So, has anyone else had a problem lately with sensor failures??? I noticed this is coincidental with the supply shortage.
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I had 6 G7 sensors replaced so far. They all failed to pair. This is a known and widespread manufacturing issue.
Up to now I did not know what the manufacturing issue was. I decided to use Perplexity Deep Research. This is what I got:
The Dexcom G7 CGM Sensor Pairing Defect_ Analysis.pdf (256.5 KB)
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By all means report problems and get replacements but while the sensor is already inserted try putting the applicator back on the sensor to get the little magnetic switch to flip and power on the sensor. Or run a handy magnet past the switch. Joe from the BreakthroughT1D form was nice enough to post this pic when I asked where the magnet in the applicator lined up with the sensor.
@jean63 Does the app or reader or pump literally say “sensor failure”? Or are you describing a different issue?
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Thanks for that tip. I will try that. Who knew??? It was an actual sensor failure that came up on my phone. It had lost signal for over 1.5 hours and then the notice popped up. I have been leaving the overwatch off for the past few months, so maybe that is it. I went swimming yesterday too, so maybe it got wet. The guy at Dexcom also said that rapidly changing blood sugars can cause failure. That’s also been an issue with me lately. I am considering going on a pump to sort that out. Thank you for your reply!!! Happy weekend!
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The one active now did that. It’s odd it paired with my pump but not iPhone. No Bluetooth in Settings.
My understanding there is a small magnet in the applicator that is supposed to activate the sensor. I placed the applicator on the send rotating once or twice. That worked this time.
My experience with G6 was failures around day 7-8. This was about 45%. As to G7 I’ve had good results. I regularly get to do the 12 hour grace period, so they last 10 1/2 days,
Recently, I’ve had 2 just stop and say “Sensor failure” on days 8 and 9, and then one that the wire popped out of the top. I’m tired of submitting for replacements 
I’ve had a few issues. And there’s a Facebook group dedicated to these issues - both how to troubleshoot and just general support/frustration for those dealing with them. It’s called “Dexcom G7 - Issues and Complaints” (Dexcom G7 - Issues and Complaints | Facebook) if anyone is interested in joining. I’ve gotten some helpful tips from it.
Some months ago, I had a rash of consecutive failures - a total of 5 sensors failed back to back due to inability to pair. All were made in Malaysia. I have not had any problems since then despite all sensors coming from Malaysia. The only time I seem to get US mfd sensors is when I get a replacement. I wish I had known about the magnet issue then…
Regarding the shortage, I recently got a full shipment but I had to call and ask for it as I was running out. Prior to that I received only a partial shipment. Not sure what would have happened if I had not called.
It says in FDA’s WL that Dexcom volunteered to stop shipping G7 sensors until all the issues are resolved. I wrote to FDA asking why would they do that if there are no reports of patient harm? (This would have been disclosed in the WL.) Under these circumstances, it seems worse to completely deny patients access the product - again as long as no harm is being caused.
It sounds as if the design changes they made to G7 may require another submission as FDA believes they have modified the originally approved device too much. It was also stated in the WL FDA is aware that the same design changes were also made to the G6 but I am not sure if or how this has impacted G6 sensor shipments.
Same here. As soon as I went to a new prescription refill the failures all stopped. I’ve gone several months without an issue.
Because of the above issues and others, is the exact reason I have not gone to the G7. I started my journey with the G4. Durning my time on the G6 I’ve on only have had one Transmitter failure. My last three sensors had no issues. But the present one has gone into “Sensor Failure” twice, both in the middle of the night. Conscience says it’s caused by compression, “laying on it.” But I can’t accept this as I wear a back compression belt , which presses on the sensor all day long.
Today I had another G7 that did not pair. I was able to bring it back to life with a magnet. I am so glad that I don’t have to go through the hassle of ordering a replacement anymore. Removing a brand-new sensor was not a pleasure either.
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Yeah, there has been several posts about device failures recently. Some people says its the ones with “Made in Malaysia” that usually have this issue.