If you’re an everyday reader of Diabetes Sturdy, you in all probability seen that I typically put on my Dexcom CGM on my higher arm.
It’s one in all my favourite locations to put on the CGM however it may be somewhat difficult to insert it with out assist till you be taught the approach.
Since a whole lot of you might have been asking how I do it, let me present you on this brief video:
As you may see, it actually isn’t that troublesome, however I nonetheless advocate havening somebody round to assist the primary time you attempt it.
Why I put on my Dexcom CGM on the higher arm
My higher arm is one in all my favourite CGM placements for a number of causes.
- It’s a meatier a part of my physique, so there’s completely no ache when inserting the sensor
- I’ve discovered that this placement, for me, is the place I’ve the least threat of ripping off the sensor by chance
- I get very correct readings.
The one draw back to carrying it on the arm is that wrestling off a sweaty sports activities bra with out getting it snagged on the sensor generally is a little difficult and getting the hold of inserting it by your self may take somewhat follow.
I often put on the CGM for 7-9 days. After that, it can begin irritating my pores and skin or give inaccurate readings.
Why doesn’t Dexcom advocate carrying it in your arm?
The Dexcom G5 sensor is barely FDA and EMA (The European Medicines Company) authorised for 7-day put on (I do know individuals who’ll make it final 30-days or extra) and just for insertion on the stomach.
The location approval is especially as a result of Dexcom solely submitting scientific knowledge for stomach put on to the FDA and EMA slightly than them discovering different placements to be worse. Nonetheless, carrying it like I do is off-label utilization and doing so is “at personal threat”.
For extra CGM ideas and tips, take a look at my publish “5 CGM Suggestions for the Energetic Diabetic“
