Diabetes Connections: Dexcom's 15-Day G7 Is Here
What’s Changing, What’s Next, and What You Need to Know
Podcast: Diabetes Connections | Type 1 Diabetes
Host: Stacey Simms
Guest: Dr. Jessica Castle, VP of Global Medical Affairs, Dexcom
Date: December 16, 2025
Episode Overview
This episode provides a comprehensive breakdown of major new developments from Dexcom, focused on their new 15-day G7 CGM sensor, the upcoming phase-out of the G6, the introduction of the Smart Basal feature for type 2 diabetes, and ongoing innovations in connectivity and usability. Stacey Simms hosts Dr. Jessica Castle, who addresses updates, listener questions, and what the future holds for Dexcom users.
Main Themes & Key Discussion Points
1. The Phase-Out of Dexcom G6 (05:27)
- Timeline: G6 will be phased out globally; US guaranteed supply until July 1, 2026.
- Transition: Users are encouraged to switch to G7 (10-day or 15-day versions).
- Pump Compatibility: G7 will work with all pumps currently supported by G6, though G7 15-day is not yet compatible with all partner pumps.
Notable Quote:
“We know that G6 is near and dear to many people's hearts, and so we want to make sure people have time to switch over to G7 or G7 15 day...”
— Dr. Jessica Castle [05:27]
2. Introduction of Dexcom G7 15-Day Sensor (07:08, 08:06)
- Wear Duration: Extended wear from 10.5 to up to 15.5 days.
- Prescription: A new prescription is required.
- Availability: Currently through DME suppliers; pharmacy rollout planned for next year.
- Pump Integrations: Now compatible with Beta Bionics, Islet Bionic Pancreas, and Omnipod 5; Tandem integration announcement expected next year.
- Naming: G7 will refer to the 10-day sensor and G7 15-day to the new version. No phase-out planned yet for G7 10-day.
Notable Quote:
“It is our latest and greatest product ... for adults living with diabetes and it lasts up to 15 and a half days.”
— Dr. Jessica Castle [07:08]
3. Smart Basal Feature for Type 2 Diabetes (09:14)
- New Algorithm: Smart Basal helps users and providers adjust basal insulin using CGM data.
- Features: Initiated by healthcare provider, provides daily recommendations for basal insulin dosing.
- Purpose: Minimize highs/lows, ease burden on patients, optimize workflows for providers.
Notable Quote:
“Smart Basal really is an opportunity to have to support people on an ongoing basis. And also you have the support of your healthcare provider ... you don’t have to call up the healthcare provider every day to get new doses.”
— Dr. Jessica Castle [10:21]
4. Connectivity and Device Integration (12:00)
- Issue: Ongoing struggles with CGM–pump connectivity, especially compared to phone connection stability.
- Response: Improvements being made to both G7 10-day and 15-day; call support for device-specific issues.
- Collaboration: Connectivity is a joint effort between Dexcom and pump manufacturers.
Notable Quote:
“We know how incredibly important this is ... it's something that we're always evaluating and always improving.”
— Dr. Jessica Castle [12:23]
5. Sensor Replacement Policy (“REPL”) (14:05)
- Assurance: Confirmed sensor failures will be replaced without limit.
- Encouragement: Users can find details on Dexcom’s website.
Notable Quote:
“If there’s a confirmed sensor failure, we will always replace that without limit and we want to ... make sure people are not without CGM.”
— Dr. Jessica Castle [14:30]
6. Future of Ketone (and Other Analyte) Monitoring (15:21)
- Possibility: Dexcom is researching multi-analyte sensors, including ketones.
- Concerns: Care needed in implementation to prevent user anxiety and ensure actionable context.
- Approach: Focus on thoughtful rollout that supports users appropriately.
Notable Exchange:
A: “Are you doing research in how people might best see this and use this?”
B: “Making sure we frame up the information rather than saying, 'hey, you have high ketones, now you go figure out what to do with that information.'”
— Stacey Simms & Dr. Jessica Castle [16:23]
7. Pediatric Use and Wear Duration (17:34)
- Status: G7 15-day is currently adult-only (18+).
- Reasoning: Pediatric users have unique needs; assessment ongoing before pediatric launch.
Notable Quote:
“Pediatric users have unique needs ... we really wanna assess G7 15 day and make sure that it is the best product for pediatric users.”
— Dr. Jessica Castle [17:34]
8. Accuracy, Reliability, and Adhesive Updates (18:44, 21:16)
- Accuracy: G7 15-day is Dexcom’s most accurate sensor yet; improvements continue based on user feedback.
- G6 vs. G7: G7 is empirically as accurate as G6; continual iteration based on reported experience.
- Adhesive: New, stickier adhesive rolled out; overpatch remains standard. Ongoing efforts to balance durability and skin comfort.
Notable Quote:
“The G7 15 day is our most accurate sensor ... I anticipate people are going to have a great experience with G7.”
— Dr. Jessica Castle [18:44/20:32]
9. Platform Integration: Android Watch & Car Connectivity (22:01)
- Status: No specific dates, but Dexcom recognizes user interest and is evaluating these features.
10. The Smart Food Log (25:03)
- Function: Lets users log food using photos; AI generates editable food descriptions.
- User Experience: Designed to make food logging simpler and more practical.
- Future Potential: Possible pathway to accurate carb counting via photo—still under evaluation.
Notable Quote:
“It works incredibly well. I have used it many a times myself just to test it out.”
— Dr. Jessica Castle [25:03]
11. Looking to the Future: G8 and Beyond (26:13)
- Principle: Continuing the trend—smaller, more accurate, easier to use sensors.
- Tease: No G8 specifics, but innovation remains a core focus.
12. Insurance, Sensor Lifetimes, and Customer Support (26:26)
- Concern: Many worry insurers will not supply enough sensors if longevity increases, impacting active users.
- Reassurance: Dexcom’s replacement policy applies irrespective of insurance; ongoing commitment to users.
13. Reflections and Motivation (27:33)
- Personal Story: Dr. Castle shares her transition from clinical practice to Dexcom; the drive to innovate and improve lives remains strong.
- Industry Perspective: Dexcom’s ongoing leadership in CGM development and focus on both patients and providers.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
- “Feedback has been heard right. And this is ... incredibly important for us to understand what people are experiencing in the field.” [18:44]
- “I essentially grew up with diabetes technology ... Dexcom led that innovation at each of those steps.” [22:23]
- “It's a balance of making sure it's sticky enough so the sensor doesn't come off, but doesn't cause skin irritation.” [21:16]
- “I unfortunately had a patient that died from severe hypoglycemia during my practice who didn’t have the benefit of CGM.” [24:07]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 05:27 – G6 Phase-Out Details
- 07:08 – 15-Day G7 Launch and Integration
- 09:14 – Smart Basal Feature for Type 2s
- 12:00 – Device Connectivity Concerns
- 14:05 – Sensor Replacement Policy (“REPL”)
- 15:21 – Ketone & Multi-Analyte Monitoring
- 17:34 – Pediatric Use of G7 15-Day
- 18:44 – Accuracy and Reliability Improvements
- 21:16 – Adhesion and Overpatch Update
- 22:01 – Android Watch & Car Connectivity
- 25:03 – Smart Food Log
- 26:13 – G8 and Future Innovation
- 26:26 – Insurance & Sensor Replacement
- 27:33 – Dr. Castle’s Motivation & Background
Conclusion
This episode addresses urgent and future-focused questions for Dexcom users, particularly around the G6 sunset, expanded G7 offerings, technology integration, accuracy, and support policies. Dr. Castle expresses optimism for the future, confidence in Dexcom’s improvements, and commitment to ongoing user feedback.
Listeners leave with a clearer understanding of upcoming changes and reassurance that Dexcom’s support and innovation pipeline are robust and responsive.