Complete Guide to the Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring App

A Guide to the Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring App

For people with diabetes, keeping blood sugar levels in a healthy range is crucial but can also be challenging. The Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) system makes glucose management easier by providing real-time readings and trends via a smartphone app. The Dexcom G6 app displays your current glucose level, tracks patterns, and sends alerts for highs and lows - all with no fingersticks required. Understanding how to use the app helps you get the most out of this CGM technology.

Overview of the Dexcom G6 CGM

The Dexcom G6 system consists of three components:

• A small sensor inserted under the skin that continuously measures interstitial glucose levels
• A transmitter that sends glucose data wirelessly from the sensor to the app
• A smartphone app that displays glucose information and alerts

The convenient app interface allows you to monitor your current blood sugar, view trends over time, and receive customizable alerts - all with the tap of a finger. No more routine fingersticks checking old data.

Key Features of the Dexcom G6 App

Let's explore some of the useful features available in the Dexcom G6 app:

Real-Time Glucose Readings

The standout feature of the Dexcom G6 app is providing real-time interstitial glucose readings that update every 5 minutes. The convenient home screen displays your current glucose number and a sparkline showing the last 1, 3, 6, 12 or 24 hours.

Trend Arrows

Trend arrows next to your current reading indicate if your glucose is rapidly rising, falling, or holding steady - and how quickly it's changing. This helps you know when to take action like eating fast-acting carbs or taking more insulin before levels spike or drop.

Historical Data and Statistics

In addition to real-time data, the Dexcom G6 app stores glucose readings and allows you to view day or week long trends. You can also view handy stats like your estimated HbA1c, time in range, average glucose, low/high glucose events, and more.

Customizable Alerts and Alarm

Set alert thresholds and choose how you want to be notified for high/low glucose approaches or when you're out of range. Alerts can be sent to multiple devices. The loud alarm helps urgently alert for dangerous lows while sleeping.

Share Data with Loved Ones

Safely share your real-time glucose data, stats, and location with up to 10 people through Dexcom Follow. This allows parents, partners, or caretakers to view CGM information and receive alerts.

Setting up the Dexcom G6 App

Getting started with the Dexcom G6 app is quick and easy using these steps:

Download the App

Download the free Dexcom G6 app from the App Store (iOS devices) or Google Play Store (Android). Sign up for a Dexcom account if you don't already have one.

Insert the Sensor

Insert a new sensor into the belly fat below and to the side of your belly button using the provided applicator. The small filament inserts just under the skin.

Attach Transmitter

Snap your reusable transmitter securely into the sensor. It will wirelessly send glucose data from the sensor to your app.

Start Sensor

Open the app, go to Settings > Start Sensor and follow the prompts to activate your new sensor. A 2-hour warmup countdown begins before calibration.

Enter Calibration Code

Find the sensor code on the applicator adhesive backing and enter it into the app when prompted. No need to calibrate with fingersticks.

Personalize Settings

Under Settings, customize features like your glucose target range, alert thresholds, sounds, sharing access, and more to fit your needs.

Using the Dexcom G6 App

Once set up, wearing your sensor and transmitter allows hands-free, 24/7 glucose monitoring right from your compatible mobile device. Here are some tips for using the app:

Keep Devices Close

Keep your smart device within 20 feet of your transmitter. Being too far apart will cause loss of data sharing between devices.

Calibrate If Prompted

While fingerstick calibrations are not required, the app may prompt you to calibrate occasionally to verify accuracy. Use your meter's value.

Respond to Alerts

Don't ignore alert notifications you receive on your device or secondary receivers. Confirm the app readings with a fingerstick test before taking corrective action.

Track Meals and Insulin

Log meals, carbs, and medication delivered in the Dexcom G6 app to improve glucose forecasting and see how food impacts your levels.

Share Data

Consider sharing your real-time glucose, location and alerts with loved ones for added safety and peace of mind.

Change Sensor and Transmitter

Sensors last 10 days. Transmitters last 3 months. Follow app prompts to replace sensor and re-pair with transmitter when needed.

Troubleshooting App Issues

Like any app, you may encounter occasional technical issues with the Dexcom G6. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

App Freezing/Crashing

Force close and restart the app. Update to the latest app version. Restart your device. Delete and reinstall the app if needed.

Lost Connection

Make sure your transmitter and smart device are within 20 feet with no obstructions. Disable battery saver mode. Move closer and wait for reconnection.

Inaccurate Readings

Do a fingerstick test to confirm. Calibrate if prompted. Consider replacing sensor if readings don't improve after calibration.

Delayed Readings

Keep your smart device nearby so it can receive data from the transmitter consistently every 5 minutes.

No Data Sharing

Make sure Follow users have the latest app version installed. Confirm sharing Invite was accepted. Resend invitation or contact Dexcom Support.

Sensor Errors

Don't ignore on-screen sensor error prompts - contact Dexcom Support for troubleshooting or sensor replacement if defective.

Improving App Experience

A few tips for getting the best performance from the Dexcom G6 app include:

Optimize Your Device

Close open apps and limit background processes to direct maximum processing power to the Dexcom app.

Enable App Alerts

Allow the Dexcom app to send alerts and always show previews. Disable battery saver and background app refreshing.

Update Software

Keep your smartphone operating system and Dexcom app updated to the latest versions for key bug fixes and improvements.

Restart Regularly

Fully power down and restart your smart device periodically to clear caches and keep things running efficiently.

Contact Support

If you continue having app problems, contact 24/7 Dexcom technical support for help troubleshooting issues.

Is the Dexcom G6 App Worth Using?

For people using insulin or other medications to manage blood sugar, having access to real-time CGM data can be life-changing. The convenience and health benefits provided by the Dexcom G6 app make it worth utilizing for many diabetes patients.

Talk to your healthcare provider to find out if the Dexcom G6 CGM system may be suitable for you. While an investment upfront, using the app provides invaluable 24/7 glucose monitoring that can improve long-term health outcomes and peace of mind.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.