You’ll have seen me sporting my Dexcom CGM in a few of my exercise movies. I really like my Dexcom, nevertheless it has taken me some time to discover ways 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 tips are primarily based on my expertise with the Dexcom CGM however they need to work for many different CGM manufacturers as effectively.
As a result of I’m very energetic (and reside in sunny California), a typical day for me consists of getting sweaty, showering, getting sweaty once more, and so forth. I find it irresistible, nevertheless it makes having a CGM glued to my physique a little bit difficult typically. That’s why I wish to share my 5 favourite CGM ideas with you – so you’ll be able to take pleasure in a extra snug CGM too!
CGM tip 1 – Use Pores and skin-Tac™ Adhesive Wipes so as to add further adhesive to the sensor
Should you 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 simply apply to your pores and skin and permit to dry earlier than attaching the sensor. It makes the pores and skin tremendous sticky, so it acts as an additional adhesive. I’ve by no means appreciated it an excessive amount of since I’d get glue far and wide, however I do know loads from the diabetes neighborhood who loves it.
Some additionally add Pores and skin-Tac if the sensor begins coming off after a number of days. Simply add a little bit adhesive below the sting and reattach it that manner. Once more, this technique doesn’t work tremendous effectively for me, possibly as a result of it’s fairly exhausting to scrub the realm the place the sensor has come free.
It’s considerably difficult to get off (from the realm the place you utilized it in addition to your arms), so I do advocate utilizing the adhesive remover wipes to get the adhesive off.
CGM tip 2 – Use GrifGrips as a substitute of overlay tape to cut back itching in heat climate
Common overlay tape (see trick #3) could make my pores and skin irritated when the climate is actually heat or I’m doing a whole lot of cardio, so I’ve discovered material patches like GrifGrips rather more usable (see my CGM patch overview for more information). They have been initially designed with an energetic life-style in thoughts, and so they actually do the job! That is considered one of my high CGM ideas for summer time
They maintain the sensor in place with out irritating my pores and skin in any respect. For the reason that texture of the patch is extra like a giant bandage than plastic, it doesn’t really feel like I’m carrying a patch and I overlook about it fairly shortly.
For me, the draw back is that the patch seems to be like an enormous bandage and isn’t see-through just like the tape is. You will get a whole lot of totally different coloured GrifGrips, however they’re all very seen. I don’t thoughts exhibiting my CGM, however the in-your-face coloration selections are just a bit an excessive amount of for me typically. However if you’re into colourful patches, their merchandise are for you.
CGM tip 3 – Use overlay tape to safe the sensor
One factor to love concerning the overlay tape is that it’s utterly see-through, so until you might be all up and shut, you don’t discover that there’s an additional tape over the sensor. There’s nothing fancy about this tape, apart from the grid that’s printed on the paper aspect, which makes it simpler to measure out and reduce straight. Different manufacturers will most definitely do the roles simply as effectively, so don’t fear if you happen to can’t get this one.
The one massive draw back I’ve discovered to the overlay tape is that after I do a whole lot of cardio, or the climate is heat sufficient that I sweat lots, the tape actually irritates my pores and skin. After a number of days, my pores and skin will get purple and itchy, which is way from optimum. So for me, it’s extra of a fall/winter resolution. In the summertime, I take advantage of GrifGrips as a substitute (see trick #2)”
CGM tip 4 – Use a tag cutter to chop your overlay tape
Of all my CGM ideas, that is most likely my favourite – this trick is good! This little system will punch an ideal Dexcom-sized gap within the overlay tape. Should you’ve ever tried to chop a gap in overlay tape, you realize that it’s a ache, and just about inconceivable to do with out it trying prefer it was reduce by a four-year-old with uninteresting scissors.
In fact, you could be extra gifted than I’m at chopping holes, and having the grid printed on the tape ought to make it simpler, BUT…
A diabuddy really useful this device to me, and it’s superb. It’s in no way designed for chopping completely Dexcom-sized holes in tape – it’s truly meant to be a tag punching system (you realize for birthday presents and such). However if you happen to comply with the hyperlink to Amazon and take a look at what different merchandise individuals purchase together with this, it’s all diabetes associated stuff. Even the evaluations are all diabetes associated.
CGM tip 5 – Discover the precise CGM placement for you
I’ve discovered that the place I place the sensor has the biggest affect on my general consolation degree, so it’s considered one of my most necessary CGM ideas. I favor to put it on my decrease again or the again of my higher arms (the triceps). That is the place there may be the least probability of me bumping into one thing and tearing it off.
It may be a little bit difficult to insert the CGM on the higher arm with out assist, so I made this brief video to point out how I do it.
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 bigger probability of me pulling it off each time I put on denims (sure, I put on very tight denims), and I discover it uncomfortable to have my pants pushing on the sensor. I additionally wish to maintain the sensor away from locations the place I bend. Optimally, I’ll connect it horizontally to attenuate the possibility of it getting in the best way after I transfer round. Think about doing a aspect crunch whereas attempting to keep away from being prodded by the sensor each time.
Putting the sensor optimally will be difficult and a few websites I simply can’t do alone, so Tobias will typically 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 it on their calves!!).
I hope you discovered a few of my CGM ideas helpful, and I might love to listen to yours! What’s your finest CGM tip?
Instructed subsequent submit: The Final Diabetic Present Information
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