You’ve seen the ads. You’ve scrolled the posts. The Dexcom G7 is here and it’s smaller, faster, and shinier. But is it actually better?
If you’re juggling carb counts, insulin, and real life (oh hey, welcome to the club), here’s the real deal from the PLAD fam.
Below are the top things you should know before you slap that G7 on your arm and declare glucose freedom.
The Glow-Ups (a.k.a. The Wins)
1. 60% Smaller Means Less Oof
This baby shrunk. Like Honey, I Shrunk the Sensor. It’s 60% smaller than the G6, which means fewer doorframe smacks, less shirt-snagging, and fewer “Hey, what’s that thing on your arm?” moments. Small win, big comfort.
2. Sensor and Transmitter in One
No more swapping transmitters. The G7 is an all-in-one device. Stick it, scan it, done. No more tracking expiration dates or digging through drawers for a backup transmitter. Lazy? Nah, just efficient.
3. 30-Minute Warm-Up Time
Gone are the days of the 2-hour sensor purgatory. The G7 warms up in just 30 minutes. That’s less time than your favorite show’s new episode. Just enough time to prep your snacks and yell “WHERE’S MY LOW SNACK BAG?!”
4. New App, Who Dis?
The G7 app looks slick and puts your Time in Range front and center. We love a data-forward queen. It’s cleaner, faster, and more user-friendly.
The “Um, Wut?” Moments
1. Day One Accuracy Can Be Off
Look, we all have off days and apparently, so does the G7. Day one readings can be off by 50 to 100 points. Not ideal if you’re relying on it to dose insulin. Some folks even got phantom lows that weren’t real, which is not a fun party trick.
2. Sticker Shock, Literally
The adhesive? Not great. Smaller sensor means less sticky real estate. People are reporting sensors falling off before the full 10 days. Want it to stay on? You’re going to need an overlay patch. Pro tip: try Not Just a Patch. No affiliate link, just a solid option.
3. Bluetooth Drama
You know how your AirPods don’t work if you turn your head wrong? The G7 is a little like that. Connection drops happen if your pump and sensor are on opposite sides of your body. Not cool during a REM cycle.
Tips from the Real Ones
Use Overlay Patches
Stick that patch on immediately after sensor insertion. Don’t wait until it starts peeling. By then, it’s too late and you’re one sweaty workout away from sadness.
Keep Sensor and Pump on Same Side
Simple hack. Just keep them on the same side of your body. It helps the signal stay strong and stable, especially at night when you’re dreaming about low-carb cheesecake.
Insert Sensor 12 Hours Early
Insert your new sensor 12 hours before your current one ends. It gives your skin time to chill out and you’ll likely get better accuracy out the gate. Think of it like preheating your oven but way more important.
Press with Confidence
Push firmly when inserting the G7. Not Hulk-smash, but don’t be shy. A good connection means more accurate readings and fewer panicked “What is my number doing?!” moments.
Compatibility Check
The G7 doesn’t play nice with every insulin pump yet. If you’re using an Omnipod or Tandem system, make sure integration is available. Many users are sticking with the G6, yours truly included, for now because it still works well with their setups.
Honestly, that’s not a bad move. No shame in staying with what works.
Final Thoughts: Should You Make the Switch?
The G7 is sleek, small, and mostly awesome once you get past the first 24 hours and slap a patch on it.
If you’re new to CGMs, it’s a great starting point. If you’re already on the G6 and everything’s running smoothly, there’s no rush to switch. Wait until your system catches up or your G6 supplies run out.
Either way, your diabetes tech should work for you, not the other way around.
Dexcom’s customer support (888- 738-3646) has been responsive with replacements, so don’t hesitate to reach out if things go sideways.
Need Backup? PLAD Has You Covered
Party Like A Diabetic is here to help you live fully, feel supported, and yes, party with diabetes. No shame, no judgment, and no boring medical speak. Just real talk, real tools, and real community.
We see you. We celebrate you. And we’re with you every low, high, and perfectly in-range moment.
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