveat below
A) Wear your pump on the same side of the body as the sensor…NOT doing so will reslt is major sensor out of range,since I have being doing this since sensor #2 I only go out of range when I am away from it in the shower. - clarity App is quite good, Dexcom app is easy to read
Cons:
- the Dexcom App WILL NOT update fast enough for you to update your phone which is 100% unacceptable. My phone security is PARAMOUNT…try to get up to speed just a wee bit faster ( iOS 18 was fairly good but others previously were terrible.
- Dexcom app will NOT accept calibrations
- the Sensor STILL isnt as accurate as I would like–yes it is the 90% range but wondering if I am 50 mg/dl or 100 mg/dl in day one is NOT GOOD
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That was a really helpful summary, thank you.
Like @KoreyH we’re happy with the performance of the G6 & probably won’t make the move to G7 until we have to.
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I agree!! But I recently tried the smaller version of the Not Just A Patch for the G7, and they’ve been a game changer! They’re specifically designed for the smaller sensors, and I’ve found them to work really well. Definitely worth trying if you haven’t already!
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Thanks Lauren F I will try to look for them the next time I need more patches. The current stock of patches was just redored
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Same! Not just a patch is really effective and stays on well with my G7. Definitely a great option for G7 users!
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Happy to hear that Not Just a Patch is working for all of you! We can make sure to add it to the list of our other overlay tapes on DiabetesWise! If you’re curious, here are some others that we know have worked for some people with diabetes:
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I have used both the G6 and the G7. The design of the G7 is more sleek and does away with the need for an additional transmitter. I have an Iphone and currently Insulet’s Omnipod device. When Omnipod (finally) came out with an IOS app, it was only compatible with the G6. For that reason, I went back to using the G6.
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I have only used the G7, so I can’t give any comparisons - but I am getting some good tips from reading this topic.
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I like the G7 more than the G6, but because the Omnipod app for the Iphone only works with the G6 through 25, I won’t be changing. Ultimately, I am excited to use the Twiist with the Eversense 365 CGM hopefully within the next few months.
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