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Dexcom G7: How It Works, Features, and the Latest Updates

5 Minute Read

Key takeaways:

  • The G7 is Dexcom's latest continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system, which combines a sensor and transmitter into one small device. 
  • The Dexcom G7 is available in 10-day and 15-day wear options.
  • The G7 integrates with many insulin pumps and automated insulin delivery (AID) systems.

What is the Dexcom G7?

The Dexcom G7 is a continuous glucose monitoring system approved for people with type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes, ages 2 and older. The G7 15 Day is approved for those 18 and older.  

CGM readings can be viewed in the G7 smartphone app (iOS or Android) or directly on an Apple Watch without a nearby phone. The app shows current glucose levels, trend arrows, and up to 24 hours of glucose history. More detailed reports and data sharing with healthcare providers are available through the Dexcom Clarity app and website.

Key features:

  • One disposable device: The sensor and transmitter are combined in the G7, where the G6 used a separate transmitter and sensor. The G7 is approximately 60% smaller than the previous generation G6. 
  • Shorter warm-up time: 20 minutes compared to two hours with the G6.
  • Grace period: 12-hours after sensor expires on day 10 or 15.
  • More accurate glucose readings: The accuracy of a CGM system can be measured using MARD (mean absolute relative difference), which shows the average amount a CGM sensor varies from your actual glucose levels (a lower number is better). The G7 has a MARD of 8.2%, where the G6 had a MARD value of 9%.  The 15-day G7 has a MARD value of 8.0%, about the same as the Abbott FreeStyle Libre 3.
  • Placement: The CGM sensor can be applied with one hand on the abdomen, back of the upper arm, or, for children ages 2-17, on the upper buttocks.  
  • Flexible alert settings: A predictive low alert helps notify users of an urgent low 20 minutes before it's expected to occur, allowing time to prevent it. Users have the ability to customize alerts based on glucose reading thresholds and temporarily silence alarms. While caution needs to be used to avoid missing urgent alerts, these features can help personalize alerts and reduce alarm fatigue.
  • Glucose data in app for iOS and Android: While users will still need the Clarity app to see a detailed analysis of their glucose data, key metrics like real-time glucose readings and time in range data can be seen on the main screen in the G7 app.
  • Water resistance: The G7 sensor is waterproof to a depth of 8 feet.
  • Direct to Watch: The sensor can pair directly to an Apple Watch for glucose readings without a nearby smartphone.

The G7 also maintains some of the key features from the G6, including:

  • No fingerstick calibrations needed (though manual calibrations can help if a sensor is showing inaccurate readings after insertion).
  • Connects with iOS and Android smartphones and many automated insulin delivery (AID) systems. As with the G6, glucose data from the G7 can be used to make treatment decisions and adjust insulin dosing. 

How much does the G7 cost?

According to Dexcom, approximately one-third of people with private insurance will pay $0 out of pocket for G7, and a majority pay less than $40 per month. 

For those paying cash, a 30-day supply of Dexcom G7 sensors can be found online for just under $200 using sites like GoodRx or Amazon, and between $330 and $420 without. Dexcom also has a discount page for the G7 with offers for those who pay cash or with high-deductible insurance plans.

Coming features for the Dexcom G7

The G7 integrates with AID systems including the Omnipod 5, Tandem t:slim X2 and Mobi, iLet Bionic Pancreas, and open-source systems including Loop, AAPS, and Trio.

The 15-day G7 is compatible with the iLet Bionic Pancreas and the Omnipod 5. Compatibility with the Tandem AID systems are expected in the future.

Learn more about the G7, CGM, and AID use: