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I like my CGM, but it surely 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 a number of days.
These CGM ideas 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.
Tips on how to discover the precise CGM placement for you
I’ve discovered that the place I place the sensor has the biggest impression on my total consolation The place I place the CGM sensor has the biggest impression on my total consolation degree, so it’s one in all my most necessary CGM ideas.
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’ll be able to see some completely different locations the place you’ll be able to put on the Dexcom G7.
On my decrease again, I’ve discovered that I would like to put it simply above my belt/pants. If I place it beneath my belt, there’s a larger 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 reduce the prospect of it getting in the best way once I transfer round.
Inserting the sensor optimally might be difficult and a few websites I simply can’t attain alone, 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 people put on them on their calves!!).
Tips on how to make the CGM keep on
Making your CGM keep on throughout the sensor’s lifetime could be a downside, however there are methods you should utilize 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 actually 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 virtually like a burn and I might nonetheless see it after 3 months!
I discover material patches like Pores and skin Grip far more usable. They have been initially designed with an energetic life-style in thoughts, and so they actually do the job! That is one in all my prime CGM ideas for summer season.
They preserve 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 an enormous bandage than plastic, it doesn’t really feel like I’m carrying a patch and I neglect about it fairly shortly.
Pores and skin Grip is available in many various colours and designs, in addition to a see-through tape that’s barely seen.
If you happen to, like me, are into colourful patches, their merchandise are for you. You should utilize 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 various 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 supreme for youths 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 strong choice.
- Pump Peelz are just like ExpressionMed in material, 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
If you happen to discover that your CGM falls off in a short time, Pores and skin-Tac could possibly 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 lots from the diabetes group who find it irresistible.
Some additionally add Pores and skin-Tac if the sensor begins coming off after a number of days. Simply add a bit of adhesive below the sting and reattach it that manner.
Once more, this technique doesn’t work very nicely for me, perhaps as a result of it’s fairly onerous to scrub 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 palms), so I like to recommend utilizing adhesive remover wipes to get the adhesive off.
