Apple Watch demonstrates the Dexcom G7 CGM app
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On Wednesday, medical device maker Dexcom finally delivered its live streaming feature to Apple Watch for G7 CGM. Here's how it works.
Continuous glucose monitor (CGM) has historically worked using your iPhone as an intermediary. The sensor is implanted under the skin, usually behind the arm, in a white plastic housing. This housing then transmits readings in near real time to a companion iPhone.
For those who are insulin dependent and use a compatible insulin pump, the Dexcom G7 can also send readings there simultaneously.
iPhone requirements are changing with the latest update to the Dexcom G7 app. After the update, Apple Watch can be used as a third connected Bluetooth device for the sensor.
Here's how it works.
Testing the Dexcom G7 directly with the Apple Watch
In our testing, we used the G7 sensor, the Apple Watch Ultra, and the Tandem T:Slim X2 insulin pump.
Dexcom G7 CGM installation process
To set everything up, we first updated the Dexcom app to version 2.2.1 on our iPhone. The built-in app on the watch has also been updated.
Dexcom says that to use the Live View feature, you need an Apple Watch Series 6 or newer with watchOS 10 installed.
How to install install Dexcom CGM on Apple Watch
- Update the application Dexcom via the App Store
- Open the Dexcom app on your iPhone
- Go through the getting started guide
- Open the updated Dexcom app on your compatible Apple Watch
- Tap Pair Sensor
- When the sensor name pops up, tap Pair
There are a few caveats. Sharing is not currently supported directly with Apple Watch. If you had followers, you would still need an iPhone for this to work.
Apple Watch screenshots for the setup process
You also can't force quit the Dexcom app on your Apple Watch. This prevents it from running in the background and constantly updating.
Fortunately, if the connection to your Apple Watch is ever lost, your glucose readings will still be displayed because they are retrieved from your iPhone. A small phone icon will appear in the top left corner.
Using the Dexcom G7 without an iPhone
Dexcom has been promising a direct connection to the Apple Watch for years. We talked about this during our initial review back at the 2022 launch.
For a daily user of a Dexcom glucose monitor, this is very welcome. Every time you move away from your phone, you lose access to your levels.
Not to mention, depending on which pocket you put your phone in, you may lose contact with the sensor. The human body is an excellent Bluetooth shield.
We prefer to wear the Dexcom G7 on the back of our hand
However, the Apple Watch usually leaves your body, and we never had a disconnect on the last day. This was the most reliable CGM experience we have ever had.
Every time we look at our wrist, we see the current glucose level. We know it seems simple, but it has never worked so smoothly relying solely on the iPhone.
Complication was previously known for simply displaying a couple of dashes that wouldn't update until you opened the app and allowed it to update.
Available now
Dexcom G7 is commonly used by type 1 diabetics, and increasingly also by type 2 diabetics th type. Dexcom has a version that is marketed for people without diabetes, but it lacks certain features.
The Dexcom G7 is quite small
There are rumors that Apple is working on a non-invasive glucose sensor, but this is still far from reality. With current technology, it won't have the precision needed for diabetics who need an insulin pump, but it will be more versatile.
If you are a Dexcom user, you can update the app now to take advantage of this new feature.
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