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I like my CGM, nevertheless it has taken me some time to discover ways to put on it on a regular basis with out irritation or itching, and with out the adhesive tape falling off after a couple of days.
These CGM suggestions and methods are based mostly on my expertise with the Dexcom G6, Dexcom G7, and FreeStyle Libre 2, however they need to work for any CGM model and mannequin in the marketplace.
Tips on how to discover the precise CGM placement for you
I’ve discovered that the place I place the sensor has the biggest affect on my general consolation The place I place the CGM sensor has the biggest affect on my general consolation stage, so it’s considered one of my most vital CGM suggestions.
I favor to put 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 finest 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 may see some completely different locations the place you may put on the Dexcom G7.
On my decrease again, I’ve discovered that I want to put it simply above my belt/pants. If I place it beneath my belt, there’s a higher likelihood of me pulling it off each time I put on denims, and I discover it uncomfortable to have my pants pushing on the sensor.
I additionally need to preserve the sensor away from locations the place I bend. I connect it horizontally to attenuate the possibility of it getting in the best way once I transfer round.
Inserting the sensor optimally may be difficult and a few websites I simply can’t attain alone, so Tobias will typically 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 people put on them on their calves!!).
Tips on how to make the CGM keep on
Making your CGM keep on at some point of the sensor’s lifetime generally is a drawback, however there are methods you should use to assist preserve 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 absolutely heat or I’m doing lots of cardio.
That is my arm after simply 3 days of utilizing the Dexcom overlay tape. It’s virtually like a burn and I may nonetheless see it after 3 months!
I discover cloth patches like Pores and skin Grip way more usable. They have been initially designed with an energetic way of life in thoughts, they usually actually do the job! That is considered one of my high CGM suggestions for summer season.
They preserve the sensor in place for weeks with out irritating my pores and skin in any respect. Because the 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 neglect 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.
Should you, like me, are into colourful patches, their merchandise are for you. You need to use code DIABETESSTRONG for 10% off on the Pores and skin Grib web site.
Different overlay tape choices
I favor the Pores and skin Grip overlay tapes, however there are a lot of different choices to select from:
- Griff Grip has patches in lots of loopy shapes and colours (how a few patch formed like a T-Rex?) This makes them preferrred for youths and individuals who like to decorate their CGM.
- ExpressionMed additionally makes patches in lots 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 strong 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 preferred them, however they don’t final so long as Pores and skin Grips.
Use Pores and skin-Tac™ Adhesive Wipes so as to add additional adhesive to the sensor
Should you discover that your CGM falls off in a short time, Pores and skin-Tac may very well be the answer for you.
It’s mainly physique glue that you just 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 preferred it an excessive amount of since I’d get glue far and wide, however I do know a lot from the diabetes group who like it.
Some additionally add Pores and skin-Tac if the sensor begins coming off after a couple of days. Simply add just a little adhesive below the sting and reattach it that method.
Once more, this methodology doesn’t work very effectively for me, perhaps as a result of it’s fairly exhausting to scrub the realm the place the sensor has come free.
It’s considerably difficult to get off (from the realm the place you utilized it and your fingers), so I like to recommend utilizing adhesive remover wipes to get the adhesive off.
