#dexcomrage

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

So it finally happened, Dexcom rage. Three days of constant seesawing and up in the 300 hundreds far too often and I couldn't take it. Woke up around 4 am and ripped it off. At least it took a month longer than with the Dexcom G6. I ripped that one off at week 3 and then permanently discontinued using it at week 5. Dexcom has worked out most of the issues of the G6 with the G7. But because it does NOT monitor blood glucose, instead monitors interstitial fluid glucose, it will always lag behind actual blood values. My blood glucose changes often and rapidly and having constant access to those changes isn't necessarily a good thing. Too often it leads me to over correcting, so time for a break! We will see if I ever go back to using it. ~ Matteo