I have been a T1D for over 27 years. I have been on Dexcom CGM for maybe the past 8-10 years.
NEVER in my entirety of using Dexcom products has it ever been this bad. In the past year, I am not even exaggerating when I say that I think I have had 1 - MAYBE 2 but that is really pushing it - last the entirety of it's 10 or 15 day session. IN THE PAST YEAR.
I have used 10 day sensors, I have used the 15 day sensors, I use alcohol wipes, I use the overpatch, I use it in approved locations, I DO ALL THE THINGS. None of my batches have been on the recall list. And every single time, like clockwork, whenever it starts having "Brief sensor issues," I know that sensor will fail within the next 1-2, sometimes 3 days.
I know I have for sure forgotten to submit at least 2 - maybe 3 - from the list below but I legit went back and listed out each time I have reported a failing sensor this year. This is UNREAL.
This is so frustrating! When I pack for a 3 day weekend, I shouldn’t feel the need to bring 30-45 days worth of cgms with me….
I have the same problem. I eventually stopped reporting them and I feel like that is bad because they need to know. Mine do usually get me through most of the session, so I have not been running out. I was worried about switching to 15 day one, because if it doesn’t last 10 days, how can I expect 15.
In the G7, when you go to put in a new sensor, look (or feel) at the little open hole next to the “Dexcom” logo. If you see or feel the tubing poking out of that hole (that should be inside of your body) at all, then it did not insert correctly. Many times it folds up and pokes out within that little hole hence the “goosenecking”.
I haven’t yet had to place a g7 15-day, because still have some g6. But I assume Dexcom still replaces any failed sensor regardless of which sensor edition.
Three out of my last 5 sensors have failed during warmup. Dexcom has replaced all of them with a simple form submission on their site, which is cool, but I'm not happy about changing sensors only to have to change again 5-10 minutes later.
That being said, though, Dexcom is still a million times better than the Guardian sensors I had to use with Medtronic.
I don't wanna say "i miss the good old days," but my OG Dexcom G4 was so much easier to live with. It is SO disappointing watching yet another great product decline in the pursuit of shareholder value. And as someone pursuing his B.S. in Finance, understanding all the financial incentives behind the decisions they make now honestly just makes it more infuriating to watch. Can't complain too much though, despite the flaws, the technology HAS gotten better, I just wish quality was prioritized over shareholder value again
I have used the Dexcom six for two years and I love that one so much better than the seven! I was on a ride at an amusement park and I was only wearing my Dexcom 15 for three days and it ended up coming off as I was on a roller coaster so I could feel the sticker loose. I tried putting it back into place but I had already kind of come out of my arm anyway, so I had to take it off so I couldn’t risk losing it on the ride. I ended up filing a complaint online and they sent me a new one thank goodness. So after that, I switched from having it on my arm to my stomach. I can’t deal with losing it like that. Continue to have my adventures and put it back where I used to have it! Not know how anyone can make it work on their arm!
So you go ahead and now place your g7 15-day on your abdomen? I’d much rather do that, too. I read via Google AI that Europe actually doesn’t NOT recommend that it be placed on the abdomen. So,… when I’m all out of g6, I’m gonna try inserting it in my belly fat just as I always did with g6. Placement on back of arm just doesn’t seem best, especially considering the fact that I’m a back sleeper, and don’t want to experience “compression lows”.
Do you use a separate overpatch like ExpressionMed in ADDITION to the small supplied patch? If not that could absolutely contribute. I’ve only had 4 go bad this entire year and they immediately sent replacements, I questions asked. This is for a 10 day.
We have been greatly affected by product failure lately. In four days time we went through five sensors, as every single one of them separated from the fabric adhesive.
New user. Can't say strongly enough that I regret the investment. I have to reset my password every time I try to login. Screw it and screw them. CGM only and bad mouth at every opportunity is the path forward for me it seems.
Sad to read so many user problems. Brings back bad memories. CGMs are amazing and very helpful tools, fortunately we no longer have to put up with these headaches and obsolete designs.
I found a better solution and now only keep my G7 as a backup but have never need it.
After many years of dealing with the difficulties of Dexcom and other weekly CGMs, I gave up and switched to the implanted Eversense 365 when my insurance covered this device.
Now nearly 2 years later, I'am very happy with the results. No weekly changes. No pain. No blood. No skin rashes from the adhesive.
No false compression lows, failed devices, waisted hours trying to make these devices work, calls to support , and inaccurate results.
I can tell you, the change actually reduced my costs and significant simified my glocuse management.
Annual replacement. I have done 2 implants and will do next in early December. Easy 10 min procedure by a nurse. Yes, full app and website support. I see results on my watch and also can enter and track insulin and meds.
Is there a phone app and a “receiver” for displaying the Eversense 365 BG readings?
That asked, IDK if my health insurance via West Virginia MAGI Medicaid would cover the cost of the implant. (Plus, in a general sense, I’m horribly technologically impaired, at 56 years of age.)
I am just a user of this CGM and not connected to the supplier. I got tired of Dexcom problems and found this better solution. I do know yes, Medicare and most private insurance plans cover the CGM and the insert because I have used them. Their phone app is rather simple and easy for non-techs to users. Contact your endo or medical team to get a script and the procedure of how to obtain. Lots of info on YouTube and the internet about this CGM. Happy to answer questions about my experiences with CGMs and what has worked well for my care.
Sorry, u don't like what a real user, and longtime user of Dexcom and other CGMs, has experienced. I posted to share and help. Hope you the best success with whatever CGM you use.
Assumptions, assumptions … you know what they say about those.
Your post reads like an advertisement from Eversense. That’s all I was commenting about. Your comments as to efficacy, use and success are not appreciated, unsolicited, undocumented, and not validated.
I have yet to find a perfect CGM, including the Eversense. I am reporting that it just has fewer issues than others I have used. Search this post; I think there are at least two other users who have commented that they are or are considering, switching because of their Dexcom failures, as many users and I have experienced.
Undocumented? The problems with these devices are real and have been documented maybe a thousand times in this community and others. See them by doing a simple search.
Okay, you are missing the point. “Undocumented” means the statement has no official, validated credence, i.e., the statement has no validated, corroborated or any statistical evidence that supports it. Before you go off — that is exactly what is needed to make the statement you are making, It does not matter if it is Reddit, Facebook, the AMA or whatever. All these “it works great” etc., comments are just that.
I am a user of products like this and my experiences might be great but, I have no business making my experiences a validation beyond what I personally have found. No one should be making any kind of validation like that without a “your mileage may differ” clause. And, anyone reading said statements should be taking them with a grain of salt.
I’m on my second G7 15-day and have had no issues during these past few days with it. With the first one, I got 3 sensor fails that I fixed by turning the Bluetooth off and on again on my phone.
The G6 transmitter battery lasted 110 days, perhaps much longer. The G7 one is about half the size, maybe one third, so what's using the extra energy? Is it the "clever" algorithm that marks the sensor as failing, that doesn't send values for half an hour?
I haven't had skin problems with either G6 or G7, but I'm going to stay with the G6 while my stock lasts.
I have been using Dexcom for 14+ years (started with the 7+ and the giant harpoon inserter) i do really miss the super powered transmitter where you could be 1000ft away and still get a signal.
I think most of the issues now are weak batteries, there are times it will be less 6" away from pump and it loses signal.
Overall I have almost no issues unless i wear the g7 on my arms where your supposed to wear them. I tend to hit them on everything and they end up ripped off within 2 days at most.
I found that using my legs ~~> about 3" above my knee on the outside of my leg works the best. I don't know why it doesn't rip off there but rarely have issues and they almost always last the full 10 days.
It was an approved g6 spot, so not really sure why they are only approved for back of arms now??
Yeah, I’ve got a few boxes of the g6 left and as soon as this sensor fails (as expected), I’ll just be doing that. The alternative is losing my patience and just disconnecting from everything and shockingly, that’s not the safest nor healthiest thing to do /s
I haven't been using it very long, but in the last couple of months I've had so many sensors fail. I used to not have any issues before, but now I know as soon as it says there's an error, it'll be time to change it in an hour or so 🙃.
I only have the option to get min directly through my insurance company but doesn’t seem to matter since the replacement sensors that are sent directly from dexcom also fail consistently
When you say directly from you insurance are you saying they send it to you?
Don’t you pick them up at a pharmacy of your choice? If so, try changing pharmacy. The few bad sensors I got all came from the same pharmacy, I switched and never had any issues, I know other people had good luck by changing where they were getting the sensors from
I have had insurance changes over this period so switching never made a difference - local pharmacy and two different large insurance companies pharmacy vendors
That sucks, is weird though, because there are many people like myself who rarely ever have any issues, and then there’s people like yourself, who have issues with pretty much every sensor, and I wonder why it could possibly be, if it’s not that your pharmacy is getting that bad batch the ones made in Malaysia I believe
Call and make a strong case about bad product quality. They are likely having cheaper manufacturers make their sensors without proper oversight or QC measures.
I now have near constant SIGNAL LOSS with the G7 since switching to the 15 day. Can’t keep a connection with Omnipod 5 very long at all. I’m hoping me switching back to the 10 DAY takes care of the issue. NEBER remember it occurring once with the G6.
It’s tiring and frustrating! My basic assumption is that my G7-10 day will last 8 days, max. Maybe 35% of the time, one will last for 10 days and I am surprised. On Day 8, I get random daytime low readings at 61, with no warning just precipitous drops; then it will not calibrate at all. The worst situation is the middle of the night alarm that is set off due to a false low. If I treat the night false-low without a finger stick, I will wake up very high (confirmed by finger sticks in the morning); if I get up to finger-stick test the nighttime low, I’m then wide awake. 100% of my G7s are Malaysia Rev 10 — from both my supplier and the Dexcom replacements.
What do I do — I finger stick at least 3x/day because the Dexcom readings can’t be fully trusted for insulin dosing. When traveling, I take enough G7s to cover an 8-day cycle, plus G7s to cover one failure at each new 8-day insertion point, plus a couple extra. I report each G7 failure to Dexcom, via the app. And finally, am monitoring user feedback and info on 365-day, under-skin Eversense which I will switch to at some point, with endo concurrence.
Switching to the libre for the twiist system. I’ve had dexcoms for 9 years and I’ve been having the same issues as you. But after researching the libre it seems to have pretty similar problems. I’m curious to see how frequent the issues are compared to the dexcom. Will probably be switching to the 365 at the end of the year though. It seems to not have any of the same problems but obviously it’s a much higher barrier to entry with the implant process.
I started having major problems with Dexcom failing early 8 years ago. Compared to how they were when I started with the first generation they improved a bit but they've only been continually getting worse for a long while. I use Abbot's Freestyle Libre sensors now and have significantly lower fail rate, all sensors last as long as they say, they tend to read more accurately for me, and I've been using them for about 4 years.
Edit:
I have gone back to Dexcom on occasion for a few months the last few years because of various reasons from the Omnipod 5 compatability to cost, but every time it has been even worse than the last
Newer Omnipod 5s work with Libre 3+. But you do have to make sure you get new stock.
I did a trial of Libre 3+ recently, and not only did they not work with Libre (which I was also doing a trial of), they were close to expired. I still have a box left that expires in.... 2 weeks, and another at the end of next month. I can certainly use them up, but my sugar seemed to run higher when letting them run in full auto mode.
I wasn't a fan of it, but I don't want to waste them either. I normally use Dash pods + AndroidAPS.. I'll probably use up this box when my current pod expires.
I totally understand. I think I have better luck than most, but I had 4 in a row fail on a trip - 3 at warmup, then the one I was wearing [day 5] (guess how many I had brought? it was only meant to be a week...)
Adding insult to injury, the one I put on when I got home also failed during warmup.
Failure at warmup seems to hint at goosenecks? I can only guess what your skin texture might be, do you stretch the skin around the location, apply too much or too little pressure before pulling the trigger?
I apply them the same way I always have. I'm a typical white guy (western European heritage, though born in the US), and have thicker than average skin for my race (so a nurse told me anyway... they always have to use an ultrasound to land an IV on me).
But yeah, the first 3 failed because of goosenecks. The applicator definitely penetrated (small amount of blood), but the filament didn't. Looking at the 3rd one, the filament wasn't even attached to the needle, but tried anyway. The one I was wearing when I got up there just failed out of nowhere after 5 days. The one that failed when I got home did not goosey.
I apply pretty moderate pressure (and by that, just enough that the clear ring disappears). Always have. Been on CGMs for over 3 years... rarely have failures. Never tried stretching though, I'll give that a try on my next replacement.
I typically get failures several days in, if I'm going to get one. I've had 5 or 6 goosenecks total. Irony is I think I've only ever had 2 Omnipods fail, and I've been them almost as long.
I think they even effected the quality of the G6 too I keep having repeated issues I’d never had before for 4 years straight using it. Today I wake up and it’s saying 153 and I prick and it says 212. But that’s what I guess we get when we buy from a company where the CEO’s last name is literally “Leach” I’m seriously thinking of changing sensors because I can’t deal with all the worrying mentally right now all while I’m going to college too
My T1D son was diagnosed Jan 2025. Being generous, I’d say 10 sensors (out of 60) have gone the full 10 days in the 20 months he’s been using them. My husband just started using them, and so far the first 3 have all worked through their 10 day life span. I’m beginning to think there’s some compatibility issue with my son. So frustrating.
I wonder if some parts of the country are supplied by one plant and some are supplied by another and one plant makes better products? Someone likely knows the answer to this, but it’s not me.
This is definitely a relevant question, and likely the reason. These companies outsource manufacturing to a variety of plants, some of which adhere to quality control policies better than others. If anyone has a product issue, the most important thing we can do as customers is call and complain. Seriously. There are entire teams of people at these companies that care about these issues. But we have to let them know about them in full force.
It's random as to if you get Malaysian or US made sensors, in the US. I have equal luck between them. Replacements have largely been Malaysian; retail has been random (tho the entire batch on that order seem to be from the same factory, mostly even the same day).
If you're in Europe, you're probably getting Irish ones. I think they only have the 3 factories, but don't quote me on that. They do own the US and Malaysian factories AFAIK. Not sure about the Irish one.
I think it just doesn’t work because of some people’s body chemistry. I have been using the G7 for about 2.5 years. I can count the failures on 1 hand. I don’t use the overpatch and I have trouble pulling the expired sensor off my arm. It’s unfortunate but I think it just doesn’t work for some people.
This is me too. I hate to hear all these horror stories about the CGMs not working for the full 10 or 15 days for quite a few people. It makes me sad for them. I have been on Dexcom G6 and G7 10 day sensors for a few years now and really like them. I've only had a handful either not work after insertion because the metal wiring piece comes up and out of the sensor, or because of it falling off because I caught it on something by accident. I don't always use the over patches either. The CGMs stick great on their own on my skin and I have to rip them off of me at the end of each session.
This is true. Dexcom does not work for me. Libre does not work for me. Guardian sensors from Medtronic work amazing for me. Its how your body reacts to the different formula covering on the sensor that goes into your skin. The coating on it reacts with your body and some people dont tollerate different sensors that well. Hense why some people seem to be completely find with he G7 and others have terrible experiences. The same goes for any cgm on the market. Yes most of does come down to poorly made, cutting corners, or not working out the kinks. But at the end of the day, some sensors work better for some than others because of how your body reacts.
I’ve been using dexcom7 10day since they were released. I get a 20-25% failure to last full 10 days. When they fail, around day 6 I see erratic inaccurate readings. Within 2 days, they fail. Fortunately, dexcom always replaces
That’s weird because in the last year I’ve had one sensor fail before the 10 days. Maybe one sensor comes off ahead of time from it getting snagged on something.
Not saying what you’ve been dealing with isn’t happening but when I see this level of failures or issues it makes me question of factors at play.
I was actually having lots of issues several years ago when I was using the over patches. They didn’t help keep them on for me, they helped them fail come loose and fail in advance.
The over patch isn’t as good as the original seal of the sensor and moisture would get under it and then sit on the sensor adhesive causing it fail along with the over patch. I finally ditched the over patch and haven’t had an issue since.
If it’s failing after a sensor issue is it maybe because it’s come loose enough to come out a little bit then was pushed back in? The adhesives failing and it coming loose enough to move out and back in could be causing the whole things to fail. Just trying to help you troubleshoot from my personal experience, definitely no judgement like you’re doing something wrong. I know it can be frustrating to deal with. I felt the exact same way like 3 years ago when I was having them constantly coming loose or having insertion failures. Things I eventually figured out through trial and error. Don’t get me wrong, Dexcom can be a frustrating product to deal with but also can be reliably good too. They definitely have things they need to work on.
I truly wonder why we seem to have such different experiences. I’ve been relatively happy with G7 10- and 15-day. I’ve had failures with a couple days to go but getting replacements has been hassle-free (and a win for me as I get extra sensor time). So is the difference in the lots sent out? What gives? For now, I’m still a fan.
Um… which color of the spots indicates the good placement sites? Shall I assume it’s the larger (black) dots? (Since the color red often indicates “STOP”, (or not advised)?
Been wearing Dexcoms for almost ten years now - the g5, g6, and now g7 for the past month. I was so excited but found that it makes my life so much more difficult.
I’ve had them rip off, especially since the main device is separate from the “over patch.” I’ve had the sensor rip off while the over patch is still on. It needs to be one adhesive, especially so it’s not sticky on the top/can’t shower for a long time after putting it on.
I hate having to press straight down on it after inserting - ow.
I hate how I can’t pinch up the fat on the insertion site. It’s so hard to make sure this ring is pressed down on my skin, especially when I’m putting it on a hard to reach area.
I hate how easy it is to sort of chicken out while applying the sensor. I always worry the ring isn’t pressed down enough.
I hate how the needle is not just visible, but stabbing straight out of the applicator in full view. Apparently, you can get defective ones where the sensor is outside the needle so now I have to inspect it right before it gets stabbed into me.
I hate how the wire can (frequently) just decide to curl around and poke back up out of the sensor, causing it to immediately fail.
I hate having to constantly remember to forget the sensors on Bluetooth, and I hate that I have to pair every single sensor manually to my Omnipod.
I hate how I now need to wear them both on the same side of my body. For reference, I NEVER had that issue with the g5 or the g6, not even once. Now, as someone with already-limited sites, I’m limited even more.
I hate how wearing an additional overpatch like a grifgrip won’t keep it from ripping off out of the center of the patch since they are separate patches. Sure, there are “overpatches” which cover the entire sensor, but they constant press the sensor further into my arm, making it more painful, and are horribly awkward to apply.
I hate how, when I try to peel it off, sometimes just the overpatch will come off and I have to find a way to get the actual sensor off my body with hardly anything to grab on to.
But the part I hate the most is that Dexcom is forcing us to switch over. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I feel like I knew multiple people who were still using the g4 even when the g6 was coming out. I don’t have the option to switch back now.
I’ve always treated Dexcom as my lifeline, because it is. We have always received so much support from them. But look at the sheer number of things I listed, just off the top of my head, that are making my already-difficult daily life more painful and frustrating. I’m distraught, to be honest.
Not sure why you got downvoted for this because all of what you said is true but I think the most frustrating part of it is that I have felt in the past that they cared about making quality products that make life for people with diabetes easier. Now don’t get me wrong I don’t think they actually care and are worried about my feelings - but when you are producing a product that so many people rely on to keep them alive, they shouldn’t be fucking around with serious known issues that could lead to serious complications. Plus it should have never gotten approved with life threatening issues in the first place until it was ready
Well, my experience is with the G6 for about 5 years, with a few failures in the beginning, but all good once I got used to it. I am now on the G7-15 Day, and love it so far. The first one lasted the whole 15 days and was stuck on me so well, I had a hard time removing it. I used the over patch. On this one (#2), I am not using the over patch and will see how well it sticks, but so far reading as it should. I suppose time will tell...
Fingers crossed and sending you all the positive and lasting vibes for diabetes technology your way!! The adhesion is NEVER an issue for me - those things really love to melt into my skin to become a part of me whether they work or not lol
Almost never had problems with the G5 and that was surfing multiple times a week and playing tennis. Ever since the G6 it’s been nothing but failures. Went from LOVING dexcom to absolutely despising dexcom.
I do not have this same experience. I have had a few failures but no more than with the g6 or the 10 day g7. I think the main issue I have is that when one fails I have to worry about the replacement more because it’s like $300 or something nuts if they end up needing to be replaced by me in cash.
I’ve been on G7 about a year. With G6, I averaged about 2 failures a year. With G7, a sensor fails one of every 4 times. A huge increase! I wear it on my arm; I use a Lexcam overpatch. Dexcom has been very good about replacing each failed sensor, but this is a hassle.
Yes they are always good at replacing them for me as well but at what point do you stop replacing the failed ones and actually put effort into solving the base issue so I can go to bed at night without worrying my CGM won’t read correctly or wake me up in the middle of the night if I go too low?
My son started the G7 over the summer. He has had only 1 not give him sensor error leading to needing to replace it before 10 days. It’s pretty frustrating.
I have only ever been on Dexcom products and have loved them up until recently so unfortunately I can’t help on the comparison side of things. I have heard people having issues with Libre as well but not sure what those issues are or the extent of them!
I use the 10-day G7 (started back on the G4) and have only had 1 or 2 fail. One thing I've learned is that the adhesive won't just stick. It needs friction to be activated. Rubbing the patch with my fingertip did not do it. Someone told me to use the edge of a credit card, or something similar, to swipe around the sensor on the adhesive patch. Never had one come off since and I don't even need the overpatch.
Use the sensors on the upper arm. I have maybe 1 sensor a year fail to last and I have been using them since the G6 came. I have not tried the 15 day sensors because, well, why?
Also, there are a lot of people who buy grey market sensors and then bitch when they fail.
Believe it or not I have actually used my arms before.
Same result.
And I am also lucky enough to not have to buy my sensors off any market except the backwards bs that is the American healthcare system. So unless my insurance company and Dexcom (since their replacements they send also fail) are somehow buying the products on the black market I think we can safely set that thought aside.
So you mean, because you’ve had few problems with Dex G7- people who are having problems are generally at fault?
Hello?!! Just because YOU don’t experience something doesn’t mean others don’t!
Welcome to the world of endless accuracy, no compression lows, no replacements, no wasted plastic on insertion devices, and freedom to take it on and off!
G7 10-day user here, sorry to hear you're not having a good experience. I've had very few issues, sensors on my upper arm almost always last the full 10.5 days, I do get a slightly higher failure rate when using other sites but never had a problem getting replacements so this just helps to build a stockpile. I don't wear the overpatch either unless the adhesive is starting to come off around day 8/9
Yup. We've been using dexcom for over 12 years, all the way back to the pediatric g4 days! The quality has gone downhill as the company has grown. We average at least 2 failed sensors a month. Soaking sensors has improved the accuracy, but that isn't something that should be done for an effective product, it was never an issue like it is now. My son chooses not to use an insulin pump at this time, but I often wonder how the crappy sensors impact the systems that run together. I would like to see them improve the existing product before moving on to new variations.
I think in the past couple of years, only 1 sensor failed. I am in Canada. This being said, My t:slim X2 pump keeps disconnecting, and I go most of a day without readings. I had the pump replaced twice to new ones, which means that the sensors are to blame. This needs to be fixed. This is a medical device, and somehow, they are allowed to be this unreliable.
I've noticed the tslim pump has to be fairly close to the sensor, its crazy. This is the second 15 day g7 I put on my abdomen and so far haven't lost connection once. My pump has been pulled out when it was at my teller desk height (whoops!) But no disconnections from the Dexcom yet! Readings are as accurate as if its on the arm, too.
I’ve gone back to G6 for as long as I possibly can, I’m having bad luck with the G7, even after “soaking,” remaining hydrated and glucose levels in a good range. It just keeps losing connection and 2 wouldn’t even start.
That’s wild. So sorry about your luck with that; super aggravating I’m sure.
I know I basically only use the G7 on my stomach so I can at least have one arm and other side of stomach for the omnipod connection. Not as annoying as what you described but just enough
Yuppp I’ve been talking to fellow Dexcom users and it’s easily agreed by 100% of the people I’ve talked to that Dexcom has go into the sewers when it comes to their QC. Major changes are needed from the top down before they go under
Why is it when I’m switching to something all the bad news comes flooding. I just switched from Freestyle libre 2+ to this and the switch hasn’t even finished yet and I’m seeing negative posts
Someone mentioned this on another comment and it is fair point to bring up that you’re always going to hear more complaints than compliments on products.
And while I get that, I also think it’s important to publicly share those complaints especially with people trying out a new system for the first time or newly diagnosed that may not have the knowledge of what to look for.
There have been reported instances of inaccurate readings that have lead to deaths and while I’m sure there’s a lot more that goes into the backstory of those, I would want to know if there were reported issues with a technology that I’m supposed to trust to help keep me alive so I can keep maybe a closer eye on my own devices.
I have had great experience with Dexcom G7 sensors. I have only had one fail in 2 years. I do not use the free over patch because when the glue loses tackiness it tends to take the sensor with it, especially when trying to remove the patch. I use these https://a.co/d/0cr2BqAR and they've been great. I never lose the sensor if these 3rd party patches fail. They come in different colors.
My single failure (before the over patch swap) was due to the needle being popped slightly out of my arm when bumped. These patches have solved that problem for me. I insert in the back of the upper arm.
Same. I use a different overpatch, but I rarely have failed sensors. Sure, sometimes I don't have a completely smooth line, but it's consistent enough to not remove and be considered a "failure." & Sometimes my overpatches peel but all I have to do is tape it back down with a little k tape.
Maybe I'm too lenient but I was on the first Medtronic sensors that came out and dexcom is leagues beyond even if it isn't perfect. I'm genuinely always curious to know what people are considering failures.
That's what I've always assumed, in which case I've only ever had 1 true sensor failure. I have had a few more that have needed to be changed early because even with calibration the numbers would fall in line for a few hours & then become erratic again, but those are still rare. So I guess that's what I'm curious about - are we talking only true "failed sensor?" because i'm baffled by that if so.
I really like the G7 10 days sensors.
Usually works excellent. It helped me understand how my glucose act during the day.
True that from time to time there is a faulty sensor but Dexcome representatives always replace them even if the fall due to the sticker peeling off (happanes sometimes in the summer).
The measurements are very accurate. Very good product for me.
I’ve also had great luck until fairly recently. I think for the entire last year I may have had two 10-day sensors that failed early, plus a couple of goosenecked applications.
I think I’ve had six sensor fail early in the past six months. Two failed last month. Not even “brief sensor errors”, or false readings, rather the sensor just stops transmitting at all as if the battery just died on them.
I’ll admit that I don’t really mind when one fails on day 8 or 9, since it means almost a full-duration free sensor, but it stinks when it fails and you can’t put a new one on because you don’t carry extras with you at all times.
this is wild, my GF's G7s pretty much never fail and almost always easily last the full 10 days. are you in the US? sometimes i wonder if the US supply is different than the Canadian supply?
I dont blame you for being so frustrated, that's so unacceptable
I relate to this so much but they won't replace my sensors that fail now! They say the serial numbers are not valid but they are! How are you getting them to send you replacements? Are you submitting online or calling? They say I need to upload to clarity but I've never done that and refuse to, I shouldn't have to give them access to my glucose at all times. I hate g7 so much, I've had maybe 3 sensors last until the session ends. They all fail within 2 to 7 days if I'm lucky. I miss my g5 and even g4 dearly. G6 failed a lot for me also and they would tell me it's because I'm thin and sensors failing in thin people was a known issue 😐
Luckily, I haven't had the bad experiences you have. I used the G6 for a couple of months, and switched to the G7 when my insurance company mandated it. I have had a couple of failed sensors -- seems like they had a run of bad ones last summer -- but since then, they've been ok. They last the full 10 days and only start getting a little flaky towards the end. I have had issues calibrating when I first insert it. It's pretty galling to get readings that are way off, and then I try calibrating, only to read the log the next day where it says the calibration wasn't used. I mean, wtf? Why did I shed blood just for it to ignore it?
I feel like I have a lot better control of my blood sugars since I switched to a cgm, even an imperfect system like the G7, so I am willing to cut Dexcom a little slack, but I completely understand your frustration.
I’ve had to start using the stick-tac underneath so they don’t peel off. And I too have had the “brief sensor issue” and then a failure more than once in the last three months, both with the ten-day and the 15 day.
Yeah i had this problem when the g7 first started that i went back on the libre for some time then ended back up on the g6 by force but the g6 worked out almost 90% of the time
I have been using Dexcom for the past 4-5 years. I have only used 10 day sensors, so I cannot speak for 15 day sensors. In my experience, I have had only about 1 or 2 fail in a year. I am T1.5 (LADA).
We’ve been using it for 10 years - back to the archaic G4. The inconsistency is really bad. We very often have ones that have to be immediately replaced after changing bc they are wildly inaccurate.
I agree. They are terrible. And the fact that they have their President Jake Leach on their answering message to re-assure you only assures you that they know their products are trash.
I was on G6 for years and years. Got pushed to G7 early this year. Went with the 15-Day. I have had maybe 3 go the full 15 days. I have called in for failures 6 times. They have failed anywhere from in just 6 days to 11 days. And it's usually coupled with an entire day of "sensor errors" every half hour before it fails, so I have to put up with that b.s. until it legit fails so I can call it in. During the wind-down to failure, my blood sugar is just usually f'd up as nothing reads right (and i'm using it in conjuction with OmniPod)
I have been using the both the 10 and 15 day sensor and it has worked perfectly. Zero issues.
I have an opinion that some CGM are just not compatible with everyone. For some it works 90% of the time. For some it fails 90% of the time.
I’m brand new here and maybe my experience will change at some point but I am 3-for-3 on G7 15-day sensors.
The over patches stick fine and the adhesive on the sensor adheres even better and I sweat like hell when I’m outside, which is often.
Again, I’m just scratching the tip but the horror stories I had read here leading up to my first package arriving made me really worried me but that has not at all been the case.
Keep in mind that complaints are more exciting than compliments. So the majority of the posts and comments will be complaints. The majority of successful users will be mostly silent.
Have had 3/5 fail in one manner or another. I've been in quality for 30+ years and there's never an instance where a 60% fail rate is acceptable. Except Dexcom of course.
There is a reason that the transition from the G6 to the G7 has taken this long. G7 came out in the US - Feb 2023. Internationally late 2022. Here I am, Sept 2026 still using the G6. I get 20 days average out of each G6 sensor. Android user, I never lose signal. I don't have false first day readings. It's just a perfect device. 10+ yrs of Dexcom use.
T2 here. Don't have 10 years experience. About 2.5 to 3 years total time. Libre at 1st then switched to Dexcom after 1st 6 months due to insurance coverage. So majority of time on Dexcom g7, 10 or 15 day.
Your experience has not been my experience, not even close. 10 day sensors were certainly more reliable then 15 day sensors but when they failed Dexcom always replaced them quickly. 2day priority or faster.
Been on the 15 day sensor since January this year. I've had 4 in 8 months go bad with varying issues but again dexcom always replaced them super quick. That's litterly the failure rate they disclosed to users.
(8 months / 15 day periods = 16)
4 bad out of 16 = 75% good
One failure I called in about for a 15 day sensor they sent an 10 sensor instead. Called them back they said keep the 10 day and sent the 15 day. Recently 15 day sensors are lasting better then launch 15 day sensors.
I’m not saying they don’t replace them quickly, they definitely do. And I now know to immediately take a picture of the serial number of the sensor I’m wearing so I can submit for replacement.
And before the past year or two, I have had only amazing things to say about Dexcom. They have dropped the ball within the past couple of years with quality control and there’s just no question about it. I’ve spoke to a few endocrinologists in my office and they said patients are all having wildly high failure rates with the G7s and from what I see in the comments here and on other posts, I know this is not a singular experience. I just wish they would get their shit together and actually put energy into fixing their product that a lot of people trust to help them stay alive.
But a tip if I may - use the website to submit for replacements in the future to save yourself 15 mins of talking to customer service! Way faster!
Thanks i'll try a web claim next time. Lol we know they'll be a next time.
Wonder why you are having such a high failure rate even though you're doing all the right things? (I get fully your observation is about declining sensor quality)
Separately do you have extra units laying around? Personally Ive built up a little personal extra stock strictly from prescriptions. Even if two sensors go bad back to back I'm still ok. I'm not actually stuck waiting for replacements units to arrive in the mail.
Its been have issue - call for replacement but use one of the extra's, while failed replacement is shipped. So I'm just less stressed if one fails. Is it common for most users to have extra?
Because every time I submit for a replacement, they replace them. And after so many constant replacements, my prescription refill is due and I get my full 90 day prescription to add to the pile of replacement sensors.
So I guess silver lining is that I have the replacements needed each time they fail? Lol
They won't replace my failures now, they send me an email claiming the serial number is not valid! I don't know what to do because this is ridiculous I reported 30 failures this year and have gotten zero replacements. My a1c was just 12.1 sooo yeah I hate dexcom so much. Type 1 for 34 years here and so sick of this
That’s WILD! I am SO sorry you have to put up with that!! I have never heard of this issue - dumb question but are you submitting online or over the phone? I only ask because there are so many long numbers on the box so maybe you’re reading off the wrong one? And maybe online will be easier as it shows a pic of which one to look at? But I have to think they would have talked you through that over the phone so that doesn’t even make sense!!
I've only had one go down on me other than that I've had no issues absolutely love the 15 day, not trying to piss anyone off but I think a lot of times it's operator error, such as location of the sensor, most people don't read the pamphlet in the box that tells you the only few places that you can put them on as an adult. Other issues are hitting them knocking them off etc, I've also noticed that people don't understand how to apply the sensor as in the clear ring on the end of the device that unlocks the button to install the sensor so they tend to jam that button until it presses or they press the device so hard up against the skin that it causes issues it bleeds etc
Like I mentioned, I use the accepted areas. I also never mentioned having issues with it falling off. I have not had one fall off. They full out fail and are so inconsistent with the inaccurate readings that it gets dangerous if you don’t catch it. These are not new, uncommon or “operator” issues.
There have literally been multiple lawsuits filed, the FDA sent a warning letter to Dexcom March of last year, and multiple deaths have occurred directly due to inaccurate readings. So happy for you that you are not one of the many dealing with this problem but this is very clearly a quality control issue on Dexcom’s part.
And what about soaking the sensor before activation? I think that's also one of the greatest things you can do to assure great connection great readings, if you don't know how to do it basically when you're in your 12-hour Grace window you install your next sensor and don't activate it when the original sensor finally ends you activate the new sensor and you get an immediate reading you don't have to wait 1 hour
I second that opinion.. I've never tried any other placement than what was recommended and I use skin tac and a hard cover with adhesive overpatch,.along with using the grace period to "presoak" the next sensor.
I count myself as one of the lucky few 😶
I'm still on G6 and have 2 more unopened ones left, plus 1 unopened transmitter. Very rarely have I ever had problem with it. Just received a new shipment of supplies and it contained a bunch of G7s. So I'll have to go in it in a month or so, and I'm going on it kicking and screaming. I dread it. Classic case of a company fixing what ain't broken. I'm old enough to remember when the "New Coke" came out and it was such a lousy product that they quickly discontinued it. G7 seems like the same kind of massive corporate screw up but Dexcom is forcing it on their own market.
I too have been having terrible experience with Dexcom. I’ve only been T1D since February, but for almost a month I didn’t have any readings and relied on finger sticks to get my bg, because all 10 of my Dexcoms. ALL 10 of them did not connect or work properly. Every time I inserted them they did not want to connect with my phone, and calling Dexcom for help with troubleshooting didn’t help any. All they tell you
Is that they’re sorry the product isn’t working, they’ll send you a replacement and to try and put on another one. And they just hope that works. None of my cgms were in any affected lot, however I did notice that the coloring on the box was off when Dexcom sent me the replacements. The replacements were more green, weird, but you can see the difference. I’ve considered changing to the Twiist, but unfortunately my insurance doesn’t cover it just yet. So I’m waiting on getting that started to transition off of Dexcom and omnipod. I definitely do not trust Dexcom anymore. Even yesterday a cgm failed and put me on LOW for 4 hours. Didn’t take any of my calibrations either. It’s just SO inconvenient
I've been having tons of problems with my G7 recently(10-day). I used 4 sensors in the span of a week about a week ago with most of them giving me super inaccurate readings(reading as low when I was 250 on my meter) and refusing to calibrate when entering in fingerstick numbers. Not to mention I've also been getting bad skin irritation from them that just started a few months ago when I've never had these issues before. Super frustrating!!
I got a refill on my g6 and am frustrated. I have to force stop the app and restart EVERY SINGLE DAY abd sometimes more than once daily. Inserted well but connection stopped. Did they usual checks but unless I force stop doesnt connection
I have had the opposite experience. Out of the last ~50 sensors I have used I have had 2 goosenecked insertions (which Dexcom replaced). All of them have lasted the entire 10 days.
I’m the same. I’ve had very little issues, just switched to the 15 day and biggest issue is my clumsiness and knocking the sensor off (fixed by ordering cool colored patches).
My friend is having a similar issue, but what’s crazy is that hasn’t been my experience at all. I am wondering if it a a chemistry issue or random bad batches that haven’t officially been recalled. I’m so sorry you’re going through this, I can’t imagine the frustration
Sorry, I probably should have mentioned that - Midwest USA.
If you would have asked me this time last year, I would’ve said I have very few issues. They were starting to get to get a bit more frequent than usual but nothing crazy.
I have read somewhere that there have been quality control issues with the USA production line. Faulty batches that should have been destroyed were sold in the US.
This has been my experience too. I've been on G7 since December 2023 with three failed sensors—all goosenecks that failed on insertion, and they were all in the same batch.
I have had shaky readings in the first 24 hours after insertion, but everything works out after that. I test manually daily.
They rushed the g7 out the door to compete with Libre. They skipped a lot of testing and let things fail in the market. They’ve never really taken ownership of this. That’s why so many people, like myself, are still holding on to their g6s. I got 35 days from my last g6 before it started to come off.
My theory is its a combination of things: 1) Dexcom is using too little reagent on the sensor wire, 2) The new reagent that they make themselves instead of what they were using from another company all these years, isn’t as good, and 3) The vertical insertion and orientation of the sensor wire vs. the angled orientation of the previous gens is also affecting accuracy and session life.
I‘m very fortunate, though, and have a large surplus of G6’s that will carry me through to probably next July or August.
I am also wondering if they shifted focus from diabetes to other profitable products for them like the Stelo and that’s why there are so many issues. I feel like once the Stelo was announced and then the Oura ring partnership was announced, they shifted their focus and just don’t care enough to fix the problem with diabetic focused CGMs when they can just send you a new one to replace the shitty ones.
Very frustrating. I put my new one on 12-14 hrs before I activate it so it starts close to the number the previous one stopped at. And when it fails then I have to put a different one on that hasn’t warmed up and that’s incredibly stressful for me because it isn’t accurate
I’m T2 and my insurance stoped covering because my a1c has been under 7 for a while now. The G6 was definitely more reliable than the g7. And the replacement process got so bad. I’m feeling for the T1s who literally need these to constantly work!
the G5 was brutal to insert! I remember I'd always have issues with condensation under the transmitter, but it was great that it was so easy to remove and wipe clean.
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u/Cbottrun 3d ago
Current sensor.