Calibration Overview; What Is A Calibration?; How Do I Calibrate?; Why Is Calibrating Important? - Dexcom G5 mobile User Manual

6.2 Calibration Overview

What Is a Calibration?

As you learned earlier, the sensor glucose readings come from measuring the glucose fluids
found 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
CGM System 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
your display device. This chapter lets you know what precautions you need to take before
taking your BG meter value, then entering your data. Up to now, you entered information
such as Alerts, transmitter SN, etc., separately for the receiver and smart device. Calibration
is different.
If you enter your meter's BG value into your receiver, it takes about five minutes for your
sensor glucose readings to begin. In approximately ten minutes, you can view the readings in
the other display device.
How Often Do I Calibrate?
There are three primary "must do" calibration events, each with its own prompts:
1. Two initial calibrations once your warmup session is complete
2. Update calibrations done twice daily, once every 12 hours
3. When you are prompted
Do not enter your BG values in both devices, enter either into your app or the receiver. If you
receive a calibration prompt outside of your scheduled calibration schedule, the system does
Dexcom G5 Mobile System User Guide
Calibration 76