Newsflash: Dexcom G7
The new Dexcom G7 continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system is finally here in Australia. Even better, the G7 will be subsidised by the NDSS on 1 March 2025 if you live with type 1 diabetes and aged two years and older.
Let’s have a look now at a few features of G7 that you can benefit from. The Dexcom G7 app is available on Apple and Android platform.
Why use CGM?
CGM is now recommended for all people living with type 1 diabetes, even if you are newly diagnosed.
Using a CGM means you do not need to do fingerpricks to know your blood glucose levels accurately. There is strong evidence that using CGM can help reduce your HbA1c. CGM helps to increase your time-in-range (TIR). It also decreases your time-below-range (TBR) or time-above-range (TAR).
Knowing your glucose levels using CGM in real time can help you make decisions around managing food, exercise or corrections. The lag time between blood and sensor glucose is now 3.5 minutes, improved from 11 minutes. Note that the lag time can be longer if your glucose levels are changing quickly. For example, this may occur during or soon after physical activity.
Alerts and alarms: biggest winners
What is most appealing is the way you can now customise and manage your alerts and alarms. Alarm fatigue is a common and real factor that technology imposes on people living with diabetes. Newer types of alerts like “urgent low soon alert” can prevent or improve how you manage hypos.
Other alert options include “urgent low alert”, “low alert”, “falling/rising fast alert” and “delayed first alert”.
Please contact your diabetes team to customise your alerts and alarms for best outcomes.
Closing the loop
If you use the Dexcom G7, you can connect it to a t:slim X2 insulin pump for a hybrid closed loop option.
Other improved features
Compared to the Dexcom G6 which you can wear on the abdomen and upper buttocks, you can now wear the G7 on the back of your arm. It is also 60% smaller in size than the G6. The Dexcom G7 now has a 30 minute warm up period and a 12-hour grace period, this allows you to insert the G7 at more convenient times. The G7 is also more waterproof than the G6.
New to CGM, G7 or tech in general?
If you have never used a sensor, G7 claims that you can insert the sensor yourself in 12 min using their video instructions. Having an educator walk you through can reduce this time to 7min. If you are new to G7 or Dexcom, you can purchase a single G7 sensor to trial here.
Any comments or questions?
Please leave any comments (up to 25 words) that you are happy for us to publish. You can also email technology@diabetesvic.org.au with any questions related to tech.
Ivan Chan
Dietitian
Ivan has a strong interest in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, with a growing focus on diabetes technology. He enjoys learning about its role in supporting people living with the condition. Ivan is passionate about working with those affected by diabetes, including individuals, families, and healthcare professionals.
Beyond his professional interests, Ivan is a true food enthusiast. Those who know him well are aware of his particular fondness for foods and drinks that start with the letter ‘C’. In particular, coffee, cashews, and, of course, chocolate!
