Jeff B.
Los Angeles, CAMember since January 2022

Reviews (1)


    • Jan 23, 2022
    • Verified Reviewer

    Dexcom G6

    Great technology but their distributor is AWFUL

    • Length of Use: 2+ years
    Overall Experience:

    I have been a Type 1 diabetic for over 35 years.

    I have been using Dexcom for over two years now, and it has revolutionized the way I treat my diabetes. Instead of getting only 7–10 readings per day (from fingersticks), I can see the trends in my glucose readings every five minutes throughout the day. This allows me to be in MUCH better control of my diabetes, and I am incredibly thankful for that. I think the use of Dexcom will add years to my life.

    There is only one product attribute that I wish was a bit better. The adhesive that keeps the sensor on your body could be quite a bit stronger (a particular issue for someone with body hair). It tends to start coming up from my skin after 5–6 days (even when using an over patch), and I'm constantly having to check that the sensor is secure from that point until Day 10 when the sensor expires. I wish I could be more confident in the adhesion of the sensor. I used to use the Freestyle Libre before Dexcom and that sensor didn't have the same adhesion issues, so I'm hoping Dexcom is working on this aspect of their product. Once that is done, it will be near perfect.

    I will say that the readings are a bit off when you first apply a sensor, so it is very important to calibrate it right away by using a fingerstick. I'm routinely getting readings that are 30 points lower than what the fingerstick produces when I first apply the sensor. But, once I calibrate things, the readings between the Dexcom and fingersticks are very, very similar.

    The major problem with Dexcom is that I have to work through Edgepark (a medical supply distributor) to get the product. This wasn't always the case, as I used to be able to order directly from Dexcom with no issue. But they must have determined that it would save cost if they made all customers work through Edgepark. Fair enough, except Edgepark is a disaster and I'm not being dramatic. It took Edgepark over 30 days to process my last order (which meant I was without Dexcom for almost 20 days), and they put my endocrinologist through quite a process during that period, as well.

    Specifically, they needed to confirm my prescription (which is understandable). They were routinely contacting the wrong doctor's office in the process, even after I got involved to make sure they had the correct contact information. (This was odd because they always got in touch with the correct doctor on prior orders.) And worse, they never reached out to me to let me know they were having issues; I had to figure that out on my own by following up with Edgepark several times throughout the month. And then, when they finally did get in contact with the correct doctor, they kept changing the "ask" of her. First, it was the case notes, which were provided. Then it was an authorization form, which was also then provided. Then they were complaining that the form was not completed correctly, despite the fact that my endocrinologist completes these same forms for many patients every day. In the end, the only way things got done was that my endocrinologist had to call Edgepark herself, which seems like a poor use of her time.

    I got the distinct impression that Edgepark was trying to drag things out, either because they didn't have the supply chain in order to ship my product or because they were trying to push out the billing to my insurance. I'm not sure, but it was very, very fishy. I have filed a complaint with the FDA against Edgepark as a result of all of this, and, if this continues to be an issue, I will be going back to the Libre despite the fact that I love the Dexcom technology. It took dozens of hours of my time during the 30 days and I don't love the Dexcom technology more than Libre enough to justify that level of effort.

    So I hope that Dexcom either finds a new distributor or goes back to fulfilling orders themselves.

    Dexcom will tell you that Edgepark is "getting better", but that was not my experience.

    I wish I could give this five stars, and I would if not for the fact that you have to work through Edgepark.

    Pros and Cons:

    • Technology greatly increases my control of my blood sugars
    • Technology is very easy to use
    • I have been able to reduce my insulin usage by over 30% and I have all but eliminated my lows
    • The biggest downside by far is that you have to work through Edgepark (a distributor) to get the product and they are awful
    • Sensor adhesive could be stronger

    Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    2 people found it helpful

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