Dexcom FAQ: I got a Critical Low Alarm from Dexcom. What should I do?

FAQ:

I got a Critical Alarm from Dexcom. What should I do?

Answer:

Dexcom has a feature to warn you when your glucose falls below 55 mg/dL. This alarm goes off even if your phone is set to Silent, and there’s no way to disable it. While the majority of users do not experience this, some people experience nighttime lows which can cause the alarm to sound.

You have two options for halting these alarms. Note that it is only appropriate to halt these alarms if you are using the CGM for general-wellness purposes through the Levels program. Anyone using the Dexcom for any medical purpose must not attempt to disable the alarms.

1. Turn off alarms in your phone’s Notifications.

For iOS:

Navigate to iPhone Settings >> In top search bar, type Dexcom G6 and select >> Select Notifications >>Toggle off both Critical Alerts and Time Sensitive Notifications

By turning off Critical Alerts and Time Sensitive Notifications for the Dexcom G6 app, you will be able to continue to sync your data between your CGM transmitter and your phone, even if the Dexcom app tells you “Action Required!”

For Android:

Navigate to the app drawer >> long press on the Dexcom G6 app >> select App Info. On the following screen, you have override control for any notifications that come from the app.

2. Turn off your phone’s Bluetooth to prevent alerts.

When you turn Bluetooth back on in the morning, you’ll see some lost data as the Dexcom sensor can only store up to 3 hours of data when disconnected from your phone’s Bluetooth.

Please note that there is an increased likelihood of the Critical Alarm during the first 24 hrs of wearing the sensor.

If you have other questions, feel free to email the Levels Support Team at support@levelshealth.com.

Further Reading:

Dexcom G6 CGM troubleshooting