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I like CGM, nevertheless it took me some time to discover ways to put on it on a regular basis with out it being irritating or itchy and with out the adhesive tape peeling off after just a few days.
These CGM ideas and methods are based mostly on my expertise with the Dexcom G6, Dexcom G7, and FreeStyle Libre 2, however ought to work with any CGM model or mannequin in the marketplace.
The way to discover the CGM placement that is best for you
We discovered that the place you place the sensor has the most important influence on general consolation. That is one in all my prime CGM ideas as a result of the place you place your CGM sensor has the most important influence in your general consolation degree.
I favor to put the Dexcom G6 and FreeStyle Libre 2 on my decrease again and again of my higher arms (triceps), however I really feel the Dexcom G7 is finest on my abdomen and higher thighs. That is the least possible place to hit one thing and rip it off.
On this video you possibly can see among the totally different locations you possibly can put on the Dexcom G7.
For the decrease again, I discover that it must be positioned simply above the belt/pants. When you put it beneath your belt, it is extra prone to come off each time you set in your denims, and it will be uncomfortable in case your pants press towards the sensor.
You additionally need to transfer the sensor away from the bend. It’s mounted horizontally in order that it doesn’t get in the best way when transferring.
Optimally putting the sensors might be troublesome and there are some locations I am unable to attain by myself, so Tobias helps me out every now and then.
Then there are some websites that simply scare me, so I have not had the braveness to strive them but (I’ve seen individuals put on them on their calves!!).
The way to preserve CGM on
Protecting the CGM on for the lifetime of the sensor might be problematic, however there are methods you should use to maintain the CGM on.
Use pores and skin grip overlay tape
Common overlay tapes, particularly those shipped by Dexcom, can irritate your pores and skin when the climate may be very heat or once you’re doing a whole lot of cardio train.
That is my arm simply 3 days after utilizing the Dexcom overlay tape. It was nearly like a burn, nevertheless it was nonetheless seen three months later.
I feel fabric patches like Skingrip are a lot simpler to make use of. It was initially designed with an lively life-style in thoughts, and it actually does the job. That is one in all our prime CGM ideas for summer season.
It retains the sensor in place for weeks with out irritating my pores and skin in any respect. The feel of the patch is extra like a big bandage than plastic, so it does not really feel such as you’re carrying a patch and also you rapidly neglect about it.
Pores and skin grips are available a wide range of colours and designs, and there are additionally see-through varieties that make the tape much less noticeable.
When you’re into colourful patches like I’m, their merchandise are for you. Get 10% off utilizing code DIABETESSTRONG on the Pores and skin Grib web site.
Different overlay tape choices
I favor Pores and skin Grip Overlay Tape, however there are various different choices.
- Glyph grips include plenty of patches in loopy shapes and colours (how a couple of patch formed like a Tyrannosaurus rex?). This makes it ideally suited for youngsters and anybody who desires to decorate their CGM.
- ExpressionMed additionally creates patches in a wide range of designs (together with the Taylor Swift assortment). The patch is printed on a fabric that’s extra paper-like than sports activities tape, which I am not a giant fan of, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a robust choice.
- Pump Peelz are comparable in material to ExpressionMed, however the design is a bit more “grownup” than Griff Griff and ExpressionMed. I take advantage of it and prefer it, nevertheless it does not final so long as Pores and skin Grip.
Add adhesive to the sensor utilizing Pores and skin-Tac™ adhesive wipes.
In case your CGM drops simply, Pores and skin-Tac stands out as the answer.
That is mainly a physique glue that you just apply to your pores and skin and let dry earlier than attaching the sensor. It makes the pores and skin very sticky and acts as an additional glue.
I did not actually like this as a result of it bought glue all over, however I do know there are lots of people within the diabetes group who adore it.
Some individuals add a pores and skin tack if the sensor begins to dislodge after just a few days. Simply add a bit of glue beneath the sting and reattach it that method.
Once more, this technique does not work very effectively for me. Most likely as a result of it’s fairly troublesome to scrub the realm the place the sensor has come free.
It’s a little troublesome to take away (from the painted space and palms), so I like to recommend utilizing it. adhesive removing wipes That is to take away the adhesive.
