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    • 6 hours, 51 minutes ago
      Phyllis Biederman likes your comment at
      Have you ever attended a diabetes-related conference?
      TCOYD one conference and Breakthrough T1D summits. I really enjoy in person events.
    • 7 hours, 2 minutes ago
      Phyllis Biederman likes your comment at
      Have you ever attended a diabetes-related conference?
      Many because I am a retired RN, CDE
    • 9 hours, 7 minutes ago
      ChrisW likes your comment at
      If you miss a long-acting insulin injection, what are your next steps? Please share more in the comments.
      BAAAAAAD WORDS. Definitely the next step for sure.... After that more grumbling, cursing and eventually the decision whether or not taking the long acting THIS late is smart idea. If NOT, then a slightly heavier dose the next day of the short acting insulin seems real likely
    • 9 hours, 9 minutes ago
      ChrisW likes your comment at
      If you miss a long-acting insulin injection, what are your next steps? Please share more in the comments.
      OH boy, an impossible question to answer without a lot more specific details......ie name of insulin / miss an injection completely over 24 hrs or by shorter time frame / to list a few.
    • 13 hours, 47 minutes ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      Have you ever attended a diabetes-related conference?
      While living in San Diego, I got spoiled: TCOYD is based there and their annual flagship conference occurs there. I went every year. Among my favorite break away sessions we always the ones where we as patients got to share ideas on how Endo's could better respect us as patients. All of the vendors (pharma an device) were there - great oppo0rtunity to see hands-on the devices. An added benefit to being in San Diego, Dexcom and Tandem are based there - so having face-to-face interaction with their staff was awesome. And of course, great swag! Once I moved to Portland OR, I went to an ADA conference. AS a T1D person, I was very disappointed. I had gone with the hopes of meeting my Dexcom and Tandem rep. No device companies were there. The focus of the break away sessions were are oriented to T2D. Fortunately for me, there was was an Oregon Potters Guild show at the convention center at the same time. I bought some great artwork. Since I knew Steve Edelman (TCOYD founder), I got in touch to see what I needed to do to get a TCOYD conference in Portland. I needed to have an idea of the budget so I could also work on funding support. First thing, I wanted support (not $$) from the local ADA and JDRF. Contacted them, but they never returned my calls or emails. Very disappointed I couldn't pull it off.
    • 13 hours, 48 minutes ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      Have you ever attended a diabetes-related conference?
      Literal poverty prevents attending such conferences. I must survive, therefore to do so the job(s) require all that I have which remains. I would likely enjoy such conference(s), ALWAYS go for the "small" tables FIRST, their survival depends on it...
    • 15 hours, 13 minutes ago
      Lenora Ventura likes your comment at
      Have you ever attended a diabetes-related conference?
      Yes, TCOYD and maybe an ADA conference. The second conference I went to in order to check out tech. Both were in the 90s.
    • 15 hours, 17 minutes ago
      Lenora Ventura likes your comment at
      Have you ever attended a diabetes-related conference?
      While living in San Diego, I got spoiled: TCOYD is based there and their annual flagship conference occurs there. I went every year. Among my favorite break away sessions we always the ones where we as patients got to share ideas on how Endo's could better respect us as patients. All of the vendors (pharma an device) were there - great oppo0rtunity to see hands-on the devices. An added benefit to being in San Diego, Dexcom and Tandem are based there - so having face-to-face interaction with their staff was awesome. And of course, great swag! Once I moved to Portland OR, I went to an ADA conference. AS a T1D person, I was very disappointed. I had gone with the hopes of meeting my Dexcom and Tandem rep. No device companies were there. The focus of the break away sessions were are oriented to T2D. Fortunately for me, there was was an Oregon Potters Guild show at the convention center at the same time. I bought some great artwork. Since I knew Steve Edelman (TCOYD founder), I got in touch to see what I needed to do to get a TCOYD conference in Portland. I needed to have an idea of the budget so I could also work on funding support. First thing, I wanted support (not $$) from the local ADA and JDRF. Contacted them, but they never returned my calls or emails. Very disappointed I couldn't pull it off.
    • 15 hours, 27 minutes ago
      Kathy Hanavan likes your comment at
      Have you ever attended a diabetes-related conference?
      Before retiring I would go to our local teaching hospital/ADA conferences. They were held yearly and were a great way getting my CE's.
    • 1 day, 2 hours ago
      kilupx likes your comment at
      If you were diagnosed with T1D at a young age, did you feel your “lows” right away? If you remember, please share more in the comments.
      Other: I was not diagnosed with T1D at a young age.
    • 1 day, 15 hours ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      Before you chose an insulin pump, did you do a “saline trial” (a pump filled with saline instead of insulin)?
      The word "chose" is past tense. In the present tense, "no." In the past tense, the ancient of days 1996, the answer was "yes." They even hospitalized you for 2 days. I was and am very healthy and horrified the medical staff when I walked up and down 9 flights of stairs to get something. C'est la vie 🫠
    • 1 day, 15 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      If you were diagnosed with T1D at a young age, did you feel your “lows” right away? If you remember, please share more in the comments.
      I felt my lows when I was younger. Now after 45+ years with type 1 I feel a bit of “blurry brain function” when below 50. Thankful for CGM alerts!
    • 1 day, 15 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      If you were diagnosed with T1D at a young age, did you feel your “lows” right away? If you remember, please share more in the comments.
      I was diagnosed at age 29. Is that considered "young"?
    • 1 day, 15 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      If you were diagnosed with T1D at a young age, did you feel your “lows” right away? If you remember, please share more in the comments.
      Yes 74 years ago. Yes today intensely. I am one of the small percentage of folks who, instead of experiencing hypoglycemia unawareness, feels it with even more almost acute intensity today. I guess sometime the nerves go the other direction?!? 🐦‍🔥
    • 1 day, 15 hours ago
      Trina Blake likes your comment at
      If you’re on an insulin pump, what is your glucose target range?
      The "target" is set for 100 (the lowest option with Medtronic), my alarms are 70-130. With the algorithm it's interesting with a basal that rises and falls (and the "auto-bolus") according to levels and dosing, thus my alarms (down to 2% lows this way). But... There's another setting offering different target range, I have it set 70-90 for now. Only been a few weeks so interesting to see how it goes.
    • 1 day, 15 hours ago
      Trina Blake likes your comment at
      If you’re on an insulin pump, what is your glucose target range?
      On my Omnipod, both the high and the low are set at 110, the lowest it will allow. My preferred target rang is 70 to 120.
    • 1 day, 15 hours ago
      Janis Senungetuk likes your comment at
      If you were diagnosed with T1D at a young age, did you feel your “lows” right away? If you remember, please share more in the comments.
      Diagnosed in 1951 when I was 6 years old. I would feel terrible when glucose went low, but did not know what was wrong.
    • 1 day, 17 hours ago
      Kristi Warmecke likes your comment at
      If you were diagnosed with T1D at a young age, did you feel your “lows” right away? If you remember, please share more in the comments.
      Missing answer is “I felt them early in, but not it can be hard at times to physically see a low.”
    • 1 day, 17 hours ago
      Steven Gill likes your comment at
      If you’re on an insulin pump, what is your glucose target range?
      To me... (a1C has been as low as 5.2, now near 6.0 with a lot less lows). Discuss with your doc goals, read the DCCT trials (determined "multiple injections" were more beneficial than 1 or 2 shots a day (mixed). Than up to your own confidence with insulin: -how your body reacts (after dosed I notice in 30-35 minutes) it's different for everyone -confidence with understanding the glycemic scale for food (some reach the blood stream quicker, some slower) -your health-as I grow up may not hear a low alarm as quick, nor be able to react as well -and tools... I'm confident with my CGM, alarms, understanding my insulin pump A tighter or lower target can lower a1C, wasn't worth my lows. But an a1C a little closer to non-diabetic can offer a little more prevention against the damage from diabetes. We're doing this to get as old a we can and be as healthy as we can (not necessarily a brag about numbers)---read a definition of heath is to be as far from death as possible. I think that changes...
    • 1 day, 18 hours ago
      atr likes your comment at
      If you’re on an insulin pump, what is your glucose target range?
      110, which is as low as omnipod 5 allows. If I could change it, it would be 90-100.
    • 1 day, 19 hours ago
      Phyllis Biederman likes your comment at
      If you were diagnosed with T1D at a young age, did you feel your “lows” right away? If you remember, please share more in the comments.
      In 1973 when I was diagnosed the hospital policy was to force a low so you knew what they felt like. Around 2000 I became severely hypo unaware.
    • 1 day, 19 hours ago
      Phyllis Biederman likes your comment at
      If you were diagnosed with T1D at a young age, did you feel your “lows” right away? If you remember, please share more in the comments.
      Initially, I felt lows long before they became problematic. This diminished gradually over time. Now, after 51 years, I feel nothing until BG drops to critical levels -50. Exception is when BG drops dramatically over a very short period of time.
    • 1 day, 20 hours ago
      Edward Geary likes your comment at
      If you were diagnosed with T1D at a young age, did you feel your “lows” right away? If you remember, please share more in the comments.
      Yes 74 years ago. Yes today intensely. I am one of the small percentage of folks who, instead of experiencing hypoglycemia unawareness, feels it with even more almost acute intensity today. I guess sometime the nerves go the other direction?!? 🐦‍🔥
    • 2 days, 12 hours ago
      kilupx likes your comment at
      If you’re on an insulin pump, what is your glucose target range?
      My alarm range is 70 - 180.
    • 2 days, 13 hours ago
      Anita Stokar likes your comment at
      If you’re on an insulin pump, what is your glucose target range?
      The whole "target" question is a mess. I think most of us here (T1D people who are proactive etc) define "target" as where we want to be after a meal or correction bolus has done it's job. Pump mfr's (and many Endo's) define "target" like they define an A1C goal: averaging 110 over time. Lots of "discussions" (notice the quotes) with my Endo about my targets (I don't accept the "standard goal" of 70-180, I prefer aiming for 70-140). So so answer today's question, my alert ranges are 70 and 120 for high (I correct if I have no IOB, but may have food on board). My target bg (post bolus) is 80-90.
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    Do you use overlay tapes on your diabetes devices to help them stick?

    Home > LC Polls > Do you use overlay tapes on your diabetes devices to help them stick?
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    For insulin pump/CGM users who wear dresses and skirts: How often do devices get in the way of your ability to comfortably wear dresses and skirts?

    Sarah Howard

    Sarah Howard has worked in the diabetes research field ever since she was diagnosed with T1D while in college in May 2013. Since then, she has worked for various diabetes organizations, focusing on research, advocacy, and community-building efforts for people with T1D and their loved ones. Sarah is currently the Senior Marketing Manager at T1D Exchange.

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    40 Comments

    1. Carol Meares

      Always my Dexcom, sometimes my infusion set

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    2. Janice B

      For my Dexcom I use a skin barrier, then skin tac. That seems to help it stay on for the full 10 days. For the pump infusion site it depends on where I place it. on my thighs I need to use opsite flexifit tape and that helps it to stay on.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    3. Bob Durstenfeld

      The only time I use a cover tape is when I wear my infusion site on my thighs, the friction from my pants works it lose, the tegaderm protects it.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    4. William Bennett

      It’s a requirement for the Med. Guardian 3 sensors, one of the things that finally put me off of that system, because it’s not just a simple process, very badly designed if you’re at all fumble-fingered. With Dexcom I usually don’t have to, but they supply their own overtape that’s easy to apply even in awkward spots. In either case, though: Skin Tac is your friend.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    5. Kristen Schell

      My endo told me that Dexcom recently improved the stickiness of the G6 (September/October time frame). Prior to this change, I had to use an overlay every time to get close to saying on for 10 days. Now with the change, I am usually able to wear it for the whole 10 days without the overlay. I am unfortunately allergic to the new stickiness material so I have to use Flonase on the spot where I will insert the G6 or else it will begin to itch and be irritated within about 5 hours. The Flonase works great!

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    6. Clare Fishman

      Pods stick to me like glue. I have to pry them off after 80 hours. Dexcom sensors stick well for at least 10 days. If I re-start them sometimes the edges pull up so I secure it with the free patches Dexcom gives out.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    7. connie ker

      I learned the hard way with the Abbott Freestyle Libre 14 day. The sensor was coming off too early or simply falling off my arm when changing clothes or bathing. The transparent patches of clear tape have solved that problem and I’m glad I asked the the companies, Abbott and US Med, about this transparent tape. It is easy to remove and so is the sensor, plus it stays on for 14 days now. YEAH

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    8. john36m

      I add extra adhesives to my Dexcom, but never to my pump/infusion set

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    9. Amanda Barras

      I have to double tape my CGM but never have the need to tape down infusion set.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    10. Grey Gray

      Ditto cgm but not infusion sets.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    11. Britni Steingard

      I answered sometimes. It’s actually always for the CGM and occasionally for the pod.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    12. Chip Brookes

      Always use over patches on both Dexcom G6 and T-slim. Use Dexcom’s patch, Make my own for the T-slim from AREZA Transparent Adhesive Film Dressing. Very inexpensive for 100.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    13. jenn velez

      I always use dexcoms overlay tape for my sensors. For Tandem sites I only use IV3000 when using trusteel. I’ve had the needle come out too many times.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    14. Wayne Schwartz

      I always use extra tape on my Dexcom and infusion site. I am a big guy and bumping into things can tear them off. Also live in very tropical Southwest Florida so perspiration is also an issue not to mention swimming and salt water. Extra tape and patches are a must.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    15. Francisco Varea

      Just the tape that comes with the Guardian sensor.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    16. Maureen Helinski

      same as others. Always for G6 sensor-their overtape. Not for infusion sets except trusteel

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    17. Tina Roberts

      Always over my sensor and transmitter.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    18. Donald Stitt

      I use tape over the CGM only. I take my pump off to shower so I don’t tape over the infusion site…

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    19. cynthia jaworski

      Now that I have a better understanding of where to place it, my libre seldom detaches. The few times it has, it was always because I had scraped my arm against a doorway.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    20. lis be

      skin tack for my libre

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    21. Kristine Warmecke

      Never on my pump sites. If by overlay tapes you mean tegaderm hypersensitive, yes I place it UNDER my G6 , so it stays on for the full 10 days.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    22. Tom Caesar

      Hardly ever. Tried them for awhile but don’t have the need for frequent use.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    23. Sondra Mangan

      Always for Dexcom. Only for decoration on Omnipods.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    24. Mig Vascos

      Using Dexcom Overlay Patch for the CGM. Dexcom provides it for free. It’s easy to apply and protects the sensor for the entire duration. Surgical paper tape for the back end of the Tandem infusion set. It keeps it firmly in place for longer and makes it deliver the insulin more efficiently.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    25. Christina Trudo

      I answered sometimes but the real answer is “frequently”. I also use a skin prep wipe (tacky sort of stuff) to help avoid skin breakdown.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    26. Adrienne Hitch

      Always for my sensors, very rarely for infusion sets.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    27. Linda Murphy

      Skin Tack does the trick, no more tape.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    28. Molly Jones

      I rarely need any help in needing my devices stick. My “other” answer would be at the most, four times a year.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    29. Glenda Schuessler

      I use overlay patches for my Dexcom CGM but I find they are not needed for my pump infusion sets.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    30. Megan L

      I have to use Mastisol and that lovely tape that comes with the Medtronic 670g sensors to get it to stick. I’m okay with just skin prep wipes for my pump sites. Those sensors though… my goodness. Holy unlucky skin.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    31. Sarah Grobe

      I have to put duoderm under my sensor to prevent a rash. Nothing but that has worked and i use expression med overpatches to keep everything on.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    32. Christina Luby

      For my Medtronic CGM sensors I use simpatch on top of the. Overlay tapes

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    33. Melinda Lipe

      No overlays, just Skin Tac on my G6.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    34. Derek West

      I use overlays on the Medtronic sensor but none on my insulin insertion.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    35. Donald Cragun

      I use Skin-Tac when applying CGM sensors; not overlays.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    36. Janis Senungetuk

      I use the Dexcom overlay tape for the G6. So far I haven’t found it necessary to use anything for my Tandem Infusion sets.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    37. Lynn Green

      I have very sensitive skin and I’m limited on which tape I can use. I use the dexcom overlay for the dexcom sensor. The tape on the dexcom sensor starts to lift after a few days without the overlay. I use tegaderm for the t-slim true steel since no tape is provided. Without tape the tubing would get caught on something and the site would be pulled out.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    38. Nicholas Argento

      I rarely need to but used to. Now I use Skin-Tac on Dexcom and it rarely peels before the end of the 10 days. I don’t need tape for my pump sites, it sticks well for me unless a lot of sweating, then I just change it and start using Skin Tac as well. Skin Tac has been a game changer for me.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    39. Jodi Greenfield

      I put “other” because I have not tried the overlay products, but a friend of my husband’s uses the FreeStyle Libre CGM and was having the same trouble I was having with the new glue they switched to. Skin Tac adhesive, put on the site before insertion keeps the disc on there for 14 days! Now I have trouble removing it – like I did before they switched glue.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    40. Cheryl Seibert

      Both Medtronic and Tandem infusion site adhesives work well for me. However, the Dexcom G6 tape occasionally comes loose around the edges when I’m heavily exercising/working outside or on Day 9 and 10. I sparingly use the G6 overlay tape as it often causes welts.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply

    Do you use overlay tapes on your diabetes devices to help them stick? Cancel reply

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