How Often Does Dexcom G7 Check Blood Sugar?
We buy sealed diabetic supplies for cash. We do not sell supplies.
The Dexcom G7 checks your glucose on its own. Dexcom says it sends real-time glucose readings automatically every 5 minutes to your phone, watch or receiver. You don't have to prick a finger or scan anything to get them.
Selling? See how we buy Dexcom G7.
This page is general information, not medical or legal advice. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your own care.
Here's what the G7 measures, how long each sensor lasts and what to do if you end up with more sensors than you need.
Does the G7 really read every 5 minutes?
Yes. Dexcom's US site says the G7 gives you a sensor reading up to every 5 minutes. That works out to as many as 288 readings a day. Each one shows where your glucose is, where it's headed and where it's been.
"Up to" matters. If your phone is too far away, or you're in water, readings can pause. Dexcom says you may not get readings in water until you get out.
What does the G7 actually measure?
A CGM doesn't test a drop of blood. Dexcom says the sensor reads glucose levels just beneath the skin. That's why the number can lag a little behind a finger-stick test.
Dexcom also says finger sticks are still needed for treatment decisions if your symptoms don't match your readings. Ask your doctor when you should check with a meter.
How long does one G7 sensor last?
| Dexcom G7 | Dexcom G7 15 Day | |
|---|---|---|
| Wear time | 10 days | 15 days |
| Grace period | 12 hours | 12 hours |
| Warmup | 30 minutes | 1 hour |
| Ages | 2 and older | 18 and older |
These numbers come from Dexcom's G7 comparison. The grace period gives you 12 extra hours to swap in a new sensor, so you don't lose readings.
Where do the readings show up?
The G7 sends readings to a compatible smartphone, smartwatch or a Dexcom receiver. Dexcom says you can also share your data with up to 10 followers, like a parent or spouse.
The G7 also works with some insulin systems. Dexcom lists the iLet Bionic Pancreas, Omnipod 5 and Tandem pumps.
Why do people end up with extra G7 sensors?
It happens more than you'd think. Common reasons include:
- Switching from the 10-day G7 to the G7 15 Day
- Moving to a different CGM brand
- A change in insurance or pharmacy
- Refills that arrive faster than you use them
A small backup is smart in case a sensor falls off. Past that, sealed boxes just get closer to their dates.
Can you sell extra G7 sensors?
Yes, if they're sealed and unexpired. We buy the Dexcom G7, the G7 15 Day and sealed G7 receivers. Our guide to selling unused G7 sensors walks through it. Our 10-day vs 15 Day guide helps you tell the boxes apart.
What if your G7 readings stop?
First, check that your phone or receiver is close by and Bluetooth is on. If you were in water, readings may come back once you're out. If a sensor fails before its wear time, Dexcom says to contact Dexcom Global Technical Support at 844-607-8398. Keep the box so you have the lot number handy.
A spare sealed sensor at home means you won't go without readings while a replacement ships. Past one or two spares, extra boxes are better off sold or donated before their dates get close.
How should you store G7 sensors?
Sensors stay good longest when they're stored the way Dexcom says. Dexcom has a page on how to store Dexcom supplies. In general:
- Keep boxes in a cool, dry place.
- Don't leave them in a hot car.
- Leave each sensor sealed until you're ready to use it.
Good storage also matters if you sell later. A crushed or water-stained box is hard to sell.
What should you do before switching sensors?
If you're moving from the 10-day G7 to the 15 Day, talk to your doctor first. Ask whether to use up your 10-day boxes or keep one as a backup. Then tell your pharmacy to change your refills so extras stop showing up.
We never buy expired items, opened boxes, insulin, anything marked "NOT FOR RESALE," or OneTouch Verio, Dexcom G5, FreeStyle Libre 14-day and Guardian 4. We also don't buy supplies paid for by Medicare or Medi-Cal. See what diabetic supplies can't be sold.
How does selling to us work?
- Check that each box is sealed and the date is still ahead.
- Take a clear photo of the front label and the expiration date.
- Send the photos through our quote form, or call or text (909) 619-5262.
- Get a written quote with a price for each item.
- Pick local pickup in the Inland Empire or mail-in from anywhere in the U.S.
- Get paid. Local sellers are paid at pickup. Mail-in sellers get Zelle within 48 hours of delivery if the items match.
There are no fees and no minimum. One box is fine. If you have strips, pods or pen needles too, send them in the same request so one quote covers everything. See how it works for more detail.
Who is Golden State Diabetic Supply?
We're Golden State Diabetic Supply, Inc., a local buyer based in the Inland Empire. We buy sealed, unexpired diabetic supplies from people who no longer need them. We pick up in San Bernardino and Riverside counties, and we take mail-in from anywhere in the U.S.
We check every box against the same rules: sealed, unexpired, undamaged and not marked "NOT FOR RESALE." If a box doesn't pass, we tell you why. You can reach us by call or text at (909) 619-5262 or by email at sell@goldenstatediabeticsupply.com.
Keep reading
Questions
Does the G7 read glucose every minute?
No. Dexcom says the G7 sends a reading up to every 5 minutes.
Do I need to scan the G7?
No. Dexcom says readings are sent automatically, with no scanning.
Do I still need finger sticks?
Dexcom says finger sticks are needed for treatment decisions when your symptoms don't match your readings.
Can I sell extra G7 sensors?
Sealed, unexpired G7 and G7 15 Day boxes can be sold to us. Opened or expired ones can't.