Blog - Diabetes News
World Diabetes Day with Custom CGM Patches
To celebrate World Diabetes Day 2022, four of Dexcom’s local Warriors created their own custom Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) patches. They designed them to showcase their personal stories to help people with diabetes feel seen and heard wherever they live. To get involved in the conversation, we asked our community to visit the custom Design Shop to do the same. Dexcom gave away CGM patch stickers to the first 500 designs in the UK and Ireland. Using the hashtag #SeeDiabetes, our campaign helped to encourage others to take part, wearing their Dexcom CGM Systems (and custom patches) with pride.
What is a diabetes CGM patch?
CGM patches are adhesive overpatches to help secure your CGM sensor and transmitter to your skin. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit your device and personal preferences. Most brands are made with medical grade hypoallergenic and ‘skin friendly’ adhesive. This means that they are unlikely to cause any irritation, as well as to allow your skin to breathe and move as it normally would. Patches can also be waterproof so that they can be more securely worn in various weather conditions, for swimming or for athletes.
A CGM patch should not be confused with a diabetic or diabetes patch. The latter refers to the entire CGM system, consisting of the sensor, transmitter and the adhesive.
Why customise your CGM patch?
Wearing and customising your CGM patch has become increasingly popular. Not only does it allow you to design it in a way that fits your body and lifestyle best, but it acts as way for you to wear your sensor and transmitter with pride. You can choose from a wide number of shapes and colours, as well as the pattern or design on your sticker. You may want to do this to suit a particular occasion, such as a formal event or fun holiday, or to represent your personality and unique diabetes story.
How to customise your CGM patch
They’re a number of CGM patch providers available in the UK and abroad. You can shop online and choose from a variety of existing designs or create a completely customised CGM patch from scratch. Some allow you to upload an image or pattern, while you can work with others to create something unique together. For the #SeeDiabetes campaign, our Warriors worked with a provider that allows customers to design skins for a range of diabetes devices, including insulin pumps, glucometers and other accessories. Their custom CGM patch stickers are compatible with all Dexcom CGM Systems and components.
World Diabetes Day 2022
World Diabetes Day takes place on the 14th November each year to drive awareness and celebrate people living with diabetes. In 2022 the theme was ‘access to diabetes care’ with global activities including screening and educational programmes, sports events, radio, television and social media campaigns.
British actress, Nina Wadia*, appeared on BBC Morning Live on World Diabetes Day for a discussion with Dr. Xand about Type 1 diabetes. Nina shared her son Aidan’s story, the warning signs of diabetes, and how technology has helped, in particular the use of his Dexcom CGM system.
Eoin Costelloe
Fitness influencer, Eoin Costelloe*, was diagnosed aged 19. As a very active person, CGM patches add an extra layer of security and comfort while wearing his Dexcom CGM System. He advocates wearing his sensor with pride and sharing his personal story to raise awareness. While the condition is far from straightforward, he is determined to prove that people living with diabetes are capable of anything.
His custom blue CGM Patch includes a fingerprint pattern, demonstrating the unique nature of each person’s diabetes experience.
Roxy Horner
Model and social media influencer, Roxy Horner*, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes aged 30. Having already worked as a successful model since she was a teenager, the diagnosis initially came as a shock. But she refused to let it hold her back from her ambitions and uses her platform to share how she manages her condition on a daily basis.
With what can sometimes feel like an invisible battle, Roxy wears her Dexcom CGM System (and patch) with pride to help people with diabetes feel seen and heard. Her custom design represents her passion for beauty, fashion, modelling and female empowerment.
Sheku Kanneh-Mason
Celloist and BBC Young Musician award-winner, Sheku Kanneh-Mason*, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes aged 12. At first, he was worried that his condition would hold him back. But technology, such as the Dexcom CGM Systems, has made it easier for him to manage his diabetes, especially while travelling and on tour. It’s allowed him to fulfil his dream of performing music all around the world.
He was delighted to create his very own Dexcom CGM patch for the #SeeDiabetes campaign. It features a colourful, geometric cello design inspired by his life and passion for the instrument.
Henry Slade
England Rugby player Henry Slade* was diagnosed aged 18. While there was a time that he thought his Type 1 diabetes could prematurely end his sporting career, he’s learnt to actively manage his condition. Through education and the help of Dexcom CGM Systems, he’s continued to thrive, being selected for the England squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
As an athlete, CGM patches help him to feel extra confident while on (and off) the pitch. His custom sticker represents his sporting achievements, with the colours of the Exeter Chiefs proudly displayed.
Feel empowered all year round
While we celebrate World Diabetes Day in November of each year, CGM technology, such as Dexcom CGM Systems, can help you to manage your diabetes (and feel empowered) all year round.
Dexcom Warriors act as ambassadors and support for people living with diabetes. Sign up as a Warrior if you’d like to join our community to spread the message of strength, optimism and to help the world #SeeDiabetes.
* Dexcom Warriors are paid spokespeople for Dexcom.