How often should the Dexcom (continuous glucose monitoring system) G6 sensor be replaced in patients with diabetes?

Dexcom G6 Sensor Replacement Frequency

The Dexcom G6 sensor must be replaced every 10 days, as this is the FDA-approved wear duration for this specific model. 1

Standard Replacement Schedule

• The Dexcom G6 has a fixed 10-day wear period that cannot be extended beyond the manufacturer-recommended duration 1
• Extending sensor wear beyond 10 days leads to decreased accuracy of glucose readings and is not recommended 1
• Patients should insert a new sensor before removing the old one to avoid gaps in continuous glucose monitoring data collection 1

Accuracy Considerations Across the Wear Period

• The G6 system maintains excellent accuracy throughout its 10-day lifespan, with an overall mean absolute relative difference (MARD) of 9.0% 2
• Day 1 accuracy remains strong with MARD of 9.3%, and accuracy is maintained consistently across all 10 days of use 2
• In the general diabetes population (non-dialysis), 93.9% of G6 readings fall within ±20% of reference values 2

Special Population: Dialysis Patients

For patients on hemodialysis, the G6 sensor should still be replaced every 10 days, but clinicians must be aware of significantly reduced accuracy in this population:

• The G6 demonstrates higher MARD in dialysis patients (18.3-22.7%) compared to the general population (9.0%) 3, 4
• Despite reduced accuracy, 96.7-98.9% of G6 readings still fall within clinically acceptable ranges (Clarke Error Grid Zones A and B) in dialysis patients 3, 4
• The G6 should be used with caution in hemodialysis patients, focusing on glucose patterns rather than specific individual values 5
• Studies evaluating G6 performance over multiple hemodialysis sessions (3-5 sessions within the 10-day period) are still emerging 5

Critical Implementation Points

• The G6 is factory-calibrated and does not require fingerstick calibrations for treatment decisions, though the system allows optional once-daily calibration 1, 2
• Patients must avoid gaps in CGM coverage by ensuring timely sensor replacement every 10 days 1
• The G6 includes a perm-selective membrane coating that reduces interference from acetaminophen (up to 1g doses), unlike older CGM models 5

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Never extend G6 sensor wear beyond 10 days, as accuracy deteriorates and the device is not validated for longer use 1
• Do not allow gaps between sensor changes, as this compromises continuous monitoring and pattern detection 1
• In dialysis patients, avoid over-relying on individual glucose values; instead, focus on overall glycemic patterns and trends 5