How often should the Dexcom G7 sensor be replaced?

Dexcom G7 Sensor Replacement Frequency

The Dexcom G7 sensor must be replaced every 10 days, as this is the FDA-approved wear duration for this device. 1

Standard Replacement Schedule

• Replace the Dexcom G7 sensor every 10 days as mandated by the manufacturer and regulatory approval 1
• The 10-day wear period is consistent across both the Dexcom G6 and G7 models 1, 2
• Do not extend sensor wear beyond 10 days, as accuracy deteriorates significantly and the device is not validated for longer use 1, 2

Optimal Sensor Change Technique

• Insert the new sensor before removing the old one to avoid gaps in continuous glucose monitoring data collection 1, 2
• This practice ensures uninterrupted glucose monitoring and prevents loss of valuable glycemic data 1
• Follow manufacturer instructions for proper insertion technique to maximize sensor performance 1

Real-World Wear Duration Considerations

While the labeled wear time is 10 days, real-world data reveals important practical considerations:

• In youth with type 1 diabetes, the median actual sensor wear time is only 8.6 days (interquartile range 7.3-9.6 days) 3
• Only 39.9% of sensors are actually worn for the full 10 days or longer in real-world use 3
• Nearly 25% of sensors are removed before 7 days of wear 3
• This means patients may require more than the standard 36 sensors per year (approximately 43+ sensors) to maintain continuous coverage 3

Accuracy Profile Across Wear Period

The Dexcom G7 demonstrates excellent accuracy throughout its 10-day lifespan:

• Overall mean absolute relative difference (MARD) of 8.0-8.2% for arm placement and 9.1% for abdomen placement 4, 5
• Agreement rates (%20/20) remain consistently high: 78.6% on day 1,96.3% on days 4-7, and 97.3% on day 10 6
• Accuracy is maintained across all days of wear, glucose concentration ranges, and rates of glucose change 4

Critical Implementation Points

• The G7 is factory-calibrated and does not require fingerstick calibrations for treatment decisions 2
• The device includes protective features that reduce interference from acetaminophen (up to 1g doses) 2
• Patients should not allow gaps in CGM coverage to ensure continuous monitoring and optimal diabetes management 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Never extend G7 sensor wear beyond the 10-day period despite the device potentially continuing to function, as accuracy is not validated beyond this timeframe 1, 2
• Do not assume all sensors will last the full 10 days in real-world use; plan for early sensor failures and have backup sensors available 3
• Avoid focusing solely on individual glucose values; instead, ensure you collect at least 14 days of data with ≥70% active sensor time for reliable glycemic pattern assessment 1, 7