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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 ideas 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.
Learn how to discover the best CGM placement
We discovered that inserting the sensor has the most important influence on the general consolation of inserting the CGM sensor. This is without doubt one of the most vital CGM ideas because it has the most important influence in your general consolation degree.
I want 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 greatest 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 totally different locations the place you’ll be able to put on the Dexcom G7.
I discovered it crucial to position it on my waist, simply above my belt/pants. In case you place it below 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 might additionally like to maneuver the sensor away from the place I flip. Connect horizontally to reduce the possibility of getting in the best way whenever you transfer round.
Positioning sensors optimally may be troublesome and is a part of a web site that you may’t attain your self, so Tobias lends you a serving to hand.
And there are some websites that simply scare me, so I have never constructed up the nerve to attempt them but (I’ve seen them carrying them on their calves!!).
Learn how to preserve CGM
Sustaining CGM for the lifetime of the sensor could be a drawback, however there are tips you should utilize 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 actually heat or after I’m doing a number 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 material patches like Sking Lip are a lot simpler to make use of. They had been initially designed with an lively life-style in thoughts, and so they actually do their job! That is certainly one of my high CGM ideas for summer season.
They hold 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 rapidly overlook about it.
Skinglip is available in quite a lot of colours and designs, and comes with see-through tape that’s nearly invisible.
In case you’re fascinated about colourful patches like me, their merchandise are for you. You may get 10% off on the Pores and skin Grib web site utilizing Code Diabetesstrong.
Different Overlay Tape Choices
I want the Sking Lip Overlay Tape, however there are numerous different choices too.
- Griff Grip has many loopy shapes and color patches (what about patches formed like T-Rex?) That is splendid for youths and individuals who want CGM equipment.
- ExpressionMed creates patches with quite a lot of designs (together with the Taylor Swift assortment). Their patches will not be a fan of me, however they’re nonetheless a stable choice.
- Pumpelz is much like that expressed in material, 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
In case you discover your CGM drops in a short time, Pores and skin-TAC may be the answer for you.
Principally, 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 lots from the diabetic group that loves it.
Others might add Pores and skin-TAC if the sensor begins to come back off after just a few days. Add a bit of glue below the sides and try this.
Once more, this technique does not work very nicely for me. This can be as a result of it’s fairly troublesome to scrub up areas the place the sensor is unfastened.
It’s kind of troublesome to get off (from the place you utilized it and the place you utilized your arms) so I like to recommend utilizing it Glue remover wipe To show off the adhesive.
