In case you are a daily reader of Diabetes Robust, you in all probability observed that I typically put on my Dexcom CGM on my higher arm.
It’s one in every of my favourite locations to put on the CGM however it may be a little bit tough to insert it with out assist till you study the method.
Since quite a lot of you’ve got 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 suggest havening somebody round to assist the primary time you attempt it.
Why I put on my Dexcom CGM on the higher arm
My higher arm is one in every 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 threat of ripping off the sensor accidentally
- I get very correct readings.
The one draw back to sporting it on the arm is that wrestling off a sweaty sports activities bra with out getting it snagged on the sensor generally is a little tough and getting the dangle of inserting it by your self may take a little bit follow.
I normally put on the CGM for 7-9 days. After that, it can begin irritating my pores and skin or give inaccurate readings.
Why doesn’t Dexcom suggest sporting it in your arm?
The Dexcom G5 sensor is simply FDA and EMA (The European Medicines Company) accepted 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 location approval is principally resulting from Dexcom solely submitting medical information for stomach put on to the FDA and EMA reasonably than them discovering different placements to be worse. Nevertheless, sporting it like I do is off-label utilization and doing so is “at personal threat”.
For extra CGM ideas and tips, try my publish “5 CGM Ideas for the Lively Diabetic“
