The sensor is the part of the CGM that measures glucose in your interstitial fluid, so applying it correctly is really important.
Choosing the site
You will want to choose an area of skin on the back of your upper arm that generally stays flat during normal daily activities, so it doesn’t bend or fold.
Other tips to follow when choosing your site are:
- Don’t use exactly the same site as the previous sensor to prevent any skin irritation or discomfort.
- Avoid any areas where you have a lot of hair, scarring, stretch marks, lumps, broken skin, scabs, cuts, scrapes or moles.
- Choose a site that is at least 2.5cm (1 inch) away from a site where you inject insulin.
- People wear sensors on many parts of the body, including the abdomen, buttocks, hips, legs, arms, and forearms. Choose an area that has enough fat to “pinch”, and an area that is comfortable for you.
Skin preparation
Preparing your skin is important to help the sensor stick properly. The following table gives you some solutions to some common problems that prevent adhesion:
Applying the sensor
Once you’ve prepared your skin, you’re ready to apply your sensor. Apply the sensor according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure the sensor is securely applied to your skin.
Sensor adhesion
You may find that you need additional products to help keep the sensor stuck down. There are many adhesive patches and ‘guards’ available online that help keep the sensor in place.
The following products can help with sensor adhesion. You may need to try a few before finding the one that best suits you and your skin. If you are in any doubt, then speak to your diabetes care team for further guidance.
Sensor removal
If any adhesive remains on your skin after removing the sensor, the following products may help. Remember that everyone’s skin is different, so find the one that works best for you.
Top tips for wearing your sensor
Depending on your CGM, the sensors are designed to be worn between 7-14 days. Some useful tips for wearing your sensor are:
Be careful about bumping into objects: Avoid bumping or catching your sensor on door frames, car doors, furniture, people, pets or other hard objects.
Touching the sensor adhesive: Avoid touching, pushing or pulling on the sensor. Also, you should avoid touching, scratching or pulling on the adhesive around the sensor, even if the adhesive has begun to peel.
Getting dressed: Use extra care to avoid hitting or catching the sensor on clothing while getting dressed. Avoid wearing tight clothing on your arms as doing so may pull off the sensor.
Showering/bathing: The sensor is water-resistant but use extra care when cleaning around the sensor and when towelling off so that you do not catch or pull off the sensor.
Contact sports: Avoid contact sports and heavy exercise with an activity that may knock off your sensor.
Removing the sensor and looking after skin “low and slow” removal and general skin care advice -we are seeing a large number of skin reactions coming through now
Change “You will want to choose an area of skin on the back of your upper arm that generally stays flat…”
to “You will want to choose an area of skin that generally stays flat….”
Can we split “People wear sensors on many parts of the body, including the abdomen, buttocks, hips, legs, arms, and forearms. Choose an area that has enough fat to “pinch”, and an area that is comfortable for you.” into two bullet points and edit as follows:
“The sensor can be worn on different parts of the body, such as the tummy, bottom, hips, legs, upper arms, or forearms. Not every site is suitable for every CGM, so it’s important to check with your healthcare team about the best place for your particular sensor.
Choose an area that has enough fat to “pinch”, and an area that is comfortable for you.”
Under “Sensor removal” can you delete “Use help if needed – If the adhesive is stubborn, an adhesive remover wipe, baby oil, or a little medical tape remover can help loosen it.” and change to.
“Removing the sensor can be a bit tricky. The following tips that may help:
Choose a good time for you – It’s often easier after a shower or bath, as warm water can help loosen the adhesive.
Peel the sensor off gently – Start at the edge and slowly peel the adhesive back. Try to keep the sensor low and close to the skin rather than pulling straight up.
Go slowly – Taking your time helps reduce discomfort and skin irritation.
Use help if needed – If the adhesive is stubborn, the products listed in the table below may help. Remember that everyone’s skin is different, so find the one that works best for you.
Check your skin – A little redness is normal, but if you notice ongoing redness, pain, oozing, or signs of infection, contact your healthcare team.”