# When Dexcom and fingerstick are off **URL:** \ **Category:** C/GM\ **Tags:** calibration\ **Created:** [May 12, 2017, 7:06am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/when-dexcom-and-fingerstick-are-off/902 "2017-05-12T07:06:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Showing post:** 39
**Author:** ![TravelingOn](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/travelingon/32/1583_2.png) [@TravelingOn](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/TravelingOn)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2019, 3:12pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/when-dexcom-and-fingerstick-are-off/902/39 "2019-07-20T15:12:12Z")
Welcome @KristinLuna! I’m sorry you’re having issues. > [@KristinLuna](#): > > I calibrate when needed and I do calibrate when there is an extreme differene. Well, that might be the problem. Calibration when you’re having a swing in blood glucose might make the device not work as well. Check out this wiki about how to calibrate: > [@How to calibrate a Dexcom G4/G5 CGM](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/how-to-calibrate-a-dexcom-g4-g5-cgm/2049): > > The accuracy of your Dexcom G4/G5 CGM readings depends upon the quality of your calibration. If your calibration is off by 20 points, your next 12 hours of readings will be off by, likely, more than 20 points. So, if you want accurate Dexcom readings, you need technically perfect calibrations. The basics Much of what you need to do for a good calibration is already a part of your Dexcom training: Start with perfectly clean hands. Before calibrating, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and … --- _[View the full topic](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/when-dexcom-and-fingerstick-are-off/902)._