Dexcom G6 Review

I finally worked up the courage to try a CGM (constant glucose monitor) when I saw the brand spanking new Dexcom G6. I reached out to Dexcom and told them to put me on a list once the G6 was released and they added me to the Launch Program last minute. I was so honored to be part of the first 1,000 people to receive the G6, but also nervous at the same time. I was NOT given the Dexcom G6 for free nor asked to write a review - I just want to!

Dexcom G6

A CGM system provides continuous insight into glucose levels throughout the day and night. The device displays information about glucose direction and rate of change providing users additional information to help with their diabetes management. Studies have shown that CGM systems may help reduce your A1C and reduce your risk for hypoglycemia, whether you are on insulin injections or pump therapy.
Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring helps minimize the guesswork that comes from making decisions based solely on a number from a blood glucose meter reading, for better diabetes management. - Dexcom.com

When you first receive the Dexcom G6, you will receive:
3 Sensor Applicators (1 month supply)
1 Receiver + charger
3 Receiver skin covers (black, pink, and blue)
2 Transmitters (~6 month supply)
Start Setup Guide Booklet
USB Training Card

I became excited when opened the transmitter box and saw the two additional sleeve cover options. I immediately removed the black one that comes with the receiver and snapped on the blue one. It's the little things, you know?

Since I am brand new to wearing a CGM, I found all the training tutorials to be very helpful. Dexcom has many resources if you need help with ANYTHING. I recommend plugging the USB Training Tutorial card provided into a computer to access a step-by-step tutorial.
Helpful Links:
Dexcom G6 User Guide
Dexcom G6 Start Here Set Up Guide

The Transmitter

The main difference is the depth and overall slimmer width of the Dexcom G6. However, the G6 is a bit longer, so the adhesive stickers I purchased from Amazon did not fit properly. They were designed for the G4 and G5. I just took a pair of scissors to them and made it work. (Tim Gunn would be so proud). I'm looking forward to more products becoming available for the G6! *cough Tidepool cough*

The Dexcom G6 has a 28% lower profile than the Dexcom G5. The flat top makes it easier to wear under clothing and hopefully a little less likely to get caught on things (ie, doorways, straps, etc). You people living with T1D know what I mean.

The Sensor & Applicator

I was totally against wearing anything on my body after I was diagnosed in Feb 2017. It took me a little over a year to warm up to the idea. I was TERRIFIED of the Dexcom G5 inserter, and wasn't a fan of how much the transmitter stuck out when worn on your body.

When I was working at a JDRF event, a Dexcom rep told me about the upcoming release of the Dexcom G6. He showed me photos of the size difference and the automatic applicator. It only required you to push a button and compared the speed to a hummingbird wing flap (a fraction of a second) which reduces pain. This won me over. I was finally ready to give a CGM a try.

Each applicator comes with its own sensor code that you can scan or enter manually into your Receiver or iPhone. However, the scan feature NEVER works for me and I always have to enter the code in manually. I'm not a fan of how BIG the applicator is. It's inconvenient for people to carry if they wish to have a backup on them at all times. I try to recycle all of mine and I hope to see Dexcom create a more eco-friendly version next time. 

On the flip side, the applicator is my new best friend because of how easy and pain free it is! I still had to work up the courage to push that orange button the very first time. It does make a semi loud pop sound, but it happens in the blink of an eye and TADA!! I officially inserted my 1st sensor. You snap the transmitter in and pair it to your phone or receiver and just 2 hours later (after the warm-up) you'll be getting glucose readings every 5 minutes WITH NO CALIBRATION NEEDED!

What I learned (the hard way)

I'll admit, the first few days with my Dexcom were not easy. I had many problems, errors, and frustrations. To prevent you or your loved one with T1D from having the same issues here is what I learned...

1. You CANNOT close the Dexcom G6 app on your phone.
This instruction was not indicated on any tutorial or start guide. As a habit, I always "swipe up" on my apps to close them on my iPhone. I assumed the Dexcom G6 app would run in the background and send me notifications like many other apps do. Nope.  I assumed the app was so new and had bugs to be worked out, so I used my receiver for the first few weeks. I learned the hard way that "swiping up" or closing the app disconnects the bluetooth connection. PLEASE NOTE: For iPhones the Bluetooth connection will ALWAYS say "Not Connected" under Settings > Bluetooth for your transmitter named 'DexcomYR' even when it is working properly. Makes no sense, but I spent over 30 minutes talking to a very nice, and helpful Dexcom Tech rep who taught me allllll these things. The Dexcom G6 app is available for download on Google Play and Apple App Stores.

2. You CANNOT stop and restart your transmitter!
Since I was having so many bluetooth problems, I was asking my friends who have the Dexcom G5 for advice (before calling Dexcom Tech Support). I didn't want to carry my receiver around since the Dexcom connects to my iPhone. Multiple people told me to try stopping and restarting the sensor to see if it would fix the bluetooth connection. So, I ruined my very 1st sensor by doing just that. I learned the hard way that you CANNOT restart a sensor even if it is less than the 10 day expiration date. It is a one time use sensor. This is the biggest change between the G5 and G6. The Dexcom G6 has a 10 day limit and it cannot be extended. Believe me, I tried.

3. Don't throw away your sensor code!
Since I ruined my first sensor, I had to call Dexcom Tech Support to request a replacement. They ask for the Sensor Code (4 digit # found on applicator sticker) and the Transmitter SN (6 digit code starting with 8). The Dexcom app/Receiver does NOT store the sensor code, so make a habit of keeping that little sticker you peeled off until it expires. Don't throw it away like I did. I had to dig through the trash to find it. Side Note - You can find the Transmitter number in the app settings, receiver settings, or on the box and on the back of the transmitter itself. However you CANNOT remove the transmitter without removing the entire sensor from your body. It requires you to "break" the plastic sensor in order to slide out the transmitter.

4. Calibrating makes it worse. 
It sounds counter-intuitive, but it's true. I thought more calibrating would make it more accurate, but with the G6 it actually messes it up. This advice also came from the Dexom Tech Rep. She told me to try not calibrating to see if it would make my glucose readings more accurate - and it did! I can't say I've completely stopped calibrating, because it's hard not to when the Dex says you are LOW (below 40 mg/dL) and your meter says you are 73. In the end, there is such a thing as 'over calibrating.'

Ready for a Dexcom? Get Started Here!

First Impression

I did not start off strong with the G6, but I'm learning and getting better. I enjoy having it while traveling and exercising. I'm currently training to run a 10K which was another reason I wanted to wear a Dexcom. It helps me anticipate my BG levels before they get too low and it is helping me learn how my body reacts to food and how quickly it absorbs insulin.

I think my favorite thing about wearing a Dexcom is when it introduces me to others living with Type 1 Diabetes. It's like a little symbol that we are in this "secret club" together. Because, no one else knows what the heck I'm wearing on my body. I've had other T1D people introduce themselves to me once they noticed my Dexcom, and I've had curious strangers ask what I'm wearing on my arm, too. Both experiences (so far) have been positive and completely made my day. It gives me the opportunity to make friends and educate people about Type 1 Diabetes.

via GIPHY

"Now I'm feelin so fly like a G6. Like a G6, Like a G6." - Sorry had to.