This post may contain affiliate links. Please read the disclosure.
I love my CGM, but it took me a while to learn how to wear it all the time, without irritating or itching, and without the adhesive tape falling off after a few days.
These CGM tips and tricks are based on my experience with Dexcom G6, Dexcom G7, and Freestyle Libre 2, but should work with CGM brands and models in the market.
How to find the right CGM placement
We found that placing the sensor had the biggest impact on the overall comfort of placing the CGM sensor. This is one of the most important CGM tips as it has the biggest impact on your overall comfort level.
I prefer to place the Dexcom G6 and Freestyle Libre 2 on the back of my hips or upper arms (triceps), but I can see that the Dexcom G7 works best on the stomach and thighs. This is where I have the least chance of hitting something and tearing it apart.
In this video you can see several different places where you can wear the Dexcom G7.
I found it necessary to place it on my waist, just above my belt/pants. If you place it under the belt, it is more likely to pull away every time you wear jeans. Pushing your pants into the sensor is uncomfortable.
I would also like to move the sensor away from where I turn. Attach horizontally to minimize the chance of getting in the way when you move around.
Positioning sensors optimally can be difficult and is part of a site that you can’t reach yourself, so Tobias lends you a helping hand.
And there are some sites that just scare me, so I haven’t built up the nerve to try them yet (I’ve seen them wearing them on their calves!!).
How to maintain CGM
Maintaining CGM for the life of the sensor can be a problem, but there are tricks you can use to maintain CGM.
Uses Sking Lip Overlay Tape
Regular overlay tapes, especially those sent by Dexcom, can stimulate the skin when the weather is really warm or when I’m doing lots of cardio.
This is my arm only three days after using Dexcom overlay tape. It almost seemed like a burn, and I was still able to see it after 3 months!
I think fabric patches like Sking Lip are much easier to use. They were originally designed with an active lifestyle in mind, and they really do their job! This is one of my top CGM tips for summer.
They keep the sensor in place for weeks without irritating my skin at all. The texture of the patch is like a larger bandage than plastic, so it doesn’t feel like you’re wearing a patch and you’ll quickly forget about it.
Skinglip comes in a variety of colors and designs, and comes with see-through tape that is almost invisible.
If you’re interested in colorful patches like me, their products are for you. You can get 10% off on the Skin Grib website using Code Diabetesstrong.
Other Overlay Tape Options
I prefer the Sking Lip Overlay Tape, but there are many other options too.
- Griff Grip has many crazy shapes and colour patches (what about patches shaped like T-Rex?) This is ideal for kids and people who prefer CGM accessories.
- ExpressionMed creates patches with a variety of designs (including the Taylor Swift collection). Their patches are not a fan of me, but they are still a solid option.
- Pumpelz is similar to that expressed in fabric, but its design is a little more “mature” than glyph grips or expressions. I liked using them but it doesn’t last as long as my skin is holding onto it.
Add additional adhesive to the sensor using Skin-TAC™ adhesive wipes
If you find your CGM drops very quickly, Skin-TAC can be the solution for you.
Basically, it can be applied to the skin and dried before installing the sensor. It makes the skin very tacky and acts as an extra adhesive.
I didn’t really like it because I get glue here and there, but I know a lot from the diabetic community that loves it.
Others may add Skin-TAC if the sensor starts to come off after a few days. Add a little glue under the edges and do that.
Again, this method doesn’t work very well for me. This may be because it is quite difficult to clean up areas where the sensor is loose.
It’s a bit difficult to get off (from where you applied it and where you applied your hands) so I recommend using it Glue remover wipes To turn off the adhesive.
