Living with Type 1 diabetes requires us to continuously challenge ourselves to embrace advancements in technology. With the launch of the Dexcom G7 in Canada, we wanted to provide you with all the details you need to decide if Dexcom G7 is the right fit for you. Read on as we compare Dexcom G7’s innovative features with Canada’s available CGM technologies.
(Want a full update about what’s new with the Dexcom G7 in comparison to all of the previous Dexcom models throughout history, check out the first of our blog in this series, HERE. Keep an eye out for the next blog in this series, highlighting some user tips for maximizing your Dexcom G7 experience, coming soon.)
Disclosure: This article reflects the ideas and opinions of Connected in Motion, however, it is important to recognize that Connected in Motion works closely with the team at Dexcom Canada as a sponsor. The content will compare Dexcom G7 and its innovative features with Canada’s currently available CGM technologies and it is essential to recognize the nature of our partnerships. We invite readers to visit our Partners Page to understand more about the organizations that support Connected in Motion. [Images from dexcom.com archives and Colorado Slipstream 2023]
Viewing this blog on mobile? Check out the desktop version for a full side-by-side comparison of each CGM listed below.
Dexcom G7
Dexcom G6
Medtronic Guardian Sensor 3
FreeStyle Libre 2
Key Features
Smallest and thinnest Dexcom sensor (60% smaller than its predecessor)
Best accuracy (8.2% MARD)
Largest set of options for alert/alarm customizations
Combined sensor/transmitter system
Can be used during pregnancy
Waterproof 2.4m – up to 24 hours
Compatible with some automated insulin delivery devices (such as the Tandem Pump)
Water resistance 2.4m – up to 24 hours
An essential element of Automode
Most accurate Medtronic sensor to date
Water-resistant
Alarms are optional
Water resistant, 30 minutes
Warm Up
30 minutes
2 hours
2 hours
1 hour
Compatible
Devices
Automatically sends reading to the latest Apple iPhones and many popular Android devices
Watch app integration (Apple, Garmin, etc)
Currently no pump integration
Automatically sends reading to the latest Apple iPhones and many popular Android devices
Some AID devices (such as the Tandem X2 Pump)
MiniMed™ 780G system
Standalone Guardian Connect CGM System
Automatically sends reading to the latest Apple iPhones and many popular Android devices
Automatically sends reading to the latest Apple iPhones and many popular Android devices
Sensor Lifespan
10 days (plus 12-hour grace period)
10 days
7 days
14 days
Readings
Smartphone App
Watch
Receiver
Smartphone App
Watch
Receiver
Integrated Insulin Pump
Smartphone App
Receiver
Integrated Insulin Pump
Smartphone App
Receiver
Calibrations
Not Required
Not Required
2x Per Day
Not Required
Accuracy (MARD*)
8.1% (pediatric)
8.2% (adults)
9.8%
8.7%
9.2%
Monthly OTC Price
AVE: $215
Approved Wear
Belly (except pregnant women) or back of upper arm (18+ years)
Belly, upper buttocks, or back of upper arm (children only, 2-6 years)
Belly or back of upper arm (18+ years)
Belly or upper buttocks (children only, 2-17 years)
Abdomen or arm (14+ years)
Abdomen or buttocks (3-13 years)
Back of upper arm
Dexcom G7
Key Features
- Smallest and thinnest Dexcom sensor (60% smaller than its predecessor)
- Best accuracy (8.2% MARD)
- Largest set of options for alert/alarm customizations
- Combined sensor/transmitter system
- Can be used during pregnancy
- Waterproof 2.4m – up to 24 hours
Warm Up
- 30 minutes
Compatible Devices
- Automatically sends reading to the latest Apple iPhones and many popular Android devices
- Watch app integration (Apple, Garmin, etc)
- Currently no pump integration
Sensor Lifespan
- 10 days (plus 12-hour grace period)
Readings
- Smartphone App
- Watch
- Receiver
Calibrations
- Not Required
Accuracy (MARD*)
- 8.1% (pediatric)
- 8.2% (adults)
Monthly Over The Counter (OTC) Price
- AVE: $263.97 (1 10-day sensor – $87.99 x 3 at DiabetesExpress)
Approved Wear
- Belly (except pregnant women) or back of upper arm (18+ years)
- Belly, upper buttocks, or back of upper arm (children only, 2-6 years)
Dexcom G6
Key Features
- Compatible with some automated insulin delivery devices (such as the Tandem Pump)
- Water resistance 2.4m – up to 24 hours
Warm Up
- 2 hours
Compatible Devices
- Automatically sends reading to the latest Apple iPhones and many popular Android devices
- Some AID devices (such as the Tandem X2 Pump)
Sensor Lifespan
- 10 days
Readings
- Smartphone App
- Watch
- Receiver
- Integrated Insulin Pump
Calibrations
- Not Required
Accuracy (MARD*)
- 9.8%
Monthly Over The Counter (OTC) Price
Approved Wear
- Belly or back of upper arm (18+ years)
- Belly or upper buttocks (children only, 2-17 years)
Medtronic Guardian Sensor 3
Key Features
- An essential element of Automode
- Most accurate Medtronic sensor to date
- Water-resistant
Warm Up
- 2 hours
Compatible Devices
- MiniMed™ 780G system
- Standalone Guardian Connect CGM System
- Automatically sends reading to the latest Apple iPhones and many popular Android devices
Sensor Lifespan
- 7 days
Readings
- Smartphone App
- Receiver
- Integrated Insulin Pump
Calibrations
- 2x Per Day
Accuracy (MARD*)
- 8.7%
Monthly Over The Counter (OTC) Price
Approved Wear
- Abdomen or arm (14+ years)
- Abdomen or buttocks (3-13 years)
FreeStyle Libre 2
Key Features
- Alarms are optional
- Water resistant, 30 minutes
Warm Up
- 1 hour
Compatible Devices
- Automatically sends reading to the latest Apple iPhones and many popular Android devices
Sensor Lifespan
- 14 days
Readings
- Smartphone App
- Receiver
Calibrations
- Not Required
Accuracy (MARD*)
- 9.2%
Monthly Over The Counter (OTC) Price
- AVE: $215 198 (28 days of sensors)
Approved Wear
- Back of upper arm
The Dexcom G7 hit pharmacy shelves in Canada on October 10th and offers several key details that make it an enticing option for people considering a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system. One notable feature is that it is the smallest and thinnest Dexcom sensor available, making it more comfortable to wear compared to its predecessor. The Dexcom G7 also has a combined sensor and transmitter as well as glucose reading and report system, eliminating the need for separate components or apps. Additionally, it can be used during pregnancy and is waterproof for up to 24 hours, providing flexibility for users.
Compatibility is another advantage, as it can automatically send readings to the latest Apple iPhones and many popular Android devices. Although it currently lacks pump integration, we know that Dexcom’s current partners are working hard to update their systems to take advantage of this exciting new technology. The Dexcom G7 has a sensor lifespan of 10 days, with a 12-hour grace period, and does not require calibration. It boasts an accuracy level (MARD) of 8.2%, making it highly reliable in glucose monitoring. Although the pricing details are not yet published, the Dexcom G7 is expected to be competitively priced compared to other CGM options.
After taking the time to compare Dexcom G7 to the other CGM technologies available in Canada, we hope you’ll find an option that works for you!
Think Dexcom G7 is the one? Dexcom G7 is now available to order through your local pharmacy.
