How to Extend the Dexcom G6 Sensor Beyond the Ten Day Hard Stop
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The Dexcom G6 is programmed to stop working after 10 days, but many users have been able to hack the device and get more life out of it, reviving a sensor for one or more additional 10-day sessions. This practice is not condoned by the FDA or the manufacturer. Since the original release of the device, these hacks have become something of a cat and mouse game. Clever users find a new hack to extend the sensor's life, and Dexcom eventually responds by closing off whatever loophole allowed it, forcing users to find a new technique. The tricks that worked reliably in 2019 and 2020, like disconnecting the bluetooth and hiding the receiver for a couple hours, don't work anymore. We have updated this article several times to account for these changes. Dexcom's new generation of transmitters are the most stubborn and are more challenging to "hack." At the moment there seems to be only technique that works: the pop-out method. This means you need to physically pop out the transmitter from the sensor that is attached to your body. You do this by sliding something thin – a glucose test strip works, and so might a credit card – between the transmitter and the sensor. Here's what you need to do: Stop the session on your smart phone (it does not matter if the sensor expires on its own first or not) Pop out the transmitter (Some people cover the site during the 30 min period or even insert an old transmitter to prevent stuff from getting in there/ also the wire moving, as the transmitter holds it in place) Set a timer for 30 minutes (We've heard that 15-20 minutes works, but have not tried this) Pop the transmitter back in Restart the sensor When restarting the sensor, you can use the same code you used 10 days ago; otherwise, you'll be required to calibrate the sensor repeatedly. There's actually reason to believe that the sensor will be more accurate if you engage the sensor in "No Code" mode and rely instead on calibrations – Dexcom includes adjustments in its algorithm to account for the changing physical state around the probe, adjustments that are applied incorrectly when the session is re-started. It is possible that this technique will not work for you. Dexcom is trying its hardest to prevent the hacks, and it updates its software routinely. Much of the credit for this technique goes to Katie DiSimone, who blogs at See My CGM, for helping us understand which techniques work. Katie is involved in the community of people who are building homemade automated insulin delivery systems using current insulin pumps and continuous glucose meters. Since the original article was written, Katie has joined the Tidepool organization which is dedicated to making diabetes data more accessible, actionable, and meaningful for people with diabetes, their caretakers and for researchers as well. A Warning Restarting sensors is not approved by the FDA, the manufacturer, or any diabetes authority. There is no guarantee of sensor accuracy, and therefore the practice could be considered somewhat risky. Extend the sensor life only at your own risk. A previous version of this post has been updated.
Note: This news content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.
If you have a family history of diabetes you could be at risk, get tested now! Book Diabetes test online
The Dexcom G6 is programmed to stop working after 10 days, but many users have been able to hack the device and get more life out of it, reviving a sensor for one or more additional 10-day sessions. This practice is not condoned by the FDA or the manufacturer. Since the original release of the device, these hacks have become something of a cat and mouse game. Clever users find a new hack to extend the sensor's life, and Dexcom eventually responds by closing off whatever loophole allowed it, forcing users to find a new technique. The tricks that worked reliably in 2019 and 2020, like disconnecting the bluetooth and hiding the receiver for a couple hours, don't work anymore. We have updated this article several times to account for these changes. Dexcom's new generation of transmitters are the most stubborn and are more challenging to "hack." At the moment there seems to be only technique that works: the pop-out method. This means you need to physically pop out the transmitter from the sensor that is attached to your body. You do this by sliding something thin – a glucose test strip works, and so might a credit card – between the transmitter and the sensor. Here's what you need to do: Stop the session on your smart phone (it does not matter if the sensor expires on its own first or not) Pop out the transmitter (Some people cover the site during the 30 min period or even insert an old transmitter to prevent stuff from getting in there/ also the wire moving, as the transmitter holds it in place) Set a timer for 30 minutes (We've heard that 15-20 minutes works, but have not tried this) Pop the transmitter back in Restart the sensor When restarting the sensor, you can use the same code you used 10 days ago; otherwise, you'll be required to calibrate the sensor repeatedly. There's actually reason to believe that the sensor will be more accurate if you engage the sensor in "No Code" mode and rely instead on calibrations – Dexcom includes adjustments in its algorithm to account for the changing physical state around the probe, adjustments that are applied incorrectly when the session is re-started. It is possible that this technique will not work for you. Dexcom is trying its hardest to prevent the hacks, and it updates its software routinely. Much of the credit for this technique goes to Katie DiSimone, who blogs at See My CGM, for helping us understand which techniques work. Katie is involved in the community of people who are building homemade automated insulin delivery systems using current insulin pumps and continuous glucose meters. Since the original article was written, Katie has joined the Tidepool organization which is dedicated to making diabetes data more accessible, actionable, and meaningful for people with diabetes, their caretakers and for researchers as well. A Warning Restarting sensors is not approved by the FDA, the manufacturer, or any diabetes authority. There is no guarantee of sensor accuracy, and therefore the practice could be considered somewhat risky. Extend the sensor life only at your own risk. A previous version of this post has been updated.
Clever users have figured out how to get more life out of their Dexcom sensors.
Read moreNote: This news content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.
If you have a family history of diabetes you could be at risk, get tested now! Book Diabetes test online