Dexcom products include the G7 flagship CGM, the G6 (still sold during the G7 rollout), the over-the-counter Dexcom Stelo, plus the Dexcom Follow and Dexcom Clarity apps. All continuous glucose monitors use a small sensor under the skin to measure interstitial glucose every minute and display the data on a phone, watch, or dedicated receiver.
The Current Dexcom Product Lineup
| Product | Type | Prescription? | Wear Time | MARD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dexcom G7 | CGM sensor + transmitter (all-in-one) | Yes | 10 days + 12-hour grace | ~8.2% |
| Dexcom G6 | CGM sensor + reusable transmitter | Yes | 10 days | ~9% |
| Dexcom Stelo | OTC CGM (all-in-one) | No | 15 days | ~10% |
| Dexcom Follow | Companion mobile app | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Dexcom Clarity | Reporting platform | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Dexcom G5: Legacy Product, Discontinued
Dexcom G5 was the first CGM to broadcast directly to a smartphone without a separate receiver. It required two fingerstick calibrations per day and a reusable transmitter that clicked onto a new sensor every 7 days. Dexcom stopped shipping new G5 components when the G6 launched in 2018. Existing G5 users have been transitioned to the G6 or G7.
Dexcom G6: The Factory-Calibrated Workhorse
The Dexcom G6 introduced factory calibration, eliminating routine fingersticks. The sensor lasts 10 days and uses a separate transmitter that snaps onto each new sensor for a 3-month period. G6 is FDA-cleared for use in children as young as 2 and during pregnancy. It is compatible with insulin pump automated insulin delivery systems like Tandem t:slim X2 and Omnipod 5.
Many long-time users still prefer the G6 because the reusable transmitter format fits their routine. Dexcom has signaled that the G6 will gradually be phased out in favor of the G7.
Dexcom G7: The Flagship Prescription CGM
Dexcom G7, launched in the US in 2023, is the current flagship product. Key improvements over G6:
- 60 percent smaller size with sensor and transmitter combined in one disposable patch.
- 30-minute warm-up (down from 2 hours on G6).
- 12-hour grace period after the 10-day sensor expires.
- Improved accuracy, with published MARD around 8.2 percent.
- Direct-to-Apple-Watch Bluetooth without phone relay.
G7 is approved for adults and children 2 and older, including during pregnancy. It supports automated insulin delivery systems from Tandem and Omnipod. For background on the CGM technology these products use, see the prediabetes 101 hub.
Dexcom Stelo: The Over-the-Counter Option
Dexcom Stelo is the first FDA-cleared over-the-counter CGM in the United States. Launched in 2024, it targets adults 18 and older who are not taking insulin, including people with type 2 diabetes on oral medication, prediabetes, or general metabolic curiosity. Key differences from G7:
| Feature | Dexcom G7 | Dexcom Stelo |
|---|---|---|
| Prescription | Yes | No |
| Wear time | 10 days + grace | 15 days |
| Urgent low alert | Yes | No |
| Insulin pump integration | Yes | No |
| Approximate cash price | Varies by insurance; ~$200-400/month without | ~$99/month |
Dexcom Follow: Sharing Data with Family
Dexcom Follow lets up to 10 designated “followers” see your real-time CGM data. Parents of children with type 1 diabetes, adult children of elderly parents with diabetes, and spouses commonly use it. Followers receive optional alerts for highs and lows on their own phones. The feature requires the wearer to actively invite each follower via email.
Dexcom Clarity: Reports for You and Your Clinician
Clarity converts raw CGM data into clinical reports including:
- Ambulatory glucose profile (AGP), a 14-day standardized visualization.
- Time in range (% between 70-180 mg/dL), time below range, time above range.
- Estimated A1C, also called glucose management indicator (GMI).
- Patterns by time of day.
Your clinician can use these reports to adjust medication doses, meal timing, and insulin ratios. According to the FDA, CGM-derived metrics like time in range are now part of mainstream diabetes care.
How to Apply a Dexcom Sensor
- Wash and dry the application area (upper arm for G7 and Stelo, abdomen also allowed for G6 and G7).
- Remove the applicator from the package, remove the safety cap.
- Press the applicator firmly against the skin and push the button.
- Pair with the app using NFC (tap the phone against the sensor).
- Wait 30 minutes for warm-up (G7 and Stelo) or 2 hours (G6).
Compatibility and Insulin Pumps
Dexcom G6 and G7 integrate with:
- Tandem t:slim X2 insulin pump with Control-IQ algorithm.
- Insulet Omnipod 5 tubeless pump.
- iOS and Android smartphones; Apple Watch (G7 direct connection).
Dexcom Stelo does not integrate with pumps and is designed for information only.
Insurance and Cost
Dexcom G7 and G6 are covered by Medicare for people who use insulin or have a history of hypoglycemia. Most commercial plans cover Dexcom CGMs for type 1 and insulin-using type 2 diabetes; coverage for non-insulin type 2 varies. Dexcom Stelo is available directly through the Dexcom website and is typically paid out of pocket or through an HSA or FSA.
Who Is the Best Fit for Each Dexcom Product?
- Type 1 diabetes or insulin-using type 2: Dexcom G7 with pump integration.
- Non-insulin type 2 covered by insurance: Dexcom G7 as prescribed.
- Prediabetes or non-insulin adult wanting OTC access: Dexcom Stelo.
- Medicare recipient on intensive insulin: Dexcom G7 or G6 via covered DME supplier.
- Existing G6 user happy with pumps: stay on G6 for now, plan to transition to G7.
For broader treatment context, see the treatment hub.
The Bottom Line
Dexcom products span from the legacy G6 to the flagship G7 to the over-the-counter Stelo, with Follow and Clarity apps providing data sharing and reporting. Picking the right one depends on whether you use insulin, what integrations matter, and whether insurance or cash pay fits your situation. Whichever product you choose, a CGM can give you pattern-level insight that fingersticks simply cannot provide.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition or medication.
