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About Dexcom
San Diego-based Dexcom is among the most recognized names in diabetes care for their continuous glucose monitors.
Since 1999, they’ve helped those with diabetes keep an eye on things. They’ve only gotten better at that too, as their latest line of devices uses Bluetooth to give customers robust readings on mobile devices.
My Dexcom review will look at a few of their latest devices and technologies while analyzing what customers say about them. I’ll also cover some of their pros and cons, features, and more, so you can gather a quick idea of what they’re about.
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Pros and Cons
As mentioned, Dexcom is a brand of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems that are used by people with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels in real-time.
Here are some advantages and disadvantages of using Dexcom:
Pros
- Real-time glucose monitoring: Dexcom provides continuous monitoring of glucose levels, which can help people with diabetes manage their condition more effectively and avoid hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
- Alerts for high and low glucose levels: The Dexcom system provides alerts for high and low glucose levels, which can help people with diabetes take action to prevent complications.
- Data sharing: The Dexcom system allows for data sharing with healthcare providers, which can help inform treatment decisions and improve diabetes management.
- User-friendly: The Dexcom system is easy to use and can be customized to meet individual needs.
Cons
- Cost: The Dexcom system can be expensive, and may not be covered by all insurance plans.
- Insertion site discomfort: Some users may experience discomfort or irritation at the site of insertion.
- Calibration: The Dexcom system requires periodic calibration with fingerstick blood glucose measurements, which can be inconvenient for some users.
- Technical issues: Like any electronic device, the Dexcom system may experience technical issues or malfunctions, which can be frustrating for users.
Overall, the Dexcom system can be a useful tool for people with diabetes to manage their condition more effectively, but it may not be the best option for everyone. It is important to discuss the pros and cons of using Dexcom with a healthcare provider to determine if it is the right choice for an individual’s needs.
Features
If you’re curious about the features of the brand specifically, here’s an in-depth overview before I proceed with this Dexcom review:
Here are some of the features of Dexcom:
- Real-time glucose monitoring: Dexcom provides continuous monitoring of glucose levels, with readings updated every 5 minutes. This allows people with diabetes to see their glucose levels in real-time and make more informed treatment decisions.
- Alerts for high and low glucose levels: The Dexcom system provides customizable alerts for high and low glucose levels, which can help people with diabetes take action to prevent complications.
- Trend arrows: The Dexcom system provides trend arrows that show the direction and rate of change of glucose levels, which can help people with diabetes predict and prevent high or low glucose levels.
- Data sharing: The Dexcom system allows for data sharing with healthcare providers, family members, or caregivers through the Dexcom Share feature. This can help inform treatment decisions and improve diabetes management.
- Compatibility with mobile devices: The Dexcom system is compatible with many mobile devices, including smartphones and smartwatches, which makes it easy for users to access their glucose data on-the-go.
- User-friendly: The Dexcom system is easy to use and can be customized to meet individual needs. The Dexcom app also provides helpful resources and tutorials to help users get started.
Overall, the features of Dexcom make it a useful tool for people with diabetes to manage their condition more effectively. It is important to discuss the use of Dexcom with a healthcare provider to determine if it is the right choice for an individual’s needs.
Dexcom G6 CGM System
As you can tell by its name, the Dexcom G6 CGM System is more than a single product. It’s comprised of three different tools:
- An applicator that puts a tiny sensor beneath your skin. The applicator only requires a single press to activate.
- A dual sensor and transmitter that acts as a communication relay between the sensor and the display device.
- The device that works alongside iOS and Android devices to display your readings.
Together, the Dexcom G6 CGM System provides quality-of-life upgrades to typical glucose monitoring. First off, you don’t have to prick your finger whenever you want a reading – the sensor stays under your skin and consistently sends information to the dual sensor.
In fact, you have plenty of flexibility with where you put the sensor. It can go on your buttocks (though Dexcom only recommends this for folks between 2 and 17 years old), on either tricep or on your abdomen.
Plus, CGM devices like Dexcom’s are seen as safer because of their consistent readings. Users can access more information and receive alerts when their blood glucose is dipping too low. They can plan their days better to avoid those dips.
There are more benefits, but I’ll cover them in the next section of this Dexcom review as they pertain to the company’s app.
How Does The Dexcom App Work?
The Dexcom App is where the magic really happens. It has a bevy of tricks and capabilities to improve your quality of care. The most obvious of these are the up-to-date glucose readings.
Not only can the Dexcom App show you your current glucose levels, but it can also present you their upcoming trend and how quickly.
If your glucose is dipping too low too quickly, then the app can warn you 20 minutes before you should start worrying. It can notify you up to 20 minutes before it predicts you reach less than 3.1mmol/L. You can customize this range too.
The Dexcom App allows you to set as many notifications as you want, meaning it can let you know if you’re running too high as well.
The sharing features are perhaps the app’s most distinctive trait. You can share your real-life readings with up to 10 people. These followers don’t need to be in the vicinity either, so long as they have an internet connection and the Dexcom App.
How Does Dexcom Clarity Work?
This section of my Dexcom review aims to condense the brand’s Clarity program into as digestible a format as possible. Ironically, that’s what the program itself does with your diabetes information. In short, it’s a dashboard that organizes everything.
Dexcom Clarity offers clear glucose monitoring. Not only can you see your current level, but you can look at how it changes throughout the day to learn about your habits. The program can send you weekly summaries with patterns and times spent at certain levels. You can send these reports to clinics or health care professionals.
What makes this app worthwhile is its proactive approach to diabetes care. It has a goal-setting tool so that you can use the information it provides you to develop better habits between clinical visits.
Finally, Dexcom Clarity is available on desktops and mobile devices so that you always have access to your data.
Who would I recommend Dexcom to?
Dexcom’s products are particularly useful for people with type 1 diabetes who want to avoid either pricking their fingers or who like monitoring their glucose levels at all times.
Alternatives To Dexcom
Although there aren’t many other brands selling items similar to Dexcom’s, here are a few others you may want to check out:
- MySugr: a free app to track and manage diabetes that connects users to a larger community
- Klinio: a fitness app specifically designed for those with diabetes to help them exercise and plan meals
- EverlyWell Test: at-home medical tests for various health conditions and vitamins
What Do Experts Think?
Experts found that Dexcom G5 and G6 systems held real-world value, though the G6 models had a tighter margin for error.
Dexcom Reviews: What Do Customers Think?
Customers who wrote positive Dexcom reviews hailed the products as “life-saving.” They said Dexcom’s systems made monitoring their glucose simple and accurate, giving them more time and energy to spend on what they love.
One customer wrote the following Dexcom review on the brand’s website: “I love its accuracy, it’s ease of use and the difference it’s made to my HbA1c. It just fits into my routine perfectly. Everyone should try Dexcom and see just how good it is. I am 49 years old and fortunate that none of my children are type 1, if they were type 1 I would make Dexcom a priority and use the share feature to monitor them and keep them safe.”
The sharing feature that the buyer mentioned was seen as a huge advantage Dexcom held over the competition. I read plenty of Dexcom reviews where customers felt relieved that they could share their readings with others to feel safe.
I’ve included a customer testimonial from a mother who relied on Dexcom to care for her son’s diabetes: “My son is very sporty and we find it tracks his glucose much more accurately. The high and low alarms mean we all get to sleep safe in the knowledge it will alert us if anything untoward is happening!”
However, there were a number of negative Dexcom reviews complaining about the veracity of the device’s claims. Customers specified that Dexcom didn’t always provide accurate blood glucose readings, even after recalibrating the devices.
The other major complaint among Dexcom reviews was that the sensors did not last 10 days. On average, users said it only had enough juice for seven days.
Despite that, there were still some users who were overjoyed with Dexcom. Here’s what one customer wrote on HighYa:
“My A1c has dropped from 7.3 to 6.3 and nighttime lows have been eliminated through the alert function with this unit. It has been a life-changer. My level of control is much better. I’ve had nothing but positive results on those few occasions I’ve dealt with customer support. Seriously, my life has changed for the better.”
Is Dexcom Worth It?
Due to the nature and content of negative Dexcom reviews from customers, I’d advise you to approach Dexcom with caution. If your diabetes isn’t severe, then you have more leeway with them and you’re safer to try them out.
Where To Buy Dexcom
You can purchase or acquire anything in this Dexcom review on the brand’s website, dexcom.com.
FAQ
Who owns Dexcom?
Since Dexcom is a publicly traded company, many investors technically own the brand.
Is Dexcom covered by public insurance plans?
Yes, Dexcom is covered by most public insurance plans, though you should speak with the company to find out if this extends to you.
Does Dexcom have a needle?
Although Dexcom devices use a small single-button applicator, they possess a needle. It’s quite small, so you should only feel a little pinch.
How long can you wear a Dexcom?
The Dexcom G6 sensor advertises that you can wear it for 10 days. However, as I’ve pointed out in this Dexcom review, some customers said it didn’t last for that long.
How much does the Dexcom system cost per month?
The Dexcom G6 subscription costs $299 every month.
What is Dexcom’s Shipping Policy?
Dexcom can ship to most countries around the world. It takes them around 1 business day to process orders. They will send you a tracking number once they’ve shipped your order.
What is Dexcom’s Returns Policy?
You have 14 days to return any unused product, though you must cover the cost of return shipping.
How To Contact Dexcom
You can contact Dexcom via 888-738-3646 or the chat function on their website.
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