So at what level reading should i calibrate the g7? If i calibrate when level at 110 it is 30 points high when i am at 180. If i calibrate when at 180, then it is 30 points lower when at 100 and gives me low coming soon alarms. Kinda maddening.
Thanks for the informative video Christel. I am on my second G7 sensor and noticing the reading behavior is different from sensor to sensor. I think I need to calibrate often just ensure it is reading accurately and my own peace of mind. As I see readings over time I will become more familiar with how it behaves. So far I am happy starting on Dexcom G7. I have slammed the sensor on the door and wall accidentally a few times. Learning to see if it will knock the readings out of wack...
I've had to deal with this issue of discrepancies between the G7 and my finger stick monitor. Why would I assume that my relatively inexpensive Auvon would be accurate and my G7 is inaccurate?? I also am not satisfied with a 20% tolerance in what the Dexcom reports. For a medical device like this to be useful, it must be reliable AND accurate. There is a lot at stake.
My dexcom sometimes was off by up to 100, other times by 50, I eventually toss them and decided to stick to pricking my fingers a couple of times a day, at least I have accurate numbers now.
I help a Veteran with getting to his medical appointments and from time to time with his GCM and his insulin pump. For close to two years now I have been trying to get people to understand that the top temp according to Dexcom these devices can be exposed to is 86 F (30 C). The package delivery carriers do not air condition their trucks. I have seen UPS drivers sick with heat issues. I once watched a driver put a thermometer in the back of his delivery truck. After about 30 minutes (while he was taking a lunch break) the temps showing were 135 F (57 C). This veteran got a package with replacement Dexcom G6 sensors and the package was hot to the touch after being in that truck all day. (Cooking) in these delivery vans causes accuracy problems and in some cases the sensors will fail. The VA is also sending out Omnipod 5 devices with that same max temp just like they are the Dexcom devices. I know it defeats the purpose of having a CGM, but if you are getting these devices via delivery EVEN US Mail, I highly suggest doing a finger stick at least once a day.
I guess I'm a bit picky. I've been doing the calibration if the difference is 10 or more rather than 20. I then check again in 24 hours with the same rule of 10. Once it's under 10 I leave it alone for the rest of the life of the sensor. I've yet to do a third calibration.
It is important to remember that the tolerance for a sample of blood, between two labs, is 6%. So, if your CGM and meter are within 6%, you probably don’t need too calibrate your CGM. I take five readings an hour after inserting a new CGM sensor. Then average the readings, and calibrate the CGM to the average.
I calibrate the next day after insertion and I check every morning with finger sticks. If I have a big high or low, I find things get skewed after for me, so I keep on checking and calibrating as needed, though usually after 3 or 4 days I am usually within 5 points in the morning if I have a flat line on the Dexcom app.
Thanks for sharing with us. I find that I might have to calibrate one time in the 10 days that my Dexcom G6 is on and that is usually in the first 24 hours of putting in a new sensor.
Is there a direct correlation between a1c and GMI that works for everyone? Personally my a1c is consistently 10% lower than my 90 day GMI (e.g. 6.3 vs 7.0)
Thank you for your videos. I feel so much more educated after i watch one. I calibrate when I change my sensor. Sometimes, I force the calibration. I guess I need to wait it out like you do. I'm still on the G6 as I hate change, lol. I hope they don't pull it. A few days ago, I had my sensor stop working a couple of times during the nighttime hours. (pretty scary) I calibrated much the following day. All was good. Not sure why it stopped, I wasn't lying on it. It did appear to spike dramatically during the night, however. Again, thanks for all you do!!
They need to upgrade the antenna in the G7. On several of the G7s I get sensor issue alerts one right after another. It work for 5 or ten minutes the another issue and It can go off for 20 minutes or so. My Dexcom 6 didn’t do this. So I think it’s a antenna issue.
They have issued new sensors with an updated antenna and other improvements. You can tell If you have a new version because on a number at the bottom on one of the sides with numbers, it has gone from rev 002 to 003 and there is a solid white line under it. I just got a shipment of the new ones but haven’t used them yet.
If it’s within the 20 rule do I need to calibrate? I have GD and just got my dexcom two days ago and I’m worried if it says I’m within range and trying to resist the urge to check. Like if it says 122 but I wonder what my blood sugar says. So in my head I add 20. I just unsure what to trust.
I don’t calibrate if it’s within the +/-20. I don’t remember the exact Dexcom wording but I believe they don’t recommend calibrating if it's within that range
@@DiabetesStrong ok but how do I know what I’m at. Do I add 20 to each reading. I’m finding it hard to know what I am without constantly pricking my finger and second guessing each meal.
@@sabrina11422 I generally use the number I see on my CGM. If my blood sugar is 100 or 120 won't make a difference in how I manage. However, if it's consistently 20 off you could consider calibrating. It's your care so ultimately you have to do what's right for you
Hello. Brand new to Dexcom. I’m a bit overwhelmed with all the info and ensuring I am doing it correctly. I’ve never calibrated, was I suppose to do that upon the initial use? My readings always seem to be so high, and that is stressing me out. Thanks for any assistance.
Don't use the Dexcom but I had to still watch your video for supporting all you do to the community. I'm still in awe that I put mine into remission of type 2. Have a great day friend 👋
This is somewhat off topic but I need an answer. When pairing a new G7 to the iPhone G7 app, and this not the first time but the second or later sensor change, the app will say Start Sensor. Next screen is an image of the applicator with the pairing code. My screen has no option anywhere to input the pairing code with a photo or manually. I cannot get past the applicator image screen except to go back to the previous Start Sensor screen. What "buttons" are present on your screen to continue onto the pairing number input? The work around for me is to delete the G7 app and reinstall it from the app store. I have had the same experience with sensor 2 and sensor 3. Dexcom help desk did not have an answer for it. Help!
Hmm, I haven’t had that issue. Kinda sounds like a software blip. Before changing your next sensor, you can consider deleting and reinstalling the app. That might fix it
@@DiabetesStrong I talked to the Dexcom help desk and they don't have any idea. Told me to call them the next time I'm changing the sensor and see if there is perhaps a setting on the phone that needs changing or whatever. As I said, I deleted and reinstalled the app twice now so I could pair the new sensor to my phone. Wait and see.
@@Benice166But that’s within the error range on the chart she shows at about 1:40 into the video. And certainly within the +/-20 pts she discusses before she shows the chart. Did you watch the video?
That’s actually not far off. It could be that your sugars were dropping quick and, since CGM is taking readings from interstitial fluid and is 5 min behind blood, the difference could explain that. I set my alerts at 80 not because I always treat for a low at 80, but because I want to check my blood glucose and make sure I’m not lower.
@@pM-sh4epOnly 5 minutes behind? I think I read it can be a lot more behind than that. Is there much u can do to make the sensor work better/faster if your blood test tells u it's way off? Hydration/physical activity? I'm on the Medtronic. My A1c was good but I don't fly on auto pilot. I do micro manage and occasionally get too aggressive and end up too low. I always have gatorade/glucose tablets/Baqsimi on me just in case.
The meters can last for years. Most often I'd only change my meter if my insurance required it. Like the meter I show here, my insurance covers the strips for that 100%. So that's why I got it
@@wanderlust2053 Dexcom Stelo just got FDA cleared TODAY! That was a super fast approval process. It should be commercially available in the US this summer (I just made an announcement in the community tab)
So at what level reading should i calibrate the g7? If i calibrate when level at 110 it is 30 points high when i am at 180. If i calibrate when at 180, then it is 30 points lower when at 100 and gives me low coming soon alarms. Kinda maddening.
Only time I really have to calibrate is when I’m feeling low but dexcom says it’s normal or high
Thanks I really appreciate the effort you put out to educate all of us out there on the things that are so important to many of us.
Thanks for the informative video Christel. I am on my second G7 sensor and noticing the reading behavior is different from sensor to sensor. I think I need to calibrate often just ensure it is reading accurately and my own peace of mind. As I see readings over time I will become more familiar with how it behaves. So far I am happy starting on Dexcom G7.
I have slammed the sensor on the door and wall accidentally a few times. Learning to see if it will knock the readings out of wack...
I've had to deal with this issue of discrepancies between the G7 and my finger stick monitor. Why would I assume that my relatively inexpensive Auvon would be accurate and my G7 is inaccurate?? I also am not satisfied with a 20% tolerance in what the Dexcom reports. For a medical device like this to be useful, it must be reliable AND accurate. There is a lot at stake.
My dexcom sometimes was off by up to 100, other times by 50, I eventually toss them and decided to stick to pricking my fingers a couple of times a day, at least I have accurate numbers now.
I help a Veteran with getting to his medical appointments and from time to time with his GCM and his insulin pump. For close to two years now I have been trying to get people to understand that the top temp according to Dexcom these devices can be exposed to is 86 F (30 C). The package delivery carriers do not air condition their trucks. I have seen UPS drivers sick with heat issues. I once watched a driver put a thermometer in the back of his delivery truck. After about 30 minutes (while he was taking a lunch break) the temps showing were 135 F (57 C). This veteran got a package with replacement Dexcom G6 sensors and the package was hot to the touch after being in that truck all day. (Cooking) in these delivery vans causes accuracy problems and in some cases the sensors will fail. The VA is also sending out Omnipod 5 devices with that same max temp just like they are the Dexcom devices. I know it defeats the purpose of having a CGM, but if you are getting these devices via delivery EVEN US Mail, I highly suggest doing a finger stick at least once a day.
I just calibrated my senior yesterday. I found doing so much more user-friendly using the receiver than the app on my phone.
I guess I'm a bit picky. I've been doing the calibration if the difference is 10 or more rather than 20. I then check again in 24 hours with the same rule of 10. Once it's under 10 I leave it alone for the rest of the life of the sensor. I've yet to do a third calibration.
That’s what I do as well!! I’m just NOT feeling that 20.
It is important to remember that the tolerance for a sample of blood, between two labs, is 6%. So, if your CGM and meter are within 6%, you probably don’t need too calibrate your CGM.
I take five readings an hour after inserting a new CGM sensor. Then average the readings, and calibrate the CGM to the average.
I calibrate the next day after insertion and I check every morning with finger sticks. If I have a big high or low, I find things get skewed after for me, so I keep on checking and calibrating as needed, though usually after 3 or 4 days I am usually within 5 points in the morning if I have a flat line on the Dexcom app.
Same here.
Thanks for sharing with us. I find that I might have to calibrate one time in the 10 days that my Dexcom G6 is on and that is usually in the first 24 hours of putting in a new sensor.
Is there a direct correlation between a1c and GMI that works for everyone? Personally my a1c is consistently 10% lower than my 90 day GMI (e.g. 6.3 vs 7.0)
My GMI is usually higher than my A1c as well. I haven’t seen any data on it, so only have anecdotal information
Me too, Dexcom says 6.2 but I am always under 6 when I see the doctor.
Thank you
For helping to have a manageable life
Thank you for your videos. I feel so much more educated after i watch one. I calibrate when I change my sensor. Sometimes, I force the calibration. I guess I need to wait it out like you do. I'm still on the G6 as I hate change, lol. I hope they don't pull it.
A few days ago, I had my sensor stop working a couple of times during the nighttime hours. (pretty scary) I calibrated much the following day. All was good. Not sure why it stopped, I wasn't lying on it. It did appear to spike dramatically during the night, however.
Again, thanks for all you do!!
Thank you for sharing your experience and for watching the video
wtf? I wasted $100
They need to upgrade the antenna in the G7. On several of the G7s I get sensor issue alerts one right after another. It work for 5 or ten minutes the another issue and It can go off for 20 minutes or so. My Dexcom 6 didn’t do this. So I think it’s a antenna issue.
They have issued new sensors with an updated antenna and other improvements. You can tell If you have a new version because on a number at the bottom on one of the sides with numbers, it has gone from rev 002 to 003 and there is a solid white line under it. I just got a shipment of the new ones but haven’t used them yet.
@@davidwilliamson7514 That underlined version means it will now interface with the Tandem t:slim pump.
If it’s within the 20 rule do I need to calibrate? I have GD and just got my dexcom two days ago and I’m worried if it says I’m within range and trying to resist the urge to check. Like if it says 122 but I wonder what my blood sugar says. So in my head I add 20. I just unsure what to trust.
I don’t calibrate if it’s within the +/-20. I don’t remember the exact Dexcom wording but I believe they don’t recommend calibrating if it's within that range
@@DiabetesStrong ok but how do I know what I’m at. Do I add 20 to each reading. I’m finding it hard to know what I am without constantly pricking my finger and second guessing each meal.
@@sabrina11422 I generally use the number I see on my CGM. If my blood sugar is 100 or 120 won't make a difference in how I manage. However, if it's consistently 20 off you could consider calibrating. It's your care so ultimately you have to do what's right for you
@@DiabetesStrong ok. Thank you. I’m within the 20 range or rule. It’s just had to know what range to not go past since I have the GD.
Hello. Brand new to Dexcom. I’m a bit overwhelmed with all the info and ensuring I am doing it correctly. I’ve never calibrated, was I suppose to do that upon the initial use? My readings always seem to be so high, and that is stressing me out. Thanks for any assistance.
Hi there. No need to do any calibration as long as the sensor reading is accurate. I hope you like G7
Don't use the Dexcom but I had to still watch your video for supporting all you do to the community. I'm still in awe that I put mine into remission of type 2. Have a great day friend 👋
Thank you 🙂
My morning readings are often low, do you have a video about this issue?
This video might help: th-cam.com/video/JrasikP_K2E/w-d-xo.htmlsi=CMD0tTFY8jbaQeP7
What if the Dex is reading LOW? Like danger low - while finger stick reads OK? (E.G. 69 vs 110?)
Note: mentioned in the vid…
Depending on the situation (In the video I mentioned a few situations where I wouldn't calibrate) you might want to consider calibrating the sensor.
@@DiabetesStrong I did that. *Wondered if I was wrong in doing so.* Thanks.
This is somewhat off topic but I need an answer. When pairing a new G7 to the iPhone G7 app, and this not the first time but the second or later sensor change, the app will say Start Sensor. Next screen is an image of the applicator with the pairing code. My screen has no option anywhere to input the pairing code with a photo or manually. I cannot get past the applicator image screen except to go back to the previous Start Sensor screen. What "buttons" are present on your screen to continue onto the pairing number input? The work around for me is to delete the G7 app and reinstall it from the app store. I have had the same experience with sensor 2 and sensor 3. Dexcom help desk did not have an answer for it. Help!
Hmm, I haven’t had that issue. Kinda sounds like a software blip. Before changing your next sensor, you can consider deleting and reinstalling the app. That might fix it
@@DiabetesStrong I talked to the Dexcom help desk and they don't have any idea. Told me to call them the next time I'm changing the sensor and see if there is perhaps a setting on the phone that needs changing or whatever. As I said, I deleted and reinstalled the app twice now so I could pair the new sensor to my phone. Wait and see.
No it's not!!!
What’s not?
The GCM is not accurate. My machine alerted me that my sugar was 74 and I took my level and it was reading at 63.
@@Benice166But that’s within the error range on the chart she shows at about 1:40 into the video. And certainly within the +/-20 pts she discusses before she shows the chart. Did you watch the video?
That’s actually not far off. It could be that your sugars were dropping quick and, since CGM is taking readings from interstitial fluid and is 5 min behind blood, the difference could explain that. I set my alerts at 80 not because I always treat for a low at 80, but because I want to check my blood glucose and make sure I’m not lower.
@@pM-sh4epOnly 5 minutes behind? I think I read it can be a lot more behind than that. Is there much u can do to make the sensor work better/faster if your blood test tells u it's way off? Hydration/physical activity? I'm on the Medtronic. My A1c was good but I don't fly on auto pilot. I do micro manage and occasionally get too aggressive and end up too low. I always have gatorade/glucose tablets/Baqsimi on me just in case.
Do you need to get a new glucose meter every so often? If so, how long can you use a meter?
The meters can last for years. Most often I'd only change my meter if my insurance required it. Like the meter I show here, my insurance covers the strips for that 100%. So that's why I got it
@@DiabetesStrong Thank you! Please let us know when the Dexcom G7 Plus? comes out. The Dexcom for non-insulin users.
@@wanderlust2053 Dexcom Stelo just got FDA cleared TODAY! That was a super fast approval process. It should be commercially available in the US this summer (I just made an announcement in the community tab)
What is a desirable standard deviation?
I believe most recommend one below 35
@@DiabetesStrong thank you.