[Diabetes-Talk] Overview of my recent change from Dexcom G6 to G7 using an iPhone.

[Paul Magill]

Hi all,

I thought I would wait a little while before getting back about my G7
update, so I could check it out better.

Thanks to the generous advice on list which clarified the below Dexcom
article:
https://www.dexcom.com/en-CA/switch-to-dexcom-g7

the change over went well.

Note, the app we use in Australia is marginally different to that in  the
US, as we use the mmol-L glucose level system, instead of the mg/dL.

Once the Dexcom app is opened, voiceover reads the start up instructions
quite well.  Just enter your Dexcom user name and password, and after a
short wait, it announces that your alert settings etc have transferred from
the G6, and proceeds to the application steps.

Scanning the sensor code went particularly well.  I had placed the
applicator on the table with the code facing me, I e.trigger button facing
away from me,  and when I got to where it says how to line up the sensor, as
I moved the phone towards the sensor, it took the picture. I didn't even
have time to aim it.    

The part I was most concerned about was putting it on the back of my arm,
but although it was a little more awkward than doing it on the abdomin, once
I got familiar with the applicator, it was ok.  

I put it about 6 inches, (15cm), up from the tip of my elbow, and about
halfway between facing directly behind me, and facing directly away from my
body.  

The quicker warm up time is great! 

After a few days, I actually much prefer it there.  No more catching on
belts or other clothing when sitting etc.  All round, for me, the new sensor
is a big improvement. 

A different story for the new app.

Overall it is ok, and quite accessible with voiceover, but it takes a bit of
getting used to where to find things.  

I suggest exploring in turn, each tab at the botttom to see where they put
information and settings.  

The glucose tab  is the main screen, showing your current glucose level,
plus information from the Dexcom Clarity summary.  

For me, the Clarity information is way too crouded, and jumbled,  making it
difficult to find what I want.   You can significantly reduce, but not
eliminate, the jumble,  by selecting what they call the Glucose tab, just
below alert settings,  on the Profile tab.  Here you can turn off some of
the clarity information, and when you want to view them, just turn them back
on again.

Note, the below comments apply to the mmol / L version we use, and may or
may not apply to the US version.

In some places, voiceover has been implemented poorly, and while full use of
the app is not prevented,   it is well short of what was on the G6.

Toward the bottom of the Glucose tab, is a More button, which gives quick
access to some alert settings via a pop up window.  However, once open,
there is no way to dismiss it, it is stuck there!  The normal scrub gesture
etc have no affect.    The only way I have found to clear it is to stop the
app, and restart it.  Better to go to the alert settings on the profile tab 
to see those settings.

On the G6 as soon as the appgained focus, my glucose level was announced.
With the G7 it says, Dexcom G7 icon!  And it is necessary to swipe to hear
the level.  

Those are small issues that I am adapting to, but the main annoyance is that
in the alert settings, it is not possible to set an alert sound along with
its vibration. I e. you can only have one or the other!  

On the G6 I appreciated getting both the sound and the vibration, as
depending on the situation, one or the other would get my attention.   For
example, in my pocket in a shopping mall, verses on the charger while I'm in
the next room.

One upside, which I am not yet certain of, it seems that when a glucose
level keeps "hovering" each side of an alert setting, the alert stays silent
for the set time, after you first acknowledge it.  

Warm regards,
Paul in Australia.