DexCom G6 Unboxing
In this post, we profile one of the top doctor-prescribed Continuous Glucose Monitoring systems on the market today - the DexCom G6.
If you’re living with diabetes, you already know the importance of testing your blood sugar regularly. It’s the key to keeping your diabetes in control and avoiding serious health complications, including heart disease, neuropathy, kidney disease, eye problems and other serious conditions.
While most people still use a glucose meter and test strips to measure their blood sugar levels, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is becoming more and more popular due to the ease, accuracy, and, of course, no more daily finger pricks.
Every continuous glucose monitoring system on the market requires a doctor’s prescription, and yours will surely have some valid reasons for recommending one system over another. That’s why the first step to switching to a CGM device is to sit down and discuss all the options with your doctor.
In this article, we’ll be focusing on one of today’s most popular CGM options - The DexCom G6 system. Hopefully, you’ll gain a little insight into what makes this CGM system tick and whether or not it might be right for you.
So, let’s open these things up.
Digging Into the Dexcom G6
The Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring system uses three primary components to measure blood sugar.
DexCom G6 Pricing
Like all CGM systems, the Dexcom G6 is not your most inexpensive blood sugar management option. The receiver retails for about $630. The transmitter runs another $600, and for a three-pack of sensors and applicators, you’re looking at about $490. Diabetic Warehouse offers a DexCom G6 Sensors and Transmitter Combo Pack for added convenience and savings (not pictured here). The good news is you can often save up to 40% on these retail prices by purchasing the Dexcom G6 and all the accessories from reputable online suppliers, such as Diabetic Warehouse.
Insurance
The other good news for those interested in exploring continuous glucose monitoring is that, according to DexCom, over 85% of private insurance plans now cover Dexcom CGM systems. If your insurance plan is among them, you very well may find yourself covered and Dexcom offers specialists on hand who can help you find out all the details. That’s a nice plus.
What’s In the Boxes?
Dexcom does a fantastic job of packaging everything and providing clear instructions so that is easy to get started using the G6 right away. The entire purpose of continuous glucose monitoring is to make a little life easier by making it easier to manage your Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes on a daily basis. The Dexcom G6 lives up this promise.
DexCom G6 Receiver
We opened the DexCom 6 receiver box to find our shiny new device sitting directly above its charging accessories. Just plug it in for a quick charge, after which, setting up your new device is as easy as following a few prompts. Enter the time and date. Next, the G6 invites you to set up both your high and low blood sugar level alarms, another great feature. The device even prompts you to test your alarms as part of the set-up process. After that, you’re good to go. Simply enter a code that’s placed on every sensor to verify it as valid, and you can start taking blood sugar readings. The entire process is quite intuitive.
Remember, you can also download the Dexcom App to sync your transmitter with your iPhone or Android device. For younger, tech-savvy people the app is probably the way to go as you’ll save money and have an all-in-one solution that avoids adding one more piece of technology to your life. However, for those who are a little older and might have difficultly downloading and using smart phone applications, the DexCom G6 receiver is probably the best bet. It’s small, lightweight, and will fit in any pocket or purse.
DexCom G6 Sensor
This is the most hands-on part of the G6 process and, once again, Dexcom has everything in proper order when it comes to the applicator and sensor.
Large and easy to read instructions walk you through the application process step by step. The code required to sync your receiver with the DexCom G6 sensor is clearly displayed on the face of the applicator. Expiration dates are also clearly marked.
In most cases, it is recommended that the sensor be applied to the abdomen, however, for ages 18 years and older, it can also be placed on the back of the arm if that’s more comfortable, and for younger children it can be placed on the upper buttocks. Again, instructions are clear and supported with simple illustrations. Along with directions on how to insert the sensor, the instructions also include directions on attaching the transmitter to the sensor pad.
DexCom G6 Transmitter
The Dexcom G6 transmitter box features a perforated seal. Just tear it open and follow the instructions provided with the applicator/sensor on how to attach it. Basically, it snaps right into place on the sensor patch and there really should be no difficulty at all in following the process.
Exciting features of the Dexcom G6
Every continuous glucose monitoring system is different, and they each have their own advantages and limitations. Here are some things you should know when considering the Dexcom G6.
– Sensors insert manually with push-button ease and last up to 10 days
– Sensors are discreet and can be placed on the belly, on the back of the upper arm, or on the upper buttocks
– Dexcom G6 is the only CGM approved for 2 years and older
– Transmits blood sugar readings as often as every 5 minutes for real-time measurements you can see at a glance. Up to 288 readings in a 24-hour period!
– No calibration is necessary
– Allows you to share blood glucose data with up to 5 friends and family members
– Customize high and low blood sugar alerts
– Set up and schedule personalized notifications
– Dexcom CLARITY Reporting Software makes it easy to share results with your healthcare provider to better manage your diabetes.
The DexCom G6 is proven to lower A1C Scores
The more effectively you manage your blood sugar, the easier it is to keep your A1C levels in check. The Dexcom G6, thanks to its continuous real-time blood sugar measuring and the insights that provides, has been proven to help those with diabetes lower their A1C scores and spend more time in the target range. In the world of diabetes, accurate information is crucial to successful management and continuous glucose monitoring systems like the Dexcom G6 are making that a lot easier for diabetics of all ages.
Takeaways
The Dexcom G6 is an excellent glucose monitoring system. It’s easy. It’s accurate. It’s proven to lower A1C scores and help improve diabetes management. On top of all that, it eliminates those pesky finger pricks, a big plus for many living with diabetes. That being said, the system is costly and there are insurance considerations to work through before choosing the G6 or any other CGM. Additionally, some people are just more comfortable testing their blood sugar with a glucose meter and test strips, which does not require them to wear a sensor each day. In other words, some of this simply comes down to personal preference and testing needs.
If you think the convenience and ease of continuous glucose monitoring might help improve your blood sugar control and diabetes health, consult with your diabetes physician. Remember, you’ll need a prescription to order Dexcom G6 sensors and transmitters. If you and your doctor agree that continuous glucose monitoring is worth a try, in our opinion, the Dexcom G6 is a great option to consider. In fact, our shoppers at Diabetic Warehouse give it five stars across the board. However, we remind you that nobody understands your individual diabetes treatment plan better than your diabetes physician. Step one is to sit down and discuss all your options in detail. Good luck.
Did you find this post interesting and helpful? If so, check out our other news, tips and trends for the diabetes community. At Diabetic Warehouse, we are committed to keeping you informed and saving you up to 65% on a complete selection of diabetic products and supplies. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), glucose meters and test strips, insulin syringes, pen needles, infusion sets and all your diabetic accessories. We stock top manufacturers, including Dexcom, FreeStyle, One Touch, Accu-Chek, Easy Comfort and True Metrix, and promise free delivery to your home or office. See what our satisfied customers have to say and we hope to serve you soon at diabeticwarhouse.org.
Diabetic Warehouse is a trusted supplier of diabetes care products and accessories. For more information and to explore a complete range of products, including glucose meters and test strips, insulin syringes, pen needles, continuous glucose monitoring systems, and more, visit www.diabeticwarehouse.org.
I am a cranky old 62-year-old female type 1 diabetic who has been pricking my fingers six times a day for the last 20 years. I had so much trouble getting my A1c down below 9% and actually fell into a dka coma at my home and was not discovered for almost 7 hours! This was a wake-up call. I nearly died and my doctor insisted that I consent to wearing a CGM after years of resisting on my part. He ordered me the Dexcom G6 system and my medicare paid all of the initial costs. Then they paid for my refills on sensors and after the initial 90 days they also paid for a new transmitter as every 90 days you must get one. I use the receiver instead of my cell phone because I want something that’s dedicated simply to reading my blood sugar. I love this thing. In the first 90 days my A1C went from 8.9 to 6.1. My doctor and I both were thrilled. This system absolutely will save my life and it has certainly made my quality of life better. I highly recommend the Dexcom G6 system and if you have Medicare you’re ready to go. I did receive a bill from my supplier for 20% of the charges for the refill on the sensors but it’s a small price to pay to have peace of mind.