Dexcom G7 Glucose Monitoring: First Time Unboxing, Sensor Insert, & App Set Up!

[@aletheia3]

I'm a type 1 diabetic living overseas, and the G7 has been just made available for me. I appreciate your video. You told me things no one else did. (And, by the way, you are sooooo pretty. Sorry)

[@heypharmacist]

I'm so happy to hear that! I'm curious to know, what information was new for you? (and thank you!)

[@babyshowermix]

New to Dexcom, a lot of anxiety to open it and do it right the first time !! Reading the instructions doesn't tell the whole story. Your demonstration video made me comfortable to place this on my own !! Thank you. Wish you all the best.

[@heypharmacist]

I'm so glad the video made you more comfortable! Wishing you all the best too :)

[@DelindaWright-bg5lg]

I'm trying to set up my dexcom I need help

[@7vj7ik]

Is this safe? It is a sensor. I'm not sure if this is safe to keep on your body.

[@babyshowermix]

@@7vj7ik BTW: Full Disclosure: I am NOT connected to this or any other such companies. Don't receive direct or indirect benefit for promoting this or any other product.

[@susand]

I am getting a Dexcom G7 this week. This really helped ease my nerves about using it. Thank you!

[@heypharmacist]

I'm really happy to hear that it put you more at ease! All the best :)

[@ibnshakir6930]

Thanks for the helpful info. I have been using the Freestyle Libre 14 days for 2 years now & i'm in the process of switching to the Dexcom G7

[@heypharmacist]

All the best! Thank you for watching :)

[@susanmorgan8286]

Best Dexcom G7 video I’ve watched so far!!! Thanks!!!

[@heypharmacist]

Thank you so much!! That's really nice to hear!

[@phillipg1588]

I'm in Australia and have been waiting for the Dexcom G7 to arrive for ages (I'm currently using the G6). Well... today I received an email from AMSL (the Australian dexcom distributor), that the G7 is now available in Australia. YAAAY, no more 2 hour warmup AND no more separate transmitter. Happy days are here FINALLY!!

[@heypharmacist]

Yay congratulations!!

[@danielbrown6961]

Going from G6 to G7 tomorrow. This had everything I need to know. Thank you.

[@heypharmacist]

Awesome! Good luck!

[@Julie-AnneGabbott]

This was so funny. I am learning about continuous glucose monitoring and the different devices made no sense to me. But these videos are so helpful and also the presenter is very lovely!

[@heypharmacist]

Thank you so much for your feedback! I did a comparison video on the different CGMs make sure to check it out!

[@robertnegron9706]

When the Grace period expires. Put on new one at 11hrs and 30 min mark . Leave old one on. Also. Then when 30 minute warmup expires , take off old one. Won’t have to wait for warm up to get readings

[@heypharmacist]

I've seen other people share this tip too!

[@denisevee3961]

Mine only let's me have 1 active at a time. When I start the new one, it shuts the old one off

[@msbigdog1460]

​​@@denisevee3961 you don't deactivate your old one, you put on a new G7 and set a timer for 30 minutes. Once that time is up then you deactivate the old one and start the new one. In other words, there's a magnet in the applicator, once the G7 is inserted on your arm, it automatically begins the countdown. Just be sure to save your applicator so you can scan the new number into your phone.

[@paulinesalinas9443]

I’ve just started my first G7 sensor and paired it to my phone ok and app on I watch, but it now won’t pair with the reader at all - not finding the sensor.? Can you use all of them together or just the receiver or phone individually? No instructions anywhere if it can be done as to how to pair the both. I’ve entered the code so that’s not the issue.

[@sensiblyyou]

Excellent demonstration video! While it’s possible that initial glucose reading on start up was your actual reading, it’s also possible that the sensor needed calibration if it’s like the G6. With the G6, it is common for the first reading and even first a few hours of the center to display in accurate readings and of course, there are other factors that can produce a false high or false low with the Dexcom. From experience, I think it’s always best to do a blood glucose reading with a BGM when Dexcom gives you the first initial reading. Only saying this to offer some peace of mind! ❤

[@heypharmacist]

Thank you so much for sharing this tip with everyone! I found it took a while to calibrate. It woke me up several times during the night on Day 1 because of low sugars (which I don't think were the case but I was too tired to check against a glucometer)!

[@sensiblyyou]

@@heypharmacist Oh! Do you remember if you were sleeping on the arm you had your sensor installed? There’s something called “compression lows” which also results in false lows. Hopefully your case was just false :-) !! By the way I’m so sorry for all of the typos in my comment! I should go back and edit it 😅 I’m glad the info can help! I love this topic, CGM are truly so fascinating and such amazing pieces of technology (not to mention how important they!!), so if you ever want to chat always happy to!

[@Mrs-s3z]

Thank you for creating this video. You are a great communicator. I am using the Dexcom G7 for the first time. My applicator was not applicator was not launching. I had FINALLY gotten the nerve up to do it!. Your tip regarding having the clear part needing to be pressed down and meet the white part in order to work helped me immensely. I'm amazed that it really did not hurt one bit. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[@heypharmacist]

You’re welcome! Thank you for the kind feedback. I’m glad the mistake I make with having to press down so the two parts meet was helpful for you!! All the best with your new CGM device!

[@amy8049]

Thanks for this. My doctor gave me one to play with. I haven’t put it on yet because I was too nervous… Once I map about what I will be testing this will make it a lot easier. You took away a lot of anxiety thank you.🎉

[@heypharmacist]

I'm so glad to hear that! It wasn't so bad, I promise!

[@aliyah4131]

This is great! Will share with my colleagues and patients.

[@heypharmacist]

Thank you for sharing!

[@saradacunhamonteirodesouza2891]

Do you know if ther is also a reader available? Thank you! You do it very nicely!

[@heypharmacist]

There is a reader available depending on your country and availability :)

[@bradfry2259]

Once my current g6 sensor runs out I'm switching to the g7 and am looking forward to it. The dexcom paired with my insulin pump and the tslim control IQ is so good.

[@heypharmacist]

I hope it works well for you!

[@jamesjoy8866]

Since using the G6 starting 2 years ago, I have used Skin Grip over patches and Skin Tac adhesive wipes. These were recommended by KZbin reviewers. They are probably overkill but I’ve never had a sensor come off even after extending the G6 sensor. I’m continuing that practice using the G7.

[@susand]

I am getting my Dexcom G7 this week. I would love to hear more about the patches and wipes and how you use them.

[@jamesjoy8866]

@@susand - a KZbin channel called Type One Talks has a good video Dexcom G7 Tutorial. Also search for and watch videos about Skin Grip patches and Skin Tac adhesive.

[@heypharmacist]

Yes I've heard of them too! I was ok with the overpatch, but it definitely differs person to person

[@karenroyal57]

I’m new to G7, wish I seen your video sooner. Great information on set up thanks!

[@ChrisSims-kf5hq]

The G7 is a PROBLEM. MARD of 8.1??? I feel lucky if my G7 is within 30 pts of my meter reading. Ive been using the G7 since 10/23 when I gave up my G6 for the "better" G7. No. It isnt. It is a POS. Can you calibrate the G7?? The G7 often rejects my calib. attempt. Why?? No reason given. Maybe it doesnt like the FACT that it is inaccurate. The G7 is "out of range" 50% of the time. I am often within 18 inches of my phone and the sensor is still out of range. BS. Does the G7 work with the INPEN??? Nope. Not. At. All. Does the G7 work anywhere?? Nope. "Only on your upper arm" say the Dexcom tech. support. They told me this is stated on their website. No. It is not. Watch the sensor before you put it on. Ive had 2 sensors that had the needle OUTSIDE of the proper injection location. Both did NOT work. Often, the G7 will go from 130 to 190 to 250 to 320 in less than an hour. I check my meter and BG is 220. WTF?? No idea. G7 usually rejects a recalib. during these temporary insanity periods. There are SO MANY more issues with this POS G7. I am done. Going back to the G6. G7 = worthless POS that Dexcom refuses to fix.

[@karenroyal57]

I’m sorry you are experiencing these issues. I new here. I’ve made a few calibrations for that same reason. Seem to work for the next few readings. But quickly goes back. I’ve walked into another room and was there for about an hour. When I returned to where my phone was, I saw I lost connection with APP. Had to reboot and wait 30 minutes to start reading again. Sure hope it gets better.

[@heypharmacist]

Thank you so much for the warm feedback!

[@masonbrown8365]

Just what I needed. This approach is much appreciated.

[@heypharmacist]

I'm really glad to hear that!

[@elzbietasp]

Do you need an iPhone to communicate with the watch? Which watch works with the G7 and Tslim, assuming I can use the watch and the Tslim tog?

[@ImranKhan-gl2ui]

One sensor how many days it will work

[@beatweezl]

This was extremely helpful! I feel a lot more comfortable with the start up process now. Thank you!!! I'm getting a new phone soon. Will switching phones interfere with anything?

[@heypharmacist]

I'm glad it helped, it shouldn't but make sure your new phone is compatible!

[@beatweezl]

@@heypharmacist Turns out the G7 can't be connected to two phones at the same time. I had to disconnect from my old phone before connecting to my new phone.

[@thumpersshizz]

The phone i have is not compatible with my dexcom 7 do i carry my meter with me everywhere then

[@נליהפ]

Hello, how to make sound signals?

[@Tammy-zr9zw]

Thank you! Very helpful! “I” am definitely going to jump that first time 😁.

[@heypharmacist]

It's normal!! I've done a few demos now and I'm always just as nervous!

[@Dorito230]

I would like at least one video talking about pairing both an iPhone and the receiver.

[@heypharmacist]

Unfortunately Canada doesn't have the receiver yet!

[@mayrabee9991]

Is G7 more expensive than G6? My husband struggles to pay his every time it needs replacement. Is it better?

[@heypharmacist]

It may depend on where you live!

[@donaldahlskog3519]

Using my G7, previous G6, on my android phone and I notice now I am getting TWO notification from sensor. One says what my BS is and another saying that the "Dexcom App is Running". Is this a problem in the setup of the app or what. My G6 app never did this???

[@laurenmargolin743]

Do you need to remove the g6 app before you can use the g7 app? Also, if I'm already connected on my watch, do I need to delete and redo?

[@heypharmacist]

The G7 app is completely separate, it shouldn't be an issue!

[@KeeleyLandis-jd4sr]

As a T1D it is hilarious watching people be nervous inserting Dex/ injections overall. We have been human pin cushions for long periods of our lives 😂 welcome to our 24/7 365 world

[@theangryrooster2113]

Sorry, I feel for you, I hope one day they will find a fix for T1 and T2.

[@heypharmacist]

I had a good laugh at this!

[@littlehuey5679]

How do you remove the sensor? And do you need to switch the sensor area around ?

[@heypharmacist]

After sensor session ends, peel off patch like a bandage! To make it easier, try these tips: Loosen edge and soak patch in body oil, like baby oil and then peel it off.

[@mr.woowoo8826]

I just read that when you put the overpatch on you're suppose to also rub around it also.

[@heypharmacist]

Yup! It'll secure it in place

[@ninadillingham7574]

I’m just starting the G7 I start it tomorrow

[@heypharmacist]

I hope it's been going well!

[@russellgallman7566]

No alcohol swab?

[@heypharmacist]

The box didn't come with one unfortunately. Luckily I had my own

[@jenniferbowie2773]

Oh and also if you have an older. Phone the app won’t work. I have the 2x t slim and I have to use it with my pump which is fine but can’t use the receiver if you use your pump! Can’t calibrate on the pump so that sucks. I just hope it doesn’t stray to much. Yes I can use my phone or Apple Watch( if your rich enough to afford one) but the thing is I have an iPhone 7 which isn’t new enough for g7 so have to upgrade. Kinda annoying

[@sjwproductions3117]

The Tandem.pump can be used to calibrate aG7

[@dwightl5863]

@@sjwproductions3117 You are correct. I use the pump to calibrate the sensor most of the time.

[@EduardoRodriguez-yz3mg]

Can I use other Bluetooth devices while I’m connected with the Dexcom g7

[@heypharmacist]

Yup!

[@spencer5838]

Do you need to be fasted when first attaching the sensor?

[@heypharmacist]

No you don't, I just need to eat something!

[@teddburt8849]

Can you use any phone with the G7 , the G6 only Iphone

[@heypharmacist]

Yes!

[@rdo1231]

great video!

[@heypharmacist]

Thank you for watching and for your comment!

[@lubnaabbasi5232]

It resembles libre 3 in application. Might switch from G6 once omnipod is officially integrated with G7

[@heypharmacist]

I understand why!

[@MagiMystik]

That was very helpful, Thanks So Much.

[@heypharmacist]

I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@hannahmanager7646]

How do I get one, I hear I need a prescription. Im not interested in using insurance, Id just like to do the cash. Id like to be the only one with access to my data

[@sameerbhaidani6372]

Very informative!

[@jaeshasway]

The G7 over patch lifts easy. I have to use a patch over it within 3 days.

[@heypharmacist]

Oh no! I see a lot of other companies that make overpatches for the G7. Perhaps they're more durable.

[@DaleGraessle]

Nice demo. (And the CGM ain't bad either. >:-) ) Now, how do YOU get the goo off your skin when you remove the sensor after 10 days? Seriously, it left some dreadful stickum behind on me.

[@heypharmacist]

Apply some oil! It'll help remove the adhesive :)

[@muralimenon2681]

How accurate is the G7 ?

[@heypharmacist]

The G7 has an overall MARD of 8.2%. (MARD (mean absolute relative difference) is a statistical measure of CGM accuracy, the lower the number the better.)

[@kevinoverholtzer3126]

Thanks for the video was helpful

[@heypharmacist]

Thank you for your comment!

[@tammyday2422]

I set up the app and then it lead me through it all also I had two alcohol wipes in my box

[@heypharmacist]

Interesting!

[@theangryrooster2113]

Great video, yes, I am nervous about sticking myself. It's just something you don't get used to.

[@heypharmacist]

If you watch my other videos you can tell I still get nervous every time!

[@selamta492]

very helpful. Thank you

[@heypharmacist]

You're welcome! Thank you for watching :).

[@jasbirkapoor]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@heypharmacist]

You’re welcome 😊

[@jenniferbowie2773]

You can’t go back to g6 they are faxing the g6 out so we’re stuck sorry

[@Kristine-x6d]

Thank you, I will be upgrading to the G7 next week.

[@heypharmacist]

All the best!

[@topnotch4564]

Thank You.

[@heypharmacist]

You're welcome! Thank you for watching. :).

[@rizzymay450]

What if i mess up the overpatch? What will i do

[@heypharmacist]

The overpatch is there just to keep the sensor in place. I've seen other overpatches available on the market that you can use.

[@jamesjoy8866]

Third party over patches are better and have color choices. I use Skin Grip patches from Amazon.

[@dwightl5863]

I did the first time too. I applied a medical tape around the edges. Wasn't pretty but it did work. BTW when I switched out that sensor, it took a quite a bit of effort to remove. I don't think the tape would have been necessary. Then again I wasn't swimming or sweating during that time.

[@zoeewee]

What is the exact name of the App?

[@heypharmacist]

"Dexcom G7"

[@rickfoy2045]

If you do not get the g7 receiver make sure your phone is compatible. As all tech company they are short on compatibility. So much for outsourcing to non US companies for software development.

[@heypharmacist]

Interesting tip!

[@SK-wt2vb]

Please note to press button to activate it. I didn’t know that was the case it was difficult to put on

[@heypharmacist]

I also struggled with applying the device!

[@nguyenlethithao8803]

thanks.

[@WatersBreedlove]

I'd kill for a 63😢

[@michaelamcalpine2300]

I am a little confused, your pharmacist, right? Why didn’t you use an alcohol swab?

[@stephaniefischer594]

She did- it appears that she just edited that part out.. probably for the sake of brevity. She even says in the video “ok now that the alcohol is dry..”

[@heypharmacist]

That’s correct, I did! Thanks Stephanie ☺️

[@babyshowermix]

She did. You must have missed watching her her reaching for the alcohol pad !

[@MaestroJay]

Very nice video. You're fun to watch, very pretty and well spoken. BUT .. all the videos stop just before adding it to the pump. I understand there are several pumps out there; Would love it if you made a video demonstrating the FINAL final step of connecting it to the pump for the life-saving auto delivery system. That's where I'm stuck and not finding any information. However, please know that I am very thankful for all that you do to help Type 1 diabetics like me. Without people like you, and all the modern medical tech advancements, I wouldn't be here to thank you. You're truly an angel. I very much appreciate your working to help others. Thank you.

[@dwightl5863]

I am running closed looped with a Tandem tslim X2 with control IQ. The pumps firmware (application) needs to be updated to connect to the G7. There are options then on the pump to select G6, G7, and I believe FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus. Just a matter of selecting the CGM (G6, G7 or Libre), input the pairing code and you are off to the races. There is on-line training that needs to be completed before the pump will be updated to the new firmware.

[@heypharmacist]

Thank you so much for your comment! I sincerely appreciate the feedback. I will have to see if I can get access to some pumps out there to take this video to this next stage. Thank you again for the warm feedback.

[@doloresduffy8516]

How. Do you update the pumps firmwave?

[@dwightl5863]

@@doloresduffy8516 I'm only familiar with the Tandem t:slim pump. If you are registered with Tandem (have an account) they will either notify you via email or when sighting on to their site there will be a notice that your pump has an upgrade.

[@dwightl5863]

@@doloresduffy8516 You need a Tandem account. They will notify you that an update is available. You will have to go through some training videos before you get a link to update the firmware.

[@ChrisSims-kf5hq]

The G7 is a PROBLEM. MARD of 8.1??? How can you tell?? I feel lucky if my G7 is within 30 pts of my meter reading. Ive been using the G7 since 10/23 when I gave up my G6 for the "better" G7. No. It isnt. It is a POS. Can you calibrate the G7?? Maybe. It is about 50/50. The G7 often rejects my calib. attempt. Why?? No reason given. Yesterday the G7 was higher than my meter by 70 points. Tried 7 times, over 40 minutes, to recalibrate it. It rejected 5 and the other two did not change the G7 reading at all. Maybe it doesnt like the FACT that it is inaccurate. The G7 is "out of range" 90% of the time. I am often within 18 inches of the phone and the sensor is still out of range. BS. Does the G7 work with the INPEN??? Nope. Not. At. All. Does the G7 work anywhere?? Nope. "Only on your upper arm" say the Dexcom tech. support. They told me this is stated on their website. No. It is not. Watch the sensor before you put it on. Ive had 2 sensors that had the needle OUTSIDE of the proper injection location. Both did NOT work. Do you use the sensor tape thing they give you?? Another POS failure. What they DO NOT tell you is that it is IMPOSSIBLE to remove. After removing it, I picked up the 47 little pieces of sticky stuff and threw them away. I wanted to toss the G7, too. Their sensor sticky things are like using wet tissue paper. When you try to remove it, it simple tears apart. You remove it tiny piece by tiny piece. Of course, you scratch your arm red with these 125 attempts to tear the fkg thing off. Utter BS. Often, the G7 will go from 130 to 190 to 250 to 320 in less than an hour. I check my meter and BG is 220. WTF?? No idea. G7 usually rejects a recalib. during these temporary insanity periods. There are SO MANY more issues with this POS G7. I am done. Going back to the G6. G7 = worthless POS that Dexcom refuses to fix.

[@dwightl5863]

You are giving me the impression the G7 is not for you.

[@jane-i5u]

I also have issues with the G7. Readings do fluctuate up pretty quickly but not the other way. Had issues with placing on arm. Lots of compression lows. Don’t have any issues in removing old sensor. Just bothers me that they made so small but you have to use the unsightly patch. Had a FSL for awhile. No problems with adhesive. No over patch needed. Have sensor on upper abdomen and readings are ok. Would consider going back to G6 except for that two hour warmup. I guess none of these devices are perfect.

[@karlahernandez5750]

I am having similar problems especially in the first 24 hours. Sometimes it's as much as 70 points higher than a finger stick number. The low discrepancies are terrible too. Calibrations are worthless a lot of the time. This whole CGM thing has been a great source of stress and disappointment but being without it sucks even more.

[@sjwproductions3117]

Over calibration ir a common error for G7 users, calibrating too aggressively, calibrating during arrow up or arrow down will only cause irregular readings, bluetooth issues are much less with new revs of the G7. The complaint you note look exactly like the issues pointed out by users of the G6 when it was released.

[@sjwproductions3117]

An iphone too close to the sensor can cause bluetooth errors resulting in the signal loss.

[@danielcrete7295]

Having a lot of problems with this product 50% of the one I use are defective. Quality control not good at all

[@heypharmacist]

I'm sorry to hear that! Reach out to Dexcom customer service, they may be able to help you.

[@chriseckert5423]

Just the arm in the United States

[@stvn4098]

Why would you say that?

[@abou8963]

So how do handicapped elderly use? This sucks!

[@motivationreality]

I found out through my doctor that you need to be type 2 with incelin dependence. 😒 This doesn't work for people with type 2. 🤔

[@heypharmacist]

Dexcom G7 in the US and Canada is for people ages 2 and older with all types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and even gestational. I know of many individuals without a diabetes diagnosis that are using it as well.

[@susand]

That used to be the case but now anyone can use it. A rep dropped off samples for my doctor to use (who does not have diabetes). My doctor was wearing it when I had my visit with him to get a prescription for the G7. I get my G7 this week. I am type 2 and I don't use insulin.

[@anthonybush6391]

Can I use it in the shower?

[@heypharmacist]

Yup! The Dexcom is waterproof up to 8 feet or 2.4 metres for up to 24 hours. :)

[@donnaking2237]

Yes my son has the G7 very easy to apply but you have to push the button hard and you will hear the click!

[@slackleashdogtraining3598]

Your sure acting nervous.

[@heypharmacist]

ツ