Blog - Diabetes Management
Diabetes Skin Care: Tips and Tricks for Dexcom CGM Patch Adhesion
While CGM systems (or diabetic patches) offer an effective way to measure glucose levels, some people may experience poor patch adhesion. On the other hand, repeated sensor insertion may lead to skin irritation issues. Learn more about what causes these issues and the steps you can take to prevent them.
See our diabetes skin care checklist to get the most out of your Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System.
What is a diabetic patch?
A diabetic patch is placed on your body to measure your glucose levels automatically throughout the day and night. It is also known as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system and offers a more flexible solution for people living with diabetes as it reduces the need for routinely checking blood sugar levels with finger pricks.*
A diabetic patch consists of a glucose sensor, a transmitter and adhesive patch. The adhesive is typically made from medical grade adhesive designed to firmly (and comfortably) stick to your skin for an extended period of time1. In the case of Dexcom CGM Systems, this is up to 10 days.1
What causes adhesion issues?
Some of the common causes of diabetic patch adhesion problems are related to how it is placed, such as choosing an incorrect sensor site, not preparing the site correctly or application errors. Mishandling the diabetic patch and touching the adhesive too much could potentially lead to issues.
Poor adhesion can be linked to moisture, such as excessive sweating and humidity. The lipids in creams and oils placed on and around the sensor site could also dissolve the adhesive chemicals, making them less sticky.
- Limited body surface area in young children
- Ambient temperature and humidity level
- Types and duration of physical activity
How to avoid adhesion issues
Following the proper instructions for sensor placement will reduce the likelihood of adhesion errors. Ensure that the sensor site is clean using an alcohol wipe and giving it time to dry. Place the diabetic patch only on the recommended areas. Dexcom CGM Systems offer more placement options than other CGM systems on the market – this is the upper arms and abdomen for adults, and upper buttocks† for children and teenagers.
Avoid sites that are irregular, bony and overly hairy.3 After insertion, press the adhesive patch on your skin for up to 60 seconds for a secure hold. Ensure you do not roughly touch the sensor or adhesive and avoid putting creams and oils over the site just before application.3
CGM overpatches are larger adhesive overpatches that cover the diabetic patch adhesive. Not only is it a fun way to show off your sensor, but it may provide an extra layer of stability.
What causes skin irritation issues?
Dexcom CGM System sensor insertion involves placing a tiny fibre cannular that is inserted just beneath the skin to measure your interstitial fluid. In some cases, if the same insertion site is used repeatedly (as well as your injection site if you use insulin injections or pens), this can cause bumps, hardness or other skin reactions.
Insertion sites should be given time to heal before new tape or adhesives are placed over site.2 This, along with other application errors can lead to skin irritation issues, as well as reactions to the adhesive itself.
You could also have or develop (over time) an allergy to the adhesive used in diabetic patches. This could lead to skin reactions, like rashes, and other symptoms.3
How to avoid skin irritation issues
Again, it’s important to follow the proper instructions when applying your diabetic patch. Choose a site that’s free from wounds/broken skin , tattoos and not irritated or inflamed. Also, avoid the same area you may use for your insulin pump or insulin injections – this should be at least 8cm away.
By rotating sensor placement (as well as your injection site), you may avoid skin irritation issues such as hardness or bumps. Previous insertion sites should be given a minimum of 1 week to heal before new tape or adhesives are placed over the same sites.3 As they’re designed for one-time use, never use the same sensor twice.
For some people, liquid barrier films may offer sufficient protection from reactions to adhesives.4 Either way, it’s advised to keep your skin well moisturised, exfoliated and in a generally healthy condition.3 Consult a dermatologist if you’re experiencing skin irritation issues.
Read our blog with Warrior Shreya to learn about her experience with comfortable sensor placement and avoiding skin irritation issues.
Diabetes patch (and skin care) checklist
- Keep skin generally well moisturised and exfoliated5
- Don’t use creams or oil on the insertion site right before application3
- Don’t insert sensor right after a shower/bath or in a steamy room2,5
- Follow product instructions for diabetic patch insertion (sensor site)
- Avoid bony, tattooed, hairy and wounded areas6
- Avoid insulin pump and other insertion sites (at least 8cm away)3
- Rotate sensor placement as often as possible3
- After application, gently rub around the adhesive patch in circular motions
- Avoid roughly touching or fiddling with adhesive too much
- Never re-use the same sensor twice
- Use a barrier film if you’re having skin irritation issues4
Reliable diabetes care with Dexcom
Diabetic patches, such as Dexcom CGM Systems, offer a comfortable‡ and accurate§ way to measure your glucose levels. For further protection from adhesion issues, Dexcom G6 is water resistant|| up to 2.4m, while the Dexcom G7 and Dexcom ONE+ are waterproof|| up to the same depth. Dexcom CGM Systems’ sensor patches are made from medical-grade, pressure-sensitive, acrylic-based adhesive. They’ve passed strict skin irritation tests, allowing for 10-day wear.§
The latest generation of our CGM Systems, the Dexcom G7, is designed to be as comfortable‡ as possible, with the patch adhesive designed to minimise adhesion and skin irritation issues.
Footnotes & References:
* Finger pricks required for diabetes treatment decisions if symptoms or expectations do not match readings.
† Dexcom G6 (children only 2-17 years). Dexcom G7 and Dexcom ONE+ (children only 2-6 years).
‡ Patients reported 92% of Dexcom G7 sensors were comfortable to wear (mild, no discomfort).
§ Dexcom G6, Dexcom G7 and Dexcom ONE+ User Guides.
|| Water resistant and waterproof up to 24 hours.
1 Heinemann and Kamann_JDST1-5 2016_Adhesives Medical Devices NeglectedRisk w Serious Consequences (v1.0).
2 Englert et al_JDST, 1-7 2014_Skin and Adhesive Issues With CGM A Sticky Situation (v1.0).
3 Messer et al_DTT V20S2 2018_Preserving Skin Integrity With Chronic Device Use In Diabetes (v1.0).
4 McNichol L, Lund C, Rosen T, Gray M: Medical adhesives and patient safety: State of the science: consensus statements for the assessment, prevention, and treatment of adhesiverelated skin injuries. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs 2013;40:365-380; quiz E361-E362.
5 Chase HP, Messer L: Understanding Insulin Pumps and Continuous Glucose Monitors. 3rd ed. Denver: Children's Diabetes Research Foundation, 2016.
6 Karlin AW, Ly TT, Pyle L, et al.: Duration of infusion set survival in lipohypertrophy versus nonlipohypertrophied tissue in patients with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes Technol Ther 2016;18:429-435.
† Dexcom G6 (children only 2-17 years). Dexcom G7 and Dexcom ONE+ (children only 2-6 years).
‡ Patients reported 92% of Dexcom G7 sensors were comfortable to wear (mild, no discomfort).
§ Dexcom G6, Dexcom G7 and Dexcom ONE+ User Guides.
|| Water resistant and waterproof up to 24 hours.
1 Heinemann and Kamann_JDST1-5 2016_Adhesives Medical Devices NeglectedRisk w Serious Consequences (v1.0).
2 Englert et al_JDST, 1-7 2014_Skin and Adhesive Issues With CGM A Sticky Situation (v1.0).
3 Messer et al_DTT V20S2 2018_Preserving Skin Integrity With Chronic Device Use In Diabetes (v1.0).
4 McNichol L, Lund C, Rosen T, Gray M: Medical adhesives and patient safety: State of the science: consensus statements for the assessment, prevention, and treatment of adhesiverelated skin injuries. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs 2013;40:365-380; quiz E361-E362.
5 Chase HP, Messer L: Understanding Insulin Pumps and Continuous Glucose Monitors. 3rd ed. Denver: Children's Diabetes Research Foundation, 2016.
6 Karlin AW, Ly TT, Pyle L, et al.: Duration of infusion set survival in lipohypertrophy versus nonlipohypertrophied tissue in patients with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes Technol Ther 2016;18:429-435.