Dexcom G6 | My Honest Review after 7 Months
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- Опубліковано 8 лип 2024
- I review Dexcom G6, discuss key advantages and disadvantages, and share my honest experience using this CGM system for the last 7 months to control my blood sugar levels.
0:00 Dexcom G6 review
0:36 Dexcom G6 continuous glucose monitor introduction
1:46 Dexcom G6 size and design
3:17 Getting started and applying your first Dexcom sensor
4:21 Dexcom G6 wear time and site change
5:07 Dexcom G6 alarms and alerts
6:43 Dexcom G6 accuracy
8:25 Dexcom G6 calibration
9:37 Apps used with Dexcom G6
10:35 How to follow your loved ones
10:59 Dexcom G6 integration with other devices (phone, watch, insulin pump)
12:49 Dexcom G6 costs
13:40 My thoughts and conclusions
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Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and my videos are not medical advice. What works for me might not work for others. Please consult your medical professional regarding your diabetes treatment. Note that the content of this video was not discussed with or approved by Dexcom. I just use and love their products and share my personal experience.
Disclosure: Links in the video description might include affiliate links (I will receive a small provision if you use these links for your purchase). I am not affiliated with Dexcom, the manufacturer of the Dexcom G6 CGM system.
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I realize these detailed review videos are very long. The reason is that I try to include as much information as possible to allow all of you fellow diabetics to have all the information you need to be able to decide if Dexcom G6 is a good fit for you. It takes a lot of time and energy to analyse every bit of the system but I love doing that. And I always want to improve so I would love to hear your feedback to see whether there is anything I can do better in my future review videos. Please let me know!
Love you all! I appreciate your support!
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The video is longer but you are very succinct and to the point… no rambling, no BS, lots of relevant info = Not boring! Keep on keeping on ;@)
I really appreciate the way you explain everything carefully and with details! I totally want to try a CGM now... Thanks for your great work!
This is a great explanation. I love my Dexcom and wouldn't get rid of it for the world.
Thank you! I am glad to hear that!
Excellent, honest review. Thank you.
Thanks for watching!
Tom you are my hero!!!
Your journey on the tough diabetes path and the way you tell it motivates me, I am a diabetic for 32 years
Your videos are game changer for me 😃
Thank you so so much for your kind words my friend! I am blushing! 34 years here and counting! Take care!
Excellent video Tom.
Some feedback:
I have had fantastic results from Dexcom G6.
I don't have those lows on first day insertion of a sensor. I also don't have compression lows when lying on the sensor while sleeping. I always place it on my lateral abdomen, and have never placed it on my arm.
Over three years, I have had my average Glycohemoglobin HbAiC go from an average of 6.5 to 6.7 down to an average of 6.2. My last one was 5.8 in USA numbers %. I've commented on this before. After 30 years of T1D, I have zero retinopathy. I used intermittent doses with regular syringes. Never felt the need for a pump.
I don't have any problems with the adhesive. I use a product called Skin Tac Liquid Adhesive, which I paint on the adhesive of the G6 sensor tape adhesive and then let dry for 5 minutes, then attach the sensor, rather than as instructed to paint it on the skin. It works fantastic. I've never had a failure to adhere and I've never had a skin rash from it. Another product to remove the adhesive after removing a sensor
I use and Android phone and the G6 receiver. I have a Samsung Galaxy 3 watch but can't get readings on it. So far I have failed to get an app called "G-Watch" to work on my electronic watch. Still, I get by.
And my insurance is covering it fantastically well. My last order for transmitters (two months) and transmitters (six months) was upwards of $6000. I think it was 100% covered by insurance. My insulin is well covered with a very low deductible and my syringes are no co-pay, free.
Thank you for your education. Great job!
Thank you so much for your detailed feedback! Very helpful! Wishing you all the best!
Thank you for this information. I did feel like you were talking faster than usual.
Had to switch to FSL from Dexcom 6 due to insurance and I can’t say I dislike it. I wore both for awhile. Numbers were not far off. Was looking into a Miao Miao but from what I understand FSL3 should launch soon. I will wait.
Tom: Excellent review and info as always my friend! I have to tell you about the incredibly high prices some insurance companies are charging for the Dexcom G6 here in my country the USA. I currently am using the FSL 14 day sensor due to it having an Android app reader..which my FSL 2 didn't have. So through my insurance I pay $75.00 USD for a 3 month supply of FSL 14 day sensors..minus tax. If I wanted a 3 month supply of the Dexcom G6 without the reader (which costs $247.00) and just used the free phone app..I would have to pay $247.00 for the sensors and $176.00 for the transmitter. That's almost $250.00 more than the FSL every 3 months! Outrageous! And my FSL reader and first sensor were free with a prescription. So as much as I want to try the Dexcom G6..I can't justify paying that much more for it..even if I really want a CGM that I can restart to extend it's life for "emergency" purposes. Thanks again my friend for all your hard work and take care! 😉
Sir your product explaine was very well.
Thanks a lot for your kind words my friend!
Your video is a Game Changer 🤣 keep up Tom 🌸
Thank you my friend!!
I need to get this. I was diagnosed with diabetes last year
Just switched to FSL from Dexcom. Price horrendous for Dexcom, plus it never lasts 10 days...plus I was full of scar tissue and insertion did start to really hurt, plus bleeding.
Great videos!!
I have an iphone 12 and the clarity app works fine on it. Are you using an older app? As far as the adhesive, I have used an iv prep pad I got off of amazon before attaching the sensor, and I have had zero issues with the sensor pulling up. The prep pad is like a cleaner/primer/glue all in one.
Thank you for your insights on this. I have a problem with the transmitter. I DON'T HAVE ONE!!! None are in the 3 boxes the product came in. I really feel foolish asking for guidance on something so easy. I'll keep watching for your response.
They typically sell this separately in a separate packaging. It never comes in the package with the sensors. Hope this helps!
I find that whenever I put in a new G6 sensor it reads, after the warm-up, between 25% and 50% higher than it should. So, I always calibrate it on start (and yes, I use the code method of activation). In the past I would find that a calibration which brought down the reading by more than 15% or so would cause the unit to tell me I must recalibrate in 15 minutes. This would happen over and over before it accepted a calibration. But recently I have found that I can force a new sensor which is off by as much as 50% to read the correct level in a single recalibration and it does not tell me to recalibrate in 15 minutes. Every morning I compare the Dexcom reading to a finger prick reading. Sometimes it is unacceptably far off (but not as far off as the first reading after the warm-up) and I then re-calibrate. Doing this, I find I have consistently accurate readings during the day. I find the morning reading to require a recalibration about 25% of the time.
I switched over from the Libre to the G6 Last week. So far I like what I am seeing. I was wondering if there is a way to get out of those first day inaccuracies like the Libre by applying the sensor the day before you activate it. In the states the only approved location is the abdomen. Truthfully I have been happy so far with this location. It seems to be well protected there. Are ther any third party apps that yo would recomend for giving a clear picture of all the data or do you think "Clarity" is as good as it gets? Thanks!
Hey Tom, just a little thing I’m glad I learnt how to do and that is removing the transmitter without breaking the sensor. I only had to do this while the sensor was still in my arm once but it saved me wasting a sensor. It’s easy to do off the arm by shoving a credit card down each side of the wider end of the sensor, it just clicks out but on the arm I had to use something sharper (not going to mention what I used but I’m sure you get what I’m saying?! I had help btw ;@) )
Thank you for sharing! I do that too in emergency situations. It’s been a game changer to learn about this;)
Thanks for your channel. I am also a dexcom user since today. lets see how it works and if it change my diabetes life- One thing that could be maybe interesting for you. I am using dexcom g6 directly with a smart watch without reader and smartphone. that is crazy but it works. I am chaos person and I have never my phone with me. So the smartwatch connect directly to Dexcom G6 sensor and it is for me a perfect way to control my sugar level. I know it is crazy but a dexcom smartwatch exist already and I am really confused that no one is talking about. I am going to do a video in few days about how it works. where I will explain the whole process. thanks again for you videos
I'm in US using dexcom g6 with tandem and my new sensor warm up is 3 hours. Just curious b/c you said 2hrs?
Btw got my transmitter working OT, thanks to your other video. (UPS delay in shipment)
Ive being using it for 5 days now and find it off by a whole number at times. Mostly when im exercising or my glucose level is rising or falling rapidly. Thank goodness for the calibration capability
@7:50 If I get an unwarranted low I always calibrate so it doesn’t skew my readings on DG6. It may take a couple of calibrations but it seems to work for me.
Great! Thank you for sharing!
So far in 2 months I’m ok with it. It has woke me up in the night and warned me of impending lows . 50 has been my lowest. I have gastroperesis too with the diabetes
. I have not been able to consume hardly any solid foods.
GP is hard. :/ I'm so sorry. I did read of one story of someone recovering from GP with DNRS but can't verify the accuracy. Thought I'd share just in case. It has definitely helped my mast cell disorder
I’ve been using the g6 since March and I’ve gotten my glucose under control with a plant based diet and I came off all of my meds in May.. March my a1c was 12.4 in June it was 6.6.. I always use it on my abdomen and I noticed sometimes it give me low readings … it’s beeping now at 54 but I did a finger prick and it’s 94.. which one should I trust the Dexcom or glucometer.. either way I’m happy with these results because it’s usually in the 300s or higher but the same day I got the Dexcom is the same day I went vegan and in three days it’s been 140 or less every since I changed my diet.. i changed my sensor at 10am today and it was at 110 and two hours later the new sensor was 83… and something it’s the opposite
I tend to run between 80 and 120 mg /dL when I'm inactive for long periods of time, like when sleeping. My limited experience is that 12 hours after insertion, when my blood glucose is been stable for an hour or more there is enough difference at the low end of the nominally safe target range to trigger false urgent low alarms. A 28% error is the difference between the low limit of the safe range and critically low.
Where can I get the “overpatch” used to keep the sensor tape from peeling off? Thanks!
Hello, nice video, thanks for sharing. I am a new user of G6 (for only 5 days) and I cant find how to set the low glucose alarm to rings continuously. In the main setup It only rings once which is for nothing in a sleeping time for example because it dont have to wake me up. Is there any possibility how to set the alarm to ring till it is physicaly turned off on the cell phone? Thank you for your reply.
Hey, thanks allot for this great video. Currently I am also testing the G6 system and thinking about switching over from Libre 2. Sadly I also experienced the insanely bad blood sugar readings at the first day. Currently I am placing my new Libre 2 a day before the old one expires. Have you tested if it is possible to do so with the G6. I think this probably will improve the readings from the G6 at day one.
Thanks in advance and have a great week.
No. I have not tested this with the G6 yet. I am hesitant to leave the sensor connections uncovered...
@@TypeOneTalks Hey, yesterday I tested if it works to place the sensor one day earlier. I also was concerned about the uncovered contacts but the new sensor works. Unfortunately the sensor is as inaccurate as the first one so placing it one day earlier doesn't work for me. I had a difference of more than 1,5 mmol/l - but I calibrated it right away and now it works fine. Actually this sensor is so great, especially the smartwatch compatibility when you're doing sport. But this over 2 hour warming phase and the initial inaccuracy puts me of a little bit. Have a great week.
Excellent overview! A couple of tips I found is that if you want the sensor to stick long enough to support a restart to get more life out of sensor you HAVE to use the overpatches and you can request package of them (10 in a package) for free from Dexcom at least in the US. To bad Dexcom doesn't include an overpatch with every sensor as they obvious cost pennies but they probably don't because it discourages restarts. I almost always have to calibrate the sensor after a restart as the initial reading is so far off but found out to wait for at least another 4 hours before calibrating again as over-calibrating can confuse it. I also only calibrate when the reading is stable. I agree about the convenience of using an iWatch but it's almost inexcusable that you need a iPhone to make it work. Hopefully this is finally solved in the G7 but I hear it might not be available at release, which again is inexcusable as they've had a lot of time to work on what seems like a simple thing to do! Until then I have been using their separate receiver as I like having the small size and dedicated functionality but is annoying to use with the short battery life, unresponsive touch display, and need to press the 1-2-ok confirmation to do anything. Sadly it was a huge step backwards from the G4 receiver.
Skin Tac also helps sensors and infusion sets adhere to the skin. I use a pad for each sensor and for each infusion set. For the sensor, I apply Skin Tac to the outer portion of the sensor patch, making sure not to cover the filament area, then insert the sensor and apply a Dexcom overpatch. This helps prevent the sensor from peeling away during hot, humid weather. Most insurance companies cover Skin Tac if doctor writes a prescription.
I like that ideal because even though the overpatch helps keeping edge from coming up I still have issues with water seeping into the sensor patch from going in my hottub and loosening the adhesion. I bet skintac would help that issue, thanks!
@@mhfnet I use skintac and the overpatch and I get water behind the adhesive everytime I shower. Plus the new adhesive makes me really itchy and I use an allergy spray before applying. I also have to us a hairdryer on the adhesive after I get out of the shower to dry the water. My province of Ontario Canada is offering free Freestyle 2 sensors for all type 1 diabetics. It's a no brainer so I will be switching as soon as I run out of Dexcom 6 sensors. I tried contacting Dexcom about their new adhesive and the itchiness I experience, but they didn't seem interested.
Do you have a link to the free overpatches, I looked at their website & did not find anything.
Is it better to put the sensor on your stomach versus your arm? Is it still accurate on your stomach?
dude, honestly my head hurts. I also tried subtitles, it's worse.
Lots of information obtained quickly in a short time.
You talk fast, you give us a lot of useful information, but I can't think of it. Like an arrow.
Greetings
I just got the dexcom and put it in today but since it's been in my arms been non stop hurting and just very uncomfortable
Do you also use tandem app?
I have never had issues with dexcon adhesive
@2:45 I get the odd compression low even though I wear it right underneath my tricep but it would happen all the time if I wore it on the outside of my upper arm like yourself if I hadn’t already knocked it off on a doorframe as I walk through being the clutzy person I am!
I've been using the Libre 2 CGM system for about 6 months and although other users of this system encounter the startup inaccuracy problems you apparently have encountered with the Dexcom G6 I never have. After the 1-hr activation period completes my bG readings with the Libre 2 correlate very well with finger stick readings from my Bayer Contour Next meter. In fact after more than 40 years of 10 or more finger sticks per day I doubt I now do more than 4-5 a month. I can't help but wonder why these problems with initial inaccuracy apparently vary from person to person???
Good question. But comparing the Libre2 and the Dexcom G6 is not fair, as the Libre2 is not a CGM. This is a FGM (flash GM) and the experience is waaaay different.
I use the FSL2 with the Bubble, which transform the FSL2 from FGM to CGM, and I can guarantee that having my glucose level on my watch and my phone automatically is really a... "game changer" like Tom would says ;)
The inaccuracies I conclude to faulty sensors or the needle/siphon not entering the bloodstream properly is my guess; I noticed this when I was replacing a Dexcom G6 sensor with a new one; below 50 readings all the way, took it off, put on a new one, readings were better. Worth noting I got a nasty bruising after removing it, although removing the first one and future ones yielded no bruises take that for what you will.
I wish it becomes available in India!
@13:45 I self fund a subscription of £159 per month in the U.K. I would not be able to keep myself in range as much as I do without DG6. I can micromanage my BG without actually micromanaging it. It also allowed me to tailor my long acting insulin dosing so it keeps me on the low side without having to treat constant minor hypo’s. My surgery nurse told me to start at 4 units titrating up by 1 unit every 4 days. I didn’t agree with that and found the Sanofi website advising on units vs my weight ie 12 units. I started at 12 units titrating up to 17 over 3 days and found 17 too much so I weaned 0.5 unit each day until I reached a happy medium of 14 units. I would not have been able to do this without DG6. Oh and yes I stopped listening to the surgery nurse when last year she wanted me taken off of the monitoring register (she called me back next day to tell me the GP specialist in charge of diabetics said no :@) Happy Friday Tom and to all of you out there x
That is not cheap! Thank you for sharing your experience. Always helpful to hear such stories! Wishing you a great day.
@@TypeOneTalks Ha ha I rambled there because I’m on 2wks annual leave so I got really drunk that night! In fact you’ve had a few drunk replies from me recently! Soz… ;@)
I think the arrows on the G6 are not as good as on the Libre as I can have a ⏬ even if you can see that the Glucose levels have stabilized.
This is not that much of a problem if you use pens, but with a pump that uses the level+arrows it can lead to the wrong bolus (too much if high and the store is going up and the other way around if going down). As I just noticed.
One nice way to skip over the incorrect readings of the first day is to put on a new sensor the day before the older sensor is to expire. Then when the old sensor does expire, transfer the transmitter to the new sensor and start it up. The new sensor is then accurate right off the bat.
Hey. Cool, so this works fine for the G6? Right now I am doing the same with my Libre 2. But I wasn't sure if it is a problem when the contacts of the G6 sensor are not covered by the transmitter for one day. 🤔
@@paulgraham3176 I don't understand that as the sensor is totally inaccurate if I don't start the sensor a day after I insert it. Those wildly inaccurate 1st-day readings would surely throw off the algorithm?
@@hanswurst6189 From this, and another, video from the host I think you would have to attach the Dexcom sensor a few hour early whereas the Freestyle needs to be the day before at it has accuracy issues for 24 hours after fitting while the Dexcom is much shorter.
Tried both and I honestly like freestyle Libre way better.
Thank you for sharing!
How often, and when do you calibrate a new sensor?
I am making a separate video on the topic. Please stay tuned!
Just about 30 days with this Dexcom G6. I do not like having to carry the receiver around the house upstairs or in the garage it’s become a nuisance. Second, I have two (2) blood glucose monitors one is Free Style the other GE ( General Electric ) GE 100 both provide a similar blood glucose reading yet the Dexcom G6 show a higher number . I calibrated the Dexcom early in the morning before breakfast twenty four (24) hours after activation, on two separate occasions yet it still reads over what I see in my blood glucose monitor. Then it’s the problem with this stubby transmitter when laying down . I did notice Dexcom sent me a message requesting my review, something this expensive involving the state of health of its user requires at least six (6) months before rendering an honest review, therefore I with held until such a time.
Tom, can you put just the sensor part in a day early and then add the transmitter when you are ready to use it?
I tried that but the Dexcom sussed what I’d done and failed instantly. It can detect the slight trauma at insertion. Dexcom replaced the sensor though.
I believe theoretically you could. I haven't done it because the contacts of the sensor would be exposed and I'm not sure if this could potentially negatively impact functioning of the connection between sensor and transmitter later. However, I would be curious if someone else has experience with this...
If you put it in some time ahead of putting the transmitter on it you may improve accuracy the first few hours, but you will still have the 2 hour start up as the program does not know when the sensor was inserted.
Also, since the sensor itself can separate from the plastic frame I would not recommend doing so as it is not glued to the frame and can, and will, come loose if you don't attach the transmitter.
Tried inserting the Dexcom G6 a day earlier vs. Just inserting and starting immediately....RESULT....Better to Insert and start immediately...did this x2 and got accurate reading after start up (2 hrs) after 2 hours....pretty reasonable for my needs.
It seemed to take longer to get accurate reading when I inserted a day earlier.
Inserting a Libre 14 day a day earlier has merit though. ; ]
Thanks Tom and the rest of you, I can see I won't be inserting the Dexcom G6 early! I am currently using Freestyle Libre 2 and I apply the sensor 48 hours early. Still have to wait an hour for startup though!
I've been using this for two years and there only complaint I have; it goes off constantly after I enter the code then press okay twice it still goes off repeatedly after I did what I need to by either eating of taking shot both of which takes time to bring it to the level it needs to be sop it is the equivalent of harassments and is extremely annoying.
Libre 2/3 sensors go off middle of the night, that really raises my blood pressure. Terrible for a heart patient like me.
In USA United Medicare Medicaid Dual plan covers for the entire thing under part b.
PRO : rtCGM working with pump, less environemental impact, better acuary, better customer support etc ...
CONS: the cost and availability, and bulkier than FSL
@CLK RUN I should have said cost "or" avialability.
Because insurances do thinks the cost is higher than Freestsyle (with all faulty freestyle it's not really true) and thus they will not be prone to pay for a dexcom if they do think that Freestyle is enough
It does depend on country and others factors but in France it's actually a lot easier to get a Freestyle than a dexcom
@@BabyManchot same in Sweden. Both are covered to 100% by the tax funded diabetes care, but if you do at least 5-6 fingerprics per day you can get a Libre and of you need the alarms (especially on low) or run a pump that relies on the Dexcom data you can get the G6.
hello, good sir, what should we do, we have no money to buy a G7, we barely earn enough money to provide insulin for my 11 year old son, for the G7, it's just a matter of looking and greedy, it will be a great joy for my child to get G7 😩
Work more then. Stick to finger pricking.
My results are on my phone. I don’t see the point in having to have my phone on my person for an Apple Watch to receive the data. I also work in healthcare where I cannot wear anything on my wrist due to bare arm restrictions, no long sleeves, no watches, no bracelets etc.
Makes sense. I totally see your point!
As someone who has used the Dexcom G6 sensor and t:slim X2 insulin pump for almost two years now, I have to say that overall I am disappointed with the G6. It's inaccurate a lot, and I know that because I still test my blood sugar with a glucometer. Why? Because the G6 isn't always accuarte. Over-priced, and not reliable. Just my experience, and opinion. The video, although kinda long, is good.
So much better than libre 2 I’m only expressing my opinion but don’t buy this product. If you use an iPhone to read the device it is terribly flawed. It took them a year to update the app for the 2. Apple updates regularly and when they do it makes a very expensive sensor worthless!! Abbott says all they can do is sell you their piece of crap reader. Go get a dexcom instead as they care about customers. I just had to throw 2 sensors out and I’m pissed
I bought 3 month supply through Costco (bulk store in US) out of pocket and have had to get a replacement sensor for almost every libre 2 sensor. I have reactive hypoglycemia (non-diabetic) and my sensors blew out every 1-5 days. I'm not impressed with them either.
You talk about Milamol ??? or whatever . Can you talk about it with the other way.
keşke türkçe altyazısı olsa
Decom g6 is only a guide to your BGL and you still need to calibrate and it has sensor errors which shuts done your readings for 3 hours at a time so its not worth the money
I don’t think any cgm is really as good as they say from my experience
Can you do a finger stick and show the difference between the two? Dexcom and finger. My wife is type 2 and we never know which is more accurate!
Do VRK DIET INDIA, your shugar perminently gon
My results for the first 24 hours aren't very accurate. However, after that, they are very close to a finger stick. If she feels that she is low or high and the Dexcom isn't showing it, always go with the finger stick. The Dexcom reading can lag a little behind because it's not measuring with blood, only with interstitial fluid. In a quickly moving glucose scenario, go with blood for sure, but look at the Dexcom arrows because if she's dropping or rising fast, the Dexcom will let you know.
I’m type 2 as well. Used Dexcom for years. The g5 then the G6. There is a time lag between blood glucose (finger stick) and interstitial fluid glucose (Dexcom, freestyle libre etc). For that reason they will usually be a bit different. I have found equal accuracy between fingerstick and cgm systems. I now use freestyle libre 1 with a maiomaio 1 transmitter. How often does your wife test?
@@julilla1 thank you. Appreciate the feedback!
@@juicylouisey thank you
little expensive
.. It's a very dangerous unreliable mistake.