Why Is My Dexcom G7 Not Accurate

Overview: Here’s how to test the accuracy of your Dexcom G7 CGM with a fingerstick meter reading and manually calibrate the CGM if desired. ⚠️ Please note: The information listed here is applicable to Dexcom CGM users within the US only.

The fingerstick meter test

It’s important to understand that blood glucose meter readings through a fingerstick will never exactly match the CGM reading. The 9% error margin for the Dexcom G7 CGM; a 20% difference can be expected between CGMs and fingerstick tests. You can compare readings from a fingerstick meter and your Dexcom G7 to see how closely the numbers match. If your G7 reading and meter value is within “The 20 Rule” (also known as the %20/20 rule), they match closely. Be sure you are comparing numbers when glucose is in a stable state, It’s expected that glucose levels will not match fingerstick readings after a meal or intense exercise as glucose is fluctuating rapidly.

📺 Click this link, Dexcom G7 Accuracy Video, to understand CGM accuracy.

Refer to more articles:  Why Is Jordy Ball Leaving Ou

To Manually Calibrate the Dexcom G7 sensor:

  1. Open the Dexcom G7 app
  2. Tap + on the top right corner
  3. Under Add Event, Select Blood Glucose
  4. Under Entry Type select, Use as Calibration
  5. Enter the Blood glucose meter value (be sure to enter this value within 5 minutes of sticking your finger).

Calibration best practices

⚠️ Calibrating your Dexcom G7 with a fingerstick meter is never required. Calibration can help make the Dexcom G7 more accurate or less accurate compared to the lab result, and it should bring the G7 readings closer to the meter values.

When using your fingerstick meter, make sure:
  • Your test strips are stored as directed and are not expired.
  • Your hands are clean. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them, then do the fingerstick test.
  • You don’t test during or directly after a meal since readings can be delayed during glucose rises or dips

FAQ: Is it normal for my CGM data and fingerstick data to be different?

  • The first day for your CGM. With newly inserted CGMs, the differences between your meter value and the G7 reading may be greater. Generally, the match gets closer over the first 24 hours.
  • When glucose changes quickly. When your glucose is changing quickly, it’s more difficult to compare numbers. The meter and Dexcom G7 measure glucose from different sources (blood and interstitial fluid), and blood glucose changes faster than interstitial fluid glucose. The match gets closer when your glucose stabilizes. When there’s pressure on the CGM. When something is pressing on your sensor it can affect your
Refer to more articles:  Why Is Window Tint Illegal

G7readings. The match should get closer after the pressure is relieved.

To determine what to do, watch your G7 CGM readings over several hours. If the readings are always higher (or always lower) than your meter values and always outside the 20 rule, consider calibrating. Also consider calibrating if your Dexcom G7 and meter numbers don’t match and your expectations or symptoms fit the meter value, not the G7 reading.

In this article:
  • The fingerstick meter test
  • Best practices for fingersticks
  • Calibration

Related Posts

Why Do I Keep Getting Kicked Out Of Netflix

Why Do I Keep Getting Kicked Out Of Netflix

Within a society where instant digital gratification is the norm, the abrupt halt of Netflix streaming can feel like an untimely pause in a gripping narrative.You may…

Why Does My Tooth Hurt When I Chew

Simply put, your tooth shouldn’t hurt when you bite down. If you’re experiencing tooth pain when you chew or whenever pressure is applied, then you should contact…

Why Is My Zelle Payment Processing

What should you do if you notice your payment is pending on Zelle? Whether you are new to using Zelle or have been regularly using the app,…

Why Do Dogs Lick Their Beds

Entering your room and finding your furry bundle of joy passionately licking the bed…. You may be interested Why Are Finns So Good In Bed Why Do…

Why Bitter Taste In My Mouth

Below are some of the things that may cause a persistent bad taste in the mouth. However, this is not a comprehensive list. People can get a…

Why Am I Not Surprised

Why Am I Not Surprised

You may be interested Why Are Tertiary Carbocations More Stable Why Not Rooftop Party Hostel Why Can’t I Lift My Arm Why Do I Get So Cold…