What is the Dexcom ONE+?

We teamed up with three community members to find out everything we could about the Dexcom ONE+, a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) with some exciting features. Keep reading to learn about the sensor, and hear what the community thought about it!

What is the Dexcom ONE+ CGM?

Dexcom ONE+ is a continuous glucose monitoring system, giving you real-time visibility of your glucose levels throughout the day and night. It sends your glucose readings directly to your smartphone, helping you understand trends, spot changes early, and make more informed decisions. 

How is it different to the Dexcom G7 and why is it so much cheaper?

You may know about the Dexcom G7, another CGM from VitalAire, used by people with diabetes across the world. The G7 CGM includes a chip that makes it compatible for use with an insulin pump, providing people using selected insulin pumps the option to manage their glucose tracking and insulin delivery together. 

The software needed for insulin pump use increases the cost of a sensor. This software was intentionally removed from the Dexcom ONE+ to create a sensor that would cost less, with many of the same features. 

Another important difference between the Dexcom G7 and Dexcom ONE+ is the “Urgent Low Soon” alert, which warns you in advance (within 20 minutes) of a severe low (below 3.1 mmol/L). It is more necessary for a G7 sensor to have this “low soon”  alert due to pump integration, where insulin dosage is happening automatically via the pump. For ONE+ users, only a “Low” alert is present. This alert is easily customisable to a higher value, meaning it will let you know about the approaching low glucose sooner.  This is useful for those who need time to take appropriate action before a severe low occurs. Have a look at the table below for a detailed comparison.

“I have been using CGMs for ten years, but my current trial with the Dexcom ONE+ has been a great reminder of how much the right technology can change your daily outlook.”

Keri Theart, living with Type 1 diabetes

Can the Dexcom ONE+ be trusted?

We know that accuracy in the devices we rely on to make management decisions is so important! Technology like CGMs should be tested for accuracy at different points of using them (when our readings are high, low, on the first day wearing it right up until the last day, as well as at different times of the day) to ensure we are able to confidently use the sensor to make those management decisions. 

The Dexcom ONE+ achieves more than 95% of readings within the 20/20 accuracy threshold at glucose levels above 5.5 mmol/L and greater than 90% of readings at lower glucose levels, where accuracy is harder to maintain. This performance has been verified across more than 77,000 data points, including children, making it one of the most comprehensively studied CGM sensors available.

What does this mean for people with diabetes? You are able to make confident decisions from the data you see on the display, and your healthcare teams can support your treatment plan with very accurate information about your levels. For those of use who have relied on multiple daily fingerstick tests, this can shift how diabetes management feels and functions.

“It has helped me feel more confident, reduced the stress of managing my blood glucose, and given me greater peace of mind.”

Ahmed White, living with Type 1 diabetes

What makes the Dexcom ONE+ special?

31.5 days wear time each month 

Each sensor has a 10-day wear time followed by a 12-hour grace period, totaling 10.5 days per sensor. This grace period means that you have time to replace the sensor without a gap in continuous readings (yes, you can keep your readings going while waiting for your new sensor to warm up!) Using three sensors per month provides a total of 31.5 days of wear time.

Waterproof 

The sensor is waterproof to a depth of 2.4 meters for up to 24 hours.

3 sites for insertion 

The approved sites for inserting the sensor are the back of the arm, the abdomen, and the top of the buttocks. All of these sites are backed by clinical studies verifying accuracy.

“⁠⁠The alerts were my absolute favourite part of it. The alarms notified me before my sugars dropped extremely low. ⁠⁠It gave me peace of mind – I slept better and had one less thing to carry around.”

Jehaan Omar, living with Type 1 diabetes

Dedicated follow app 

The “Dexcom Follow” app allows you to share data with up to 10 followers. This is great for children (ages 2 and older) using the Dexcom ONE+, allowing a caregiver to view readings remotely. The app allows you to follow up to 25 different users (beneficial for families with multiple CGM users!)

30 min warm-up time with optional calibration

The Dexcom ONE+ CGM is factory calibrated, meaning manual calibration is not required. However, the option remains available to provide flexibility for patients who prefer to calibrate.

Your first high alarm is delayed to counteract alarm fatigue

The first high alert delay is designed to reduce alarm fatigue. You can configure the app to delay a high alert by a specific duration. The alarm will then only trigger if you remain above the target range at the end of the duration you choose.

“One of my favourite things is how small and
discreet the sensor is. It’s comfortable to wear,
and I often forget it’s even there. The receiver is also
very easy to use, with simple set-up and
customizable alerts that help me stay on top of my
glucose levels without constantly worrying.” 

Ahmed White, living with Type 1 diabetes

Where can you buy it?

You can purchase the Dexcom ONE+ cash via VitalAire’s website or claim through medical aid via:

• Reddam Pharmacy (recommended for ease of use and free delivery when claiming 3 sensors): WhatsApp Dexcom to 078 264 9870 or 083 300 7720 to speak directly with a pharmacist. 
• Medipost Pharmacy: diabetes@medipost.co.za
• The CDE Pharmacy: 063 101 0911

Get in touch with the VitalAire-Dexcom team here: https://vitalairediabetes.co.za/contact-us/ 

How much does it cost?

The Dexcom ONE+ sensor is available from the above pharmacies from R540 per sensor. Each sensor lasts 10.5 days, so 3 sensors are required to last a full month.

The optional receiver is available from R2,185 from the same pharmacies.

Is it covered by medical aid?

Yes, the Dexcom ONE+ is automatically covered by Discovery Health Medical Scheme for all Type 1 diabetes patients on higher-tier plans. For those on second-tier Discovery plans, full coverage is provided for patients under 18, and 50% coverage is provided for those over 18. 

All other medical schemes in South Africa will cover the Dexcom ONE+ in full for individuals living with Type 1 diabetes, subject to a successful motivation letter from their approved medical practitioner.

Where can people find out more about Dexcom ONE+?

Find out more about the Dexcom ONE+  on VitalAire’s website or get in touch with VitalAire’s Tech Support team, for support with your Dexcom device.

Have you used the Dexcom ONE+?

What did you think? Let us know by commenting below, or join us on Facebook!