Should I wait until my 7+ dies before upgrading to the G4?

Diabetes Technology Glucose Monitoring
#1

Hi, I've been using the Dexcom 7+ for 2 years and 2 months now. I've just inserted a sensor and have one left after this. I normally get about 2 weeks out of each sensor, and I'm not having any major issues with accuracy/range. I understand that the average life of the transmitter is only about 2 years - should i go ahead and upgrade to the G4 or is it worth waiting for the 7+ to die? Does anyone happen to know if there is an upgrade discount in the UK?

Thanks!

#2

I'm in the states, and my insurance covered my upgrade to G4 from System 7. I think there was an upgrade discount in the states for customers who had recently purchased the system 7.

I have heard (not from Dexcom) that the system 7 is being discontinued, but I don't kow if it is worldwide or only in the states. Here are some points to consider:

  • How much longer will you be able to obtain system 7 supplies in the UK?
  • The G4 is more accurate. My G4 is seldom off more than 20 mg/dl, but I would sometimes have a difference of over 100 mg/dl with the system 7
  • The G4 has a greater range, approximately 6 meters
  • The G4 transmitter is larger than the system 7 transmitter and therefore is more visible under close-fitting clothing
  • You must use the Dexcom Studio software with the G4
  • Will you be putting yourself in danger during the period after the system 7 dies and you receive the G4? I would due to hypoglycemic unawareness.
#3

I think the US has Gen4 Platinum, which is slightly different than UK with Gen4. And I thought I heard that Dexcom is filing for CE Mark approval for Gen4 Platinum. (this might have been mentioned in the video chat with Terry Gregg this past month). I don't know if that would affect your decision.

One disadvantage of just waiting till your 7+ transmitter dies is that you may end up with unused sensors, so you may want to get the new one while you can still use up the Seven+ sensors.
In US, they can't be sold to others, but I don't know about UK.

#4

I am not familiar with UK policies, my 7+ was just going along like normal and no warning, it dies. It was 1 year almost 8 months old. So if you are over 2 years, you are doing good! Of course, I had just ordered a new 4 pack of sensors, had one unopened sensor left at home so I was out that co-pay as you cannot return. I would check with your provider to see what your out of pocket expense is, and if you are able to afford, I would suggest you go ahead and upgrade before you wind up like I did - stuck with sensors you cannot use or return! Good luck!

#5

I agree with all above, I would upgrade to G4 to avoid having unused sensors. 2 yrs, 20 months on one transmitter is amazing.

#6

Thanks all - i probably will upgrade before it dies. might also look into trialling a combined pump and cgm, mainly because it'd be nice to have software that can generate combined insulin and BS charts (i spend aaaages faffing about with formatting!)

#7

If possible do the upgrade. The G4 is so much better.