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After months of worldwide availability, the Dexcom G7 fixed glucose monitor obtained its FDA clearance to distribute within the US. Forward of the vast rollout, we bought to go hands-on with a demo mannequin to see the way it seems and matches.
Initially, Dexcom had hoped to launch the G7 a lot earlier right here stateside. However a large rewrite to the cellular app and sensor algorithms prompted elevated scrutiny from the FDA earlier than it might start gross sales.
It launched first overseas earlier than the FDA clearance got here in early December. The machine continues to be unavailable to order within the US however will begin hitting pharmacies in early 2023.
Now that the ultimate certification is in, we bought a demo mannequin that reveals off the ultimate kind issue, insertion course of, and the way it compares to the G6.
The Dexcom G7 is called a CGM, or fixed glucose monitor. It sends readings each 5 minutes from a tiny sensor below your pores and skin to your smartphone or a receiver through Bluetooth.
With the G7, Dexcom has continued to refine the product with a number of enhancements over the G6.
- Smaller design
- Sooner warmup interval
- New cellular app with Readability reporting in-built
- 12-hour grace interval for migrating to a brand new sensor
- New put on areas
- Much less plastic waste
- New insertion machine
- Higher, extra customizable alerts
The most important of the adjustments is the brand new design, which is 60 p.c smaller than its predecessor. It is an all-in-one design that mixes the previously-separate transmitter and sensor.
This requires a brand new insertion software that appears extra akin to the Freestyle Libre with a button on the aspect. The entire unit is disposable, now not requiring the transmitter to be reused.
It connects to the redesigned G7 app, which is but to launch within the US. The brand new app combines the Dexcom Readability app with the CGM app so you possibly can view your CGM information and experiences in a single location.
The brand new app has extra granular alerts too. These new alerts will be customized to your wants and will be extra discrete.
The Dexcom G7 solely requires a 30-minute warm-up, in comparison with two hours with the G6, and nonetheless requires no handbook fingerstick calibration.
Dexcom permits a 12-hour grace interval when the sensor expires, which is superb for fogeys with youngsters. They now not need to determine between sending them to high school with a sensor about to run out and ending the damage session early.
Lastly, the G7 is accredited to be worn in two new physique areas. The G6 was solely supposed to be worn on the stomach. The G7 will be worn on the arm for these older than two, and on the higher buttocks for teenagers ages two by means of 17.
Submit-launch, Dexcom has instructed YourNextApp that it plans to permit the G7 to attach on to Apple Watch with out requiring the iPhone as an middleman.
This can enable customers to go away their iPhone behind, probably for a exercise, and nonetheless obtain glucose readings on their Apple Watch.
Sensible use of the Dexcom G7
We have been utilizing the Dexcom G6 CGM for a while, making it a simple comparability to the brand new G7. The scale distinction is deceivingly minuscule when holding them side-by-side.
Because the Dexcom G6 should go in a clip, its measurement is noticeably bigger when worn. The G7 additionally has beveled edges, permitting clothes to move extra simply on high of it with out getting caught.
In our pattern photograph above, you possibly can see how far more slim the G7 is when simply positioned on the pores and skin. It should sit extra flush with the adhesive utilized.
The G7 has a soft-touch end that’s nearly rubber-like however is not as cheesy as rubber or silicone. The G6 has a tough, slippery exterior.
We like the brand new insertion software that’s even simpler to make use of than the G6 mannequin. The sensor is magnetically held in place and inserted with a button.
A cap is screwed onto the underside, making for fast disposal.
Coming in 2023
Our demo mannequin is non-functioning, which means we nonetheless want to check the accuracy or connectivity options.
The app and sensor will start transport in early 2023 and requires a prescription to order. Dexcom says it’s persevering with to work with insulin pump suppliers, comparable to Tandem, to help the brand new sensors as quick as potential.