GoKawiilEditor's note, June 25, 2024: Since this article was first published, Dexcom has launched the G7. This sensor is smaller than the G6 and has an improved alert system, along with a few other differences.
"I find continuous glucose monitoring to be a valuable tool in the management of both type 1 and 2 diabetes," said Dr. Josh Emdur, medical director of SteadyMD. "CGM data provides actionable insight to help patients track their glycemic response to dietary choices and activity levels."
The Dexcom G6 doesn't require you to manually scan to get a glucose reading; instead, you get a wireless reading on a dedicated receiver device or on your phone or Apple Watch. The Dexcom G6 CGMs measure glucose levels in the interstitial fluid just under the skin every five minutes, keeping track of your blood sugar level as long as you're wearing it night and day. You can set a custom range for where you'd like your blood sugar to be, and if it falls into the low or high ranges you set, you will be notified.
"For patients on an insulin pump, the Dexcom G6 may connect with your pump and offer a closed-loop system to turn off your insulin if you are going low. The Dexcom monitor is also approved in pregnancy and offers continuous monitoring that you can see on your phone at all times," said Dr. Rebecca Fenichel, an endocrinologist at Westmed Medical Group.