If you rely on the Dexcom G6 continuous glucose monitor (CGM), you’ve likely heard the growing buzz: Dexcom is phasing out the G6 in many regions as the company shifts its focus to the newer Dexcom G7. For people living with Type 1 diabetes—where stability, predictability, and reliability are everything—any change in medical devices can feel disruptive.

This guide breaks down what’s changing, why it’s happening, what it means in different regions, and how to navigate the transition with as little friction as possible.

Why Dexcom Is Discontinuing the G6

Dexcom has confirmed that the long-running G6 system is in a sunset phase, meaning manufacturing, distribution, and customer support will gradually wind down. The company wants to consolidate its resources behind the G7, which is now the primary CGM platform across North America, Europe, and many Asia-Pacific regions.

Key reasons for the G6 phase-out:

Streamlined product line – Maintaining two global platforms is costly and redundant.
Improved manufacturing efficiency – Dexcom is scaling G7 production, which uses a simpler one-piece design.
Regulatory alignment – The G7 meets updated compliance requirements in several countries ahead of the G6.
Insurance momentum – Payers are shifting coverage to the G7 because of lower overall costs and easier onboarding.

What Phase-Out Looks Like (Region by Region)

Because device regulation and insurance differ worldwide, Dexcom’s G6 discontinuation does not roll out identically everywhere. Below is a GEO-optimized summary to help readers from different areas understand what to expect.

United States

G6 supplies are still available but becoming harder to find.
Many insurers have switched default authorization to G7 sensors and transmitters.
Pharmacies in certain states report declining G6 inventory as distributors scale back.

Canada

Pharmacies and provincial reimbursement programs (where applicable) are shifting to G7.
G6 stock is being reduced, especially through major retailers like Shoppers Drug Mart and London Drugs.
Expect G6 transmitters to become the first component discontinued.

United Kingdom & EU

The NHS and most EU public health systems have moved G7 to first-line coverage.
Some suppliers are actively notifying users that G6 shipments will stop once current stock is depleted.

Australia & New Zealand

Pharmacies report strong movement toward G7, with replacements encouraged ahead of the G6 exit.
Insurance bodies are modifying formularies to prioritize new-generation CGM systems.

If you serve global audiences, the key takeaway is simple: No region is immune—the G6 is on its way out everywhere.

Will Dexcom Still Support Existing G6 Users?

In the short term, yes.

Dexcom typically continues limited technical and warranty support for discontinued products until the final shipments work their way through the market. But users should expect:

Longer wait times for replacement G6 hardware
Reduced availability of transmitters
Increased insurer pressure to migrate to the G7
Software updates slowing or ceasing entirely

If you’re still on the G6, the timeline for support in your region depends heavily on remaining inventory and insurance policy changes—not just Dexcom’s official announcements.

What You Should Do Now

1. Check Your Refill Options Immediately

Call your pharmacy or durable medical equipment (DME) provider. Ask two questions:

“How long do you expect to stock G6 sensors?”
“Will my insurance approve G6 refills or force a switch?”

You need clarity now, not when you're down to your last sensor.

2. Confirm Insurance Coverage for the G7

Most insurance plans—including U.S. private insurers, Medicare, Canadian private plans, and UK/EU public systems—have already green-lit the transition.

If your plan is behind the curve, push for pre-authorization early.

3. Understand What’s Different About the G7

The move isn’t just about discontinuing old hardware—it’s about adopting a very different device.

The G7 offers:

Faster warm-up (30 minutes)
Better accuracy (MARD improvements)
Smaller one-piece sensor
Improved integration with insulin pumps and apps
More reliable Bluetooth connections

But there are trade-offs:

Shorter wear time variability for some users
App-only transmitter pairing may feel unfamiliar
Limited backward compatibility with certain older devices

Your blog audience will appreciate honesty: the G7 is better, but not perfect.

4. Prepare for a Learning Curve

Your routines—sensor changes, adhesive prep, data sharing, pump syncing—will change. Your readers need to hear that discomfort is normal, but brief.

What This Means for Parents and Caregivers

Parents of kids with Type 1 often rely on the predictability of the G6, especially with school routines, sports, and overnight monitoring.

The G7 transition may require:

Reconfiguring follow apps
Updating school care plans
Adjusting adhesive strategies for active kids
Re-training caregivers or teachers

A short transition guide or checklist (which you can publish next) would be valuable content for your audience.

Will Dexcom Release a G8?

There is speculation—as with any device generation—but nothing confirmed publicly. However, companies don’t discontinue lines unless the next platform is intended as the long-term foundation. Expect:

Continued G7 iteration
Possible future hardware refreshes
Increased automation with hybrid closed-loop systems

For now, the G7 is Dexcom’s flagship. Plan around that.

How ThriveWithType1 Can Support You During the Transition

Switching CGMs isn’t just technical—it’s emotional. Anxiety is normal. People with Type 1 often rely on the familiarity of their tools as much as the function.

ThriveWithType1 is building a space where:

You can ask real questions without feeling rushed.
You’ll get support from people who’ve navigated the same transitions.
You’ll find practical guides, comparisons, and honest advice—never marketing spin.

If you want help navigating your own switch, or you're supporting a child or partner through theirs, you're not alone here.