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Select Device Freestyle Lingo Freestyle Libre 3 Freestyle Libre 2 Freestyle Libre 14 Day Dexcom G7 Dexcom G6 Dexcom Stelo Guardian Connect Medtronic Simplera Eversense Meter Omnipod Omnipod Dash Medtronic 780G Medtronic 630G Tandem t:slim X2 Bigfoot Unity Medtronic InPen Tempo Pen NovoPen 6/NovoPen Echo Insulin Pen Afrezza CeQur Simplicity Patch V-Go Patch Omnipod GO Patch Syringe and Vial Beta Bionics iLet Pancreas Control IQ with Dexcom Control IQ with Freestyle Libre Medtronic 780G with Smart Guard Omnipod 5 Tandem Mobi Tidepool Loop twiist DIY Loop Apple Series 6/7/8/9/10/SE (2nd Generation) Garmin vívosmart 5™ Garmin Venu Sq 2 Garmin Venu 3 Garmin vivoactive 5 Garmin Fenix 8 Garmin vivofit jr 3 Garmin Forerunner 165/265/965 Garmin epix (Gen 2) Garmin Enduro 3 Fitbit Ace LTE Fitbit Charge 6 Fitbit Inspire 3 Fitbit Versa/Versa 2/4/Versa Lite Fitbit Sense 2 Fitbit Luxe Google Pixel 2/3 Samsung Galaxy 4/5 Xiaomi Mi Band 9 Oura Ring Whoop 4.0 Withings ScanWatch 2 Withings ScanWatch Lite Pedometer 3D Pedometer
Summary
Dexcom G7 is a low-profile, all-in-one glucose sensor/transmitter and warms up faster than other CGMs on the market. This sensor lasts for 10 days and sends real-time glucose readings to a compatible smartphone app or directly on an Apple Watch. No finger pricks or scanning is needed. Optional low and high-blood sugar notifications are available for this system.
FDA-approved for wear on the back of the upper arm for ages 2 years and older or the upper buttocks for ages 2-17.
MARD of 8.2%
Insulin pens make insulin delivery more convenient than traditional vial/syringe options. Pens are small, portable, and more discrete to use in public.
Components
Dexcom G7 : Sensor
Sensor uses a thin, flexible filament inserted just under the skin to measure glucose levels every 5-minutes. Push-button applicator allows sensor to be placed on the body in one step.
Dexcom G7 : Receiver
Conveniently access glucose readings using a reader, smartphone, or directly on an Apple Watch. Phone app available for both iOS and Android devices.
Insulin Pen : Bolus Insulin
Bolus (fast-acting) insulin pen for meal time or high blood sugar correction.
Insulin Pen : Basal Insulin
Basal (long-acting) insulin pen for steady release of insulin that helps control blood sugar between meals, and overnight.
Insulin Pen : Needles
Disposable needle attaches to insulin pen for daily injections.
Device Details
Overview
Small all-in-one sensor/transmitter with a quick warm-up period and can be worn in multiple areas.
Nothing on the body when not in use. Noticeable when dosing.
Affordability and Access
$$$$
No insurance coverage data. Provided by DME and/or Pharmacy.
$$$$
Widely covered for insulin-dependent type 1 and 2. Price range; 0-$1260/month depending on insurance coverage.
Data Monitoring Options
Yes
Automatically and continuously sends data to the user’s Dexcom Clarity web-based cloud which is accessible by clinicians.
No Options
Data View Options
Yes
Users must download the Dexcom G7 and Dexcom Clarity apps to view and share data. Both apps provide multiple data views, sharing options, and access through the clinician portal using a code from the user's device. Caregivers can use the Dexcom Follow app to view data.
No Options
Duration and Storage
10 Days
Sensors last 10 days. They are shipped 3 boxes at a time every 3 months – 9 sensors. Works at 50ºF – 108ºF
28 Days
Can be kept at room temperature (not above 80º F) when in use for 28 days. Unopened insulin pens should be stored in the refrigerator (36ºF - 46ºF).
Vision / Auditory / Dexterity
YES text to speech
YES vibration alerts
3 sound sources
A LOT of dexterity needed
NO text to speech
NO vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed
Patient Considerations
Active Lifestyle
Waterproof when submerged in 2.4 meters of water and must be within 20 (unobstructed) feet of the receiver or mobile device.
No attachments to the body. Insulin pens are easy to use and do not remain attached to the body, allowing for a flexible and active lifestyle.
Avoiding Highs and Lows
Custom alerts can be set for highs, lows, and rapidly rising or falling glucose levels. Trend arrows show the direction glucose is heading, with the rate of change.
Limited customizability. Pens require manual dose adjustment and limit the ability to adjust basal insulin throughout the day.
Comfort
Low profile and low maintenance sensor application.
Many components. Have to carry pen and pen needles but nothing attached to the body.
Easy Insulin Dosing
Real-time data and alerts make dose adjustment easier.
More precise than syringes. Ability to measure doses using a dial, increasing accuracy.
Easy to Use
No scanning required. Readings are sent directly to the mobile app every 5 minutes.
Simple but many steps. Attach a new needle, dial the correct dose, inject, and dispose of needle.
Fewer Fingersticks
Factory-calibrated sensor. Finger sticks needed for backup only.
Frequent finger-sticks are required.
Privacy
Quiet Mode (Vibrate). All system alerts will vibrate when this setting is enabled. Urgent Low Soon and technical alerts will sound if not acknowledged.
Hideable. Pens can be hidden when not in use but visible when in use. Frequent injections are unavoidable.