So, @dexcom has really failed lately. When I tried the Dexcom G6 a couple of years ago, it was a bust. There were so many issues that after 30 days, I just couldn't stand having it on me anymore. In my opinion, it should never have gone on the market.
While planning my month long road trip for 2024, I thought it would be more convenient and safer to have a continuous glucose monitor. I read up about all the improvements that Dexcom had made with the new G7, so I gave it a try at the beginning of this year.
They made much needed improvements over the G6: smaller sensor, improved accuracy, better alert options, and less frequent alerts. Alert fatigue was one of my biggest complaints with the G6.
The first couple of months were challenging, but I was settling in with using this new tool for my diabetes management. But when I needed it the most, on my trip, it failed.
Two of the sensors failed on me in the last 5 days. The first one fell off after a shower within 24 hours of starting. This happened the night before leaving on my trip. Luckily, I had an extra one that was a replacement for another failed sensor a month ago. That backup sensor also failed after my shower tonight, with just 4 days of use. The sensors are advertised to last for 10 days.
It appears they have a quality control problem with the adhesive between the sensor and the backing (see the photo where the sensor is peeling from the adhesive). Now, I am 5 days into my trip with no sensors until I get to my destination. I left right when my next shipment was to land, so I had it diverted to my friends place that I'm heading to next week.
For the next couple of days, I am back to using a standard blood glucose monitor. It is more accurate and reliable but far less convenient. If the G7 isn't going to be consistently reliable, why continue using it? ~ Matteo
