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I really like my CGM, nevertheless it has taken me some time to learn to put on it on a regular basis with out irritation or itching, and with out the adhesive tape falling off after just a few days.
These CGM suggestions and methods are primarily based on my expertise with the Dexcom G6, Dexcom G7, and FreeStyle Libre 2, however they need to work for any CGM model and mannequin available on the market.
Find out how to discover the precise CGM placement for you
I’ve discovered that the place I place the sensor has the most important affect on my general consolation The place I place the CGM sensor has the most important affect on my general consolation stage, so it’s one in all my most vital CGM suggestions.
I want to position the Dexcom G6 and FreeStyle Libre 2 on my decrease again or the again of my higher arms (the triceps), whereas I discover the Dexcom G7 to work greatest for me on the abdomen or higher thigh. That is the place there’s the least likelihood of me bumping into one thing and tearing it off.
On this video, you possibly can see some completely different locations the place you possibly can put on the Dexcom G7.
On my decrease again, I’ve discovered that I would like to position it simply above my belt/pants. If I place it under my belt, there’s a better likelihood of me pulling it off at any time when I put on denims, and I discover it uncomfortable to have my pants pushing on the sensor.
I additionally need to hold the sensor away from locations the place I bend. I connect it horizontally to reduce the prospect of it getting in the best way after I transfer round.
Putting the sensor optimally could be difficult and a few websites I simply can’t attain by myself, so Tobias will generally lend a serving to hand.
After which there are some websites that simply scare me, so I haven’t constructed up the nerve to strive them but (I’ve seen of us put on them on their calves!!).
Find out how to make the CGM keep on
Making your CGM keep on at some stage in the sensor’s lifetime is usually a drawback, however there are methods you should use to assist hold your CGM on.
Use Pores and skin Grip overlay tapes
Common overlay tape, and particularly the one Dexcom sends out, could make my pores and skin irritated when the climate is de facto heat or I’m doing quite a lot of cardio.
That is my arm after simply 3 days of utilizing the Dexcom overlay tape. It’s nearly like a burn and I may nonetheless see it after 3 months!
I discover cloth patches like Pores and skin Grip far more usable. They had been initially designed with an energetic life-style in thoughts, they usually actually do the job! That is one in all my prime CGM suggestions for summer season.
They hold the sensor in place for weeks with out irritating my pores and skin in any respect. For the reason that texture of the patch is extra like a giant bandage than plastic, it doesn’t really feel like I’m sporting a patch and I overlook about it fairly shortly.
Pores and skin Grip is available in many alternative colours and designs, in addition to a see-through tape that’s barely seen.
In the event you, like me, are into colourful patches, their merchandise are for you. You should use code DIABETESSTRONG for 10% off on the Pores and skin Grib web site.
Different overlay tape choices
I want the Pores and skin Grip overlay tapes, however there are numerous different choices to select from:
- Griff Grip has patches in quite a lot of loopy shapes and colours (how a few patch formed like a T-Rex?) This makes them excellent for teenagers and individuals who like to decorate their CGM.
- ExpressionMed additionally makes patches in quite a lot of completely different designs (together with a Taylor Swift assortment). Their patches are printed on materials that feels extra like paper than sports activities tape, which I’m not a fan of, however they’re nonetheless a stable choice.
- Pump Peelz are just like ExpressionMed in cloth, however their designs are a bit extra “mature” than Griff Grip and ExpressionMed. I’ve used them and appreciated them, however they don’t final so long as Pores and skin Grips.
Use Pores and skin-Tac™ Adhesive Wipes so as to add further adhesive to the sensor
In the event you discover that your CGM falls off in a short time, Pores and skin-Tac might be the answer for you.
It’s principally physique glue that you simply apply to your pores and skin and permit to dry earlier than attaching the sensor. It makes the pores and skin tremendous sticky and acts as an additional adhesive.
I’ve by no means appreciated it an excessive amount of since I’d get glue everywhere, however I do know loads from the diabetes group who like it.
Some additionally add Pores and skin-Tac if the sensor begins coming off after just a few days. Simply add slightly adhesive below the sting and reattach it that method.
Once more, this technique doesn’t work very effectively for me, possibly as a result of it’s fairly laborious to wash the world the place the sensor has come free.
It’s considerably difficult to get off (from the world the place you utilized it and your fingers), so I like to recommend utilizing adhesive remover wipes to get the adhesive off.