Living with Type 1 diabetes comes with its fair share of challenges, victories, and unexpected moments. I thought it would be great for us to share our stories—whether it’s a tough day you powered through, a tip that’s made managing your blood sugar easier, or even something that made you laugh about this wild ride we’re on.
For me, one of the trickiest parts has been keeping my devices secure, especially during workouts. I’ve tried a few adhesive patches, but I’m still looking for something that really sticks well and is comfortable.
Do you have any recommendations for adhesive patches that work well? Any tips to make them last longer?
I live in the DC area, where it can get muggy in the summer and temps can be 90+. Simpatches work very well for me and I find wearing a shield under the patch gived an extra measure of security. The patches stay in place very well but occasionally one does start to pull off. In that event, since the shield keeps the patch from touching the device tape, so your sensor or infusion set won’t come off with it. They are made for different products, and come in a variety of colors.
PS - there is also a product called Skin-Tac - it comes in wipes and perhaps bottles. It makes your skin tacky to help with adhesion although you probably want to leave a clear spot to insert your device. I haven’t used it in ages but it just came to mind.
Gracela @Ellace, I try to look ahead before any kind of workout and arrange my devices to fit what I think will be needed - more times than not, I’m successful. Then what is “workout”?
First, and most important is the actual preparation of site for pump infusion and glucose sensor - and importantly area placed on body - the only over-patch I’ve ever used [20 years pump, 6 years CGM] is the onr required for Dexcom G7. BTW, I spend a lot of time outside sweating in Florida that any summer day with relative humidity as low as 85% is unusual.
The area for my stickies must be clean - no trace of shampoo, evil conditioner, body-wash, soap; i splash cool water on otherwise “clean” skin and rub the area heavily with a course towel taking off a few layers of dermas - getting down below the skin layers that are going to wilt, die and fall by the wayside within 10 days. Several years ago with the G5 when I’d be riding my bike in the heat for 6 hours a few times a week, I did use Smith & Nephew IV prep on my skin after some sensors looked as if they might loosen before the week’s use was finished.
As for pump not getting in the way I “hang” several different places making sure the tubbing is secured. The standard clothing/belt clip attached someplace around the waist with tubing tucked under waistband is most of the time; second to that is running tubing under shirt and through a slit into buttoned shist-pocket when climbing; pump in a fabric belt around body when on beach walk - and during a few surgeries. I also have a neoprene case [wetsuit material] outfitted with clip, beltloop, neck-strap for wet activities and sailing. I enjoy being active and so far diabetes hasn’t been able to stop me.
Thanks for sharing your experience with Simpatches and the tip about using a shield for extra security! Glad to hear they’ve been working well for you, especially in the DC heat. I’ll keep Skin-Tac in mind too if I need a little extra stick. Your advice is super helpful!
It’s awesome how you’ve figured out ways to keep everything in place, from pump placement to sensor prep, especially with all the time you spend outdoors. Your tips and experience are super helpful—and it’s great to see how diabetes hasn’t slowed you down!
When you start with a really good stick like what @Dennis suggested I’ve found that the fabric pad will re-stick to the adhesive left on the skin if the pad is in contact with the skin when everything dries. I’ll move my Dexcom G6 to my arm for summer and wrap it with 3M Coban. aka athletic wrap. I love that it sticks to itself and not to me.
This summer I found that the “new” fabric pad on the G6, same as the G7 material, will wick water under the G6 overpatches , the overpatch will stop sticking to the pad, the pad comes out from under the overpatch then the overpatch sticks to the skin leaving nothing for the pad to re-stick to. That was an unpleasant surprise. I’ll have to order a new pack of overpatches to see if Dexcom updated the adhesive on them.
I am an avid cyclist who rides indoors on a trainer, and outdoors on a real bike. When riding indoors, I sweat a LOT, and my rides are typically 90 or more minutes. I use Not Just A Patch X Air patches over my Libre CGM. When I started using patches NJAP did not have the Air patches available. Their regular patches would work for usually 6-7 days, but would lose adhesion from sweat and showering. The newer Air patches always last me at least 12 days, which I think is amazing considering the amount of moisture I subject them to. On day 12 or 13, when I need to remove the patch, I’ll just use a one inch wide Band-Aid on the sensor for the last 24-48 hours of the sensor.
I totally understand where you’re coming from! As a former gymnast and someone who works out regularly while managing Type 1 diabetes, I can’t stress enough how much using the right patches can help keep your CGM secure even during the sweatiest workouts.
I personally use patches from Not Just A Patch. They’re super reliable, comfortable, and designed to stay put no matter how active you are. A tip to make them last even longer is to clean the application area thoroughly with alcohol wipes and ensure the skin is completely dry before applying. Also, give the patch a couple of hours to fully bond before working out or sweating.
Would love to hear if you give them a try or if you find another solution that works for you.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and suggestions, everyone! It means a lot to hear from others who really get what it’s like to manage this every day. I’m excited to try some of the ideas you’ve shared—hopefully, I’ll finally find something that works! Appreciate the support and tips!
BTW - on a side note, off you want to have a backup plan there are straps you can buy to keep your device in place… Of course the image below is from Amazon but I stumbled across an Etsy seller who makes straps for the legal well.
