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I like my CGM, but it surely took me some time to discover ways to put on it on a regular basis, with out irritating or itching, and with out the adhesive tape falling off after just a few days.
These CGM suggestions and tips are primarily based on my expertise with Dexcom G6, Dexcom G7, and Freestyle Libre 2, however ought to work with CGM manufacturers and fashions available in the market.
The best way to discover the appropriate CGM placement
We discovered that inserting the sensor has the largest impression on the general consolation of inserting the CGM sensor. This is likely one of the most necessary CGM suggestions because it has the largest impression in your general consolation degree.
I desire to position the Dexcom G6 and Freestyle Libre 2 on the again of my waist or higher arm (triceps), however I can see that the Dexcom G7 works finest on the abdomen and thighs. That is the place I’ve the least probability of hitting one thing and tearing it aside.
On this video you’ll be able to see a number of completely different locations the place you’ll be able to put on the Dexcom G7.
I discovered it needed to position it on my waist, simply above my belt/pants. Should you place it underneath the belt, it’s extra more likely to draw back each time you put on denims. Pushing your pants into the sensor is uncomfortable.
I’d additionally like to maneuver the sensor away from the place I flip. Connect horizontally to attenuate the possibility of getting in the best way whenever you transfer round.
Positioning sensors optimally might be tough and is a part of a web site that you would be able to’t attain your self, so Tobias lends you a serving to hand.
And there are some websites that simply scare me, so I have not constructed up the nerve to attempt them but (I’ve seen them carrying them on their calves!!).
The best way to keep CGM
Sustaining CGM for the lifetime of the sensor could be a drawback, however there are tips you need to use to take care of CGM.
Makes use of Sking Lip Overlay Tape
Common overlay tapes, particularly these despatched by Dexcom, can stimulate the pores and skin when the climate is absolutely heat or once I’m doing a lot of cardio.
That is my arm solely three days after utilizing Dexcom overlay tape. It nearly appeared like a burn, and I used to be nonetheless in a position to see it after 3 months!
I believe cloth patches like Sking Lip are a lot simpler to make use of. They had been initially designed with an energetic life-style in thoughts, they usually actually do their job! That is certainly one of my prime CGM suggestions for summer time.
They preserve the sensor in place for weeks with out irritating my pores and skin in any respect. The feel of the patch is sort of a bigger bandage than plastic, so it does not really feel such as you’re carrying a patch and you may shortly overlook about it.
Skinglip is available in quite a lot of colours and designs, and comes with see-through tape that’s nearly invisible.
Should you’re serious about colourful patches like me, their merchandise are for you. You will get 10% off on the Pores and skin Grib web site utilizing Code Diabetesstrong.
Different Overlay Tape Choices
I desire the Sking Lip Overlay Tape, however there are various different choices too.
- Griff Grip has many loopy shapes and color patches (what about patches formed like T-Rex?) That is ideally suited for youths and individuals who desire CGM equipment.
- ExpressionMed creates patches with quite a lot of designs (together with the Taylor Swift assortment). Their patches usually are not a fan of me, however they’re nonetheless a stable choice.
- Pumpelz is much like that expressed in cloth, however its design is a bit more “mature” than glyph grips or expressions. I preferred utilizing them but it surely does not final so long as my pores and skin is holding onto it.
Add further adhesive to the sensor utilizing Pores and skin-TAC™ adhesive wipes
Should you discover your CGM drops in a short time, Pores and skin-TAC might be the answer for you.
Mainly, it may be utilized to the pores and skin and dried earlier than putting in the sensor. It makes the pores and skin very cheesy and acts as an additional adhesive.
I did not actually prefer it as a result of I get glue right here and there, however I do know so much from the diabetic neighborhood that loves it.
Others could add Pores and skin-TAC if the sensor begins to return off after just a few days. Add a little bit glue underneath the sides and do this.
Once more, this methodology does not work very nicely for me. This can be as a result of it’s fairly tough to wash up areas the place the sensor is unfastened.
It’s kind of tough to get off (from the place you utilized it and the place you utilized your fingers) so I like to recommend utilizing it Glue remover wipe To show off the adhesive.
