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This episode covers the upcoming release of Dexcom's G7 15-day patch and major price cuts for semaglutide.
Welcome back to Diabetes Dialogue: Technology, Therapeutics, & Real-World Perspectives!
In this episode of Diabetes Dialogue: Technology, Therapeutics, and Real-World Perspectives, hosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, an endocrine clinical pharmacist, director of Education and Training in Diabetes Technology, and co-director of Endocrine Disorders in Pregnancy at the Cleveland Clinic, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, program director of Diabetes Technology at University Hospitals Diabetes and Metabolic Care Center, review two major developments in diabetes care: the forthcoming 15-day Dexcom G7 continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and significant new price reductions for semaglutide across Ozempic and Wegovy.
00:00:01 Introduction
00:00:30 Dexcom G7
00:01:55 A 15-Day Sensor With a 12-Hour Grace Period
00:04:27 Seamless transition to the new G7
00:05:23 Looking back at Dexcom's advancements
00:06:34 Dexcom's Smart Basal feature
00:10:34 Price cuts for semaglutide - Wegovy and Ozempic
00:14:54 Cheaper GLP-1s on the pharmacies' end
00:20:33 Outro
Isaacs and Bellini first outline Dexcom’s announcement that the 15-day G7 sensor will launch on December 1 through durable medical equipment channels, with pharmacy availability to follow shortly afterward. The extended-wear sensor maintains the same form factor, app platform, and accuracy profile users expect, now with a 15.5-day life enabled by a built-in 12-hour grace period. Integration with Omnipod 5 and iLet will be available at launch, with Control-IQ+ compatibility expected later. Both hosts emphasize how reduced sensor-change burden and seamless pump integration can streamline therapy, particularly as CGM adoption accelerates in primary care and among people with type 2 diabetes. They note, however, that the initial FDA clearance is limited to adults 18 and older, with pediatric expansion expected as post-market data develop.
The hosts also highlight advances in data-sharing and the newly cleared Smart Basal feature within the G7 15-day app experience. This tool uses CGM-driven analytics to support clinicians and patients in basal insulin titration, particularly for glargine. The system adjusts doses based on comprehensive glycemic patterns rather than isolated fasting values, incorporates customizable hypoglycemia safeguards, and identifies a final “optimal dose” once glucose stabilizes. Isaacs and Bellini underscore the potential impact for primary care, where under-titration of basal insulin is common and follow-up intervals can be lengthy.
The conversation then shifts to sweeping pricing updates for semaglutide. New self-pay pricing allows patients to access Ozempic for $199 for the first two months and $349 thereafter—a steep reduction from previous cash prices. Wegovy pricing aligns similarly across all doses. While acknowledging that affordability remains a challenge for many, the hosts view this as a substantial improvement, bringing U.S. pricing closer to international norms and potentially expanding access for individuals who fall between traditional insurance coverage and patient-assistance eligibility. They also note updated criteria for assistance programs, ongoing availability of copay cards, and similar price reductions for tirzepatide’s Zepbound starter dose. Practical considerations for pharmacies, insurance dynamics, and cash-pay logistics are discussed, with the hosts optimistic about simplified access and broader uptake.
They conclude by emphasizing how these advances - longer-wear CGM technology, AI-supported insulin titration, and more accessible incretin-based therapies - collectively strengthen the future of diabetes management and expand opportunities for improved outcomes across clinical settings.
Relevant disclosures for Isaacs include Eli Lilly and Company, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, Abbott Diabetes Care, Dexcom, Medtronic, and others. Relevant disclosures for Bellini include Abbott Diabetes Care, MannKind, Provention Bio, and others.
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