If you’re currently deciding whether to switch from the Dexcom G6 to the G7, or simply want to know what the new sensor offers in practice: here’s my experience report. I’m Sonja from Zuckerschmuck, have lived with type 1 diabetes since I was 7 years old, and after several years with the Dexcom G6, I was able to test the G7. I currently use the Dexcom G7 with the mylife YpsoPump in a loop with CamAPS FX.
Plus, at the end of the article, an outlook on the brand-new Dexcom G7 15 Day (also often called Dexcom G7 15 days), which has been available in the US since December 2025 and is awaiting its CE mark approval step for the EU.
At a glance: the key specs of the Dexcom G7
The data from the manufacturer’s information and approval studies:
- Sensor type: rtCGM (= Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring, continuous glucose measurement with live display) [2]
- Sensor size: around 60 percent smaller than the G6, about the size of three stacked 2-euro coins
- Design: The sensor and transmitter are combined in a single all-in-one component (the G6 had two separate parts) [3]
- Wear time: 10 days plus 12 hours of grace period at the end
- Warm-up period: 30 minutes (the G6 took 2 hours) [3]
- Measurement interval: every 5 minutes
- Water resistance (according to the manufacturer): up to 2.4 meters, for up to 24 hours
- App: Dexcom G7 app for iOS and Android, plus direct Apple Watch connection without an iPhone bridge (region-dependent)
- Data sharing: up to 10 followers via Dexcom Share
- Minimum approved age: 2 years
- Hypoglycemia warning: up to 20 minutes in advance (“Urgent Low Soon” feature, according to the manufacturer)
- Accuracy (MARD from the approval study): 8.2 percent on the upper arm, 9.1 percent on the abdomen [1]
- Available in Germany since: 2022
How does the Dexcom G7 work?
The Dexcom G7 is a continuous glucose monitoring system (rtCGM): It measures glucose levels in the subcutaneous tissue and transmits the readings every 5 minutes via Bluetooth directly to your smartphone, Apple Watch, or the optional receiver. Unlike the G6, you no longer need a separate transmitter. The sensor and transmitter are connected at the factory and are disposed of together at the end of the session or sent for manufacturer recycling.
The method is recognized by the German Diabetes Association in its 2024 practical recommendations as an evidence-based therapy support [2]. Discuss with your diabetes team how exactly you integrate the G7 readings into your therapy. The sensor does not replace medical advice.
G6 or G7: what specifically changes
First of all: According to Dexcom, the G6 is expected to be discontinued in Germany at the end of 2026, after which availability and stock can no longer be guaranteed [6]. Here is a direct comparison of the key practical differences:
| Feature | Dexcom G6 | Dexcom G7 |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Sensor plus separate transmitter | All-in-one (sensor and transmitter in one component) |
| Sensor size | approximately 4.5 cm in diameter | around 60 percent smaller |
| Warm-up period | 2 hours | 30 minutes |
| Wear time | 10 days | 10 days plus 12 hours of grace period |
| Official insertion site | Abdomen (adults), back of the upper arm, upper buttocks area (kids aged 2 years and older) | Back of the upper arm approved from launch, plus abdomen and upper buttocks area |
| App display | iOS and Android | iOS and Android, plus direct Apple Watch connection without a smartphone bridge (regionally) |
| Accuracy (MARD) | approximately 9.0 percent (manufacturer's specification) | 8.2 percent on the upper arm, 9.1 percent on the abdomen (approval study) [1] |
| Hypoglycemia prediction “Urgent Low Soon" | available | available, plus expanded trend displays |
| Loop compatibility | established (CamAPS fx, Tandem Control-IQ, t:slim) | gradual expansion, as of 2026 compatible with CamAPS fx, Omnipod 5, Tandem t:slim |
| In Germany since | 2018 | 2022 |
My impression after an extensive testing phase with the Dexcom G7
Three things that immediately stood out to me in everyday life after switching from the G6 to the G7:
The shorter warm-up period is a real comfort boost. With the G6, the 2-hour warm-up period after every sensor change was a window when I had to be especially attentive. I regularly ruined my good blood glucose levels during this time because the loop with CamAPS FX could not work without a CGM reading. By contrast, the 30 minutes with the G7 are barely noticeable; I can fit the change into my day almost incidentally and am rewarded with consistently predictable glucose profiles.
The smaller design is less noticeable under clothing. The G6 sometimes caused pressure marks or got pushed off under tight-fitting clothing. The G7 is noticeably more discreet to wear, especially under sportswear or on the upper arm. It simply looks nicer; as the founder of Zuckerschmuck, the aesthetics of CGM sensors and insulin pumps have always been personally important to me.
Various possible wear sites for the G7. For the G7, the upper arm, abdomen, or buttocks (for users aged 2 to 6 years) are approved by the manufacturer as insertion sites, and the sensor size is also optimized specifically for these locations.
What remains is the loop integration with Ypsopump and CamAPS FX, which Dexcom says is possible as myLoop [8] and which I now use myself. Accuracy in everyday use is minimally better, but not dramatically different, which is consistent with the approval studies (adjusted MARD of 8.2 percent for the G7 on the upper arm compared with 9.9 percent for the G6 on the abdomen) [4].
Important: this is my personal impression, not a treatment recommendation. Discuss any decisions to switch with your diabetes team.
What do the studies say about accuracy?
In the pivotal G7 approval study by Garg et al. (2022, a multicenter clinical trial in adults with diabetes), the MARD value (= Mean Absolute Relative Difference, a standard measure of sensor accuracy compared with laboratory blood glucose) was 8.2 percent on the upper arm and 9.1 percent on the abdomen [1]. A 2024 analysis statistically harmonized and compared the approval studies of the G5, G6, and G7: the adjusted MARD was 9.9 percent on the abdomen for the G6, and 9.1 percent on the abdomen and 8.2 percent on the upper arm for the G7 [4].
For everyday diabetes management, this means the difference is measurable but not dramatic. Both sensors have been clinically validated and are reimbursed by health insurance providers in Germany when the medical requirements are met.
New since December 2025: Dexcom G7 15 Day (USA launch)
In November 2025, Dexcom announced the next generation: the Dexcom G7 15 Day. Since December 1, 2025, it has been available in the USA through DME providers (Durable Medical Equipment) and is reimbursable for Medicare beneficiaries [5]. In the EU and Germany, as of May 2026, the G7 15 Day has not yet been approved; CE Mark certification is still pending.
How does the G7 15 Day differ from the regular G7?
- Wear time: 15.5 days including a 12-hour grace period (vs. 10.5 days for the G7). That is about 50 percent more wear time per sensor [5].
- Accuracy (MARD): 8.0 percent (vs. 8.2 percent for the G7) [5]. Slightly more accurate according to approval data.
- Age approval: from 18 years (vs. from 2 years for the G7). For kids and adolescents between 2 and 18, the regular G7 remains the recommended choice.
What otherwise remains identical: all G7 functions, such as direct Apple Watch connectivity, activity and meal logging, new medication logging, Dexcom Clarity integration, a 12-hour grace period when changing the sensor, and the “Urgent Low Soon" prediction. Regarding Loop compatibility: at the US market launch, the G7 15 Day will work with the iLet Bionic Pancreas and Omnipod 5; according to the manufacturer, integration with Tandem t:slim is in progress [5].
Practical assessment from my perspective: if the G7 15 Day becomes available in the EU (timing currently unknown), I consider it the next sensible upgrade for adults. 50 percent fewer sensor changes per month means less effort, less strain on the skin at adhesive sites, and less packaging waste. Until then, the regular G7 remains the right choice for me and for Diabuddies in the DACH region. I'll take another look once CE approval and health insurance reimbursement are in place.
Where can I insert the Dexcom G7?
For the G7, the back of the upper arm is approved as an insertion site; according to Dexcom, this also applies to the G6 [7]. Additionally approved for adults: abdomen. For kids aged 2 years and older: upper arm and upper buttock area [3].
Which accessories are compatible with the Dexcom G7?
We have systematically built up our range of accessories for the G7 over the last few years. Four main categories cover the most common everyday questions:
Wear the sensor visibly. If you want to show off your sensor, you'll find the colorful sensor stickers for the Dexcom G7 here. They fit precisely over the all-in-one component and turn the gray sensor into a small work of art.
Conceal the sensor discreetly. If you prefer to wear your sensor discreetly, choose the decorative tapes for the G7 in skin tones or subtle shades. They are available as border tapes with a "hole", meaning they frame the sensor and conceal the manufacturer's adhesive, or as overpatches for covering the entire sensor. Our permanently reusable tape-cover protective caps make it possible to change the overpatch safely at any time during the G7's wear period and protect the G7 from being pulled off when changing the tape.
How to tape at difficult application sites? If your sensor is difficult to reach in some places and you find applying the tape tricky, our Tapeguard application aid for the G7 can help. It serves as a "frame" for applying the edge tape: you conveniently stick the tape onto the Tapeguard and then place the Tapeguard with the tape attached over your G7.
Reusable flexible G7 upper-arm bands. For active Diabuddies, athletes or kids with diabetes, we have elastic bands with a sensor holder for the G7. This is especially helpful when swimming, doing sports, playing or wearing tight clothing. Advantage: they are only temporary to wear and permanently reusable.
Receiver and reader. If you use the optional Dexcom receiver or reader, you can find reader cases, screen protectors and Sticker for the receiver from us.
You can find all accessories for the G7 together under Dexcom G7.
What can you do about an adhesive allergy under the G7?
With the new G7 too, some Diabuddies in our community report itchy or reddened areas of skin under the adhesive, especially after changing sensors several times. What helps most people: skin protection wipes (for example SKIN PREP or SECURA) as an invisible barrier between the adhesive and skin. Alternatively, there are skin protection sprays, which also form a transparent barrier between the sensor and skin. If all else fails, there are also Underpatches for the G7 as a physical barrier between the skin and sensor. Another barrier against skin irritation from CGM sensors is provided by silicone-like skin protection sheets, which can be cut to size with scissors and stuck between the sensor and skin.
I’ve compiled a detailed guide with all the tips and tricks in the article Help with skin irritation caused by sensors. In the shop, you’ll find the right materials in the skin protection category.
Frequently asked questions about the Dexcom G7
Is switching from the G6 to the G7 worth it?
In my view, yes, especially because of the shorter warm-up period (30 minutes instead of 2 hours) and the smaller design. In addition, Dexcom is expected to discontinue the G6 in Germany at the end of 2026, after which availability and stock can no longer be guaranteed [6]. If you have an established G6 loop setup, discuss the switch with your diabetes team and check whether your loop app supports the G7.
How long does a Dexcom G7 sensor last?
Officially 10 days, plus 12 hours of grace period at the end. The even newer Dexcom G7 15 Day extends this to 15.5 days, but as of May 2026, it is only available in the USA.
What is the difference between the Dexcom G7 and the Dexcom G7 15 Day?
Three points: wear time (15.5 instead of 10.5 days), MARD accuracy (8.0 instead of 8.2 percent), and age approval (18 and over instead of 2 years and over). Otherwise, both systems are identical in terms of features, alerts, and connectivity options [5]. For kids and teenagers, the regular G7 remains the recommended choice.
Is the G7 15 Day already available in Germany?
As of May 2026: no, and even on September 13, 2026, the German Dexcom online shop only offers the G7 sensor with 10 days [9]. The G7 15 Day has been available in the USA through DME providers since December 1, 2025. Based on publicly available information, CE Mark approval for the EU has not yet been granted. We’ll let you know here as soon as this is updated.
Does CamAPS FX work with the Dexcom G7?
Yes. According to Dexcom, the Dexcom G7, the mylife YpsoPump insulin pump, and the CamAPS FX app can be combined into the myLoop automated insulin delivery system [8]. Discuss whether and how to switch your therapy to this system with your diabetes team.
Do I absolutely need a smartphone for the G7?
Practically speaking, yes, because the Dexcom G7 app is the primary receiver. There is an optional hardware receiver, but most users work with their smartphone. The G7 also offers a direct Apple Watch connection without an iPhone bridge, with availability varying by region.
Where can I place the G7?
Officially approved for adults: the back of the upper arm and the abdomen. For kids aged 2 and over, the upper buttocks area is also approved. For the G6, Dexcom also lists the back of the upper arm as an insertion site [7].
What should I do if I’m allergic to adhesive?
Skin prep wipes (SKIN PREP, SECURA) as a barrier between adhesive and skin help many Diabuddies. If skin irritation persists or an allergy is suspected, please have it checked by a doctor. More practical tips are available in the article Help with skin irritation from sensors.
My personal conclusion about the Dexcom G7:
My G7 now works with my Ypsopump and CamAPS FX in a loop. For me, the main benefits are the sensor's smaller form factor, the shorter lead-in time of just 30 minutes, the 12-hour grace period and the ability to pair a smartwatch without also needing a smartphone.
Where can I find genuine Dexcom G7 experiences?
Right here. This article is my personal account of my experience after switching from the G6, not a data sheet. If you're looking for other people's experiences, it's also worth a look at the diabetes community, because skin, insertion site and everyday life are different for everyone.
How does the switch from G6 to G7 work?
The switch was less eventful for me than expected. I wrote about what specifically changes written above in the section “G6 or G7: what specifically changes,” from the size to the warm-up time until the app.
How long is the sensor's shelf life?
For runtime, everything is covered above in the section “How long does a Dexcom G7 sensor last?”. If your sensors regularly stop working earlier than they should, experience shows that less often the sensor itself than the skin, sweat and insertion site. What helped me was is covered in the guide Sensor in summer.
Related topic
- Skin irritation from sensors and catheter: What causes redness and itching and which barrier helps.
- FreeStyle Libre 2 and 3 compared: An overview of features, differences and suitable accessories.
- Diabetes in summer and while traveling: Heat, insulin and sensor: what matters when you're on the go.
Sources
- Garg SK, Kipnes M, Castorino K, et al. Accuracy and Safety of Dexcom G7 Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Adults with Diabetes. Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics 2022;24(6):373-380. Pivotal G7 approval study. Available at: PMC9208857 (Garg et al. 2022) [Accessed: 09/13/2026].
- Freckmann G, Eichenlaub M, Pleus S, et al. Glucose measurement and control in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Diabetologie und Stoffwechsel 2024;19(S 02). Practice recommendations of the German Diabetes Association. Available at: DDG Practice Recommendations 2024 (PDF).
- Dexcom Inc. Dexcom G7 CGM System product information Germany. Available at: dexcom.com/de-de/fachpersonal [accessed: 13 September 2026].
- Welsh JB, Psavko S, Zhang X, Gao P, Balo AK. Comparisons of Fifth-, Sixth-, and Seventh-Generation Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems. Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology 2024;18(1):143-147. Available at: JDST 2024 (Welsh et al.) [accessed: 13 September 2026].
- Dexcom Inc. Dexcom G7 15 Day Sensor Receives FDA Clearance. Press release, November 2025, launched on 1 December 2025 in the USA through DME providers. Available at: dexcom.com/g7-15-day-sensor-fda and Dexcom G7 15 Day overview.
- Dexcom. I have learned that Dexcom G6 is being discontinued in some countries. When will it be discontinued in Germany? FAQ. Available at: dexcom.com [Zugriff: 13.09.2026].
- Dexcom. Where can I insert my G6 sensor? FAQ. Available at: dexcom.com [Zugriff: 13.09.2026].
- Dexcom. Dexcom G7 with mylife YpsoPump and CamAPS FX (myLoop). Available at: dexcom.com/de-DE/ypsopump [accessed: 13 September 2026].
- Dexcom. Online shop Germany, Dexcom G7. Available at: dexcom.com/de-de/dexcom-shop/g7 [accessed: 13 September 2026].
Note: This article combines manufacturer specifications, the available evidence, and my personal experience as a G7 user and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you have questions about changing the sensor, adjusting your therapy, or persistent skin irritation, please contact your diabetes care team. In a medical emergency: 112.
Best regards,
Yours, Sonja
