Dexcom G7 CGM device – Improving health awareness and encouraging positive lifestyle change

The Dexcom G7 CGM device is the most powerful CGM device produced by Dexcom, and is available for use in clinical trials. 

To gain an experience of using the product, Daniel Marshall, Woodley Trial Solutions Vice President of Global Business Development, and Hennah Patel, Woodley Trial Solutions CGM Operations Manager, both applied the device for 10 days, both with very contrasting results… 

Hennah Patel, CGM Operations Manager 

“Whilst we facilitate supply of Dexcom G7 into clinical trials, having never used the device myself, I had no real expectations before applying the device.

Firstly, the device is really easy to apply and the app was simple to set up. I expected it to be quite painful when applying the sensor, however application was painless and in terms of comfort whilst wearing it, there was no noticeable pain or soreness.

I was surprised to find that I was getting some quite urgent low glucose alerts in the middle of the night, suggesting I was hypoglycaemic. A little bit of research indicated that I was not eating enough in the evenings and my diet needed improving.

As a result of that, I guess I've taken a lot of action. I've been eating more in the evening and trying to increase intake of carbohydrates, more good fats and things like that.

So, the main take away from me was lifestyle changes in terms of eating better and probably exercising more as well. Overall, I’m really impressed with the G7's high levels of accuracy.

With the Dexcom G7 taking your real-time glucose readings every five minutes, the data is highly accurate. When I did get those little urgent alerts, I had a sugary drink one night and another night it happened again, I had a small brownie. In both instances, I was able to watch the app every five minutes and monitor my levels slowly going back up again until it just steadied, which I thought was quite fascinating.” 

Daniel Marshall, Vice President of Global Business Development 

“My experience was the opposite in that it was never low. It indicated to me that I was, if not already, well on the way to being pre-type 2 diabetic. A lot of over-indulging. A lot of desserts. A lot of travelling and just grabbing snacks as and when. It’s been about seven weeks since I wore it, and I’ve made a lot of lifestyle changes.

Interestingly, I found that I immediately made changes and started eating healthier. I began putting more thought into what I was eating, and making sure meals were better balanced. That was easier to focus on while wearing the Dexcom G7. Since I haven’t been wearing it, I have found it take a lot of effort and willpower to maintain those diet changes, because I was not seeing the effect that it was having on me. A case of, out of sight, out of mind.

So, if you are type 2 diabetic, and are trying to make lifestyle changes, and you want that motivation and that kind of visual aspect of seeing the improvements your changes are making, then the Dexcom G7 is fantastic. I am looking forward to wearing the G7 again to see what difference this has made.

To give an analogy, for me it’s a bit like going to the gym with a personal trainer, or without a personal trainer. The Dexcom G7 is guiding you, it’s a visual representation of your diet and the effect it is having on you. And that way you can see how your body reacts to certain foods, and you can change your diet accordingly.” 

Supporting lifestyle change 

The lifestyle changes as a result of the data reporting from Dexcom G7 CGM device really emphasises how it can support positive change to your health.  

As it’s Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week, this shines a light on how utilizing the powerful features and frequent data reporting via the Dexcom G7 app can really make a big difference when instilling measures to prevent type 2 diabetes.

Dexcom G7 in clinical research 

Dexcom CGM devices have been prevalent in many type 1 and type 2 diabetes studies for a number of years. Aided by third party data providers, the Dexcom G7 device continues to improve patient data reporting for CROs and further opens the door for utilization in a number of alternative therapy areas, such as cardiovascular heart disease and obesity, to name a few. 

As technology develops, so do the opportunities for improved patient monitoring and dataflow. The emergence of the Dexcom G7 is a perfect example of how this can make a positive change in prevention of type 2 diabetes, both in individual lifestyle and in the clinical trial sphere. 

Find out more about our Dexcom G7 supply capabilities for clinical studies here or get in touch with your study requirements and we will be delighted to discuss how we can support you. 

Always check with your doctor if you experience symptoms of hyper/hypoglycaemia. Dexcom G7 is available by prescription only.