How to Change Your Dexcom G7

In this video, I’ll show you how easy it is to Change Your Dexcom G7 CGM.
I’ll walk you through everything from removing the old sensor, inserting a new sensor, and starting it in the app.
So no worries, whether you’ve done it before or need a refresher this is your guide to changing your Dexcom G7 CGM.
00:00 Introduction
1:08 Removing your old Dexcom G7 sensor
2:09 Inserting a new Dexcom G7 sensor
2:45 How to start a new Dexcom G7 sensor in the Dexcom app
This is NOT a paid promotion, none of this content is endorsed by Dexcom
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DISCLAIMER: I’m not a medical professional, never stop your current treatment without consulting with your doctor

[@juicejox3]

I am new to Dexcom Was using Libre 14 day but would find it being close to blood tests but a lot of times 59-100 pts off. I really like the Dexcom a lot And you my friend really have made a good instructor. Must be a teacher! Thanks again

[@kieralovesbooks]

Watching this was so much easier than trying to read the instructions! Thank you.

[@DiabetesStrong]

Glad it helped!

[@estherjones6930]

How often u change it

[@DiabetesStrong]

@@estherjones6930 it lasts 10 days

[@Hitest12076]

You have helped me more with your videos than any other DexCom videos ever have. Thank you.

[@DiabetesStrong]

Happy to hear that. Thank you

[@HariSeldon913]

@@DiabetesStrong I also found your video on starting the G7 useful when I first got one. One thing I'm curious about is when you insert the new sensor and let it warm up before switching on the app, did you notice if the clock starts on the new sensor when you insert or when you pair it in the app?

[@HariSeldon913]

@@DiabetesStrong I replaced the sensor this morning and checked. The lifespan of the sensor starts counting at insertion.

[@DiabetesStrong]

@@HariSeldon913 yes, that’s what I’ve seen as well

[@cedarwaxwing3509]

One hint to consider: If you use the overpatch (I do), don’t apply it until your sensor has warmed up and is sending data. I have had a few G7 sensors warm up, then immediately send a “sensor failure” message. This usually means that the whisker probe bent sideways on application and did not pierce the skin. There is no remedy for this; you have to apply a new sensor. Dexcom has been very good about sending me free replacements when that has happened (there is an online form you can submit). But since the overpatches are easy to ruin during application (if you accidentally touch the adhesive, you’ll end up with folds and crumples while trying to disentangle your fingers), and since you only get one per sensor, you want to make sure you have an operating sensor before wasting an overpatch. Finally, Dexcom does not offer replacement G7 overpatches - you can obtain them for the G6, but apparently Dexcom hasn’t stocked up enough of the G7 patches to offer them. That being said, the adhesive on the G7 is much better than on the G6 and - as you note - the overpatches are not always necessary for normal wear.

[@BillB33525]

Using a Q tip apply rubbing alcohol to the sensor tape, keep applying more rubbing alcohol until the tape starts to lift off the skin. In a few minutes the sensor can be easily lifted off.

[@annaburris7522]

Thank you. First time I changed. Was nervous but it is on and warming up.

[@cbc9002]

You're my lifeline of knowledge . So I don't have to think too much in my crazy life.

[@soup.p]

Thank you this was very helpful to watch and learn how to use it on my mom. ❤

[@rebo0841]

Wow finally a real instructional video that is perfect thank you so much for that. I was a little apprehensive to do it, but its done....Again thanks

[@DiabetesStrong]

Great to hear!

[@eduardorivera3519]

Thank you for these information 👍🙋‍♂️

[@spike16965]

Amazing how things have changed with managing diabetes since I was a kid

[@user-zb5pr8et5r]

Thank you!

[@sabbys7750]

I'm looking forward to switching to G7... I'm on my second to last G6 sensor. Yay!!!

[@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.

[@BigCraig]

I've put the sensor on both my stomach and my arms, and both areas work. The big problem I have with putting it on my stomach is that I'm a hairy guy, and pulling the sensor off of a hairy stomach is no picnic. Per your tip, I'm going to give the Uni-Solve adhesive remover a try.

[@emrysfevre8087]

The hair is an issue for me as well. I haven't tried on my stomach yet and so far have rotated location on my arm which I shave first with hair clippers. I can manage about every other patch before I need to touch it up.

[@BillB33525]

Shave the area where you plan to apply the sensor.

[@ingriddalzen6753]

You didn't talk about the clear plastic must disappear before you push the button

[@jeweldenile8995]

Lol. The relief I got when you said it can sometimes be a bit difficult to unscrew them. I have been feeling so wimpy unscrewing them. 😀 Now, onto depressing the button! Oh my, it gives me a hard time and I am getting a complex about item. I see you did it index finger in the button and the ring finger beside the button. Seems like it might work better than what I was doing. I will try that with my next sensor. Thanks!!

[@DiabetesStrong]

Ha! I know what you mean. Those sensors are not for people with weak hands. I'm glad it was helpful

[@emrysfevre8087]

I have severe arthritis and nerve damage in both hands. I can manage to get a sensor on my arm but it's a challenge. Fortunately I have someone to help most of the time. I'll probably try my stomach next time I'm forced to do it on my own.

[@DiabetesStrong]

@@emrysfevre8087 I'm surprised they made a product that requires so much hand strength. I'm glad you have help

[@mattoechsle]

Have you found a way to extend the life of G7? I saw your video for extending G6 and did that for about 6 months until I upgraded to G7.. thank you!!! I saved a solid chunk of $$ over those 6 months thanks to you

[@DiabetesStrong]

I'm glad that went well for you. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like anyone has cracked the code on how to extend G7 just yet

[@Redman147]

I have quite oily skin so I have to use skin-tac to keep the sensor on my body, but I really think that the Dexcom adhesive might actually stick to me without an adhesion promotor. I've used the Libre 2 and Libre 3 and they always fell off before even 10 days. I just got done with my first 10 days with the Dexcom G7 and it hasn't really peeled at all, but I did use skin-tac.

[@MrTomengle]

In hopefully anticipation of getting my G7s soon….research has led me to something called soaking. As always I have come to you for the truth. Thanks.

[@DiabetesStrong]

Thanks. You can do soaking (some call it vetting) with G7 but it will cut into the sensor duration

[@MrTomengle]

@@DiabetesStrong so you wear the current one and the new one for a short period of time?

[@DiabetesStrong]

@@MrTomengle yes

[@MrTomengle]

@@DiabetesStrong Thanks. And...I got an email from BCBS Medicare Advantage yesterday stating they were going to cover my G7! Yay me!!

[@CarlosRivera-ot2hm]

Thank you! Also very pleasant & attractive presenter…

[@linhunnicutt6556]

Being visually impaired I have found it easier to use the skin tacks rather than the adhesive overlays.

[@HeyYall398]

I strongly suggest the application of skin tac to the skin, accompanied by an overpatch, to enhance adhesion. It's important to note that varying skin types may yield diverse outcomes.

[@sabbys7750]

I also try to put my CGM on after a shower. And let it sit on my skin for a minimum 24 hours before my next shower. It seems to help with it sticking better and lasting the entire 10 days. 👍👍

[@rcorser1]

Another awesome video thank you so much. Can the app track two sensors that installed at the same time in the body such as one in the arm and one in the stomach. Also, have you found that the sensor on the stomach is just accurate as the arm? Thank you

[@DiabetesStrong]

No, you can only have one sensor connected to the app at a time. And I get stellar readings when I wear it on my stomach

[@marmalutechaser9411]

I wore my first G7 on the back of my arm. It was the most painful 10 days ever! I wear mine on my stomach

[@julielemoine3954]

Did you ever figure out why it hurt? I’m getting ready to replace my first G7 (also the 1st sensor I’ve used be4). I was wondering if you don’t have it completely flat or not pushed down hard, then you might feel it the entire time? I’m hoping not to screw this up. My doctor helped with my first one and now I’m flying solo

[@JohnThomas-tb5kd]

Think I will try it on my stomach to avoid compression issues, as I sleep on my sides.

[@sjwproductions3117]

If ohacef on the back of the arm you will not get compression lows, on the side like in the video can cause compression lows.

[@twitchster77]

I'm such a sissy haha, just got my g7 a few minutes ago, and I'm sitting here with the applicator scared to use it as I know it's going to hurt >.

[@DiabetesStrong]

👏🏽 awesome. I'm glad it didn't hurt

[@JessDaBest475]

I’m nervous I’m going to replace my 2yr old’s tonight, while see sleep

[@twitchster77]

@@JessDaBest475 Awww, poor kid. I bet after a few pain free sensors, she'll not even worry about it. I can see this being scary at that age though. The anticipation (expecting it to hurt), the size of the sensor applicator, the loud sound it makes when you click the button to apply the sensor. It can be intimidating. At least there shouldn't be any actual 'real' pain though. I'm hoping the best for both you and your kid.

[@fdgbheftyunhtf5376]

@@twitchster77 That is very considerate, you are the best!

[@karronlaneNOLA]

thanks so much for the vid but awh, you didn't show removing the sensor. do you pull it straight up? lift and turn to the side? or? maybe another time?? ty.

[@DiabetesStrong]

You peel it off like a bandaid. I like to use an adhesive remover or baby oil first. That helps the sensor come off more easily

[@user-um5yk8js4w]

Thanks for all videos. But I’m active and do yoga, windsurfing with wetsuits, and others. I used sensors on arm, side, stomach,and leg. Leg and stomach worked but pulled hair. I always use the overlay tape. But it seems that they come off frequently. I will try to put medical tape over the edges of the sensor. Have you tried this?

[@DiabetesStrong]

I’ve started using the Skingrip overlay tape without the cutout. That’ll last me about a week and is easy to replace without pulling off the sensor. I think it works similarly to sports tape

[@sjwproductions3117]

Hypafix tape is great and can be replaced w/o pulling the sensor off.

[@maeganc4472]

Okay so today my doctor kinda just popped one on me today for the first time (i had been avoiding them bc they kinda freak me out) so im a little confused on how its actually made/works? I saw this big needle before she put it in my arm, is that needle not in my arm at all but only the small sensor? If so i feel SO much better about it being on me now. But im still not used to it yet :(

[@DiabetesStrong]

The needle doesn’t stay in your arm, only the small sensor

[@maeganc4472]

Also.. do u have to alternate spots or can u use the same area repeatedly? (I have mine on my left arm, would i need to do the next one to my right?)

[@DiabetesStrong]

You should alternate where you insert the sensor

[@petrieme283]

Are you suppose to choose a different spot each time you change it?

[@DiabetesStrong]

Yes, you want to move it around. For example from arm to arm.

[@sjwproductions3117]

Only to avoid skin irritation, no impact from the needle or wire.

[@sjwproductions3117]

Why did you put in on the side of your arm instead of thd back of your arm?

[@biglouie9547]

Will my t-connect app I use with the g-6 work or do I have to install a new app on my phone

[@DiabetesStrong]

That I don't know... I know you have to update the pump for it to work with Dexcom G7, but I don't know about the app

[@cindicarpenter6381]

Just started using my Dexcom G7 and I'm wondering if it is waterproof when taking a shower. I've bought the Levels patch that covers the whole sensor so making it waterproof.Don't know if it's necessary to cover the sensor...

[@DiabetesStrong]

The sensor is waterproof so you don't have to cover it when you shower or go for a swim. If you spend a lot of time in the water it can start to peel off and that's when the overlay tapes really come in handy

[@lissajean]

What is C marked? I want to wear mine on the stomach too

[@DiabetesStrong]

FDA clears CGMs before they can be sold in the US. CE mark is similar but for EU as well as Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein.

[@ndidinwosu1148]

Did you hear that levemir is getting discontinued!

[@DiabetesStrong]

Yes, I'm very sad about it. It will be discontinued in the US this year. My pharmacy (CVS) just wrote me that it will no longer be available as of April and might be hard to get already now. I'm trying to stockpile and delay the inevitable

[@chichisouder6480]

Only one overlay tape comes in the box so when you replace it you just don’t use any overlay tape??

[@DiabetesStrong]

Yes, and you can't buy/order more Dexcom tapes. I've started buying the Skingrip G7 overlay tapes without the cutouts.

[@chichisouder6480]

@@DiabetesStrong Thank you so much. Blessings Always 🙏🏽💙

[@jbbrown7907]

I have used 5 sensors now. I have had to call four times because they came off. I spend over two hours in the pool, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The adhesive does not like being in water multiple times. I am not willing to give up volleyball for the G7. I call and they send me a replacement.

[@DiabetesStrong]

And you should not have to give up volleyball or being in the pool. Have you tried applying skin tac below the sensor? or use another overlay tape? I like the Skingrip tapes

[@jbbrown7907]

@DiabetesStrong I have four patch cover tape products. The one that comes with the sensor is junk. The colored one lasts two days. I bought a bracelet that physically holds the sensor on. This has got me through two days so far in the pool.

[@DiabetesStrong]

You are definitely making an effort! Frustrating that it's not working better. And I agree, I don't like the Dexcom overlay tape either

[@HeyYall398]

@@jbbrown7907 Which bracelet and tape do you use?

[@jbbrown7907]

@HeyYall398 I've tried four tape overlays. Non have worked. The bracelet was in Amazon for, I think, $8.

[@johnjoseph8868]

Dex com G 7 is great but I wish they would increase the usage time to 14 days hopefully eventually for a month!

[@DiabetesStrong]

I think I heard the CEO say that they'll try to get G7 to 14 days. But let's see

[@Ghost14d]

Is it effective on the stomach?

[@DiabetesStrong]

I find it to work really well on the stomach

[@Ghost14d]

@@DiabetesStrong had to switch to arm. Low readings constantly

[@LeesTexan]

I lost my first sensor because the green overlay pulled away the sensor and I lost a $150 sensor I had to pay out of pocket because Tricare will not cover it unless I am taking insulin. But the sensor lets me know when my sugar is getting high and all i have to do is work out to get the sugar down.

[@DiabetesStrong]

Try reaching out to Dexcom and see if they’ll send you a replacement. They are pretty good with that

[@jamesPerez1980]

Am gonna have to pay the price of the 7 every 2 weeks?

[@DiabetesStrong]

My insurance allows me to pick up 3 months of sensors at a time, so I pay a monthly premium rather than for each individual sensor. If you buy them individually you pay for the 10-day wear.

[@jamesPerez1980]

@@DiabetesStrong thank you for the info

[@babytigtig3795]

Did you ever get pregnant with T1D?

[@DiabetesStrong]

No. But check out Ginger (www.youtube.com/@DiabetesNerd). I don't think she has posted about T1D and pregnancy on her KZbin yet, but she has written a book about it and have posted a lot on Instagram

[@anthonyrussomanno1540]

Great idea way to many sensor failures one in three are bad