I noticed my Dexcom is getting alot less accurate and doesn't seem to work as well as it once did. I've had this one for a year and a half. Do they expire?
I believe the Dexcom representative did say the sensor expires. I want to say she mentioned the sensor being covered by our insurance every 18 months or every 24 months? I can't recall the exit amount of time, but sounds like you might be approaching the date for a new one.
The unit itself does not technically expire. The sensors (usually a few months) have expiration dates and the transmitters (18-24 months) do as well because they have a built-in battery which eventually dies. The receiver over time may not hold a charge as long because the battery is getting old. But except for old sensors, nothing should affect the accuracy. I don't know about the newer models, since I learned my lesson the hard way, but I had accuracy issues with the original Dexcom 7 (not the 7 Plus) cause by calibrating it too frequently.
Standard times:
- System 7 transmitters - one year
- G4 transmitters - six months
I have had three System 7 transmitters and one G4 tranmitter. Each year when my System 7 tranmitter was "out of warranty" Dexom would contact me for permission to confirm coverage with my insurance and send me a new transmitter and receiver (I believe they were bundled). I haven't come due for a new G4 transmitter yet. My CDE told me that I will get a new transmitter at six months. I don't know if at one year it is a new tranmitter or both a transmitter and a receiver.
Yes, they expire. I was rather shocked to find this out too...and mad(!). I believe the time is 18 months.
I would expect anything powered by a rechargeable battery to eventually fail, because the batteries can only be recharged so many times. This has its pros and cons -- you're not buying and disposing of so many regular batteries, but you do have to buy a new unit eventually. I hope your insurance covers it.