If you’re a daily reader of Diabetes Sturdy, you in all probability seen that I typically put on my Dexcom CGM on my higher arm.
It’s certainly one of my favourite locations to put on the CGM however it may be somewhat difficult to insert it with out assist till you be taught the method.
Since a number of you could have been asking how I do it, let me present you on this brief video:
As you’ll be able to see, it actually isn’t that troublesome, however I nonetheless advocate havening somebody round to assist the primary time you strive it.
Why I put on my Dexcom CGM on the higher arm
My higher arm is certainly one of my favourite CGM placements for a number of causes.
- It’s a meatier a part of my physique, so there’s completely no ache when inserting the sensor
- I’ve discovered that this placement, for me, is the place I’ve the least danger of ripping off the sensor by chance
- I get very correct readings.
The one draw back to carrying it on the arm is that wrestling off a sweaty sports activities bra with out getting it snagged on the sensor is usually a little difficult and getting the hold of inserting it by your self would possibly take somewhat observe.
I often put on the CGM for 7-9 days. After that, it would begin irritating my pores and skin or give inaccurate readings.
Why doesn’t Dexcom advocate carrying it in your arm?
The Dexcom G5 sensor is just FDA and EMA (The European Medicines Company) authorized for 7-day put on (I do know individuals who’ll make it final 30-days or extra) and just for insertion on the stomach.
The position approval is principally resulting from Dexcom solely submitting scientific knowledge for stomach put on to the FDA and EMA relatively than them discovering different placements to be worse. Nevertheless, carrying it like I do is off-label utilization and doing so is “at personal danger”.
For extra CGM ideas and tips, take a look at my submit “5 CGM Suggestions for the Lively Diabetic“
