The Dexcom G6 is a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) that allows you to track your blood sugar levels continuously.

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has a number of benefits over a traditional glucometer, and it can lead to better blood sugar control. Many people with diabetes prefer using a CGM, because it offers convenience and comfort.

In February 2023, the Dexcom G6 CGM system became available in Singapore. We were excited when this was announced, because it means that our patients now have access to another great option for monitoring their sugar levels. The other CGM available here is the FreeStyle Libre, which is also excellent. However, it’s best if patients have options and can choose what works best for them. If you’re not sure about which CGM to get, check out this guide Dexcom G6 Versus Freestyle Libre: Which Is the Better CGM for You?

However, if you’re already keen on exploring Dexcom G6, or have recently begun using the system, here’s a helpful guide to help you get the most out of your CGM.

The Dexcom G6 CGM consists of the following:

1. Water-resistant sensor: Two hours after insertion beneath the skin, the sensor begins continuously measuring blood sugar levels.

2. Transmitter: The transmitter sends real-time blood glucose readings via Bluetooth to the Dexcom CLARITY app on a smartphone every 5 minutes.

3. Dexcom CLARITY: Dexcom CLARITY is an app and a web-based software accessible on a computer that provides information about current and historical glucose values.

How do I apply the Dexcom G6 sensor?

For most people, one of the most attractive features of using a CGM is that you don’t need to perform fingersticks multiple times every day. Once you apply the sensor, it remains in place for a period of time. It’s water-resistant, allowing you to wear it while showering and even swimming. To apply the sensor:

1. Select your sensor site. This must be different from your previous sensor site. If you’re using an insulin pump, the sensor must also be at least three inches away. The upper arms and the abdomen are the usual places for placing the sensor. Don’t apply it directly over any scars, irritated skin, tattoos, or thick body hair.

2. Use rubbing alcohol to cleanse the skin at your chosen sensor site. Clean the transmitter as well, and let it dry while you apply the sensor.

3. Remove the two labels from the sensor applicator. The surface will now be sticky.

4. Place the sticky side of the sensor applicator against your skin at the insertion site.

5. There is a safety guard over the orange button on the sensor. Fold and break off this safety guard, and press the orange button to deploy the sensor beneath your skin.

6. Insert the transmitter into the slot on the sensor.

7. Press firmly around the entire edge of the sensor, to ensure that it has adhered well.

8. Your sensor will remain attached during all of your activities for the next ten days. If you’re worried about losing your sensor, you can apply a patch, bandage, or clear barrier over it.

The sensor will need to be changed every 10 days. You can change it more often if you’d like, but you shouldn’t go longer than 10 days in between new sensors. You will receive an alert when it’s time to change your sensor. The transmitter is good for 90 days, and it can be reused when you apply a new sensor.

How do I check my blood glucose with Dexcom G6?

Dexcom G6 works with a variety of smart devices, including both iOS and Android smartphones as well as Apple and Wear smartwatches. You will need to download the Dexcom app onto your device. If you don’t have a smart device, and don’t want to get one, you can also purchase a standalone Dexcom receiver to connect to your sensor.

• One of the best features of Dexcom G6 is that it doesn’t require any scanning to download the data from your sensor to your phone. Your sensor will automatically send a reading of your blood sugar to your phone every five minutes. Simply open the app to see a record of your readings.

• The Dexcom app will alert you whenever your blood glucose goes too high or too low. You can set the specific blood sugar numbers for these alerts in the app. This ensures that you don’t miss an important change in your blood sugar. 

• The app doesn’t necessarily wait to alert you until your blood sugar is in the critical range. For example, if the trend in your blood sugar indicates that you’re predicted to go too low within 20 minutes, the app will let you know. This allows you to take action and avoid a dangerous event.

• You can also choose to share the data from your CGM with someone else. This allows a family member or close friend to help keep an eye on your blood sugar, providing an extra level of safety. Sharing your CGM data with someone else is entirely optional, but some of our patients like the extra peace of mind they get from knowing that someone else is watching out for dangerous changes in their blood sugar. You can designate up to ten people to receive your CGM data, although most of our patients choose just one or two others.

It’s important to note that any CGM, including the Dexcom G6, is not actually measuring the level of sugar in your blood. Instead, it’s measuring the level in your interstitial fluid, which is the fluid between the cells in your tissues. The level of sugar in this fluid is highly correlated with the level in your blood, and most of the time, measuring blood sugar in this way works well. However, it does take a few minutes for changes in your blood sugar to be reflected in your interstitial fluid. This may become relevant if you experience large and quick changes in blood sugar.

This video demonstrates how to apply the Dexcom G6 sensor.

We have a step-by-step guide on how to use the Dexcom G6 continuous glucose sensor.

Other frequently asked questions about the Dexcom G6 CGM

How can I keep the Dexcom G6 connected to my phone?

The sensor connects to your phone via Bluetooth. You need to keep the Dexcom app running at all times in order to allow it to continually receive data from your sensor. If your phone goes into low power mode, it will automatically turn off Bluetooth and lose the signal from your sensor. 

Having a lot of apps running can sometimes affect your phone’s performance and result in a lost sensor signal. If you’re having trouble keeping your sensor and your device connected, you might also need to adjust your phone settings.

Can I fly with my Dexcom G6?

Flying on an airplane with your CGM is safe, and you don’t have to worry about electromagnetic interference with the device. However, CGMs should not go through the full-body scanner at the airport. Going through a metal detector is fine. If you’re a NOVI Health patient, we can provide you with a letter to use at airport security, explaining your medical situation. You may have to accept a pat-down, since you can’t go through the full-body scanner.

What if I get skin irritation from my Dexcom G6?

Although the adhesive for Dexcom G6 sensors is designed to be safe for skin, some people’s skin is more sensitive, and may become irritated from the adhesive. It may help to ensure that your skin is clean and dry before applying the sensor. Don’t apply it right after a shower, when your skin is wet. You can’t use any lotions or oils beneath the sensor. However, if you’re experiencing irritation, you can purchase a specially designed barrier film. This is applied to clean skin and allowed to dry before you apply the sensor. Some people find that a barrier film is helpful in preventing irritation from the adhesive.

Can I remove the Dexcom G6 sensor myself?

Yes, removing the sensor is a straightforward process. You simply grab the edge of the adhesive patch and pull it off like you would pull off a bandage. You will then place your new sensor in a different location. The transmitter lasts for 90 days, so the transmitter from your old sensor can generally be removed and reused in the new sensor.

Are Dexcom G6 readings accurate?

Readings from the Dexcom G6 have been shown to be very accurate. For example, a published clinical study performed in 2021 showed that the Dexcom G6 system was a reliable tool for use in hospitalized people with diabetes. Comparison with laboratory measurements of blood glucose (the most accurate measurement currently available) shows that Dexcom G6 readings differ by only 9% on average. Based on the results of a number of published scientific studies, we feel comfortable saying that Dexcom G6 is among the most accurate CGMs currently on the market.

What are the benefits of Dexcom G6?

There are a number of benefits of the Dexcom G6 system over other methods of measuring blood glucose, including:

• Unlike with some other CGMs, it’s not necessary to calibrate the system using fingerpricks, because the calibration is performed in the factory.

• The Dexcom G6 system sends your glucose data to your phone every 5 minutes without fingersticks or scanning.

• The Dexcom G6 has been shown to be safe and accurate when used during pregnancy. Because gestational diabetes, or diabetes that develops during pregnancy, is a common problem, this can be a significant benefit for many people.

• The system will alert you not only when your glucose level is too low, but also when it detects trends indicating that your glucose is likely to fall too low within 20 minutes. This gives you the opportunity to act to prevent hypoglycemia. In addition, you can customize the “high” and “low” alert settings within the system, to match the optimal glucose range for you.

• Acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol, is a common over-the-counter pain reliever. It can cause interference with some CGMs, causing the system to falsely read higher glucose levels. With Dexcom G6, this has been shown not to be a problem.

• With any medical device, there’s concern that interference from electromagnetic radiation (like X-rays and radiofrequency energy) could create interference that causes the device to malfunction. The Dexcom G6 is resistant to such interference. This provides peace of mind, particularly in certain situations, like flying on a plane.

CGM Systems Available in Singapore

Dexcom G6 and Abbott FreeStyle Libre are two widely used FDA-approved fingerstick-less CGM systems currently available in Singapore. If you would like to know how well the newer Dexcom G6 fares compared to the more familiar FreeStyle Libre, check out this article: Dexcom G6 Versus Freestyle Libre: Which Is the Better CGM for You?

In a nutshell, the Dexcom G6’s advantages over the FSL include better accuracy, ease of use, more customizable alerts and alarms, real-time data, and compatibility with insulin pumps.

On the other hand, the FSL triumphs over the Dexcom G6 in terms of sensor lifespan, size, remote sharing of glucose data (i.e., 20 people versus 10 in the Dexcom G6), warm-up time, accessibility, and cost.

Dexcom G6 is now available at the NOVI Shop. 👇