Subscribe Now

[hb-subscribe]

Trending News

T1D Exchange T1D Exchange T1D Exchange
  • Activity
    • 3 hours, 35 minutes ago
      Lee Tincher likes your comment at
      When you change your insulin pump site, do you tend to notice a spike in your blood glucose levels afterward?
      I oftentimes give myself a little insulin for when I go unplugged while changing pods, depending on what my current sensor reading is.
    • 3 hours, 35 minutes ago
      Lee Tincher likes your comment at
      When you change your insulin pump site, do you tend to notice a spike in your blood glucose levels afterward?
      Always, until I began to increase the "cannula fill" amount. I found I need a good bit more than the (1.3u) to "prime the site" to have the next blood sugars be in goal. Just remember "every body is different". Darn than OmniPod does not let you change that amount, have to use "fake carbs". Something to consider.....
    • 3 hours, 35 minutes ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      How well do you understand the details of your health insurance coverage?
      At the risk of being overly simplistic, it boils down to: "Heads, you lose. Tails, You lose." ╰── ──╮
    • 3 hours, 35 minutes ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      How well do you understand the details of your health insurance coverage?
      They change all the time. Generally not in a direction to improve my health, but to increase the money in their wallet.
    • 3 hours, 36 minutes ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      How well do you understand the details of your health insurance coverage?
      "Slightly," I think, maybe. Insurance companies change their policies, constantly. Prescription coverage changes every time I look at it. Medicare is a huge question mark. Honestly, Health insurance has become a big money making business, for them. I get different answers every time I call, depending upon whom I am talking with. I say it's time for socialized medicine.
    • 3 hours, 36 minutes ago
      Lee Tincher likes your comment at
      When you change your insulin pump site, do you tend to notice a spike in your blood glucose levels afterward?
      Sometimes, which makes sense to me. It seems like it takes a while til the new insulin is absorbed.
    • 7 hours, 51 minutes ago
      KSannie likes your comment at
      When you change your insulin pump site, do you tend to notice a spike in your blood glucose levels afterward?
      **cannula
    • 14 hours, 9 minutes ago
      Kathleen Juzenas likes your comment at
      If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), where do you prefer to view your CGM readings?
      I find a using the T-Connect app I have the main features needed, CMG, bolus, battery level and remaining insulin.
    • 15 hours, 1 minute ago
      Kathy Hanavan likes your comment at
      When you change your insulin pump site, do you tend to notice a spike in your blood glucose levels afterward?
      There are certain areas on my body where the insulin is more effective than others.
    • 18 hours, 3 minutes ago
      TEH likes your comment at
      When you change your insulin pump site, do you tend to notice a spike in your blood glucose levels afterward?
      There are certain areas on my body where the insulin is more effective than others.
    • 18 hours, 3 minutes ago
      TEH likes your comment at
      When you change your insulin pump site, do you tend to notice a spike in your blood glucose levels afterward?
      Sometimes, which makes sense to me. It seems like it takes a while til the new insulin is absorbed.
    • 18 hours, 11 minutes ago
      atr likes your comment at
      When you change your insulin pump site, do you tend to notice a spike in your blood glucose levels afterward?
      There are certain areas on my body where the insulin is more effective than others.
    • 18 hours, 13 minutes ago
      atr likes your comment at
      When you change your insulin pump site, do you tend to notice a spike in your blood glucose levels afterward?
      Usually the opposite. Fresh insulin sometimes sends me low.
    • 18 hours, 25 minutes ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), where do you prefer to view your CGM readings?
      Mostly pump because I want to quickly see insulin on board. Tandem on IPhone when holding my great-niece while she sleeps since getting my pump out of my pocket always wakes her ☺️. Dexcom app if not in need of insulin.
    • 18 hours, 25 minutes ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), where do you prefer to view your CGM readings?
      usually the pump; sometimes my phone.
    • 18 hours, 26 minutes ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), where do you prefer to view your CGM readings?
      My pump (Tandem X2). Since I have to carry a work phone close to 247, I don't want to deal with two phones (device overload!). As I go about my day, looking at my pump meets my needs, I can decide to bolus etc - and edit the bolus. For more in depth data review and analysis, I use the TConnect.
    • 18 hours, 26 minutes ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), where do you prefer to view your CGM readings?
      I read it from my pump.
    • 18 hours, 26 minutes ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), where do you prefer to view your CGM readings?
      On my insulin pump
    • 18 hours, 26 minutes ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), where do you prefer to view your CGM readings?
      My pump. Keep it simple.
    • 18 hours, 29 minutes ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How well do you understand the details of your health insurance coverage?
      Do you realize what you have just said: "Obscurantism, gobbledegook, and pointillism used not as an art form but as a 'Gotcha!' of legal/financial determinism?"
    • 18 hours, 30 minutes ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How well do you understand the details of your health insurance coverage?
      How much of this is intentionally misleading? My mail order prescription service says that can’t possibly know the cost of a medication until after it’s been shipped, which is too late to cancel or return, of course, and makes it impossible to comparison shop.
    • 18 hours, 31 minutes ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How well do you understand the details of your health insurance coverage?
      I have an MA in writing and lit, but gobbledegook is gobbledegook. The fancy term is obscurantism.
    • 18 hours, 32 minutes ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How well do you understand the details of your health insurance coverage?
      They change all the time. Generally not in a direction to improve my health, but to increase the money in their wallet.
    • 18 hours, 47 minutes ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      When you change your insulin pump site, do you tend to notice a spike in your blood glucose levels afterward?
      Usually the opposite. Fresh insulin sometimes sends me low.
    • 1 day, 15 hours ago
      Sarah Berry likes your comment at
      If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), where do you prefer to view your CGM readings?
      My pump
    Clear All
Pages
    • T1D Exchange T1D Exchange T1D Exchange
    • Articles
    • Community
      • About
      • Insights
      • T1D Screening
        • T1D Screening How-To
        • T1D Screening Results
        • T1D Screening Resources
      • Donate
      • Join the Community
    • Quality Improvement
      • About
      • Collaborative
        • Leadership
        • Committees
      • Centers
      • Meet the Experts
      • Learning Sessions
      • Resources
        • Change Packages
        • Sick Day Guide
        • FOH Screener
        • T1D Care Plans
      • Portal
      • Health Equity
        • Heal Advisors
    • Registry
      • About
      • Recruit for the Registry
    • Research
      • About
      • Publications
      • COVID-19 Research
      • Our Initiatives
    • Partnerships
      • About
      • Industry Partnerships
      • Academic Partnerships
      • Previous Work
    • About
      • Team
      • Board of Directors
      • Culture & Careers
      • Annual Report
    • Join / Login
    • Search
    • Donate

    Do you use any type of creams or ointments after removing your pump, CGM or injection site needle to prevent infection? Share in the comments what works for you!

    Home > LC Polls > Do you use any type of creams or ointments after removing your pump, CGM or injection site needle to prevent infection? Share in the comments what works for you!
    Previous

    If you’re a person with T1D, have you experienced symptoms of Raynaud’s phenomenon (a condition where the hands or feet experience temporarily less blood flow, become very cold, and may turn white or blue)?

    Next

    Does your T1D healthcare provider inform you when new devices and medications become available to you?

    Samantha Walsh

    Samantha Walsh has lived with type 1 diabetes for over five years since 2017. After her T1D diagnosis, she was eager to give back to the diabetes community. She is the Community and Partner Manager for T1D Exchange and helps to manage the Online Community and recruit for the T1D Exchange Registry. Prior to T1D Exchange, Samantha fundraised at Joslin Diabetes Center. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a Bachelors degree in sociology and early childhood education.

    Related Stories

    " At T1D Exchange, we’re proud to announce our Medical and Research Advisory Team — an accomplished group of leaders in endocrinology, research, and quality improvement. Together, they are redefining what’s possible in type 1 diabetes (T1D) care through rigorous data analysis, innovative research approaches, and real-world implementation. Their collective expertise is central to our mission of improving outcomes for all people living with T1D.  “We’re excited to be working with our advisors given their deep expertise across a broad range of areas in T1D,” said Dave Walton, CEO of T1D Exchange. “Their involvement magnifies our reach, knowledge, and impact. These advisors are shaping the future of diabetes care — driving innovation across research, clinical practice, and quality improvement.”    Meet the Medical & Research Advisory Team  The T1D Exchange Medical and Research Advisory Team brings together four leading endocrinologists, each offering a unique perspective and shared commitment to advancing T1D care:    Jenise Wong, MD, PhD Pediatric endocrinologist at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital and Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Endocrinology at the University of California, San Francisco Focus areas: Diabetes technology adoption and usability; health equity and access to care and technology; community-based and peer-support interventions; culturally responsive care          Jennifer Sherr, MD, PhD Pediatric endocrinologist at Yale Medicine and Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Endocrinology at Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut Focus areas: Clinical trials in diabetes technology (CGM and AID systems), disease-modifying treatments and immunotherapies, and emerging technologies and medications, including continuous ketone monitoring and nasal glucagon     Viral Shah, MD Adult endocrinologist at Indiana University Health and Professor of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, Indiana Focus areas: Diabetes technology and adjunctive therapy trials; translational and data-driven research; T1D complications and bone health         Nestoras Mathioudakis, MD, MHS Adult endocrinologist at Johns Hopkins Medicine and Associate Professor of Medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland Focus areas: AI-driven clinical support tools; EMR-based data analytics for clinical decision making; data-driven quality improvement; health equity in T1D care        This accomplished team’s expertise spans adult and pediatric endocrinology, research, and quality improvement affiliated with leading institutions nationwide. Collectively, they have authored over 500 diabetes publications and secured research funding from organizations such as the National Institutes of Health, Helmsley Charitable Trust, the American Diabetes Association, and Breakthrough T1D — while remaining actively engaged in both clinical care and research.  “These individuals represent an impressive body of work while remaining deeply involved in the day-to-day realities of diabetes care,” said Walton. Their expertise covers the full spectrum of T1D care — from AI and predictive analytics to complication prevention, automated insulin delivery, continuous glucose and ketone monitoring, GLP-1 treatments, health equity, mental health, autoantibody screening, and disease prevention.    Turning insight into impact  The team’s work goes beyond research, focusing on translating insights into real-world practice. By leveraging data to scale best practices, the goal is to drive meaningful, measurable change across clinics and communities.  “Our advisors will help to extend our impact — whether through QI strategy, research innovation, funding opportunities, or new data-driven solutions,” said Walton. “We want to take what’s working at individual centers and spread that as broadly as possible.”   He added, “As a Collaborative, we’re also focused on advanced population health strategies such as exploring predictive data models to identify risks earlier and intervene before complications even begin to happen.”    The power of the T1D Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative  Central to this work is the T1D Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative (T1DX-QI) — a nationwide network of clinics working together to improve care through shared data, benchmarking, and evidence-based practices.  “I’m thrilled to serve as a Medical Advisor for T1D Exchange, because I’ve seen firsthand the impact this network can have on patient care,” said Dr. Nestoras Mathioudakis. “T1D Exchange is the premier organization for quality improvement in type 1 diabetes, with unparalleled assets like a large EHR database and robust patient registry.”  He added that he is excited to apply his expertise in EHR research and big data analytics to generate real-world evidence across diagnosis, management, and outcomes.  Dr. Viral Shah echoed that perspective, reflecting on T1DX-QI's evolution: “I have been involved with T1D Exchange since its early days and have had the privilege of witnessing how it has transformed the quality of diabetes care across the United States. I’m delighted to return as a Medical Advisor.”  He emphasized the importance of accelerating impact. “I look forward to working closely with the team to accelerate the evidence generation and to help translate these insights to improve patient care.”   Dr. Jenise Wong highlighted the visible impact of T1DX-QI on the delivery of care. "I’m truly honored and grateful to be working with T1D Exchange as a Medical Advisor. T1DX-QI is a remarkable resource for centers that are using continuous process improvement to improve the quality of care for people living with diabetes.”  “Diabetes centers working with T1DX –QI have done amazing work using QI methodology to make care accessible and equitable for all people with diabetes,” she said. “It’s inspiring to be a part of a collaborative in which centers have been creative and thoughtful with initiatives to address individual and systemic challenges to care, improving clinical outcomes as well as the patient experience."  Looking ahead, Dr. Sherr highlighted the opportunity to build on the existing strong foundation. “I’m very excited to be working as a Medical Advisor for T1D Exchange,” she said. “It’s a privilege to help shape what comes next for a group that’s already doing such impactful work.”  “Sharing what’s happening in clinical practice, benchmarking across centers, and understanding outcomes is how we figure out what’s working, what’s not, and where we go next,” she said.      The future of T1D care   With this team’s vision and expertise, T1D Exchange is positioned to accelerate progress in T1D care — bridging research and real-world practice to drive meaningful, measurable impact.  Together, we look forward to advancing innovation and improving outcomes for everyone affected by type 1 diabetes.   "

    6 days ago  
    Meet the Expert

    Meet the Expert: Improving Diabetes Care Through Precision Medicine 

    Jewels Doskicz, 2 weeks ago 8 min read  
    Meet the Expert

    Meet the Expert: Bridging Research, Technology, and Real-World Care 

    Jewels Doskicz, 2 weeks ago 9 min read  
    Insulin & Meds

    Ask the Expert: Diana Isaacs on Benefits, Risks, and Real-World Use of GLP-1s in T1D 

    Jewels Doskicz, 3 weeks ago 6 min read  
    Meet the Expert

    Meet the Expert: Advancing Equity, Improving Outcomes, and Reducing the Burden of T1D 

    Jewels Doskicz, 1 month ago 8 min read  
    Our team

    Spotlight on T1DX-QI: Clinical Leadership Committee 

    Jewels Doskicz, 2 months ago 6 min read  

    44 Comments

    1. GLORIA MILLER

      At 65 years T 1 I have never had an infection from my CGM or pump injection site. I don’t even use alcohol on my skin before putting on either. I do use Skin-Prep for both though.

      4
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    2. mbulzomi@optonline.net

      The same Achol pad I used after drawing Insulin to fill my Tandem Cartridge.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    3. Lawrence S.

      No. I don’t use any creams or ointments. However, I do wipe my sites with either an IV Prep or an alcohol pad, after I remove my CGM or canula.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    4. Kristen Clifford

      If I have an infusion site that’s particularly swollen or itchy, I’ll put a little bacytracin and/or anti-itch cream on it.

      1
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    5. Lucia Maya

      yes, not to prevent infection, but because I have sensitive skin and often have reactions to the adhesive, etc. I use Colloidal silver gel on my Dexcom and infusion sites and it really helps with swelling, itching, etc. I use it for bug bites and scratches as well and love it!

      2
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    6. john36m

      A dab of vitamin E oil is all I use

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    7. Shannon Barnaby

      I’ll wipe the spot with rubbing alcohol.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    8. Mike S

      I use an alcohol swab to get the Dexcom residue off. I also use aloe vera gel (cheap big bottle from Target) on previous Omnipod pump sites and if there’s extra on the area my Dexcom was. It seems to help the swelling go down a bit quicker.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    9. AnitaS

      I use alcohol to help loosen the infusion site patch and then use that to wipe the area after needle is taken out. If I remember, I will use a lotion on the site afterward to prevent irritation although the site doesn’t always cause me irritation.

      1
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    10. Joan Fray

      Great to read all the comments! I guess we “long timers” never got the memo about alcohol preps or lotion. I don’t get swelling, irching or anything. Inust pull the things off and then find a new site for the next one. Who knew?! ( t1d 1962)

      6
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. TEH

        Couldn’t agree more. I will try the neosporin.

        4 years ago Log in to Reply
      2. Beckett Nelson

        I just put sites in after a shower. Alcohol can dry the skin (and toughen it with lots of use). I’ll only use alcohol if out in the backcountry since showers don’t happen 😂

        1
        4 years ago Log in to Reply
    11. Clearblueskynm

      I just use alcohol when I take it off, rubbing it over the area. No infections.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    12. KCR

      I often use Neosporin on a pump site that looks irritated or bleeds.

      1
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    13. Sherolyn Newell

      Alcohol for me as well. Both on the old site and to prepare the new site. I can do both with one swab. Never had any problems.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    14. David Clark

      Alcohol

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    15. Mary Coleman

      Isopropyl alcohol. Swipe both new and old CGM sites.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    16. John Luca

      Just wipe with an alcohol pad.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    17. Drina Nicole Jewell

      I’m about 50/50. It depends on how the site looks and feels after removing dex or infusion set.

      3
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    18. Nevin Bowman

      I must use Flonase and an under patch BEFORE I use Dexcom, but I do not use anything after removing it.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    19. Ernie Richmann

      Just wipe down the site with an alcohol wipe.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    20. Judith Marged

      After wiping it with alcohol, I also use Benadryl spray and baby oil after removing the CGM. I use the alcohol and Benadryl prior to installing the CGM. I can’t use Flonase since my blood sugar rises from my skin absorbing the steroid in the Flonase.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    21. John McHenery

      Alcohol swab or tea tree cream.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    22. Pauline M Reynolds

      Nature works for me. I’ve never had any trouble keeping patches on. Maybe 3-4 times in 37 yrs. put a dab of neosporin on after removing.

      1
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    23. Stefan Perrin

      Never used anything. For my pump I actually leave the previous catheter in until I’m certain the new one did not get damaged during insertion. This has saved me some grief a few times now.

      2
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    24. Yaffa Steubinger

      I use Remove to get rid of the sticker goo.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    25. Chrisanda

      I will put Benadryl cream on if I see a skin reaction after I remove the needle. I will use alcohol if the insertion site looks irritated. I don’t use alcohol before on the site because it seems to “toughen” the skin, making it more difficult and painful to insert the device.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    26. Steve Rumble

      I just clean with alcohol pre and post MDI and CGM sensor application.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    27. Donald Cragun

      I just use alcohol or hand sanitizer.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    28. PamK

      I simply wipe the site with an alcohol swab after removal!

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    29. kathy scott

      I use alcohol wipes.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    30. persevereT1D52

      Yes. For 30 years of pumping I apply antibiotic ointment when I remove infusion site. As time has gone on I have developed sensitive skin and allergy to tubing and cannulas and some adhesive so now I apply hydrocortisone cream after site changes. I need to change everyday to avoid inflammation causing impaired absorption. It’s a struggle but my pump has saved my life. Other than breaks now and then I won’t give it up.

      1
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    31. jo

      I wipe down the area with an alcohol swab.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    32. Maureen Helinski

      I use an alcohol patch to put in the new one and often wipe the site of the old also.

      3
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. sweet charlie

        Me also..

        4 years ago Log in to Reply
    33. KSannie

      When I was on injections, I never used alcohol swabs for finger pricks or for injections. In 44 years I only had two infected fingers. (And I used to test my blood sugar 9+ times a day.) No infections at the injection sites. With the pump, I use alcohol, partly to clean the skin so the infusion set will stick. For the CGM I add Skin Tac. Again, I have never used creams or ointments after removing either one. And I have never had any infections in 15 years of pumping and 14 of CGM’s.

      1
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    34. keith johnson

      I use when I remove pump if it seems irritated

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    35. Lisa Wilson

      Coconut oil

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    36. Lenora Ventura

      Depending on the trauma left behind on the skin, I may use Rose Ointment by Young Living or silver gel

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    37. Sue Herflicker

      I said no because I only apply neosporin if it seems irritated, which is rare.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    38. Chris Deutsch

      No trouble with site infections ever (58 years!). I have always applied Skin-Tac or a similar product to help adhesion of both infusion set and CGM when I do a site change. Perhaps there is some element of antiseptic in that product, such as alcohol…? After I remove the device from my skin, I sometimes rub in a drop of plain old body lotion at the site to help the area “wake up” & normalize. But I’ve never used a product to prevent infection there because It hasn’t been necessary, thankfully!

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    39. Velika Peterson

      Acohol swabs as we were trained at the hospital.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    40. Sasha Wooldridge

      I use ultra-healing hydrocortisone cream after I remove my Dexcom sensors. I had serious skin irritation when I switched back to the Dexcom, like many others as it turns out. I rotate between two sites for my sensor. To heal the skin and protect the skin barrier, I apply this cream each night to whichever site is sensor-free at the time. I’ve had significantly less skin irritation since doing this and not using alcohol to prep the site. I was worried about adhesion but my sensors still stay on the entire session.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    41. Arlie Peck

      Antibiotic cream

      4 years ago Log in to Reply

    Do you use any type of creams or ointments after removing your pump, CGM or injection site needle to prevent infection? Share in the comments what works for you! Cancel reply

    You must be logged in to post a comment.




    101 Federal Street, Suite 440
    Boston, MA 02110
    Phone: 617-892-6100
    Email: admin@t1dexchange.org

    Privacy Policy

    Terms of Use

    Follow Us

    • facebook
    • twitter
    • linkedin
    • instagram

    © 2024 T1D Exchange.
    All Rights Reserved.

    © 2023 T1D Exchange. All Rights Reserved.
    • Login
    • Register

    Forgot Password

    Registration confirmation will be emailed to you.

    Skip Next Finish

    Account successfully created.

    Please check your inbox and verify your email in the next 24 hours.

    Your Account Type

    Please select all that apply.

    I have type 1 diabetes

    I'm a parent/guardian of a person with type 1 diabetes

    I'm interested in the diabetes community or industry

    Select Topics

    We will customize your stories feed based on what you select here.

    [userselectcat]

    We're preparing your personalized page.

    This will only take a second...

    Search and filter

    [searchandfilter slug="sort-filter-post"]