What is a continuous glucose monitor?

Often shortened to CGM, a continuous glucose monitor is a small, wearable device that measures your glucose every few minutes. It sends this information wirelessly to a receiver or smartphone, allowing you to see your real-time insulin data and trends, making it a critical part of automated insulin delivery (AID) systems. Some CGMs, like the Dexcom G6 and G7*, will also alert you when your glucose is running low or high—a safety measure that gives CGM users some peace of mind.

*Dexcom G6 and Dexcom G7 are sold separately, require a separate prescription and must be used with the Dexcom mobile app to use automated mode. The Dexcom receiver is not compatible.

Three Parts:

  1. The CGM: a device worn right on the body to measure glucose, using a very thin wire that inserts under the skin. Users wear them for several days on their stomach or back of their arms or legs, depending on the device’s instructions.
  2. The transmitter: a reusable piece that fits onto the CGM and sends glucose data wirelessly to your device every 5 minutes.*
  3. The receiver or smartphone app: a device that displays your current and past glucose data, allowing you to see trends and patterns. When using Dexcom G6 or G7 with Omnipod 5, you will need to use the Dexcom app on a compatible smartphone. The Omnipod 5 System does not work with the Dexcom G6 or G7 receiver.
*Not all CGMs have a transmitter.
Dexcom G6
Dexcom G7
Dexcom G6 and G7 shown without the necessary adhesive.
Omnipod 5 Pod compatible with Dexcom G6 and G7 no adhesives shown Omnipod 5 Pod compatible with Dexcom G6 and G7 no adhesives shown
Pod and Dexcom G6 and G7 shown without the necessary adhesive. Dexcom G6 and G7 sold separately and require a separate prescription.

Better together: Dexcom CGMs & Omnipod 5

If you’re using a CGM as part of an AID system, the device you’ll use will depend on your insulin delivery system. Omnipod 5 is the only tubeless automated insulin delivery system that integrates with Dexcom G6 and G7.

  • Dexcom G6 and G7 users must use the Dexcom App to control their Dexcom G6 and G7 CGM.
  • If you have a compatible smartphone, you can use the Omnipod 5 App on your personal smartphone to control the Omnipod 5 System. Otherwise, you should use the Omnipod App on the Omnipod 5 Controller, a touchscreen device that comes at no charge with your first prescription.
  • See your CGM values in both places—the Dexcom App and the Omnipod 5 App or Controller.

Is Omnipod 5 compatible with a Dexcom CGM right for me?

Learn all about how Omnipod 5 and Dexcom G6 and G7 work together to incorporate your CGM data and trends to automatically adjust insulin delivery.

Learn About Omnipod 5