The US Food and Drug Administration has cleared the Dexcom G7 15-Day Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) for people older than 18 with diabetes. It’s the longest-lasting system on the market.
The G7 15-day sensor builds on the technology and performance of the Dexcom G7 CGM, which has proven to lower A1C and reduce hyper- and hypoglycemia. However, it only has a 10-day lifespan. The five extra days the G7 15-day sensor offers could make diabetes management easier with fewer sensor swaps for you each month.
According to Dexcom, it’s also the most accurate system. The G7 15-day sensor has an overall mean absolute relative difference, or MARD, of 8.0%. MARD measures how often the readings from the CGM sensor differ from a blood glucose test. The Dexcom G7 sensor has a MARD score of 8.2%. The sensor sends real-time glucose readings to the Dexcom G7 app every five minutes.
Continuous glucose monitors have replaced fingerpricks for many people and allow you to monitor your blood sugar levels in real time. Dexcom has been a leading brand in glucose biosensing for the past 25 years. Last year, Dexcom received FDA clearance for the first over-the-counter CGM in the Stelo Glucose Biosensor system.
What this sensor could mean for you
This advancement marks a step forward in diabetes management. Five extra days of sensor life before you have to swap it out reduces waste and gives you more control over your diabetes.
You’ll see several features already available on the G7 platform, like waterproof capability, automated activities and simplified logging for your meals and medications. The G7 15-day will also connect to your Apple Watch to monitor your glucose levels without having your phone close.
The impact isn’t just limited to your ability to track your numbers. You’ll also be able to share glucose numbers with loved ones and caretakers through the existing app, although you’ll need to be connected to the internet on a compatible device to send data. There is a 10-follower limit for sharing, according to the Dexcom website. The Dexcom Clarity app integration allows your doctor to view your readings, although you must authorize sharing with your clinic first.
FDA clearance means that Dexcom can work to ensure the G7 15-day sensor will be compatible with insulin pumps. According to the release, the G7 15-day sensor launch is expected in the second half of 2025. A new prescription for the G7 15-day sensor will be required. The price will depend on your insurance coverage, although according to Dexcom, it should be around the same monthly cost as the Dexcom G7.
