Blog - Diabetes Treatment
What is a diabetic patch?
A diabetic patch, also known as a diabetic arm patch or diabetes monitoring patch (all terms describe the same system) is a sensor that is placed on your body to measure your glucose levels. A diabetic patch that measures your glucose levels automatically throughout the day and night is known as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system and removes the need for traditional finger pricks*, allowing users greater flexibility and independence.
For people with diabetes, regulating blood glucose levels is an essential part of everyday diabetes management – ensuring that blood sugars do not go too high or too low.
A CGM sensor patch is not to be confused with an insulin patch pump, also known as a smart insulin patch. Patch insulin pumps, placed on your skin, deliver insulin and are controlled remotely.
In this article, learn how diabetic patches from Dexcom provide a simple and convenient way to actively monitor your glucose levels in real time as part of a CGM system.
How does a diabetes patch work?
Those aged two and above can secure a Dexcom diabetes monitoring patch (consisting of adhesive, glucose sensor and transmitter) on the upper arm, abdomen or upper buttocks using the adhesive backing §.
The diabetes patch works by placing a small glucose sensor under the skin to measure your interstitial glucose, which is the glucose in the body tissue. Glucose readings are then sent directly to a compatible receiver or smartphone†, where up to 288 glucose readings are taken automatically per day. The Dexcom diabetes patches are easy to insert§. With Dexcom G6 and Dexcom ONE 84% of Dexcom users reported painless sensor insertion1 and with Dexcom G7, 95% of participants reported on a questionnaire that sensor insertions felt painless§. This makes Dexcom suitable for both children and adults.
When placing a diabetic patch on your body, it is important to choose an area that does not frequently get knocked or impacted when you bend your body to ensure comfortable positioning. Once applied, you should press the adhesive patch on your skin for up to 60 seconds for a secure hold.
To get the longest use from each patch, make sure you rub around the area to remove any wrinkles and any possibility of peeling once applied.
It is important for users to make sure the skin is dry, the room to not be too humid and to clean the sensor insertion site twice: first with soap and water and then, once dried, with an alcohol wipe to remove the last traces of the previous adhesive. The patch can be inserted to the back of upper arm or abdomen. For children aged 2 – 17 Dexcom ONE and G6 can also be inserted to the upper buttocks. With Dexcom G7, this additional insertion point is suitable for children aged 2 – 6.
Avoid inserting the sensor following a shower or bath as this will create additional moisture and the diabetes patch may not work as well. If you are using additional adhesive, place this under the patch, away from where the needle is inserted, for a secure hold. If you have irritated or sensitive skin, you should work alongside your healthcare professional (HCP) to find a solution that works for you.
Why choose a Dexcom CGM system as a diabetes monitoring patch?
Removing the need for scanning or finger pricks *, Dexcom CGM systems provide clinically proven greater glycaemic control for those with type 12,7 and type 2 diabetes3,8. Users with type 1 diabetes achieve long-time reduction in HbA1c and increase of time in range close to the consensus targets4,5.
The Dexcom CGM system, allows you to check your glucose readings on a compatible smartphone or device†. It will alert you to any unusual trends in your glucose levels, allowing you to take preventative steps to reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia and increase your time in range.
With personalised and predictive alerts, you and your healthcare team can make better and earlier treatment decisions and maintain tighter glucose control all day, every day. To decide which Dexcom CGM system is right for you, make sure to discuss this with your healthcare team.
Selected benefits of Dexcom diabetic arm patches
Dexcom’s diabetic patches (sometimes also called diabetic arm patches or diabetes monitoring patch) are highly discrete and allow you to enjoy everyday activities with confidence. Dexcom patches offer multiple benefits compared to traditional blood glucose monitoring:
- It is perfect for parents who wish to routinely monitor their child’s glucose levels throughout the day, as well as adults who wish to routinely track their glucose in a simple and convenient way by using Dexcom Follow app with Dexcom G6 and G7.
- For older users, particularly those who may be unable or unwilling to use traditional equipment such as a blood glucose meter to test their blood glucose, a CGM offers greater independence. Additionally, the Dexcom Follow app allows you to share with up to 10 people with Dexcom G6 and G7
- It is suitable for those who are constantly on the go or highly active. Once firmly secured, the diabetic patches are water-resistant‡ in up to eight feet of water for up to 24 hrs, so you can bathe or shower while your blood glucose levels are continually measured in the background.
- Continuously tracking your glucose levels day and night, the versatile Dexcom CGM system can showcase how medication, food and exercise can impact your glucose levels in real time.
Whatever your lifestyle may be, the small Dexcom diabetes monitoring patches offer customised high and low alerts, reducing the risk of your glucose levels going too high or too low and thereby improving glycaemic control. A better glycaemic control is associated with a reduced risk of long-term complications9.
New users can get started by comparing our CGM products or by speaking to your healthcare professional.
Sharing capabilities of Dexcom CGM system
A Dexcom CGM provides the ability to share glucose data with up to 10 friends, family members or health professionals with the Dexcom Clarity app†,||.
By offering personalised data reports which illustrate various trends or patterns in your glucose data, the Dexcom Clarity app can provide a greater picture of your diabetes management over time, even remotely. It can also offer weekly notifications that allow both you and your healthcare team to identify areas of concern and make essential changes to your everyday diabetes management6.
Users who used web-based reports and all autogenerated notifications of Dexcom Clarity spent 8.4% more time in range (3.9 – 10.0 mmol/L) as compared to non-users.6
You can download the Dexcom Clarity app from Apple App Store or the Google Play Store with a compatible mobile device†.
References
* If your glucose alerts and readings from the Dexcom CGM system do not match symptoms or expectations, use a blood glucose meter to make diabetes treatment decisions.
†Display devices sold separately. For a list of compatible smart devices, please visit www.dexcom.com/compatibility
‡ Dexcom ONE sensor and transmitter are water-resistant and may be submerged under eight feet of water for up to 24 hours without failure, when properly installed.
§ Please refer to G6, Dexcom ONE and G7 User Guide.
|| Following requires an internet connection and the Dexcom Follow app.
1 Shah VN, et al. Performance of a factory-calibrated real-time continuous glucose monitoring system utilizing an automated sensor applicator. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2018;20(6):428-433.
2 Beck RW, et al. Effect of continuous glucose monitoring on glycemic control in adults with type 1 diabetes using insulin injections: The DIAMOND randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2017;317(4):371-378.
3 Beck RW, et al. Continuous glucose monitoring versus usual care in patients with type 2 diabetes receiving multiple daily insulin injections: A randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2017;167(6):365-374.
4 Šoupal J, et al. Glycemic Outcomes in Adults with T1D Are Impacted More by Continuous Glucose Monitoring Than by Insulin Delivery Method: 3 Years of Follow‐Up from The COMISAIR Study. Diabetes Care. 2020;43:37-43.
5 Holt RIG et al. The Management of Type 1 Diabetes in Adults. A Consensus Report by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD). Diabetes Care. 2021;44:2589-2625
6 Akturk HK, et al. Real-World Evidence and Glycemic Improvement Using Dexcom G6 Features. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2021;23(S1):S21-S26.
7 Lind M, et al. JAMA. 2017;317(4):379-387
8 Martens T, et al. JAMA. 2021;325(22):2262-2272.
9 ADA. 7. Diabetes Technology: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2021;44(Suppl1):S85-S99
†Display devices sold separately. For a list of compatible smart devices, please visit www.dexcom.com/compatibility
‡ Dexcom ONE sensor and transmitter are water-resistant and may be submerged under eight feet of water for up to 24 hours without failure, when properly installed.
§ Please refer to G6, Dexcom ONE and G7 User Guide.
|| Following requires an internet connection and the Dexcom Follow app.
1 Shah VN, et al. Performance of a factory-calibrated real-time continuous glucose monitoring system utilizing an automated sensor applicator. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2018;20(6):428-433.
2 Beck RW, et al. Effect of continuous glucose monitoring on glycemic control in adults with type 1 diabetes using insulin injections: The DIAMOND randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2017;317(4):371-378.
3 Beck RW, et al. Continuous glucose monitoring versus usual care in patients with type 2 diabetes receiving multiple daily insulin injections: A randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2017;167(6):365-374.
4 Šoupal J, et al. Glycemic Outcomes in Adults with T1D Are Impacted More by Continuous Glucose Monitoring Than by Insulin Delivery Method: 3 Years of Follow‐Up from The COMISAIR Study. Diabetes Care. 2020;43:37-43.
5 Holt RIG et al. The Management of Type 1 Diabetes in Adults. A Consensus Report by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD). Diabetes Care. 2021;44:2589-2625
6 Akturk HK, et al. Real-World Evidence and Glycemic Improvement Using Dexcom G6 Features. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2021;23(S1):S21-S26.
7 Lind M, et al. JAMA. 2017;317(4):379-387
8 Martens T, et al. JAMA. 2021;325(22):2262-2272.
9 ADA. 7. Diabetes Technology: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2021;44(Suppl1):S85-S99