Dexcom G5 User Manual

User Guide

for Dexcom G5® Mobile Continuous
Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System

IMPORTANT CONTACTS AND NUMBERS

Emergency Phone Number: ______________________________________________

Your Healthcare Professional: _____________________________________________

Your Receiver Serial Number: _____________________________________________

Your Transmitter Serial Number: ___________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

Dexcom® Technical Support/Patient Care Team: _______________________________

Dexcom Website: ______________________________________________________

Nearest Hospital: ______________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

1.888.738.3646

dexcom.com

Dexcom G5 Mobile System User Guide

1Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Part 1: Getting Started

Glossary ........................................................ 5

Chapter 1 - Beginning Your Dexcom G5
Mobile® Continuous Glucose Monitoring

(CGM) System Journey ................................ 9

1.1 Introduction .............................................. 9

1.2 Self-Paced Resources ............................ 10

1.3 Your Dexcom Account ............................. 13

Chapter 2 - Indications for Use and Safety

Statement ................................................... 15

2.1 Introduction ............................................ 15

2.2 Important User Information .................... 15

2.3 Safety Statements .................................. 16

2.4 Overview of Safety Statements .............. 18

Chapter 3 - Risks and Benefits ................. 29

3.1 Risks ...................................................... 29

3.2 Benefits .................................................. 31

Part 2: Let’s G5®! The Basics

Chapter 4 - What’s the Dexcom G5 Mobile? ... 37

4.1 Introduction ............................................ 37

4.2 Safety Statement ................................... 37

4.3 The Dexcom G5 Mobile ........................... 39

4.4 What’s New to the Dexcom G5 Mobile? .. 41

4.5 System Information ................................ 42

4.6 System Components .............................. 42

4.7 Smart Device Overview .......................... 49

Chapter 5 - Set Up Your Display Devices .. 51

5.1 Introduction ............................................ 51

5.2 Safety Statement ................................... 51

5.3 Why Different Monitoring Methods? ....... 52

5.4 Dexcom G5 Mobile App .......................... 52

5.5 Receiver ................................................. 66

Chapter 6 - Starting a Sensor Session:
Inserting Sensor, Attaching Transmitter,

and Starting Your Session ......................... 71

6.1 Introduction ............................................ 71

6.2 Safety Statements .................................. 72

6.3 Prepping for Sensor Insertion ................. 74

6.4 Choosing Your Insertion Site ................... 77

6.5 Inserting Your Sensor ............................. 79

6.6 Attaching Your Transmitter ..................... 83

6.7 Loose Sensor Pod ...................................86

6.8 Starting Your Sensor Session ................. 86

6.9 Receiver Bluetooth Tips .......................... 91

6.10 Sensor Session Warmup ....................... 92

Chapter 7 - Calibration .............................. 95

7.1 Introduction ............................................ 95

7.2 Safety Statements .................................. 96

7.3 Calibration Overview ............................... 98

7.4 When to Calibrate ................................... 99

7.5 Calibration Prompts .............................. 101

7.6 Preparing for Calibration ....................... 105

7.7 Ready? Set? Calibrate! ......................... 106

7.8 Calibration Errors ...................................114

Chapter 8 - Ending Your Sensor Session

and Transmitter Session...........................117

8.1 Introduction ...........................................117

8.2 Safety Statements .................................118

8.3 Ending Your Sensor Session ..................119

8.4 Remove Sensor Pod and Transmitter .... 133

8.5 End of Transmitter Battery ................... 135

8.6 Pair New Transmitter ............................ 139

Part 3: Next Steps - Getting the Most
out of Your Dexcom® CGM

Chapter 9 - Home Screen, Rate of Change

Arrows, and Errors ................................... 153

9.1 Introduction to Home Screens ............... 153

9.2 Safety Statements ................................ 154

9.3 Home Screen Overview ........................ 155

9.4 Rate of Change Arrows ......................... 170

9.5 Error Messages .................................... 172

Dexcom G5 Mobile System User Guide

2Table of Contents

Chapter 10 - Daily Events Affect Your

Glucose Trends and Patterns .................. 177

10.1 Introduction ........................................ 177

10.2 What Is an Event? ............................... 177

10.3 Entering Events .................................. 186

10.4 Viewing Events ................................... 196

Chapter 11 - Sensor Glucose Alarm and

Alerts ........................................................ 199

11.1 Introduction ......................................... 199

11.2 Safety Statements .............................. 200

11.3 Alarm and Alerts ................................. 202

11.4 Alarm and Alerts Screens ...................204

11.5 App: Alert Sound and Vibration ........... 211

11.6 Receiver: Alert Sound and Vibration .... 215

11.7 Confirming Alarm/Alerts ..................... 219

11.8 Receiver: Test Speaker and Vibrations .... 221

Chapter 12 - On the Go With G5: Customizing

Your Alarm and Alerts .............................. 225

12.1 Introduction ........................................226

12.2 Safety Statement ................................226

12.3 Changing App Alarm and Alerts .......... 226

12.4 Changing Receiver Alarm and Alerts ... 242

Chapter 13 - Using the Dexcom G5 Mobile

System for Treatment Decisions ............. 253

13.1 Introduction ........................................253

13.2 Safety Statement ................................ 254

13.3 Treatment Decisions: The Basics ........ 254

13.4 Treatment Decisions: Beyond the Basics ...258

13.5 You Decide! ........................................ 265

13.6 General Guidlines................................268

Part 4: Everything Else G5

Chapter 14 - Warranty: The Fine Print .... 273

14.1 Introduction ........................................ 273

14.2 Receiver Warranty Information .......... 273

14.3 Transmitter Warranty Information ...... 276

14.4 Dexcom’s Obligations Under the

Limited Warranty ........................................ 277

Chapter 15 - How to Take Care of Your

Dexcom G5 Mobile ...................................279

15.1 Introduction ........................................ 279

15.2 Safety Statements .............................. 280

15.3 Basic Maintenance ............................. 281

15.4 Storage ............................................... 286

15.5 Checking App and Receiver Information ... 287

15.6 System Disposal .................................288

Chapter 16 - On the Go With Dexcom G5

Mobile: Getting Through Security ........... 291

16.1 Introduction ........................................291

16.2 Safety Statements ..............................292

16.3 Going Through Security ...................... 292

Chapter 17 - Need Help? You’re Not Alone! ....295

17.1 Dexcom Technical Support Team ........295

17.2 Dexcom Patient Care Team ................. 296

17.3 Dexcom Sales Support Team ..............297

17.4 Corporate ........................................... 298

Chapter 18 - Technical Information ........ 299

18.1 Device Performance Characteristics ... 299

18.2 Product Specifications ........................ 337

18.3 FCC Requirements ..............................345

Chapter 19 - Troubleshooting .................. 347

19.1 Introduction ........................................ 347

19.2 Safety Statements .............................. 348

19.3 Troubleshooting .................................. 349

Chapter 20 - Symbols on Package Labels ... 365

Part 5: Sharing Is Caring

Chapter 21 - Dexcom Share ..................... 371

21.1 Learning About Dexcom Share ............ 371

21.2 Dexcom Share Overview ..................... 375

21.3 Risks and Benefits ..............................377

21.4 Safety Statement ................................ 379

21.5 Setting Up Dexcom Share ................... 382

21.6 Using Dexcom Share...........................392

21.7 Dexcom Follow App ............................ 398

21.8 Troubleshooting .................................. 401

Part 6: Index

Index .........................................................405

• Glossary

• Getting Started

• Indications for Use and Safety Statement

• Risks and Benefits

GETTING STARTED

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Glossary

Dexcom G5 Mobile System User Guide

5

A1C Blood test used to diagnose type 1 or 2 diabetes and to gauge

how well you’re managing your diabetes. The A1C test result
reflects your average blood sugar level for the past two to
three months.

Accessory Device
(Accessory)

A device meant to connect to a smart device, to add or extend
features. For example, a smart watch or headphones.

Alternative Site
Testing

Using a blood sample from non-fingertip (alternative) sites such as
the palm, forearm or upper arm for meter readings.

Do not use alternative site testing to calibrate the Dexcom
G5

®

Mobile CGM System (G5 Mobile). Only use fingerstick

measurement.

App A software application on a smart device.

The G5 Mobile app was developed as a display for continuous
glucose monitoring.

Blood Glucose (BG)
Value

An abbreviation of blood glucose. Blood glucose (BG) value is the
amount of glucose in the blood measured by a BG meter.

Blood Glucose
Meter/Meter/BG
Meter

A medical device used to measure how much glucose is in the
blood.

(Continued on next page)

Glossary

Glossary

Dexcom G5 Mobile System User Guide

6

(Continued from previous page)

Calibration A comparison or measurement between your meter’s fingerstick BG

values and the sensor’s interstitial fluid glucose readings. Although
blood and interstitial fluids are similar, glucose concentration is
higher in your blood. Calibration allows alignment between your
sensor and meter readings.

When you calibrate, you take a fingerstick measurement from your
meter then enter the value into your receiver or smart device. The
system uses that value to verify that the sensor glucose reading is
on track.

Continuous
Glucose Monitor
(CGM)

A system that uses a sensor inserted under the skin to check
glucose levels in interstitial fluid. A transmitter sends sensor glucose
readings to a display device.

Contraindication A safety statement outlining specific situations where the G5 Mobile

should not be used because it may be harmful to you. The risk of
use clearly outweighs any possible benefit.

Hyperglycemia High BG. Same as “high” or high blood sugar. Hyperglycemia is

characterized by an excess of glucose in the bloodstream.
It’s important to treat hyperglycemia. If left untreated, hyperglycemia

can lead to serious complications.
The default High Glucose Alert in the G5 Mobile is set to 200 mg/dL.

Consult your healthcare professional to determine the appropriate
hyperglycemia setting for you.

Hypoglycemia

Low BG. Same as “low” or low blood sugar. Hypoglycemia is
characterized by a low level of glucose in the bloodstream.

It’s important to treat hypoglycemia. If left untreated, hypoglycemia
can lead to serious complications.

The default Low Glucose Alert in the G5 Mobile is set to 80 mg/dL.
Consult your healthcare professional to determine the appropriate
hypoglycemia setting for you.

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Glossary

Dexcom G5 Mobile System User Guide

7

(Continued from previous page)

Indication

A condition making a particular treatment or procedure advisable.
Indications let you know who should use the G5 Mobile and when.

IP

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a nonprofit,
non-governmental, international organization created to produce
safety standards for electronics. One of the safety standards it
designed is the Ingress Protection (IP) Marking, which classifies
and rates how protected an electronic device is against dust, water,
accidental contact, etc.

IP ratings are numerical, with the number based on the conditions
the electronic device comes across.

An IP22 rating lets you know your electronic device won’t allow you
to stick your fingers in it and won’t get damaged or be unsafe during
specific testing with water dripping down.

An IP28 rating tells you your electronic device won’t let you stick
your fingers in it and is safe for long-term immersion in liquid up to
a specified pressure.

Jailbreak, Root

The removal of limitations and security measures set by the
manufacturer on a smart device. The removal poses a security risk
and data may become vulnerable.

Do not use, install or run the G5 Mobile app on a jailbroken or rooted
smart device. The app may not work correctly on such a device.

Landscape

When your smart device is oriented sideways.

mg/dL Milligrams per deciliter. The standard unit of measure for glucose

readings in the United States.

Portrait When your smart device is oriented vertically.

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Glossary

Dexcom G5 Mobile System User Guide

8

(Continued from previous page)

Precaution A safety statement regarding any special care to be exercised by

you or your healthcare professional for the safe and effective use
of the Dexcom G5 Mobile.

RF Radio-frequency (RF) transmission used to send glucose

information from the transmitter to the receiver or smart device.
Also used to send calibration data from the receiver or smart
device to the transmitter.

Safety Statement A statement of the intended uses of G5 Mobile and relevant

warnings, precautions, and contraindications.

Sensor Session The seven-day monitoring period after inserting a new sensor.

During this time frame, your glucose is being monitored and
reported every five minutes, with data being sent to your
display device(s).

Smart Device A mobile device that can wirelessly connect to networks over Wi-

Fi or a cellular data connection (3G, 4G, etc).
Examples are smartphones and tablets.

Smart Watch A watch with wireless connectivity, typically designed to pair with

a smart device. An example is the Apple Watch.

Stacking Insulin Taking a dose of insulin soon after your most recent dose. This

can result in low blood sugar.
Doesn’t apply to taking insulin doses to cover what you just ate.

Today View Swipe down, then right, to access information and notifications on

your iPhone, iPad

®

, and iPod®.

Warning A safety statement letting you know the following feature

has important hazard information. Describes serious and
life-threatening circumstances of using the G5 Mobile, their
consequences, and how to avoid the hazard.

9

Dexcom G5 Mobile System User’s Guide

Beginning Your Dexcom G5 Mobile Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System Journey

1.1 Introduction

Welcome to the Dexcom G5 Mobile CGM System (G5 Mobile) family!
We are excited you chose us to partner with you in your journey to manage your diabetes. As

a continuous glucose-monitoring (CGM) device, the G5 Mobile System allows you to break
free from constant fingersticks. But how do you use the G5 Mobile? What are its features?
Do you need to avoid anything?

Where do you even begin?
This chapter is the first step to answering these and many other questions.
After this chapter, you will be able to:

• Describe different training resources

• Locate tutorials about using the Dexcom G5 Mobile in your diabetes management

• Find step-by-step instructions for the Dexcom G5 Mobile

• Recall how to use the User Guide

• Explain why you need a Dexcom® account

We have numerous resources available to help you get the most out of your Dexcom G5
Mobile. Between our self-paced training resources and our friendly and knowledgeable
Dexcom customer support teams, help is always available.

First Things First—Learning How to Learn

Knowing about the Dexcom G5 Mobile is your first step in creating a successful CGM
experience. Before using it, learn about it.

You have numerous self-paced resources, helping you get to know the Dexcom G5 Mobile:

Chapter 1

Getting Started:

Beginning Your Dexcom G5 Mobile® Continuous
Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System Journey

10

Dexcom G5 Mobile System User’s Guide

Beginning Your Dexcom G5 Mobile Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System Journey

1. Tutorials

2. Getting Started Guide

3. User Guide

No matter which resource(s) you select, make sure you review them prior to using your new
CGM system.

1.2 Self-Paced Resources

Tutorials

Along with step-by-step instructions, our tutorials illustrate how real-time CGM can assist in
your daily diabetes management. The following is a list of tutorials and how to access them.

Online Tutorials

First Steps With Your Dexcom CGM

Designed for those who have never used a Dexcom CGM, this tutorial covers what to expect
in your first week and includes links to step-by-step videos on how to insert your sensor,
calibrations, ending a sensor session, etc.

Next Steps With Your Dexcom CGM

Just finished First Steps or already familiar with how a CGM can benefit you? This tutorial
covers looking at trends and introduces some advanced features including our reporting tools
(see Chapter 10).

Accessing Online Tutorials:

Go to dexcom.com, click the menu, then Support.
Once you have viewed the online tutorials you should be pretty comfortable with what CGMs

do and how the Dexcom G5 Mobile can help you.

Offline Tutorials

You don’t need to be tied to the Internet to view our instructional tutorials, they’re also
available offline.

Accessing Offline Tutorials:

Use the USB card in the receiver package.

11

Dexcom G5 Mobile System User’s Guide

Beginning Your Dexcom G5 Mobile Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System Journey

Written Mobile Resources

Getting Started Guide (GSG)

The Dexcom G5 Mobile GSG complements the tutorials by providing in booklet form the same
step-by-step instructions seen in the app.

One of the great things about the GSG is you can use it in conjunction with the videos, taking
notes as you go!

Accessing the GSG:

Use the GSG booklet in the receiver package
Both the tutorial and the GSG give you a brief look at the Dexcom G5 Mobile. But what if you

want more detailed information?

User Guide

Your Dexcom G5 Mobile encyclopedia!
This user guide gives you the most extensive overview of the system detailing features,

important safety information, and so much more.
To download an eBook of the user guide or request a printed user guide, visit

dexcom.com/guides.
The Dexcom G5 Mobile user guide is grouped into six separate parts:
Part 1:

Getting Started

• Glossary

• Getting Started
– Getting more information about the Dexcom G5 Mobile
– Registering at dexcom.com

• Indications for Use and Safety Statement

• Risks and Benefits

Part 2:

Let’s G5! The Basics

• Introduction to the Dexcom G5 Mobile

• Initial Setup

• Starting a Sensor Session: Inserting the Sensor and Attaching the Transmitter

• Calibration

12

Dexcom G5 Mobile System User’s Guide

Beginning Your Dexcom G5 Mobile Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System Journey

• Ending a Sensor Session and Transmission Session

Part 3:

Next Steps - Getting the Most Out of Your G5 Mobile

Once you are up and running, how you can maximize the Dexcom G5 Mobile features:

• Reading Trend Graph Screens and Recognizing Trends

• Events

• Alarm and Alerts

• Sounds for Alarm, Alerts, and System Messages

• Using Dexcom G5 Mobile for Treatment Decisions

Part 4:

Everything Else G5

• Warranty

• Maintenance

• Travel Tips

• Customer Service Contacts

• Technical Information

• Troubleshooting

• Symbols on Package Labels

At the end of your Dexcom G5 Mobile user guide is the Dexcom

Share

®

user guide.

Part 5:

Sharing Is Caring

• Dexcom Share
– What Is Dexcom Share?
– Setting Up Dexcom Share
– How to Use Dexcom Share
– Your Followers

– Troubleshooting

Part 6:

• Index for Dexcom G5 Mobile and Dexcom Share

13

Dexcom G5 Mobile System User’s Guide

Beginning Your Dexcom G5 Mobile Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System Journey

How to Use Your User Guide

All chapters in the Dexcom G5 Mobile user guide are laid out the same way:
The beginning of each chapter lists what you’ll be able to do after you have finished. After

that, it shows any applicable safety statements you need to know, followed by the chapter’s
content. At the end, there’s a recap of what was covered and what’s in the next chapter.

1.3 Your Dexcom Account

You’ll need a username and password to set up the Dexcom G5 Mobile app and for
reordering supplies.

If you haven’t already done so, go to dexcom.com and set up your own account.
Or, if you prefer, the Dexcom G5 Mobile app walks you through creating your login credentials

as part of your initial app setup.

Summary

Now You Can:

• Describe different training resources

• Locate tutorials about using real-time CGM in your diabetes management

• Find step-by-step instructions for the Dexcom G5 Mobile

• Recall how to use the user guide

• Explain why you need a Dexcom account

What’s Next?

Now you are familiar with how to use this user guide and where to go for help.
Throughout the user guide you’ll see color-coded boxes containing Safety Statements. The

next chapter, Indications for Use and Safety Statement, lists all Safety Statements along with
how to read and interpret them.

Next you’ll learn about when and how to use the Dexcom G5 Mobile safely.

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Dexcom G5 Mobile System User Guide

15Indications for Use and Safety Statement

2.1 Introduction

We want the Dexcom G5 Mobile System to be a valuable tool in your diabetes management.
Like any system, there are steps to take to get the most out of it. As excited as you are about
getting started, did you know that if you just took Tylenol®, maybe you should wait? Did you
know taking Tylenol is contraindicated?

In this chapter, you’ll learn about some key areas that might prevent you from having the best
CGM experience or if you’re not careful might even harm you or the system. You’ll even learn
what a contraindication is!

2.2 Important User Information

Each part of your system has instructions including indications, contraindications, warnings,
precautions, and other important user information. Please review the instructions for each
part of the system in this user guide before using the system.

This chapter is important to read. It helps you use the system safely and covers:

• What is a Safety Statement?
– Telling the difference between an indication and a contraindication
– Explaining why warnings are so important
– Defining precautions

• How to read a chapter’s Safety Statement

• Overview of Safety Statements

Let’s start with definitions, then look at a Safety Statement example used throughout the
user guide, and then review the Safety Statements.

Chapter 2

Getting Started:

Indications for Use and Safety Statement

Dexcom G5 Mobile System User Guide

16Indications for Use and Safety Statement

Safety Statement

A Safety Statement is a brief statement of the system’s indications, contraindications (when
to avoid using it), relevant warnings, and precautions. The Safety Statements are meant to
keep you and the system safe while using the system:

1) Indications
How, for what purposes, and under what circumstances you should use the system.

Indications let you know who should use the system and when. Indications are the who,
what, and why of the system.

2) Contraindications
Contraindications let you know when

not

to use the system. If used during these situations,

you may hurt yourself or the system, the risk of use clearly outweighs the benefit.

3) Warning
Important hazard information: Describes serious or life-threatening circumstances to stay

away from while using the system, their consequences, and how to avoid danger.

4) Precaution

Special steps you need to take while using the system preventing minor or moderate injury

to either you or the system.

2.3 Safety Statements

This user guide presents Safety Statements two ways:

1. In this chapter’s Overview of Safety Statements
– Lists all Safety Statements
– Includes a section reviewing how the statements are formatted

2. Within each chapter
– Lists only those statements applicable to that specific chapter

Chapter’s Safety Statements

Each chapter will list all applicable indications, contraindications, precautions, and warnings.
Some chapters will have multiple Safety Statements; others have none. Safety Statements

are located toward the beginning so you can keep them in mind as you learn about that
chapter’s topic. The same statement may be repeated throughout the user guide. It’s
important to recognize which factors could prevent the system from working correctly, or
even harm you.

Dexcom G5 Mobile System User Guide

17Indications for Use and Safety Statement

Within chapters, each color-coded Safety Statement is in a box, broken down into
four sections:

1. Type of statement

a. Bold and color-coded

▪ INDICATION-Green

▪ CONTRAINDICATION-Purple

▪ WARNING-Red

▪ PRECAUTION-Blue

2. Do’s/Don’ts

a. An action you should or should not take
b.

Italicized

3. Why

a. A statement of the potential harm

4. Consequences

a. What could happen if you don’t follow the instructions

The following is an example of a chapter’s Safety Statement and how to read it.

WARNING

Do:

Calibrate at least once every 12 hours.

Why: Calibrating less often than every 12 hours might cause inaccurate sensor
glucose readings.

Consequences: Missing a severe low or high glucose event or making a treatment
decision that results in injury.

Since this is a Warning, you know it covers important safety information. Italics are the
Do/Don’t steps to follow:

Calibrate at least once every 12 hours

. Below the italics is a
statement explaining Why you need to follow the steps: Calibrating less often than every
12 hours might cause inaccurate sensor glucose readings. And finally what happens, or the
Consequences, if you don’t: Missing a severe low (hypoglycemia) or high (hyperglycemia)
glucose event or making a treatment decision that results in injury.

Dexcom G5 Mobile System User Guide

18Indications for Use and Safety Statement

2.4 Overview of Safety Statements

This section provides a review of Safety Statements containing the same elements described
above (type of Safety Statement, an action, a statement of potential harm, and consequences)
but listed in a narrative, not boxed, format. Here you’ll learn what indications and
contraindications are and what to do to keep you safe and the system in proper working order.

Indications for Use

The Dexcom G5 Mobile Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (Dexcom G5 Mobile) is a
glucose monitoring system indicated for the management of diabetes in persons age 2 years
and older. The Dexcom G5 Mobile is designed to replace fingerstick blood glucose testing for
diabetes treatment decisions.

Interpretation of the Dexcom G5 Mobile results should be based on the glucose trends and
several sequential readings over time. The Dexcom G5 Mobile also aids in the detection of
episodes of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, facilitating both acute and long-term therapy
adjustments.

The Dexcom G5 Mobile is intended for single patient use and requires a prescription.

Important User Information

Failure to use the Dexcom G5 Mobile and its components according to the instructions for
use and all indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and cautions may result
in you missing a severe hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) or hyperglycemia (high blood
glucose) occurrence and/or making a treatment decision that may result in injury. If your
glucose alerts and readings from your Dexcom G5 Mobile do not match your symptoms or
expectations, use a fingerstick blood glucose value from your blood glucose meter to make
diabetes treatment decisions. Seek medical attention when appropriate.

Please review the product instructions before using the Dexcom G5 Mobile. Indications,
contraindications, warnings, precautions, cautions, and other important user information
can be found in the product instructions that are included with, or accompany, the Dexcom
G5 Mobile. Discuss with your healthcare professional how you should use the information
displayed on the Dexcom G5 Mobile to help manage your diabetes. The product instructions
contain important information on troubleshooting the Dexcom G5 Mobile and on the
performance characteristics of the system.

Dexcom G5 Mobile System User Guide

19Indications for Use and Safety Statement

Contraindications

So what are contraindications? They let you know when not to use the system; you may
hurt yourself or damage the system. Remember, if used during certain situations, the risk of
use may clearly outweigh any potential benefit. Within the chapters, contraindications are in
purple boxes.

MRI/CT/Diathermy

Do not wear the Dexcom G5 Mobile (sensor, transmitter, and receiver) during Magnetic
Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT) scan, or high-frequency electrical
heat (diathermy) treatment.

The Dexcom G5 Mobile has not been tested during MRI or CT scans or with diathermy
treatment. The magnetic fields and heat could damage the components of the Dexcom G5
Mobile, which may cause it to display inaccurate blood glucose readings or may prevent
alerts.

Medications

Taking medications with acetaminophen (such as Tylenol or Excedrin® Extra Strength) while
wearing the Dexcom G5 Mobile may inaccurately raise the glucose readings generated by the
Dexcom G5 Mobile. The level of inaccuracy depends on the amount of acetaminophen active
in your body and is different for each person. Do not rely on continuous glucose monitoring
(CGM) data produced by the Dexcom G5 Mobile if you have recently taken acetaminophen.

Warnings

What are warnings for? They outline important hazard information, describing any serious
and/or life-threatening situations, their consequences, how to avoid danger while using the
system and how to protect the system from harm.

Sensor Fractures

Do not ignore sensor fractures. Sensors may fracture or detach from the sensor pod on
rare occasions. If a sensor breaks and no portion of it is visible above the skin, do not
attempt to remove it. Seek professional medical help if you have symptoms of infection or
inflammation—redness, swelling, or pain—at the insertion site. If you experience a broken
sensor, please report this to our Technical Support department at 1.888.738.3646 (toll free)
or 1.858.200.0200.

Dexcom G5 Mobile System User Guide

20Indications for Use and Safety Statement

Do Not Use Damaged Goods
If the Dexcom G5 Mobile receiver or Dexcom G5 Mobile transmitter is damaged or cracked,

do not use it. This could create an electrical safety hazard or malfunction, causing possible
electrical shocks resulting in injury. In addition, a damaged or cracked Dexcom G5 Mobile
receiver or Dexcom G5 Mobile transmitter may cause the Dexcom G5 Mobile System not to
function properly.

Choking

Do not allow young children to hold the sensor or transmitter without adult supervision. The
sensor and transmitter include small parts that may pose a choking hazard.

Avoid Strangulation

Use USB cable only as directed and store safely. Misuse of the USB cable can present a
strangulation risk.

The following warnings may result in the consequence of missing severe hypoglycemia (low
blood glucose) or hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) or making a treatment decision that
results in injury:

Review Training Materials

Thoroughly review the training materials included with your Dexcom G5
Mobile before use. Incorrect use of the Dexcom G5 Mobile could lead you to
misunderstand information produced by the system or might affect the system’s
performance.

Diabetes Treatment Decisions

If your Dexcom G5 Mobile does not display a sensor glucose reading and an arrow
or if you are getting inaccurate or inconsistent readings, use a fingerstick blood
glucose value from your blood glucose meter to make diabetes treatment decisions.

Do Not Ignore Low/High Symptoms

Do not ignore symptoms of low or high glucose. If your glucose alerts and readings
do not match your symptoms or expectations, you should obtain a fingerstick blood
glucose value from your blood glucose meter to make diabetes treatment decisions
or seek immediate medical attention.

Who Should Not Use

The Dexcom G5 Mobile was not evaluated or approved for the following persons:

• Pregnant women

Dexcom G5 Mobile System User Guide

21Indications for Use and Safety Statement

• Persons on dialysis

Warnings (continued)

The following warnings may result in the consequence of missing severe hypoglycemia (low
blood glucose) or hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) or making a treatment decision that
results in injury:

Do not use the Dexcom G5 Mobile CGM System in critically ill patients. It is
not known how different conditions or medications common to the critically ill
population may affect performance of the system. Sensor glucose readings may be
inaccurate in critically ill patients.

The Dexcom G5 Mobile’s accuracy has not been tested in people within these
groups and the system’s glucose readings may be inaccurate.

Calibrate on Schedule

What is calibrating and why it is important? Calibration is the process of making
sure your sensor continues to be accurate. Your sensor doesn’t automatically know
what your glucose levels are—you have to teach your system what a given BG
value is by entering in a KNOWN glucose value from your BG meter.

Calibrate the Dexcom G5 Mobile at least once every 12 hours. The Dexcom G5
Mobile needs to be calibrated in order to provide accurate readings. Do not use the
Dexcom G5 Mobile for diabetes treatment decisions unless you have followed the
prompts from the device and calibrated every 12 hours after the initial calibration.

Placement

Do not insert the sensor component of the Dexcom G5 Mobile in a site other than
the belly/abdomen (ages 2 years and older) or the upper buttocks (ages 2 to 17
years). The placement and insertion of the sensor component of the Dexcom G5
Mobile is not approved for other sites. If placed in other areas, the Dexcom G5
Mobile may not function properly.

Prior to Initial Calibration: Data/Alarm/Alert

Do not expect sensor glucose readings or Alarms/Alerts from the Dexcom G5
Mobile until after the 2-hour startup. The Dexcom G5 Mobile will NOT provide any
sensor glucose readings or Alarms/Alerts until after the 2-hour startup ends AND
you complete the startup calibration. Use fingerstick glucose values from your
blood glucose meter during the 2-hour startup.

Dexcom G5 Mobile System User Guide

22Indications for Use and Safety Statement

Warnings (continued)

The following warnings may result in the consequence of missing severe hypoglycemia (low
blood glucose) or hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) or making a treatment decision that
results in injury:

Sensor Storage

Store the sensor at temperatures between 36°F-77°F for the length of the sensor’s
shelf life. You may store the sensor in the refrigerator if it is within this temperature
range. The sensor should not be stored in the freezer.

Storing the sensor improperly might cause the sensor glucose readings to be
inaccurate.

Smart Device Settings

Your smart device’s internal settings override any Dexcom G5 Mobile app setting.
In addition, accessory devices (like a smart watch or other wearable smart devices)
might override your smart device’s Alarm, Alert, and notification settings.

To receive Alarm or Alerts you must:

• Make sure the notifications for the Dexcom G5 Mobile app are turned on
in the setting’s menu of your smart device

• Check that the Dexcom G5 Mobile app hasn’t been shut down by your
smart device

• Turn on Bluetooth on your smart device

• Turn off the Do Not Disturb feature on your smart device (if available)

• Restart the Dexcom G5 Mobile app after your smart device is restarted

• Set the volume on your smart device at a level you can hear

• Do not close app; always run the app in the background

• Make sure accessory devices do not override your smart device settings

If the settings on your smart device are incorrect, your Dexcom G5 Mobile may not
function properly.

The Dexcom G5 Mobile Alarm/Alert vibrations are not any different from other
vibrating apps on your smart device. Medical device apps, like the Dexcom G5 Mobile
app, may not always have special priorities over your smart device’s features.

App notifications or Alerts may sound or feel the same as notifications from another
app. The only way to know is to look at the screen.

Dexcom G5 Mobile System User Guide

23Indications for Use and Safety Statement

Warnings (continued)

The following warnings may result in the consequence of missing severe hypoglycemia (low
blood glucose) or hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) or making a treatment decision that
results in injury:

Missed an Alarm or Alert?

An Alarm or Alert from the G5 Mobile app cannot be heard through your smart
device’s speakers if headphones are plugged in. Make sure you unplug your
headphones when you are done using them, otherwise you might not hear an
Alarm or Alert from the Dexcom G5 Mobile.

Precautions

Sensor Package

Do not use the Dexcom G5 Mobile sensor if its sterile package has been damaged or opened.
Using a non-sterile sensor might cause infection.

Clean and Dry Before Using

Do not open the sensor package until you have washed your hands with soap and water, and
let them dry. You may contaminate the insertion site and suffer an infection if you have dirty
hands while inserting the sensor.

Do not insert the sensor until you have cleaned the skin near the insertion site with a topical
antimicrobial solution, such as isopropyl alcohol, and allowed the skin to dry. Inserting into
unclean skin might lead to infection. Do not insert the sensor until the cleaned area is dry so
the sensor adhesive will stick better.

Reusable: Don’t Throw Away

Do not discard your transmitter. It is reusable. The same transmitter is used for each session
until you have reached the end of the transmitter’s battery life.

The following precautions may result in the consequence of missing severe hypoglycemia
(low blood glucose) or hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) or making a treatment decision that
results in injury:

Be Accurate, Be Quick

To calibrate the system, enter the exact blood glucose value displayed on your
blood glucose meter within five minutes of a carefully performed fingerstick.

Dexcom G5 Mobile System User Guide

24Indications for Use and Safety Statement

Precautions (continued)

The following precautions may result in the consequence of missing severe hypoglycemia
(low blood glucose) or hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) or making a treatment decision that
results in injury:

Do not enter Dexcom G5 Mobile sensor glucose readings for calibration. Entering
incorrect blood glucose values, blood glucose values obtained more than 5 minutes
before entry, or sensor glucose readings might affect sensor performance.

Treatment Decisions

Make diabetes treatment decisions based on the combination of the sensor glucose
reading, trend arrow, and/or alerts generated by the Dexcom G5 Mobile.

Expiration Date

Do not use Dexcom G5 Mobile sensors beyond their expiration date. Before
inserting a sensor, confirm the expiration date that is listed on the package label in
the following format: YYYY-MM-DD.

Do not use sensors that are beyond their expiration date, because the sensor
glucose readings might not be accurate.

Sensor Placement

Avoid using the same spot repeatedly for sensor insertion. Rotate your sensor
placement sites, and do not use the same site for two sensor sessions in a row.
Using the same site might cause scarring or skin irritation.

Avoid inserting the sensor in areas that are likely to be bumped, pushed, or
compressed or areas of skin with scarring, tattoos, or irritation as these are
not ideal sites to measure glucose. Insertion in these areas might affect sensor
accuracy.

Avoid injecting insulin or placing an insulin pump infusion set within three inches of
the sensor. The insulin might affect sensor performance.

Use Correct Transmitter, Receiver, and Sensor

Different generations of Dexcom CGM System transmitters and receivers are not
interchangeable with each other.

The Dexcom G5 Mobile transmitter and receiver are not compatible with the
Dexcom G4® PLATINUM CGM System transmitter and receiver.

Dexcom G5 Mobile System User Guide

25Indications for Use and Safety Statement

Precautions (continued)

The following precautions may result in the consequence of missing severe hypoglycemia
(low blood glucose) or hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) or making a treatment decision that
results in injury:

The Dexcom G5 Mobile will not work if you mix the transmitter and receiver from
different generations.

You can use a Dexcom G4 PLATINUM sensor with the Dexcom G5 Mobile System.
Before using the sensor, make sure the sensor label says “Dexcom G5 Mobile/G4
PLATINUM Sensor” or “Dexcom G4 PLATINUM Sensor.”

Communication Range

Do not separate the transmitter and receiver by more than 20 feet. The
transmission range from the transmitter to the receiver is up to 20 feet without
obstruction. Wireless communication does not work well through water so the
range is much less if you are in a pool, shower, etc.

Types of obstruction differ and have not been tested. If your transmitter and
receiver are farther than 20 feet apart or are separated by an obstruction, they
might not communicate or the communication distance may be shorter.

Setting Alarm/Alert Notifications

When using both a receiver and a smart device with your Dexcom G5 Mobile, you
must set your settings separately in each. If you set up one device and then use
another, you might not get an Alarm or Alert.

Using an accessory device (like a smart watch) might override your smart device
sounds. Alarm or Alerts might vibrate or be heard on the accessory instead of your
smart device. After connecting any accessories, make sure that the smart device
settings allow you to continue receiving Alarm or Alerts on the smart device.

Is It On?

If the receiver or smart device is turned off (Shut Down), it will not display sensor
data, information, Alarm or Alerts generated by the Dexcom G5 Mobile. Make sure
the display devices are turned on; otherwise you won’t get sensor glucose readings
or Alarm or Alerts.

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26Indications for Use and Safety Statement

Precautions (continued)

The following precautions may result in the consequence of missing severe hypoglycemia
(low blood glucose) or hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) or making a treatment decision that
results in injury:

Test Receiver

Test your receiver speaker and vibration often. To test the speaker and vibration
use the Speaker Test or go through the Try It menu option. Always test if your
receiver gets wet or dropped.

To use the Speaker Test, plug the receiver in to charge to see the Speaker Test
screen. Proceed through the speaker test. To use the Try It menu option, go to the
Sounds menu and select Try It. Either way, if it doesn’t vibrate and beep, contact
Technical Support.

If the vibration motor and/or speaker on your receiver is not functioning properly
you may miss a severe low or high Alarm/Alert. Use the app on your smart device
until this issue is resolved.

Keep Receiver Clean and Dry

Do not get dirt or water in the USB port and do not submerge in water.
If dirt or water gets into the USB port, the receiver could become damaged and

stop displaying readings or providing Alerts; you might miss a severe low or high
glucose event.

No Alternative Site Testing–Fingerstick Only

Do not use alternative site blood glucose testing (blood from your palm or forearm,
etc.) for calibration. Alternative site blood glucose values may be different from
those taken from a fingerstick blood glucose test and may not represent the
timeliest blood glucose value. Use a blood glucose value taken only from a
fingerstick for calibration. Using alternative site blood glucose values for calibration
might affect Dexcom G5 Mobile accuracy.

When Not to Calibrate

Do not calibrate if your blood glucose is changing at a significant rate, typically
more than 2 mg/dL per minute. Do not calibrate when your receiver screen is
showing the rising or falling single arrow or double arrow, which indicates that your

Dexcom G5 Mobile System User Guide

27Indications for Use and Safety Statement

Precautions (continued)

The following precautions may result in the consequence of missing severe hypoglycemia
(low blood glucose) or hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) or making a treatment decision that
results in injury:

blood glucose is rapidly rising or falling. Calibrating during rapid rise or fall of blood
glucose may affect sensor accuracy.

Don’t Share Your Transmitter

Do not share your transmitter with another person or use a transmitter from
another person. The Dexcom G5 Mobile is a prescription-only medical device and is
meant, or indicated, for individual use only.

The transmitter is tied to the sensor glucose readings. If the transmitter is used by
more than one person, the glucose readings, alerts, and reports may be wrong.

Airport Scanners

Be aware of airport body scanners and baggage x-rays when you travel. Do not
place any part of the Dexcom G5 Mobile system in the baggage x-ray machine or
body scanner. Ask for visual inspection instead:

• Baggage x-ray machine: Instead of putting any part of your Dexcom G5
Mobile through the baggage x-ray, ask the TSA officers to visually inspect it

• Body scanner: When you are wearing your Dexcom G5 Mobile, request
hand- wanding or full-body pat-down and visual inspection instead of
going through the Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) body scanner. AIT
is also called millimeter wave scanner

Do not rely on CGM readings while being checked by an x-ray or hand-wand metal
detector. Once you have cleared the security checkpoint area, you can resume
using CGM data. Although the system has been tested with several metal detectors
and hand-wands, it is unknown if exposure to certain x-ray, hand-wands, and/or
AIT body scanners can affect the system performance and results in you missing a
severe low or high glucose event.

If you are unsure of whether the airport scanner is a metal detector, an AIT body
scanner or an x-ray, ask the TSA officer or request hand-wanding or full-body pat­down.

Dexcom G5 Mobile System User Guide

28Indications for Use and Safety Statement

Caution

U.S. law restricts the sale of the Dexcom G5 Mobile to sale by or on order of a physician.

Summary

Now You Can:

• Define a Safety Statement

• Explain the difference between an indication and a contraindication

• Describe what a precaution is

• Describe the importance of warnings Correctly read a chapter’s Safety Statement

• Provide an overview of Safety Statements by category

What’s Next?

In our next chapter, you will learn about the risks and benefits of using the system.

Dexcom G5 Mobile System User Guide

29Risks and Benefits

When using any medical device, there are risks and benefits. In this chapter, you’ll learn what
they are, helping you decide if Dexcom G5 Mobile is right for you.

First, let’s review some possible risks.

3.1 Risks

There are some risks with using real-time CGM.

Not Receiving Alarm/Alerts

If you aren’t getting your CGM Alarm/Alerts, you run the risk of not knowing you are having a
severe low or high glucose event.

Some hardware issues preventing Alarm/Alerts:

• Alert function is turned off

• Transmitter and display device are out of range

• Receiver or smart device isn’t showing sensor glucose readings. For example, when
there are data gaps due to being out of range or a system error

• Receiver or smart device battery is dead

• Unable to hear Alarm/Alerts or feel vibration

• Speaker or vibration motor not working

• App not running in the background

• On Apple devices, Signal Loss Alert won’t be heard if smart device is silenced or in Do
Not Disturb

See Troubleshooting (Chapter 19) and, for the app, Suggested Device Settings (Chapter 5).

Chapter 3

Getting Started:

Risks and Benefits

Dexcom G5 Mobile System User Guide

30Risks and Benefits

Using CGM for Treatment Decisions

If you are taking acetaminophen, your sensor glucose readings may be falsely high, causing
you to potentially miss a low glucose event or treat a high glucose event with insulin. Do
not make any treatment decision based on your CGM when acetaminophen is active in your
body.

In order to use CGM for your treatment decisions, you must calibrate a minimum of once
every 12 hours to help keep your CGM system accurate. If you do not calibrate at this
minimum frequency and make treatment decisions based on your CGM, you may not be
getting the most accurate information and could miss a high or low glucose event.

In order to use CGM for your treatment decisions, you must have:

1. Sensor glucose reading

2. Trend arrow

For more information on how to make treatment decisions using your Dexcom G5 Mobile, see
Chapter 13.

If you have symptoms of low or high glucose, but your CGM is not showing low or high
glucose sensor readings, take a fingerstick blood glucose measurement with your BG meter.
If you are a caregiver of someone using the Dexcom G5 Mobile, watch how they act. If their
symptoms don’t match the CGM, take a fingerstick BG measurement.

Your BG meter is your backup when/if your CGM is not showing a sensor glucose reading or
your symptoms do not match your sensor readings. Remember to wash your hands before
taking a fingerstick.

Sensor Glucose Reading Different From Your Expectations
or Symptoms

The sensor glucose reading can be different from your expectations and symptoms. In this
case, wash your hands and take a fingerstick blood glucose measurement with your BG
meter to confirm your expectations and symptoms. If your sensor readings and BG meter
values are different, you can calibrate your CGM system. Wash and dry your hands, repeat
the BG measurement, and, if still different, recalibrate.

If you’re not receiving an Alarm/Alert, and not taking fingerstick BG measurements, you may
be unaware of low or high glucose levels.

Dexcom G5 Mobile System User Guide

31Risks and Benefits

Sensor Insertion Risks

Inserting the sensor and wearing the adhesive patch might cause infection, bleeding,
pain, or skin irritations (for example, redness, swelling, bruising, itching, scarring, or skin
discoloration). The chance of this happening is low.

The Dexcom G5 Mobile uses the same sensor as the previous CGM system—the Dexcom G4
PLATINUM. The Dexcom G4 PLATINUM System clinical studies and compliant data showed
slight redness and swelling occurring only in a few patients.

During the Dexcom G4 PLATINUM System's clinical study, no sensor wires broke; however,
there is a remote chance a sensor wire could break or detach and remain under your skin.
Sterile broken sensor wires don’t pose a significant medical risk.

If a sensor wire breaks off or detaches and remains under your skin, contact your healthcare
professional and call Dexcom’s Technical Support toll free, 24/7, at 1.888.738.3646 or toll at

1.858.200.0200 within 24 hours.
Those are the risks, let’s now review the benefits!

3.2 Benefits

Daily habits impact your BG levels. With the Dexcom G5 Mobile, you can track how your
exercise, carbs, stress levels, medication, or illness influence your glucose levels.

Knowing Your Trends

Providing sensor glucose readings every five minutes, for up to seven days, the Dexcom G5
Mobile helps you detect trends and patterns. Trend information as well as the trend arrow
reveals where your glucose is now, where it has been, where it’s heading, and how fast it’s
changing. This provides you with a more complete picture of your glucose.

Making Treatment Decisions Based on Your CGM

With Dexcom G5 Mobile, you can now use the sensor glucose readings to make your diabetes
treatment decisions (like how much insulin to take, when to treat a low glucose, etc.) when
you have the key pieces of CGM information: your trend arrow and sensor glucose reading. If
you are using the Dexcom G5 Mobile to make treatment decisions, make sure your Alerts are
on. Talk to your healthcare professional to determine your best Alert levels.

Dexcom G5 Mobile System User Guide

32Risks and Benefits

Helping Your Diabetes Management

The Alarm/Alerts features (see Chapter 11) keep you aware of your glucose levels. Alerts
notify you when your glucose goes outside your target range or is rapidly falling or rising,
letting you take action before you get too low or too high. The Urgent Low Glucose Alarm
lets you know when you are dangerously or urgently low, going below 55 mg/dL. By taking
corrective measures, you lessen the time spent in your low/high range, while increasing time
in your targeted range (Battelino, 2011; Garg, 2006). If you are using the Dexcom G5 Mobile
to make treatment decisions, make sure your Alerts are on. See Chapter 13 for Treatment
Decisions.

Real-time CGM can help improve your A1C as well as improve the quality of your glucose
control. If your A1C is at or below 7%, using a CGM such as the Dexcom G5 Mobile
helps reduce hypoglycemia (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Continuous Glucose
Monitoring Study Group et al, 2008).

Lowering your A1C, increasing your time in your target range while decreasing time in
low/high BG range is believed to reduce your risk of diabetes-related complications (Ohkubo,
Y., 1995).

Some people perceive an increase in their quality of life and peace of mind when using
real-time CGM (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Continuous Glucose Monitoring Study
Group, 2010).

What’s Next?

You’ve read the Safety Statements, reviewed the risks and benefits; now let’s take a look at
the Dexcom G5 Mobile!

References:

Battelino, T., Phillip, M., Bratina, N., Nimri, R., Oskarsson, P., & Bolinder, J. (2011). Effect of
continuous glucose monitoring on hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes. Diabetes Care, 34(4),
795-800.

Garg, S., Zisser, H., Schwartz, S., Bailey, T., Kaplan, R., Ellis, S., & Jovanovic, L. (2006).
Improvement in glycemic excursions with a transcutaneous, real-time continuous glucose
sensor: A randomized controlled trial. Diabetes Care, 29(1), 44-50.

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Continuous Glucose Monitoring Study Group. (2010).
Quality-of-life measures in children and adults with type 1 diabetes: Juvenile Diabetes
Research Foundation Continuous Glucose Monitoring Study Group randomized trial. Diabetes
Care, 33(10), 2175-2177.

Dexcom G5 Mobile System User Guide

33Risks and Benefits

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Continuous Glucose Monitoring Study Group ,
Tamborlane, W. V., Beck, R. W., Bode, B. W., Buckingham, B., Chase, H. P., Clemons, R., ... &
Xing, D. (2008). Continuous glucose monitoring and intensive treatment of type 1 diabetes.
The New England Journal of Medicine, 359(14), 1464-1476.

Ohkubo, Y., Kishikawa, H., Araki, E., Miyata, T., Isami, S., Motoyoshi, S., ... & Shichiri,
M. (1995). Intensive insulin therapy prevents the progression of diabetic microvascular
complications in japanese patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus: A
randomized prospective 6-year study. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 28(2), 103-117

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• Introduction to the Dexcom G5 Mobile

• Initial Setup

• Starting a Sensor Session: Inserting the Sensor and Attaching

the Transmitter

• Calibration

• Ending a Sensor Session and Transmitter Session

LET’S G5! THE BASICS

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Dexcom G5 Mobile System User Guide

37What's the Dexcom G5 Mobile?

4.1 Introduction

Now it’s time to get an overview of the Dexcom G5 Mobile.
After this chapter, you’ll be able to:

• Explain the Dexcom G5 Mobile

• Describe options to view trends

• Locate your historical readings

• Recognize system components

• Explain each part’s function

4.2 Safety Statement

If you’ve used the Dexcom G4 PLATINUM CGM System, you might still have its transmitter
or receiver. While you can use the sensors across the different generations (look for “G5
Mobile,” “G4 PLATINUM,” or “Dexcom G5 Mobile/G4 PLATINUM” on the sensor’s package),
you can’t mix the transmitter or receiver between the two systems.

Chapter 4

Let’s G5! The Basics:

What’s the Dexcom G5 Mobile?

Dexcom G5 Mobile System User Guide

38What's the Dexcom G5 Mobile?

WARNING

Don’t:

The Dexcom G5 Mobile was not evaluated for the following persons:

•

Pregnant women

•

Persons on dialysis

Do not use the Dexcom G5 Mobile System in critically ill patients. It is not known how
different conditions or medications common to the critically ill population may affect
the performance of the system. Sensor glucose readings may be inaccurate in critically
ill patients.

Consequences: The system’s accuracy hasn’t been tested in people falling into these
groups and sensor glucose readings may be inaccurate, resulting in missing a severe low
or high event.

PRECAUTION

Don’t: Never mix the Dexcom G5 Mobile transmitter or receiver with the Dexcom G4
PLATINUM transmitter or receiver.

Why: The Dexcom G5 Mobile transmitter and receiver are not compatible with the Dexcom
G4 PLATINUM CGM System transmitter and receiver. The Dexcom G5 Mobile won’t work if
you mix receiver and transmitter components from different generations.

Consequences: Missing a severe low or high glucose event or making a treatment
decision that results in injury.

Dexcom G5 Mobile System User Guide

39What's the Dexcom G5 Mobile?

Only the components in the table below are compatible with each other within the Dexcom
G5 Mobile System.

Dexcom G5
Mobile System
Components

Sensor Transmitter

Display Device

Receiver App

Brand Name

Dexcom G5
Mobile/G4
PLATINUM
Sensor

Dexcom
G5 Mobile
Transmitter

Dexcom
Receiver

Dexcom G5
Mobile App

Part Number(s) 9500-27 9438-06 MT22949

SW10940
(Android)

SW10611
(iOS)

4.3 The Dexcom G5 Mobile

CGM

The Dexcom G5 Mobile is a medical device you use on yourself. It allows you to continually
see your sensor glucose readings, updated every five minutes for up to seven days, without
the bother of taking constant fingerstick measurements. Your sensor glucose readings are
measured by a single use sensor inserted under your skin. A reusable transmitter sends your
data to your display device.

The Dexcom G5 Mobile provides personalized trend Alerts, prompting you to proactively
react when your glucose levels are getting too low or too high. Dexcom provides web-based
reports reflecting your glucose trends and patterns. Share the reports with your healthcare
professional (HCP) when developing your diabetes management treatment plans.

Some users of the Dexcom G5 Mobile System may need a caregiver involved in their care.
Please consult your physician for guidance.

Options to View Your Trends

The Dexcom G5 Mobile transmitter works with a number of display devices, giving you
flexibility to use what’s best for you, your situation, or your lifestyle.

Dexcom G5 Mobile System User Guide

40What's the Dexcom G5 Mobile?

• Dexcom Receiver

• Dexcom G5 Mobile app on your smart device

While the system works with different smart devices, they’re not interchangeable during a
sensor session, so before starting one, select which smart device you want to use and stick
with it throughout your session. You can’t use multiple smart devices at the same time, but
you can combine the receiver with a smart device during a session.

The Dexcom G5 Mobile is the first CGM system where a smart device acts as a receiver. For
a list of current devices and operating systems go to: dexcom.com/compatibility.

Chapter 5 covers how to set up your smart device with the Dexcom G5 Mobile app.
The primary difference between the receiver and app is not the information they give you,

but how that information is presented. The following are some of the shared CGM data and
system information features.

Tracking Real-Time CGM Data

The receiver and app give you the ability to track your glucose trends in a number of different
ways. Each device’s home screen opens to your glucose trend screen.

View Glucose Levels

The receiver and app share many of the same glucose-monitoring features. Your glucose
values are color-coded to highlight what zone you are in, allowing you, at a glance, to see
what your levels are.

Color-coded glucose levels:

• Red - Low

• Grey - Within your target range

• Yellow - High

Trend Arrows

Glucose levels are not just about the numbers. The Dexcom G5 Mobile includes trend arrows
so you know the speed and direction of your glucose, allowing you to proactively react before
your glucose gets too high or too low. See Chapter 13 and learn how to make treatment
decisions based on your Dexcom G5 Mobile.

Dexcom G5 Mobile System User Guide

41What's the Dexcom G5 Mobile?

Alarm/Alerts

Being warned when your glucose value is too high or too low, falling or rising too quickly,
or trending toward a severe low or high is very important. Warnings in the form of Alerts
or an Alarm help you avoid getting too low or high. Alarm and Alert notifications help keep
you aware of your glucose trends and are made up of a combination of sounds, vibrations,
and screens.

There are a number of Alerts, but only one Alarm: when your glucose level dips below 55
mg/dL. Some customization options are available and are part of the setup process for the
receiver and smart device.

In Chapter 11, you can learn more about the Alarm and Alerts feature.

Viewing Your Glucose Values

The Dexcom G5 Mobile allows you to see the last 1-, 3-, 6-, 12-, 24-hours of your sensor
glucose readings. On the receiver, from the home screen, tap

graph

to view. On a smart

device, hold upright in

portrait

mode to see the most recent three hours; turn sideways to

landscape

mode to view your glucose levels over the last 1-, 3-, 6-, 12-, 24-hours.

Go to Chapter 9 to learn more about viewing your glucose trends.

4.4 What’s New to the Dexcom G5 Mobile?

With this system, you:

• Can make treatment decisions using your Dexcom G5 Mobile

• Get a new receiver

Treatment Decisions

The Dexcom G5 Mobile allows you to make treatment decisions, including help in determining
your insulin doses.

Use the glucose readings and trend arrow to determine the speed and direction of your
glucose changes. Based on your Dexcom G5 Mobile, you determine if you should dose, eat
carbs, or do nothing without a fingerstick.

You still need your BG meter to calibrate the Dexcom G5 Mobile and as a backup when your
CGM data does not reflect how you feel or if you don’t have enough information on your
home screen.

Dexcom G5 Mobile System User Guide

42What's the Dexcom G5 Mobile?

For more information on how to use your Dexcom G5 Mobile to make treatment decisions, go
to Chapter 13.

New Receiver

With the new touchscreen receiver, your sensor glucose readings, calibrations, events, menu
options, etc. are accessible by just a tap or two.

4.5 System Information

The receiver and app also keep you informed on the system’s status. Technical notifications
provide information about your sensor session and about the system’s hardware. Each
chapter provides a table of the prompts, system, and error messages applicable to its
subject. As an example, the Calibration chapter will review all calibration messages you may
see.

Now that you know what the Dexcom G5 Mobile does and what’s new, let’s open your
Dexcom G5 Mobile packages, see what’s inside, and review each item.

4.6 System Components

Package

The Dexcom G5 Mobile comes to you in a number of boxes; after opening, keep each box
until you are no longer using its contents.

Throughout this guide, all images are representational. Your product may look slightly
different.

Sensor Box

Single use sensor(s)

(Continued on next page)

Dexcom G5 Mobile System User Guide

43What's the Dexcom G5 Mobile?

(Continued from previous page)

Transmitter Box

Reusable transmitter

Receiver Box

Receiver
Two extra colored cases
Welcome Card
Getting Started Guide
Tutorial USB Card

Receiver

Receiver’s USB charging and download cable

AC power adapter

Overview of System Components

This section is meant as a quick overview of each part; specifics for each are found in
following chapters. For detailed product specifications and technical information, please go
to Chapter 17.

The Dexcom G5 Mobile is comprised of four key parts:

1. Single-use sensor

2. Reusable transmitter

Dexcom G5 Mobile System User Guide

44What's the Dexcom G5 Mobile?

3. Rechargeable receiver

4. Dexcom G5 Mobile app

a. Downloaded to your smart device
b. Dexcom G5 Mobile optional: Dexcom Share

Sensor Overview

For your safety, the sensor is packaged in a sterile sealed pack. When you first open the
pack, your sensor looks like one item; however, it’s actually three: sensor applicator, sensor
pod, and sensor wire.

The applicator helps you insert the sensor wire inside the sensor pod under your skin. After
inserting the sensor wire, remove the applicator. The sensor wire stays in the sensor pod
with the pod attached to your skin by adhesive.

The sensor wire is made of silver and platinum with polymer membranes. Once inserted, the
thin and flexible wire measures your glucose levels in the fluid between your cells (interstitial
fluid) for up to seven days.

This section is meant as a quick overview. More information on using the applicator to insert
the sensor wire can be found in Chapter 6.

Safety Lock

Collar

Sensor Pod

Adhesive

Release Tab

Transmitter Latch

Applicator Barrel

(Contains small

introducer needle

and sensor)

Plunger

Figure 1. Dexcom G5 Mobile Sensor Applicator and Pod

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45What's the Dexcom G5 Mobile?

Applicator and Sensor Pod

What it’s called What it does

Applicator

Applicator Barrel

Contains small insertion needle and sensor wire.
Inserts sensor wire under the skin.
Disposable, for single use only.
Removed after insertion.

Safety Lock

Keeps all moving parts in place before insertion.
Prevents accidental sensor insertion.
Tool to remove transmitter after sensor session.
Put in transmitter box after removal to use later.

Collar Collar removes insertion needle.

Plunger Inserts sensor wire into your body.

Transmitter Latch Securely snaps transmitter into sensor pod.

Sensor Pod

Sensor Pod

Holds transmitter and sensor wire.
Water resistant when transmitter is properly installed.
Discarded after sensor session.

Adhesive Patch Keeps sensor pod attached to your skin.

Transmitter Cradle Holds transmitter in place during sensor session.

Sensor Wire

Wire measures glucose levels in fluid in between your cells.
Attached to sensor pod.
Discarded with pod after session.

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46What's the Dexcom G5 Mobile?

Transmitter Overview

Figure 2. Dexcom G5 Mobile Transmitter Front and Back

Image is representational only. Your transmitter may look different.

Snapping into the sensor pod, the gray plastic transmitter wirelessly sends your glucose
information to your display devices—receiver and/or smart device. If you have a new
transmitter, open the package when you are ready to use it.

Transmitter features:

• Reusable

– Do not discard after sensor session
– Only for you, don’t share transmitter

• Water resistant

• Can transmit data to your display devices for up to 20 feet

– Range is less if you are in or under water

• Battery lasts approximately three months

– Receiver or smart device prompts you when battery is running low

• Transmitter’s serial number is on the back

More transmitter features and insertion information are in Chapter 6.
Now that you are familiar with the sensor and transmitter, let’s review the receiver.

Receiver

Your receiver, as well as your smart device, shows your sensor glucose readings, trend
graphs, and trend arrows and alerts you when your glucose is too high or too low or if there
is something you should be aware of or need to do.

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47What's the Dexcom G5 Mobile?

The receiver is neither water resistant nor waterproof and can get damaged if moisture gets
inside, so keep it away from any liquids and very high humidity as well as dirt and dust. If
your receiver does get wet or dirty, test it to make sure the speaker and vibrations still work
(see Chapter 11).

The small hole on the back of the receiver is not to be used to reset the receiver. Do not push
anything through the hole.

If your receiver isn’t charged, see Chapter 14 for charging your receiver’s battery.
You can change the protective case. Just take off the black one and put on one of the colored

ones. Be sure to line up the cover’s speaker holes with the receiver speaker.
If you want to use the receiver along with a smart device, you need to set them up

separately.
Remember, you can’t use a combination of smart devices during a sensor session; select just

one.

Receiver Overview

What you see What it’s called What it does

Receiver

Provides data about your glucose
trends via screen display, sounds
and vibration.

Micro USB Port

Plug

USB cable

into

port

for

recharging.

(Continued on next page)

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48What's the Dexcom G5 Mobile?

(Continued from previous page)

What you see What it’s called What it does

Wall Charger

Plug

USB cable

into

adapter/wall

charger

.

Plug

wall charger

into an electrical

outlet to charge receiver’s battery.

Display Screen

Shows sensor glucose readings,
trend graphs and arrows,
Alarm/Alerts, sensor session status.

Change settings on Menu screen.

Charging Indicator

Turns on when receiver is being
charged.

Speaker

Allows you to hear your Alarm/Alerts
sounds.

Power Button

Press and hold button for two
seconds to turn it on.

Press briefly to turn the screen on
or off.

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49What's the Dexcom G5 Mobile?

4.7 Smart Device Overview

The Dexcom G5 Mobile app was created to work with your smart device, giving you even
more options in monitoring your glucose trends and patterns. The app is similar to all other
apps.

This user guide is not meant to show you how to use your smart device. Please contact your
smart device support or read your smart device’s user guide for assistance.

Summary

Now You Can:

• Explain what Dexcom G5 Mobile does

• Describe options to view trends

• Locate your historical readings

• Recognize system components

• Explain each part’s function

What’s Next

Your next step in getting started with the Dexcom G5 Mobile is selecting how to continuously
receive your sensor glucose readings: the Dexcom G5 Mobile app, the receiver, or a
combination.

Our next chapter helps you set up both!

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51Set Up Your Display Devices

5.1 Introduction

In the previous chapter, you received a high level overview of the Dexcom G5 Mobile and
learned you can monitor your glucose levels with different display devices. Now it’s time to
set up your Dexcom G5 Mobile app and your receiver.

After this chapter, you will be able to:

• Determine which display device(s) you’ll use

• Create a Dexcom username and password

• Download the Dexcom G5 Mobile app

• Set up the Dexcom G5 Mobile app with the suggested settings

• Successfully set up your receiver

5.2 Safety Statement

If you’ve used the Dexcom G4 PLATINUM CGM System, you might still have its transmitter or
receiver. While you can use the sensors across the different generations (look for the Dexcom
G5 Mobile/G4 PLATINUM sensor package), you can’t mix the transmitter or receiver between
the two systems.

PRECAUTION

Don’t: Never mix the Dexcom G5 Mobile transmitter or receiver with the Dexcom G4
PLATINUM transmitter or receiver.

Why: The Dexcom G5 Mobile transmitter and receiver are not compatible with the Dexcom
G4 PLATINUM transmitter and receiver. The Dexcom G5 Mobile won’t work if you mix
receiver and transmitter components from different generations.

Consequences: Missing a severe low or high glucose event or making a treatment
decision that results in injury.

Chapter 5

Let’s G5! The Basics:

Set Up Your Display Devices

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52Set Up Your Display Devices

5.3 Why Different Monitoring Methods?

Your convenience!
By offering two separate monitoring systems, the app or receiver, you can choose to monitor

your glucose levels in the handiest method at that moment. Forgot your receiver at home?
Use your smart device! Battery died on your smart device? Smart device memory full? Your
receiver has you covered!

With the exception of Dexcom Share, the primary difference between the two monitoring
systems is not the data itself, but how it’s presented.

The next section walks you through the initial setup for the app. To set up the receiver, go to
Chapter 5.5. If you want to use both the Dexcom G5 Mobile app and the receiver, you need to
set up each individually.

Once you have completed the initial setup, you’re one step closer to beginning your sensor
session!

5.4 Dexcom G5 Mobile App

Before starting your first sensor session, pick the smart device you want to use. As
mentioned in the previous chapter, you can use the receiver with one smart device during a
session; however, you can’t use multiple smart devices during the same session.

While your smart device can have the app installed, part of your initial setup is entering the
transmitter’s serial number (SN). If by accident you enter the SN into more than one smart
device, the system warns you and you won’t be able to complete the setup process.

Suggested Device Settings

Get the best G5 app experience by using these tips. They help ensure you'll get your Alarm/
Alerts and readings.

See your smart device instructions to learn how to change its settings.

•

Bluetooth:

Your transmitter talks to your app with

Bluetooth

wireless technology.
Bluetooth is designed for wireless communication between devices (unlike Wi-Fi, which
wirelessly connects devices to the Internet). Make sure your smart device

Bluetooth

is

on. If not, you will not get Alarm, Alerts or CGM information.

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53Set Up Your Display Devices

• Alarm/Alert notifications:
– To get Alarm/Alerts, app notifications must be allowed.
– Make sure your smart device settings allow Dexcom app notifications to show

on your lock screen.

– Android: All Alarm/Alerts are silent if you use the most restrictive Do Not Disturb

setting.

– Apple: Your Signal Loss Alert can't sound in Silent or Do Not Disturb.

• Battery: The app must always be running in the background and may drain your smart

device battery. Keep the battery charged. Avoid using power saving modes that could
turn off Bluetooth or vibration.

• Update manually: Automatic updates of the app or your device operating system can

change settings or shutdown the app. Always update manually and verify correct device
settings afterwards.

• Compatibility: Before upgrading your smart device or its operating system, check

dexcom.com/compatibility.

• Time: Don’t change your smart device time because it can make the time on the trend

screen wrong and the app may stop displaying data.

The receiver is a stand-alone medical device and used solely to monitor your glucose
trends. If you are concerned about missing an Alarm/Alert (for example, due to smart device
settings, app shutting off due to lack of storage, low smart device battery, etc.), bring your
receiver with you. If your smart device is broken or lost, use the receiver.

Dexcom G5 Mobile App Installation

Installing the app is easy! Simply download the Dexcom G5 Mobile app from your smart
device’s store. However, if your smart device has been jailbroken or rooted, do not install the
app.

Initial Dexcom G5 Mobile App Setup

Setting up your app is easy! You’ll need your Dexcom account

username

and

password

,

along with your

transmitter box

. Once inside, simply follow the setup wizard instructions. The
setup wizard walks you through safety information, suggested settings, entering transmitter
SN, setting your high/low glucose levels, and receiving CGM notifications.

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54Set Up Your Display Devices

Your initial setup will require a Dexcom username and password. You can create them by
tapping

Sign Up

within the app, or by going to dexcom.com.
But what if you are unclear about a step?
The Dexcom G5 Mobile app has prompts allowing you to get more information. If you are

unsure of something during your initial setup process, look at the screen for additional
information prompts. Informational prompts include, but aren’t limited to:

I don’t understand

,

Learn More

, or

Question Mark

. Tap your

informational prompt

to get more information.

To close out of the information prompt, tap the X in the upper right-hand corner.

Initial App Setup

Step What you see What you do

Introductory Screens

1 Tap

Dexcom G5 Mobile app

icon to open app.

2

Tap

Log In

.

(Continued on next page)

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55Set Up Your Display Devices

(Continued from previous page)

3

Need a Dexcom username and password?
Tap Sign Up.

Enter username and password
Tap Login.

4

Tap

Let’s Get Started

.

(Continued on next page)

Dexcom G5 Mobile System User Guide

56Set Up Your Display Devices

(Continued from previous page)

5

The next screens go over the safety warnings,
treatment decisions information, and alerts.

Once each screen is read, tap the

appropriate

answer

to move forward.

Tap

Full Safety Statement

or, when available,

I don’t

understand

to get more information.

Setting Up Your App Alarm/Alerts and Basic Settings

6

Set your Low Glucose Alert.
Default is 80 mg/dL.
Scroll to select your level.
Tap

Save

to continue.

Once your Low Glucose Alert is set, you’ll receive an
Alert if your glucose dips below your set level.

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57Set Up Your Display Devices

(Continued from previous page)

Setting Up Your App Alarm/Alerts and Basic Settings

7

Set your High Glucose Alert.
Scroll to select your level.
Tap

Save

to continue.

Once your High Glucose Alert is set, you’ll receive
an Alert if your glucose rises above your set level.

8a

Apple:

Make sure you get your Alarm/Alerts notifications.
Tap the

appropriate response

to move forward and

set your notifications.

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58Set Up Your Display Devices

(Continued from previous page)

Setting Up Your App Alarm/Alerts and Basic Settings

8b

Apple:

Tap OK or

Allow

to get Alarms and Alerts.

9

The next screens provide suggestions for device
volume,

Do Not Disturb

, and other basic settings.

Tap the

appropriate answer

to move forward.

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59Set Up Your Display Devices

(Continued from previous page)

Connecting/Pairing Transmitter With App

10 Tap

Next

.

11a

Verify

Bluetooth

is on.

The app will check to see if

Bluetooth

is turned on.

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60Set Up Your Display Devices

(Continued from previous page)

Connecting/Pairing Transmitter With App

11b

Android 6+:

To use Bluetooth, you must let the app use your
location.

11c

Android 6+:

To use

Bluetooth

, tap Allow.

12a

Get your transmitter box.
Turn transmitter box upside down on a flat surface

with barcodes facing up.
For information on how to pair transmitter after

initial setup, see Chapter 8.

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61Set Up Your Display Devices

(Continued from previous page)

Connecting/Pairing Transmitter With App

12b

Center longest barcode within green brackets.
Tap

Take Photo

.

12c

Check mark confirms successful transmitter SN
scan.

(Continued on next page)

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62Set Up Your Display Devices

(Continued from previous page)

Connecting/Pairing Transmitter With App

12d

If unable to use app’s scanning device:
Tap

Enter transmitter SN by hand

.

12e

Use keyboard to enter transmitter SN.
Confirm correct SN.
Tap

Save

.

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63Set Up Your Display Devices

(Continued from previous page)

Connecting/Pairing Transmitter With App

13

Insert sensor and attach transmitter following
video’s instructions.

See Chapter 6 for more information.

14

Wait up to 30 minutes for smart device and
transmitter to connect.

(Continued on next page)

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64Set Up Your Display Devices

(Continued from previous page)

Connecting/Pairing Transmitter With App

15

Apple:

Tap Pair to pair app with transmitter, when asked.

16

Tap the

Sensor warmup

circle to start your

two-hour sensor warmup.
When you see the sensor warmup timer, your initial

setup is complete.
Congratulations!

If you have any issues setting up the Dexcom G5 Mobile app, always contact Technical
Support (available 24/7) at:

• [email protected]

• Toll free: 1.888.738.3646

• Toll call: 1.858.200.0200
If you are having problems with your smart device, contact your smart device’s support line.
After completing your initial app setup, set up the receiver or go to Chapter 6 to start your

initial sensor session.

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65Set Up Your Display Devices

5.5 Receiver

In the previous chapter, you learned about the receiver’s components. The following is a
refresher to help in your initial setup.

Display Screen:

• Trend screen

• Menu bar, meter, and events icons

Initial Setup of the Receiver

Press and hold

power button

for two seconds to turn receiver on.

The first screen you see is the startup screen with ascending green bars. Once complete,
a setup wizard guides you through the initial setup steps. Your receiver has a touchscreen.
Be sure your fingers are dry when you touch it. Don’t be alarmed if your receiver buzzes or
makes other sounds during this process.

After your initial setup is complete, you won’t see the setup wizard again. Your settings can
always be adjusted using menu options.

How you complete your initial setup differs between the receiver and your smart device;
however, the data are the same.

Setup Wizard Prompts:

• Date/Time

• Transmitter Serial Number

– Back of transmitter
– Back of transmitter’s box

• Setting Low Alert

• Setting High Alert
Before starting a session, you may want to check the receiver’s battery level. If it is less than

half, go to Chapter 14 for charging instructions.

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66Set Up Your Display Devices

Initial Receiver Setup

Step What you see What you do

Initial Screens

1

Press and hold

power button

for two seconds to

turn receiver on.
Wait for the Dexcom screen to appear.

2

Wait.

3

Tap OK.

(Continued on next page)

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67Set Up Your Display Devices

(Continued from previous page)

Date/Time

4a

Green box shows what is selected.

4b

Tap

up/down arrow

to change year.

Tap

mm

to select it.

Tap

up/down arrow

to change month.

Tap dd to select it.
Tap

up/down arrow

to change day.

Tap hh to select it.
Tap

up/down arrow

to change hour.

Tap

mm

to select them.

Tap

up/down arrow

to change minutes.

Tap

AM/PM

to select it.

Tap

up/down arrow

to change between AM and PM.

Tap

Save

to save and close.

NOTE: After initial setup, if battery is drained,
receiver will vibrate once and you will need to reset
date and time.

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68Set Up Your Display Devices

(Continued from previous page)

Transmitter

5a

Turn

transmitter box

upside down to locate SN

number.
For information on how to pair transmitter after

initial setup, see Chapter 8.

5b

If transmitter package isn’t available find the SN on
the back of the transmitter.

5c

Green box shows what is selected.

5d

Tap

up/down arrows

to select and enter transmitter

SN.
Tap

a grey box

to select it.
To choose a letter, tap up from 9 or down from 0.
Tap

Save

to save and close.

(Continued on next page)

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69Set Up Your Display Devices

(Continued from previous page)

Setting Low Alert

6a Set your Low Alert level.

6b

To change value:
Tap

up/down arrows

to change value at 5 mg/dL

increments, starting at 80.
Tap

Save

to save and close.

Setting High Alert

7a Set your High Alert level.

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70Set Up Your Display Devices

(Continued from previous page)

Setting High Alert

7b

To change value:
Tap

up/down arrows

to change value at 10 mg/dL

increments, starting at 200.
Tap

Save

to save and close.

These steps are enough to get you going; now you can start your sensor session!

Summary

Now You Can:

• Create a Dexcom username and password

• Download the Dexcom G5 Mobile app

• Set up app with the suggested settings

• Successfully set up your receiver

What’s Next?

Now that you have completed setting up your app and/or the receiver, your next step is
starting a sensor session.

No matter what monitoring method you choose, starting a sensor session is the same:

1. Inserting the sensor.

2. Attaching the transmitter.

3. Pairing the transmitter to your device.

4. Two-hour sensor warmup.

5. Initial calibrations.

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71Starting a Sensor Session: Inserting Sensor, Attaching Transmitter, and Starting Your Session

6.1 Introduction

Now that your display devices are set up, you’re ready to begin a sensor session. If this is
your first time inserting a sensor, you may want to watch the sensor insertion video to get a
better understanding of the process.

There are three ways to get the sensor insertion video:

1. Through the app

2. On the USB card in your receiver package

3. Online at dexcom.com. Click Menu, then click Support.

After inserting the sensor, start the sensor warmup on your smart device and receiver. The
sensor warmup takes approximately two hours, during which your body is getting used to the
new sensor, allowing for more accurate sensor glucose readings. Once the two-hour sensor
warmup has passed, you enter two back-to-back fingerstick measurements to calibrate the
sensor’s glucose readings with your fingerstick measurements (Calibration is covered in the
next chapter).

Make sure you give yourself enough time to finish the startup session. Remember that your
smart device’s Bluetooth needs to pair with the transmitter, adding up to 30 minutes to your
wait time. Good news is you don’t need to sit around waiting—as long as you have your
display device near, you can go about your day running errands, gardening, personalizing the
Dexcom G5 Mobile settings, whatever you choose during that time frame.

Keep your display device(s) handy during the warmup period—it shows how much time
has passed, notifying you with beeps and an icon when your sensor session is ready for its
initial calibrations.

After this chapter you will be able to:

• Identify sensor applicator features

Chapter 6

Let’s G5! The Basics:

Starting a Sensor Session: Inserting Sensor,
Attaching Transmitter, and Starting Your Session

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72Starting a Sensor Session: Inserting Sensor, Attaching Transmitter, and Starting Your Session

• Properly prepare for sensor insertion

• Choose the best location to insert your sensor

• Correctly insert your sensor

• Prepare transmitter for placement

• Correctly attach transmitter to sensor

• Outline what happens during the sensor warmup

• Identify countdown icon

6.2 Safety Statements

Following are some important Warnings and Precautions to review; we want to make sure
you and the system are safe before starting a sensor session.

WARNING

Don’t:

If a sensor breaks under the skin with no portion visible above the skin, don’t

remove it.

Do:

Seek professional medical help if you have symptoms of infection or inflammation (for
example, redness, swelling or pain) at the insertion site.
If your sensor breaks under your skin, report it to Technical Support (available 24/7) as
soon as possible:

Email: [email protected]
Toll free:

1.888.738.3646

Toll call:

1.858.200.0200

Why: Sensors may fracture on rare occasions.

MRI with broken wire

For patients undergoing an MRI with a retained wire broken off from a Dexcom G5 sensor,
in vitro MRI testing did not detect any safety hazards. There was no significant migration
or heating of the wire, and imaging artifacts were limited to the area around the wire.

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73Starting a Sensor Session: Inserting Sensor, Attaching Transmitter, and Starting Your Session

WARNING

Don’t:

Insert the sensor component of the Dexcom G5 Mobile in a site other than the belly/

abdomen (ages 2 years and older) or the upper buttocks (ages 2 to 17 years).

Why: The placement and insertion of the sensor is not approved for other sites.
Consequences: The system has not been tested in other areas and may not work

properly if inserted in other areas.

WARNING

Do:

Store sensor between 36° F-77° F during its shelf life.

Why: Storing the sensor incorrectly might cause the sensor glucose readings to
be inaccurate.

Never store sensors in the freezer.
Consequences: If stored outside of 36° F-77° F, your sensor glucose readings may not

be accurate, resulting in you missing a severe low or high glucose event or making a
treatment decision that results in injury.

WARNING

Do: Use BG values from your BG meter for treatment decisions (e.g., how much insulin to
take) if your Dexcom G5 Mobile does not display a sensor glucose reading or if you are
getting inconsistent readings.

Why: Inconsistent readings may indicate that your sensor glucose readings are inaccurate.
Consequences: Using inconsistent sensor glucose readings for treatment decisions could

result in you missing a severe low or high blood glucose event or making a treatment
decision that results in injury.

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74Starting a Sensor Session: Inserting Sensor, Attaching Transmitter, and Starting Your Session

PRECAUTION

Do:

Select sensor insertion site with care.
Choose a site:

•

At least 3 inches from insulin pump infusion set or injection site

•

Away from waistband, scarring, tattoos, irritation

•

Unlikely to be bumped or pushed

Why: Insertion in these areas might affect sensor performance.
Consequences: Inaccurate sensor glucose readings may result in you missing a severe

low or high event or making a treatment decision that results in injury.

PRECAUTION

Do:

Check sensor package before opening.

Why: Make sure the sterile sensor pack has not been damaged or previously opened. If
opened or damaged, sensor may be unsterile.

Consequences: Using an unsterile sensor may cause an infection.

PRECAUTION

Don’t:

Never get dirt or water in the receiver’s USB port or submerge in water.

Why: If dirt or water gets into the USB port, the receiver could become damaged and stop
displaying readings or providing Alerts.

Consequences: You might miss a severe low or high glucose event.

6.3 Prepping for Sensor Insertion

Before inserting a sensor, make sure you have everything you need. Some items are included
in the Dexcom G5 Mobile packages, others are not.

Included in Your Dexcom G5 Mobile Packages

For sensor insertion, you need the sensor and transmitter.

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75Starting a Sensor Session: Inserting Sensor, Attaching Transmitter, and Starting Your Session

Sensor Applicator

Inside Sensor Box

What you see What it is

Sterilized sensor pack with important label information.
Check

expiration date

.

Single use sensor applicator.

Knowing what each applicator piece does helps you successfully insert your sensor. Chapter

4.6 gave you overview of the sensor applicator.

Figure 3. Dexcom G5 Mobile Sensor Applicator and Pod

3. Safety Lock

6. Collar

7. Sensor Pod

2. Adhesive Patch

9. Release Tab

8. Transmitter Latch

5. Applicator Barrel
(Contains small

introducer needle

and sensor)

4. Plunger

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76Starting a Sensor Session: Inserting Sensor, Attaching Transmitter, and Starting Your Session

The following table reviews the sensor applicator components in order of use.

Applicator Components

Order of Use Name What it does

1 Sensor Pack

Sterilized for your protection.
Open to remove applicator and sensor.

2 Adhesive Patch

Holds the sensor/transmitter in place on your
skin.

3 Safety Lock

Prevents plunger from inserting sensor until
you are ready.

4 Plunger Inserts sensor wire into your body.

5 Applicator Barrel

Contains small insertion needle and sensor
wire.

Disposable, for single use only.

6 Collar

Collar removes insertion needle.
Helps remove applicator barrel once sensor

wire is inserted.

7 Sensor Pod

Holds sensor wire in place under skin.
Holds transmitter.

8 Transmitter Latch Locks transmitter into sensor pod.

9 Release Tab

Allows you to remove applicator barrel from
sensor pod.

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77Starting a Sensor Session: Inserting Sensor, Attaching Transmitter, and Starting Your Session

Transmitter

Transmitter Box

What you see What it is

Bottom of box with important label information.
Keep box until transmitter battery dies.

Reusable transmitter.

In the previous chapter, you entered your transmitter SN into your display devices and made
sure your smart device and/or receiver connected with the transmitter. You won’t be able to
start a sensor session if your transmitter isn’t paired with your receiver and/or smart device.

Not included in packages:

1. Alcohol wipes

2. Your BG meter

3. Your test strips

Before starting, check your BG meter; make sure it’s in good working order following
manufacturer’s directions and the meter’s date and time match your display device’s date
and time.

Make sure test strips haven’t expired and work with your meter.
Before removing the sensor applicator out of its sterile pack, determine the best place to

insert your sensor.

6.4 Choosing Your Insertion Site

Choose a place on your belly (if the user is between 2 and 17 years old, you can also choose
upper buttocks) to insert the sensor; the site should be either above or below your belt line.
The best areas are usually flat, pinchable, and free from where rubbing can occur (along the
waist band, seat belt strap, or where you lie when sleeping).

For more help on ideal sensor insertion sites, contact your HCP.

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78Starting a Sensor Session: Inserting Sensor, Attaching Transmitter, and Starting Your Session

Insertion Sites

Location Where it is

Front of body (belly area) for ages 2 years and older.

Back of body (upper buttocks) if user is between the ages of
2 and 17 years.

Do:

• Remove the sensor and applicator from its sterile pack only at time of use

• Place at least 3 inches from your insulin pump infusion set or injection site

• If needed, shave the area so adhesive patch sticks securely

• Make sure area is clean and free of lotions, perfumes, medications

Don’t:

• Never use same site repeatedly for sensor insertion

• Never use same site for 2 sensor sessions in a row

If you have concerns about the sensor pod not sticking, before inserting your sensor, you can
make the sensor site stickier to help ensure the sensor pod does not peel.

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79Starting a Sensor Session: Inserting Sensor, Attaching Transmitter, and Starting Your Session

Optional Site Preparation

Use optional skin adhesives (Mastisol™, SkinTac™) as part of your insertion site preparation to
help keep your sensor pod attached. Apply the skin adhesive after you selected and cleaned
your insertion site. Create an empty sideways oval, making sure you don’t get any skin
adhesive inside the oval. Let the oval dry based on skin adhesive manufacturer’s instructions.
Once dry, your skin may feel slightly sticky.

See Step 3 in the next table for directions.
NOTE: Contact your HCP for specific questions regarding the use of medical tape, barrier

wipes, and/or other adhesives as it relates to your use of Dexcom CGM.

6.5 Inserting Your Sensor

You’ve collected all of the needed items to begin a sensor session, viewed the tutorials,
reviewed the sensor applicator, and prepped the sensor pod site. You’re now ready to insert
your sensor!

Sensor Insertion

Step What you see What you do

Preparation

1

Wash and dry your hands.

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80Starting a Sensor Session: Inserting Sensor, Attaching Transmitter, and Starting Your Session

(Continued from previous page)

Preparation

2

Clean

insertion site

with alcohol wipe.

Let dry.

3

Optional Step: Skin Adhesive
Create an

empty, sideways oval

on the skin

• Do not get any skin adhesive inside the oval

• Let skin adhesive dry (see manufacturer’s
instructions)

• Insert sensor on clean skin at the center of the
oval

4

Check

pack

: Is it damaged or already opened?

Remove

sensor applicator

from sterile pack.

Closely inspect

sensor

, check it hasn’t been

damaged.
Keep

sensor packaging

until sensor session is

complete.

Attaching Sensor Pod

5

Pull off

adhesive backing tabs

.

Don’t touch

sticky adhesive patch

.

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81Starting a Sensor Session: Inserting Sensor, Attaching Transmitter, and Starting Your Session

(Continued from previous page)

6

Place

sensor

horizontally, not vertically, on skin.

Move fingers around

top of adhesive patch

several

times to secure tape.

Inserting Sensor Wire

7

Hold

applicator barrel

.

Pull out

safety lock

.

8

Place fingers of one hand on edges of

adhesive patch

.

Pinch up your skin at the tips of the

white adhesive

.

9

Place two fingers directly

above

collar to steady

applicator barrel.
Place thumb on the

white plunger

.

Push

plunger

completely down the applicator barrel.
You should hear 2 clicks.
NOTE: Finger placement is important for correct

insertion.

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82Starting a Sensor Session: Inserting Sensor, Attaching Transmitter, and Starting Your Session

(Continued from previous page)

Removing Applicator and Collar

10

Move two fingers from

above

collar to

below

collar.
Keeping your thumb as a base on the white plunger.
Pull back

collar

all the way towards your thumb.
You should hear 2 clicks.
NOTE: Finger placement is important for correct

needle removal.

11

Hold

transmitter latch

down against your body.

Squeeze

ribbed release tabs

on the sides of sensor

pod.

12a

Move

applicator barrel

forward and out, away from

your body.
Follow local ordinances when disposing of the

applicator.

12b

What’s left?

1. Sensor pod

2. Transmitter latch

You have successfully inserted the sensor!
At this point, you should have two items attached:

1. Sensor pod

2. Transmitter latch

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83Starting a Sensor Session: Inserting Sensor, Attaching Transmitter, and Starting Your Session

Having problems?

If it’s the first time inserting a sensor, you may have questions or need help. If you do, please
contact your Technical Support (available 24/7) at:

• Email: [email protected]

• Toll free: 1.888.738.3646

• Toll call: 1.858.200.0200

The next step is attaching your transmitter to the sensor pod.

6.6 Attaching Your Transmitter

Now that you have inserted your sensor, you need to attach your transmitter.
Since the transmitter is reusable, you don’t need a new one every time you start a sensor

session. Keep your current session’s transmitter box. The bottom label has important
information you may need after you’ve attached the transmitter. Once the transmitter has
been attached, you can’t remove it until your session is over. Chapter 8 reviews when and
how to remove your transmitter.

Before attaching your transmitter, check you’ve entered the correct transmitter SN into
your display device. Chapter 5 covers entering the transmitter’s SN during initial setup. See
Chapter 8 for pairing your transmitter after the startup wizard.

Attaching Transmitter

Step What you see What you do

1

Remove

transmitter

from box.

Keep box.
Save

safety latch

from sensor applicator (helps

remove transmitter once sensor session is over).
Get alcohol wipe.

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84Starting a Sensor Session: Inserting Sensor, Attaching Transmitter, and Starting Your Session

(Continued from previous page)

Step What you see What you do

2

Wipe

back of transmitter

with alcohol wipe.

Let dry for 2-3 minutes.
Don’t let the back of transmitter touch your skin.
Don’t scratch transmitter’s back, this can harm the

waterproof seal.

3

Flat side down.
Slide

transmitter’s small end

under the sensor pod

lip located in front of pod’s ribbed tabs, away from

transmitter latch

.

4

Keep finger on

transmitter

holding it in place.

Push

transmitter latch

up and forward over the

transmitter’s wide end with your other hand.
You should hear 2 clicks.

5

Is transmitter secure?

Before removing transmitter latch, verify transmitter is
securely in place.

Make sure none of the transmitter’s sides popped out
of the sensor pod.

If transmitter isn't completely snapped in, you may
have a bad connection and it won’t be water tight.

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85Starting a Sensor Session: Inserting Sensor, Attaching Transmitter, and Starting Your Session

(Continued from previous page)

Step Picture What you do

6

Hold

sensor pod sides

with one hand.

Twist

latch

away from your body with other hand.

Remove

latch

.

Don’t remove

transmitter

while sensor pod is attached

to skin.

You’re almost done starting your sensor session!
Inserting the sensor, attaching the transmitter, and the two-hour sensor warmup are the

same regardless of whether you use the receiver or app.
No matter which display device you use, you’ll insert the sensor and attach the transmitter

only once during your seven-day sensor session.
The remaining steps vary from app to receiver:

1. Letting your device know you need to start the sensor warmup.

2. Following your warmup countdown.

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86Starting a Sensor Session: Inserting Sensor, Attaching Transmitter, and Starting Your Session

6.7 Loose Sensor Pod

The sensor pod should stay on your skin using its own adhesive.
If the patch peels up, use medical tape (such as Blenderm™, Tegaderm™, Smith & Nephew

IV3000®, 3M™ tape) for extra support.

• Tape over white adhesive patch on all sides for even support

• Don’t tape over the transmitter or any plastic parts of the sensor pod

• Don’t tape under sensor pod

• Don’t leave any substance on the skin where you insert the sensor

Figure 4. The Right Way to Use Tape for Extra Support

6.8 Starting Your Sensor Session

If you choose to use both the receiver and the app, each system requires individual setups
(see Chapter 5).

After pairing the transmitter to your display device(s), inserting your sensor, and attaching
the transmitter to the sensor pod, your next step is telling your device(s) you want to
start a sensor session. Transmitters are reusable; pairing is required only when using a
new transmitter.

During the warmup period, neither device will provide any sensor glucose readings. Your
sensor glucose readings begin after the two-hour sensor warmup has passed and you
entered the initial two calibration BG values into either the smart device or the receiver.

We’ll first review starting the sensor session for the app.

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87Starting a Sensor Session: Inserting Sensor, Attaching Transmitter, and Starting Your Session

Dexcom App: Starting a Session

Step What you see What you do

1

If starting a new transmitter, pair it first.
See chapter 8.

2

Tap

sensor warmup

circle to start your two-hour

sensor warmup.
NOTE: You will NOT get any sensor glucose

readings, Alarm/Alerts during your two-hour sensor
warmup period. Use your BG meter during the
warmup period, including when making a treatment
decision.

3

Wait.
Screen provides countdown to sensor warmup. The

orange dashes darken as the countdown moves
forward.

Keep

smart device

within 20 feet of transmitter

during the sensor warmup period.
You won’t get alarm, alerts, or readings during the

2-hour warmup.

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(Continued from previous page)

Step What you see What you do

4

Locked screen.

Initial calibration

notification tells you when warmup

is complete.
Chapter 7 covers calibrating.

5

Initial calibration

prompt tells you when warmup is

complete.
Sensor warmup is complete.
You’re ready to calibrate!

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89Starting a Sensor Session: Inserting Sensor, Attaching Transmitter, and Starting Your Session

Receiver: Starting a Session

Step What you see What you do

1

Turn on receiver:

• Press and hold

power button

for two seconds

to turn receiver on

Wake up receiver:

• Press

power button

briefly to wake up receiver

2

Make sure

receiver

and

transmitter

are

connected/paired before starting sensor session.
Check

receiver

10 minutes after starting for

Bluetooth

icon:

• Solid: connected/paired

• Blinking: searching/not paired

Don’t start a sensor session until they are paired.

3

Tap

Start Sensor

.

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(Continued from previous page)

Step What you see What you do

4 Thinking screen

5

Receiver returns to the trend graph screen.

Sensor Warmup

confirms two-hour sensor warmup.

Keep your receiver within 20 feet during the
warmup period.

You won’t get alarm, alerts, or readings during the
warmup.

NOTE: After sensor starts,

Start Sensor

option

disappears from Main Menu and

Stop Sensor

appears.

6

Wait.

In the upper right corner, icon shows countdown of
the two-hour sensor warmup.

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91Starting a Sensor Session: Inserting Sensor, Attaching Transmitter, and Starting Your Session

(Continued from previous page)

Step What you see What you do

7

Sensor warmup is complete.
You’re ready to calibrate!

6.9 Receiver

Bluetooth

Tips

Your transmitter and receiver begin communicating once you start a sensor session. After
approximately 30 minutes, if the

Bluetooth

symbol is solid, and not blinking, your transmitter

and receiver are talking to each other.

• If blinking,

Bluetooth

is looking for your transmitter
– Make sure your transmitter and receiver are within 20 feet of each other
– Don’t start a sensor session until they are paired

If the

Bluetooth

icon is blinking and

Signal Loss

displays, your transmitter and receiver are

not communicating.

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92Starting a Sensor Session: Inserting Sensor, Attaching Transmitter, and Starting Your Session

No Communication Between Transmitter
and Receiver

Step What you see What you do

1

Move display device and transmitter within 20 feet
of each other without obstruction (walls or water).

Wait up to 30 minutes.
App:

1. Restart

smart device

.

If error remains:

1. Open your device

Bluetooth settings

.

2. Delete all Dexcom

entries

.

3. Pair your

transmitter

.

6.10 Sensor Session Warmup

The sensor takes about two hours to adjust to your body. While you are in the sensor warmup
period, you can customize your settings. Chapter 12 steps you through how to personalize
your Dexcom G5 Mobile display devices.

Once the sensor warmup is complete, you’re ready to enter your initial calibrations! The next
chapter shows you how.

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93Starting a Sensor Session: Inserting Sensor, Attaching Transmitter, and Starting Your Session

Summary

Now You Can:

• Identify sensor applicator features

• Properly prepare for sensor insertion

• Choose the best location to insert your sensor

• Correctly insert your sensor

• Prepare transmitter for placement

• Properly attach transmitter to sensor

• Outline sensor warmup

• Identify countdown icon

What’s Next?

The next chapter guides you through the calibration steps.

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95Calibration

7.1 Introduction

In the previous chapter, you learned how to insert your sensor, attach your transmitter, and
start a new sensor session. You’re now ready to begin your last step before getting your
sensor glucose readings: Calibration.

This chapter reviews not just your initial calibration, but also update calibrations required
throughout your sensor session.

After this chapter, you will be able to:

• Provide an overview of calibration
– Define calibration
– Explain the importance of calibration
– Identify steps to ensure a successful calibration

• Recognize steps in taking accurate BG measurement
– Identify the correct BG site for calibrations
– Prepare finger for fingerstick measurement

• Determine if you should/should not calibrate
– Recognize when you can enter a fingerstick measurement for calibration
– Recognize when you shouldn’t enter a fingerstick measurement for calibration
– Determine if you need to calibrate outside of the normal calibration requirements

• Initiate startup calibration

• Perform update calibrations

• Correctly enter your fingerstick measurement
– App
– Receiver

• Identify calibration errors

Chapter 7

Let’s G5! The Basics:

Calibration

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96Calibration

7.2 Safety Statements

CONTRAINDICATION

Don’t: Never take any medications containing acetaminophen during your sensor session.
Why: Taking medications with acetaminophen (such as Tylenol®, Excedrin® Extra

Strength, Sudafed®, or Robitussin®) while wearing your sensor may falsely raise sensor
glucose readings. Level of sensor inaccuracy:

1. Depends on amount of acetaminophen active in your body.

2. May be different for each person.
Consequences: Without correct readings, you might miss a severe low or high blood

glucose event or make a treatment decision that results in injury.

WARNING

Do: Do take a BG measurement with your BG meter and use the BG value for treatment
decisions (such as how much insulin to take) if your Dexcom G5 Mobile does not display
both a number and a trend arrow.

Why: Not having both a number and the arrow means you may be getting inconsistent or
inaccurate sensor glucose readings.

Consequences: Using inconsistent or inaccurate sensor glucose readings for treatment
decisions could result in you missing a severe low or high blood glucose event or making a
treatment decision that results in injury.

WARNING

Do:

Calibrate at least once every 12 hours.

Why: Calibrating less often than every 12 hours might cause inaccurate sensor
glucose readings.

Consequences: Missing a severe low or high glucose event or making a treatment
decision that results in injury.

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97Calibration

PRECAUTION

Do:

Look at trend arrows before calibrating. Trend arrows help you determine if you can

calibrate now or should wait.

Don’t:

Never calibrate if your BG is changing at a significant rate, typically more than 2

mg/dL per minute.
Never calibrate when you see:

•

A single arrow, pointing up

– Rising 2-3 mg/dL each minute

•

Two arrows pointing up

– Rising more than 3 mg/dL each minute

•

Single arrow pointing down

– Falling 2-3 mg/dL each minute

•

Two arrows pointing down

– Falling more than 3 mg/dL each minute

Why: Calibrating during significant rise/fall of BG may affect accuracy of sensor glucose
readings.

Consequences: Missing a severe low or high glucose event or making a treatment
decision that results in injury.

PRECAUTION

Do:

Enter the exact BG value displayed on your BG meter within five minutes of a carefully

performed fingerstick measurement.

Why: Entering the wrong BG values, or waiting more than five minutes before entry, might
affect sensor accuracy.

Consequences: Missing a severe low or high glucose event or making a treatment
decision that results in injury.

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98Calibration

PRECAUTION

Do:

Only use fingerstick measurements from your BG meter for calibration.

Don’t:

Never use alternative site BG values such as blood from palms, forearms, etc.

Why: Alternative site BG values are different from a fingerstick BG value and may not
reflect most recent BG value.

Consequences: Missing a severe low or high glucose event or making a treatment
decision that results in injury.

7.3 Calibration Overview

What Is a Calibration?

As you learned earlier, the sensor glucose readings come from measuring the glucose
found in fluids between your cells (interstitial fluids). Although blood and interstitial fluids
are similar, sensor glucose readings can be different between your fingerstick and your
CGM. Calibration provides a comparison, or measurement, between your meter’s fingerstick
measurement and the sensor’s glucose readings, allowing alignment between the sensor and
meter.

Your BG meter “teaches” the sensor your glucose values through calibration. Just like a clock
can need adjusting, calibrations allow your CGM to adjust to your body.

Why Is Calibrating Important?

Calibrations are a must to make sure the CGM system is performing at its best.
By calibrating when the system notifies you that a calibration is due, the Dexcom G5 Mobile

uses your meter’s BG value to make sure the sensor glucose readings remain accurate
throughout your session.

How Do I Calibrate?

Take a fingerstick measurement from your meter, and simply enter the meter’s BG value into
one display device.

When taking a fingerstick, it’s important to do it correctly. Make sure you wash and dry your
hands right before. And remember: always use your finger, never another site.