Table of content
- Introduction
- Understanding Dexcom G7 continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system
- Importance of proper Dexcom G7 placement
- Factors to consider when selecting Dexcom G7 placement sites
- Recommendations for different lifestyles & activities
- Popular Dexcom G7 sensor placement sites
- Common placement challenges and solutions
- Tips for successful Dexcom G7 placement
- Where to buy Dexcom G7
- Conclusion
Introduction
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on selecting the right placement sites for your Dexcom G7 continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system. In this article, we will delve into the importance of proper placement, discuss various placement options, provide tips for successful placement, address common challenges, and explore how proper placement enhances your CGM experience.
By understanding the best practices for Dexcom G7 placement, you can optimize the accuracy and effectiveness of your CGM readings.
Understanding Dexcom G7 continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system
Before we delve into placement considerations, let’s briefly explore the Dexcom G7 CGM system. Dexcom G7 is a cutting-edge technology that enables individuals with diabetes to monitor their blood glucose levels continuously. It consists of a small sensor that is inserted under the skin and a transmitter that sends glucose readings to a receiver or smartphone app.
The Dexcom G7 provides real-time data, alerts for high and low blood sugar levels, and trend information, empowering users to make informed decisions about their diabetes management.
Importance of proper Dexcom G7 placement
Proper placement of the Dexcom G7 sensor is crucial for accurate and reliable glucose readings. The sensor measures glucose levels in the interstitial fluid, which surrounds the body’s cells. Placing the sensor in an appropriate site ensures that it can accurately detect changes in glucose levels. Incorrect placement may lead to inaccurate readings, which can impact diabetes self management decisions and compromise overall health.
Factors to consider when selecting Dexcom G7 placement sites
When selecting a placement site for your Dexcom G7 sensor, several factors should be taken into account. These factors include proximity to capillary-rich areas, comfort, ease of insertion, sensor stability, and interference with daily activities.
Moreover, Dexcom has explained some additional factors that must be taken into account while choosing the Dexcom G7 placement site.
Keep the sensor at least 3 inches (8 centimeters) away from any insulin pump infusion set or injection site. This helps prevent interference or disruption of insulin delivery.
Avoid placing the sensor near waistbands, scarring, tattoos, irritation, or bones. These areas may affect the sensor’s accuracy or cause discomfort.
Ensure that the sensor is unlikely to be bumped, pushed, or laid on while sleeping. This helps maintain a secure and stable placement throughout the night.
Refer to the Dexcom G7 product instructions for detailed information and guidance on Dexcom G7 sensor placement, and any other specific questions you may have.
Recommendations for different lifestyles & activities
When selecting Dexcom G7 placement sites, it is essential to consider your lifestyle and activities. For athletes or individuals engaged in intense physical activities, areas less prone to movement or friction, such as the abdomen or upper buttocks, may be more suitable.
Those who require a more discreet placement may opt for the upper buttocks, back of the upper arms, or calf. It is crucial to strike a balance between accuracy, comfort, and practicality based on your individual needs.
Popular Dexcom G7 sensor placement sites
Let’s explore some common placement sites and discuss their suitability for Dexcom G7 sensors.
Dexcom G7 abdomen placement
The abdomen is a popular Dexcom G7 placement site due to its proximity to capillary-rich areas. It is recommended to place the sensor around the belly button area, ensuring a minimum distance from scars, bony prominences, and the waistband of clothing. The abdomen offers good stability and easy access for sensor insertion and removal, making it a convenient site for many individuals.
G7 on upper buttocks
The upper buttocks, also known as the love handle area, can be a suitable site for Dexcom G7 placement. It provides good stability and comfort for sensor wear, especially for individuals who prefer a discreet placement option. When using the upper buttocks, it is important to avoid areas with excessive fat or muscular tissue to ensure proper sensor insertion.
Back of upper arms
The back of the upper arms is another viable option for Dexcom G7 sensor placement. This site offers excellent stability and easy access to sensor applications. However, it may be more challenging for self-insertion, as assistance may be required. It is important to select a location with sufficient fat and avoid areas with prominent muscles to enhance sensor accuracy.
Dexcom G7 placement on thighs
The thighs are commonly chosen as Dexcom G7 placement sites, particularly for active individuals. They offer good stability and accessibility, and many people find this site comfortable. When placing the sensor on the thigh, it is crucial to avoid areas that experience excessive friction or pressure from clothing or physical activities.
Common placement challenges and solutions
While Dexcom G7 placement is generally straightforward, certain challenges may arise. Here are some common challenges and their solutions:
Adhesion issues: If the sensor does not adhere well, try cleaning the area more thoroughly, using additional adhesive products like patches or tapes, or consult with your healthcare provider for alternative solutions.
Sensor discomfort: If you experience discomfort from the sensor, try adjusting the placement site slightly or consider trying alternative placement sites. If discomfort persists, consult with your healthcare provider for guidance.
Inaccurate readings: Inaccurate readings may occur if the sensor is not properly inserted or if there are issues with the placement site. Double-check the sensor insertion technique and ensure the site is suitable for accurate readings.
Tips for successful Dexcom G7 placement
To ensure successful Dexcom G7 sensor placement, consider the following tips:
Cleanse the placement site with an alcohol wipe and allow it to dry before the sensor application.
Rotate placement sites to prevent overuse of a particular area.
Avoid areas with significant scar tissue or bony prominences, as they can affect sensor accuracy.
Ensure the adhesive area is free from lotions, oils, or excessive hair, as these can compromise adhesion.
Apply firm pressure to the sensor upon insertion to promote proper adhesion and sensor-to-tissue contact.
Follow the recommended sensor insertion angle and technique provided by Dexcom for optimal performance.
Where to buy Dexcom G7
Purchasing Dexcom G7 from a reliable platform is important for the buyers. It is because they cannot take risk of purchasing medical equipment from a non-reliable company. Considering this fact, you can rely on CGM Monitors to buy Dexcom G7.
We provide you with original CGM devices with quick delivery as well as affordable price. Don’t wait place your order today and take advantage of our remarkable services.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Dexcom G7 placement sites is crucial for enhancing your CGM experience. By considering factors such as proximity to capillary-rich areas, comfort, stability, and daily activities, you can optimize the accuracy and reliability of your Dexcom G7 CGM system.
Remember to follow the tips for successful placement and address any challenges that may arise. With proper placement, you can confidently manage your diabetes and improve your overall well-being.
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I used a G6 for several years and I couldn’t wait to start using a G7!!! The wait was worth it!! I love it!!! It’s more accurate for one thing. Also more comfortable!
DexCom only recommends under the arm. Have you seen documentation to the contrary?
Back of the upper arm is ideal position but it’s important to put the sensor in different spots each time. If you always use the same spot, your skin might not heal well and could get marks or irritation.
I have real trouble with the back of arm placement of the G7. 1.its hard to place without help. 2. If you’re a side sleeper it is inaccurate & wakes me several times a night with false lows. I have nearly dislocated my arms trying to keep it free from pressure. 3. Instructions say back of arm, nothing about alternate sites. Last night I was awakened 6 times with false lows. I was about to go back to the G6,(than In desperation I went to the internet & discovered there are other sites, this gives me hope.
Everyone, please, read more about your G7. I use mine on my stomach. That is so much easier than my arm. I am a side sleeper so that placement does not work for me. For those of you using only your arm placement, please, please try your stomach area. I wish you all the best!
Your advice is appreciated, Karen. Thank you!
Being an older user, the papery skin in the back of the arms is a huge issue, and I’m sure I’m not the only one. Go for the abdomen or thigh, with all the other precautions, and you’ll be fine!
Your help is truly appreciated! Thank you, Andrea.
Has anyone used the G7 on the top part of their arm. My Libra 2 worked so well there. Since I’m a side sleeper plus it
keeps on getting hooked on my CPAP tubing. Help!!
Re: abdomen placement, I’ve used a G6 on my abdomen for years, and was not happy to see Dexcom listing the back of the arm, so I dug a little. Dexcom says arm placement is more accurate than abdomen, and that is true, but they don’t say how much. That’s important. Accuracy of CGM is measure by the Mean Absolute Relative Difference (MARD) which is the equivalent of a margin of error in polling. A MARD of 10 means that a reading of 100 could be as low as 90 or as high as 110. The lower the MARD the better. Testing on the G7 showed that placement on the arm had a MARD of 8.2, while placement on the abdomen has a MARD of 9,1. So the difference is about 1 point on your meter. . And it is essentially the same accuracy you got with a G6.
Hi Bill. We highly appreciate your feedback! Bundle of thanks.
I’m having a lot of difficulty with the G7 on the back of my arms – it keeps getting bumped on various things (door frames, sliding into car seat). I tried my thigh but the readings are very different compared to my glucose meter. I will try my abdomen. Thanks, Bill for the explanation. Where did you find this information?
Any suggestions on placement on the abdomen? I can’t wear the Dexcom 7 near my bellybutton. The waistband on my pants hit that location.
I have the same problems with the arm location.
Hi Nica! You may try placing the sensor a bit above the waist line so that your waistband won’t hit it. Plus, some users like thigh placement, so you may try that as well. Hope it helps!
This is based on people’s opinions and suggestions. Dexcom recommends placing it on the back of upper arm.
I was on a dexcom 6 for about a year or so and I went to a dexcom 7 The dexcom 7 does not work on the back of my arm I have torn two of them off within a 20 minute time and dexcom will only refund me three in a year I was wearing my dexcom 6 in a weird place over my breast in the fatty part and I loved it because nothing bothered it It didn’t get torn off it didn’t get bumped I’m a side sleeper and I moved from side to side I’ve had too many surgeries to put in a lot of places and the back of my arm is not a good one I can within 5 minutes to have that thing torn off by reaching for something or snaggy and on a door frame I have no idea what to do My stomach has a lot of scar tissue from doing insulin shots for almost 45 years I wish I could put it where I was putting the dexcom 6 cuz I was getting great readings but I guess I will try my abdomen but like I say there’s so much car tissue I hope I can get some better readings then I was for my arm and my thigh is not a good place to put it either
Sorry to hear about any inconvenience you may have experienced, Melinda. You are not alone to try CGM a bit above breast, there are other users as well who like this place for placing the sensor. Regarding the problem, you may get some help here; https://cgmmonitors.com/dexcom-g7-falling-off-problems/
Hope this helps!
DEXCOM will only issue 3 a year that they send as a form of “good faith” But if you have the serial number they will send how ever many you need…
I need to try alternative sites I a not a thin person so I have lots of padding I will try on my abdomen above my navel. My clothing waist bands always fall to my hips because of surgeries I have no real waist anymore.
Hello Louise. When trying abdomen, please make sure to insert the sensor with atleast 2 inches gap from your belly button and 3 inches difference from your insulin injection site or the insulin pump. We wish this works out for you.
I tried it recently on the back of my arm, where I previously had tried the Libre. It had lots of trouble staying connected. I had to turn off the alarms because of it. I discovered that for me, I had to keep my phone really close as in the pocket of my pants on the same side as the sensor. I could not even put my phone in the opposite pocket or it would lose connectivity. Not super helpful. I had to then keep checking the phone to see if it was still connected. Then I constantly had a reading on my phone every time I picked it up. I had to turn that off. Before 24 hours were up, I found that I had so much anxiety over checking on my numbers constantly, I had to remove it. I have never been so forcibly connected to my phone and I felt like I was sliding into some weird addiction level dependency on the device. If I can’t go 3 feet from my phone without it being a problem then I don’t need it. I’ll keep pricking my fingers 4-10 times a day. At least I choose that action.
Hello Wendy. We truly feel sorry to hear about any inconvenience you may have experienced. As per the surveys some of the G7 users have tried abdomen (2 inches away from belly button) and this resolved their issue of lost signals. However, we do understand that not everyone is comfortable with abdomen.
Moreover, you may find it useful to check out some useful tips here;
https://www.dexcom.com/faqs/why-am-i-getting-signal-loss
you canalso place it on your arms if you able to reach a certin spot on your arm. But don’t put it near your Belly button because It will irrate your skin
Dexcom G7 falls off my arms so I place it on my lateral lower back, a bit above my waist. I seem to get accurate readings after it has been in place 12 hours. Any reason not to use this location?
Hello Mike. Apparently, Dexcom recommends back of upper arm and abdomen (not for pregnant women) because these places have some padding and during testing the sensors worn on back of upper arm showed maximum accuracy.
Upper buttock is recommended for children 2 – 6 years of age. If you are seeing good results here, we don’t see any harm wearing it here.
However, for added safety tips you can always contact Dexcom customer support at 888-738-3646. They are available Monday-Friday between 6am and 5pm PST. For 24/7 support, you can also contact Dexcom Global Technical Support at 1-844-607-8398.