The Issue

Dexcom's continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are essential devices that help people with diabetes prevent life-threatening complications by monitoring blood sugar levels every five minutes. These sensors are designed to last 10 days but frequently fall off early due to common activities like exercising, showering, or getting caught on clothing. While Dexcom previously replaced sensors that fell off early, their new policy limits these replacements to just three per year. This forces patients to either risk going without crucial blood sugar monitoring or pay $400 monthly for replacement sensors when the adhesive fails. Despite Dexcom's $4 billion annual revenue, this policy shift unfairly burdens patients with additional costs for product failures that should be covered under normal warranty expectations.

The Script

Hi, my name is [NAME], and I'm calling from [CITY] as your constituent. I'm calling about Dexcom's recent policy change regarding their continuous glucose monitors, which threatens the health of people with diabetes like myself. Dexcom makes continuous glucose monitors that measure my blood sugar every five minutes, which has been critical for helping me keep my blood sugars in range.

[Personal story: Share any instances where sensors have fallen off early due to daily activities.]

Dexcom's new policy only allows three replacement sensors per year when their adhesive fails. After that, we must pay $400 monthly out-of-pocket for replacement sensors or risk going without this life-saving technology. CGM sensors falling off due to sweat, water, or clothing is a product failure, not user error. Especially when Dexcom is making $4 billion in revenue annually.

I urge you to press the FDA to establish clear guidelines requiring companies to replace failed medical devices. This affects [NUMBER OF DIABETICS IN STATE] with diabetes that you represent in [STATE]. What actions will you take to address this issue?

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