Dexcom’s next generation continuous glucose monitor (CGM), the Dexcom G8, is already in development but still a few years away from launch. Details have emerged from an interview between MD+DI and Dexcom CEO Jake Leach at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference.

Leach said each Dexcom CGM generation is meant to raise the bar on both performance and user experience. G6 was a major leap from G5, and G7 delivered a smaller, fully disposable, and more streamlined system. In that context, Leach frames G8 as another step change rather than an incremental update. In the interview, he described G8 as a meaningful upgrade over G7 in accuracy, reliability, performance, size, and connectivity, calling it a completely new wearable.

Connectivity is a notable Dexcom G7 connectivity has been a major sticking point since launch when many users reported regular disconnects. Since then, users have regularly complained about connectivity and accuracy which Dexcom says it’s aware of and working to smooth out. Insulin pump users are also advised to wear the Dexcom G7 on the same side of their pump to keep connection which they didn’t need to do with its predecessor, the G6. Many users have stayed on the G6 because of this, but Dexcom says it is ending production of the G6 later this year.

Size is another key change. According to Leach, the G8 sensor will be about 50 percent smaller than its predecessor bringing it closer in size to the Freestyle Libre 3 Plus. Leach says the reduction is driven by advances in electronics, battery design, antennas, and power efficiency.

Leach also pointed that Gestational diabetes is a key focus. He was direct in saying CGM should be the standard of care for pregnancies affected by gestational diabetes, citing strong evidence of better outcomes for both mothers and babies, including fewer NICU admissions and emergency C sections.

Beyond pregnancy, Leach highlighted hospital use and prediabetes as major growth areas. Dexcom is already working toward broader hospital adoption, while prediabetes is being addressed through tools like the over-the-counter Stelo CGM. This sensor connects to Oura ring to put glucose data alongside food, activity, sleep, and stress data.

Notably, Leach didn’t mention if the upgraded sensor would track multiple analyzes. Dexcom’s main competitor, Abbott, is working on for a future dual glucose-ketone sensor.

Dexcom G7 just released a 15-day sensor, so the Dexcom G8 is not expected for a few years. Either way, we’re excited to see a smaller device with improved performance! As we hear more, we’ll keep you updated here. What do you want to see on the upcoming sensor? Let us know in the comments.

Disclaimer: Diabetech content is not medical advice—it’s for educational purposes only. Always consult with a physician before making changes to your healthcare.