How Long is a Dexcom CGM For​: Is it worth enough

Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) have revolutionized diabetes management, offering a reliable, real-time glucose monitoring system for patients. From earlier models like the G4 and G5, which offered 7-day sensor life spans, to the Dexcom G6 with a 10-day life span, Dexcom has consistently improved user experience. The latest Dexcom G7 goes a step further with a 10-day lifespan and an additional 12-hour grace period, ensuring uninterrupted monitoring even when transitioning to a new sensor.

What are CGMs?

Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) are advanced devices designed to measure glucose levels continuously throughout the day and night. They comprise a sensor inserted beneath the skin, a transmitter, and a display system such as a smartphone app or receiver. Unlike traditional glucose monitoring methods, CGMs eliminate the need for frequent finger pricks.

How is CGM accuracy calculated?

CGM accuracy is determined using the Mean Absolute Relative Difference (MARD). MARD compares the CGM’s glucose readings to lab-calibrated glucose values. A lower MARD score indicates greater accuracy. According to research published on PubMed, Dexcom CGMs, including the G6 and G7, achieve low MARD values (around 9% or lower), making them among the most accurate CGMs on the market. Improved accuracy ensures that users can trust the data for making critical decisions regarding insulin dosage and meal planning.

Lifespan of a Dexcom G7

The Dexcom G7 offers a sensor lifespan of 10 days, complemented by an additional 12-hour grace period after expiration. This feature gives users flexibility when scheduling sensor replacements, reducing potential disruptions in glucose monitoring. Moreover, the G7 sensor boasts a smaller, sleeker design, which enhances comfort and simplifies application compared to its predecessors.

Why Choose Dexcom?

Water Resistance: Dexcom G7 sensors are water-resistant for up to 24 hours at depths of up to 8 feet, making them suitable for activities like swimming, showering, and other daily routines.

Seamless Integration with Insulin Pumps: Dexcom CGMs are highly compatible with advanced Automatic Insulin Delivery (AID) systems. For instance, the Dexcom G7 CGM (suitable for type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes) integrates smoothly with the ILet Bionic Pancreas insulin pump, an insulin pump designed for people with type 1 diabetes.

Designed for All Ages: Dexcom CGMs are approved for use in children as young as 2 years old. This accessibility makes them a preferred choice for families managing Type 1 diabetes, ensuring reliable glucose monitoring for even the youngest patients.

MARD and Dexcom’s Precision

The Mean Absolute Relative Difference (MARD) plays a crucial role in evaluating CGM performance. As detailed in studies like those published on PubMed, Dexcom CGMs consistently achieve a MARD score of less than 9%. This means the readings are highly accurate when compared to laboratory standards, reducing the risk of mismanagement and allowing patients to make confident decisions about insulin dosing, meal timing, and physical activity. MARD serves as a gold standard metric for determining CGM reliability and accuracy.

Who Should Choose Dexcom CGM Sensors?

Dexcom CGMs are ideal for:

• Individuals with diabetes who need real-time glucose tracking.
• Patients looking for systems compatible with advanced insulin delivery technologies such as Omnipod 5.
• Active individuals who benefit from water-resistant sensors for their dynamic lifestyles.
• Families with young children managing diabetes, as the system is approved for users aged 2 and above.

Conclusion:

It’s not only about how long is a Dexcom CGM for, instead it’s about how much value a Dexcom CGM has for you. Dexcom is known for its innovative technology and its CGM sensors are discreet, accurate, water-resistant, and compatible with most of the latest automatic insulin delivery systems. The latest Dexcom CGM sensors may last from 10 days to 10 days and 12 hours.

References:

https://www.dexcom.com/
https://www.tandemdiabetes.com/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7189145/