This week on Diabetes Connections we gathered advice on getting diabetes gear like CGM sensors and insulin pump insets and pods to stick to skin. I spoke with experts and “ordinary” people living with type 1. As I say in the episode, so much of this is trial and error; it’s very difficult to know what may work for you or your child until you try it.
This is by no means an exhaustive list. Please add what we missed in the comments or head over to the Facebook page and add your advice!
It’s worth noting that whatever product you use, most experts will tell you preparing the skin is the most important step. Clean with soap and water or with alcohol wipes and be sure to let dry. Then you’re ready for the actual sticky stuff. We have also found it helpful to insert sensors or insets at least 4-5 hours before going in the water and the night before swimming (or earlier) works best for us.
This list is full of brand name and generics. I’ve linked to a website when the brand has one. You may also want to try Amazon or ask your medical supply provider. Just as everyone’s skin is different, so is our health insurance. It’s possible that what works for you may actually be covered. Stranger things have happened.
I expect to edit & add to this list in the weeks and months to come. Hope it helps!
Sticky Wipes
These make the skin a bit tacky in order to give the material you put on top a better hold.
Skin Tac wipe or liquid
IV Prep wipe
Mastisol liquid
Stoma Care wipe w/aloe
Hollister skin gel
ReliaMed wipe
Tapes/Patches
Tegaderm film dressing
Opsite Flexifix transparent film
Hypafix dressing tape
RockaDex Dexcom patches
GrifGrips adhesive patch
Waterproof Bandaid
Wraps/Bands
Kinesiology Tape (Includes brand names KT Tape, Rock Tape, Vara Tape)
Vet Wrap
Athletic Sleeves
Rash Guard/Swim shirt (cut to fit)
Misc.
EK Tools Tag Punch Classic (Dexcom-sized hole punch)
Dexcom & Libre Rash (Public Facebook Group)
Like most of us, I think I have used most of these. I figure collectively if we have not, we will soon enough. I think we need a user discount for being top tier users.