Subscribe Now

* You will receive the latest news and updates on your favorite celebrities!

Trending News

T1D Exchange T1D Exchange T1D Exchange
  • Activity
    • 35 minutes ago
      Sue Martin likes your comment at
      Multiple daily injections users: Do you use a diabetes-specific app on a smart phone to track your insulin dosing? Share what works best for you in the comments!
      I use an InPen. Tracts my doses and gives report just like a pump. IOB total insulin etc.
    • 1 hour, 57 minutes ago
      Kris Sykes-David likes your comment at
      Multiple daily injections users: Do you use a diabetes-specific app on a smart phone to track your insulin dosing? Share what works best for you in the comments!
      I’m looking for an app that reminds me of basal doses that keeps the time static as you change time zones. For example, I recently travelled to London. My normal basal dose is at 8 PM at home but currently 1 AM in the UK. The Apple Health app reminded me to take it at 8 PM London time instead of 1 AM. I really just want an app that reminds me at the same time my body is set at without making me think about it.
    • 2 hours, 18 minutes ago
      beth nelson likes your comment at
      Multiple daily injections users: Do you use a diabetes-specific app on a smart phone to track your insulin dosing? Share what works best for you in the comments!
      I’m looking for an app that reminds me of basal doses that keeps the time static as you change time zones. For example, I recently travelled to London. My normal basal dose is at 8 PM at home but currently 1 AM in the UK. The Apple Health app reminded me to take it at 8 PM London time instead of 1 AM. I really just want an app that reminds me at the same time my body is set at without making me think about it.
    • 3 hours, 5 minutes ago
      Mick Martin likes your comment at
      In the past 12 months, have you experienced nausea and/or vomiting as a symptom of high blood glucose levels?
      Echo Mick Martin. Gastroparesis? Try ondonestron (sp?) one of the 10 best medicines ever invented. Also, "a forever learning curve" and "If in doubt, pull it out."
    • 19 hours, 1 minute ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      In the past 12 months, have you experienced nausea and/or vomiting as a symptom of high blood glucose levels?
      "It's a forever learning curve" - so very true
    • 19 hours, 8 minutes ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      For pump users: In the past 3 months, have you had issues with insulin delivery due to a bent cannula or occlusion?
      I hesitate to bring this up but I am quite sure this happens more than people realize. I use a tubed pump and small amounts of total daily insulin and have checked the tubing for YEARS for bubbles. YES, they are difficult to "notice" unless you have a good light behind the clear tubing because the insulin is also colorless. I detach and check the tubing in the morning and before bedtime if not before the evening meal...I'm talking about significant bubbles----8-10-or12 inches in length can appear and you would NOT notice them unless you were looking. I wonder how many people wonder why their blood sugar is occasionally high and it's being caused by a significant bubble...NO, not the champagne sized version that's often mentioned to "ignore." The pump company I deal with tried to get me to switch to injections instead but I am an EXPERT with the bubble situation. Also, comments over the years that I am probably not filling the reservoir correctly, etc....just plain silly. I am NOT new at this...LOL!!!
    • 19 hours, 34 minutes ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      In the past 12 months, have you experienced nausea and/or vomiting as a symptom of high blood glucose levels?
      I said yes to nausea, occurred with a bad pump site insertion and rising BG over the next 4 hours. I picked it up early w CGM notification and realizing that it was very unusual for me to have rising BG at that time of the day (morning) when on Control IQ pump. The severity was delayed because I had given a breakfast meal bolus via the prior site before the change, so BG was rising after 3 hours, and I knew something was not right. I think this is an important clue for pumpers- when I see people get in trouble w bad sites or insertion failures, the thought process usually is- I just put a new site in, it must be ok- or maybe it does not occur to people that the pump site could have failed--when it should be- did the insertion fail? ----If in doubt, pull it out!----- I pulled the site and could see the cannula was bent, so I know what happened and injected w a syringe, put a new site in, and was better in a 3-4 hours.
    • 1 day ago
      Janis Senungetuk likes your comment at
      In the past 12 months, have you experienced nausea and/or vomiting as a symptom of high blood glucose levels?
      I said yes to nausea, occurred with a bad pump site insertion and rising BG over the next 4 hours. I picked it up early w CGM notification and realizing that it was very unusual for me to have rising BG at that time of the day (morning) when on Control IQ pump. The severity was delayed because I had given a breakfast meal bolus via the prior site before the change, so BG was rising after 3 hours, and I knew something was not right. I think this is an important clue for pumpers- when I see people get in trouble w bad sites or insertion failures, the thought process usually is- I just put a new site in, it must be ok- or maybe it does not occur to people that the pump site could have failed--when it should be- did the insertion fail? ----If in doubt, pull it out!----- I pulled the site and could see the cannula was bent, so I know what happened and injected w a syringe, put a new site in, and was better in a 3-4 hours.
    • 1 day ago
      Richard Wiener likes your comment at
      In the past 12 months, have you experienced nausea and/or vomiting as a symptom of high blood glucose levels?
      I said yes to nausea, occurred with a bad pump site insertion and rising BG over the next 4 hours. I picked it up early w CGM notification and realizing that it was very unusual for me to have rising BG at that time of the day (morning) when on Control IQ pump. The severity was delayed because I had given a breakfast meal bolus via the prior site before the change, so BG was rising after 3 hours, and I knew something was not right. I think this is an important clue for pumpers- when I see people get in trouble w bad sites or insertion failures, the thought process usually is- I just put a new site in, it must be ok- or maybe it does not occur to people that the pump site could have failed--when it should be- did the insertion fail? ----If in doubt, pull it out!----- I pulled the site and could see the cannula was bent, so I know what happened and injected w a syringe, put a new site in, and was better in a 3-4 hours.
    • 1 day ago
      Ahh Life likes your comment at
      In the past 12 months, have you experienced nausea and/or vomiting as a symptom of high blood glucose levels?
      I began playing Pickleball last year in March. When the temperatures started to rise the extra effort my body was experiencing because of the heat got my body hormones out of balance and I began experiencing nausea, higher heart rates and feeling very uncomfortable. I soon realized that I cannot play when is too hot or I’ll end up with ketones. Any new activity when on. Insulin requires adjustments. It’s a forever learning curve. Adding to the heat, last year I was having some absorption problems by the overuse of my abdomen. I have now move the infusion sites to my upper front side and it’s working much better.
    • 1 day ago
      Kristine Warmecke likes your comment at
      In the past 12 months, have you experienced nausea and/or vomiting as a symptom of high blood glucose levels?
      I said yes to nausea, occurred with a bad pump site insertion and rising BG over the next 4 hours. I picked it up early w CGM notification and realizing that it was very unusual for me to have rising BG at that time of the day (morning) when on Control IQ pump. The severity was delayed because I had given a breakfast meal bolus via the prior site before the change, so BG was rising after 3 hours, and I knew something was not right. I think this is an important clue for pumpers- when I see people get in trouble w bad sites or insertion failures, the thought process usually is- I just put a new site in, it must be ok- or maybe it does not occur to people that the pump site could have failed--when it should be- did the insertion fail? ----If in doubt, pull it out!----- I pulled the site and could see the cannula was bent, so I know what happened and injected w a syringe, put a new site in, and was better in a 3-4 hours.
    • 1 day ago
      Becky Hertz likes your comment at
      In the past 12 months, have you experienced nausea and/or vomiting as a symptom of high blood glucose levels?
      I said yes to nausea, occurred with a bad pump site insertion and rising BG over the next 4 hours. I picked it up early w CGM notification and realizing that it was very unusual for me to have rising BG at that time of the day (morning) when on Control IQ pump. The severity was delayed because I had given a breakfast meal bolus via the prior site before the change, so BG was rising after 3 hours, and I knew something was not right. I think this is an important clue for pumpers- when I see people get in trouble w bad sites or insertion failures, the thought process usually is- I just put a new site in, it must be ok- or maybe it does not occur to people that the pump site could have failed--when it should be- did the insertion fail? ----If in doubt, pull it out!----- I pulled the site and could see the cannula was bent, so I know what happened and injected w a syringe, put a new site in, and was better in a 3-4 hours.
    • 1 day, 17 hours ago
      Wanacure likes your comment at
      Have you developed lipohypertrophy due to repeated injections/infusions of insulin? Lipohypertrophy is a term to describe hardened lumps of body fat just under the skin that resulted from repeated insulin injections/infusion sites. If so, share how you’ve handled lipohypertrophy in the comments!
      After 62 years I have skin issues everywhere. I am an avid at rotating every time I change my infusion set. When I was on multiple daily injections, up to 9 per day, I had massive skin hardening. Since on the pump it’s not nearly as bad that’s been 33 years. I take very little insulin my daily basal comes out to 9 units over 24 hours I eat two meals that I count carbs for and try to keep at a minimum of 30-40 per day. Everything is going well. Rotation is key
    • 1 day, 17 hours ago
      Wanacure likes your comment at
      Have you developed lipohypertrophy due to repeated injections/infusions of insulin? Lipohypertrophy is a term to describe hardened lumps of body fat just under the skin that resulted from repeated insulin injections/infusion sites. If so, share how you’ve handled lipohypertrophy in the comments!
      I use a pump and have had issues with insulin absorbtion. It seems I have a lot of them on the side I primarily use for infusion sets. I recently switched to the other side of my abdomen and dropped more than one point on my a1c.
    • 1 day, 18 hours ago
      Wanacure likes your comment at
      Does your T1D healthcare provider suggest new medications or devices that they think would be beneficial to your T1D management during your appointments?
      When I first started with my current Endo we would discuss the released and upcoming products and I would tell her about the 'off-market' applications and devices, we both learned from each other. But she was so good with helping me transition to the Dexcom and then the Tandem after Animas was pulled from the Market. She followed my Dex and even finer tuned my Basals and early this year I got an "unbeleivable" 5.4 A1c and we are both extremely happy!
    • 1 day, 18 hours ago
      Wanacure likes your comment at
      Does your T1D healthcare provider suggest new medications or devices that they think would be beneficial to your T1D management during your appointments?
      Yes. But then I self-selected when choosing an endocrinology clinic that pursues cutting-edge advances 40 years ago. Cutting-edge is a phrase that is also often called bleeding-edge because it is often experimental, hit or miss on results, and very expensive. I am convinced the “bleeding” refers to $$$.
    • 1 day, 18 hours ago
      Wanacure likes your comment at
      Does your T1D healthcare provider suggest new medications or devices that they think would be beneficial to your T1D management during your appointments?
      not anymore, and I am happy about it! Most of the time they were recommending things that had been recently pitched to them by a pharmaceutical salesperson or a durable medical supplier. The doctors would give patients the "free samples" and it was often not the best fit, then after the "free" supply ran out, the prices were exorbitant. Maybe it still happens, but I haven't seen it for a while.
    • 1 day, 18 hours ago
      Wanacure likes your comment at
      If you have never used an insulin pump with automated insulin delivery (also known as a hybrid closed-loop pump), what are some of the reasons you’re reluctant, or obstacles you’ve encountered? Please select all that apply.
      The need for better CGM accuracy is a big consideration for me. Also my control is pretty good right now (a1c in the low 6 range). Although I am tempted by the sleep and exercise modes which would be very helpful since I’m getting back in to exercise. So…I keep sitting on the fence…
    • 1 day, 18 hours ago
      Wanacure likes your comment at
      If you have never used an insulin pump with automated insulin delivery (also known as a hybrid closed-loop pump), what are some of the reasons you’re reluctant, or obstacles you’ve encountered? Please select all that apply.
      I don’t want to change from the Omnipod Dash to Omnipod 5 because the minimum target blood glucose is level is higher than where I like to keep it. My A1C is currently 5.0.
    • 1 day, 18 hours ago
      Wanacure likes your comment at
      If you have never used an insulin pump with automated insulin delivery (also known as a hybrid closed-loop pump), what are some of the reasons you’re reluctant, or obstacles you’ve encountered? Please select all that apply.
      For the last 5 years, the highest HbA1C I've had was 5.3. For the last 3 years the high, low, & average have been 5.2, 4.7, & 4.9. I'm not willing to go to an AID that sets a target of 6 to 7.
    • 1 day, 18 hours ago
      Wanacure likes your comment at
      If you have never used an insulin pump with automated insulin delivery (also known as a hybrid closed-loop pump), what are some of the reasons you’re reluctant, or obstacles you’ve encountered? Please select all that apply.
      I do MDI. For the last 7 years my A1C has averaged around 4.8. I have no reason to believe that a closed loop automated system could do that well.
    • 1 day, 18 hours ago
      Wanacure likes your comment at
      If you have never used an insulin pump with automated insulin delivery (also known as a hybrid closed-loop pump), what are some of the reasons you’re reluctant, or obstacles you’ve encountered? Please select all that apply.
      There are many reasons, as well as "something else." My arthritic fingers do not serve me well with a cell phone. I have trouble putting the needle covers back on to my insulin pen needles. If I had to take care of all the fine muscle issues associated with setting a pump up, I would probably require assistance. I am also not drawn to the issues I hear about tissue damage at the infusion sites, or knowing whether everything is seated properly and the insulin is actually flowing. Finally, I just have some kind of negative karma with electronics. I have worked as a lab biochemist. Somehow, I find the weaknesses of every machine in the lab. (the ideal industrial beta-tester) Having said that, what I hear about the numbers achieved with the tandem CIQ gives me pause to consider.
    • 1 day, 18 hours ago
      Wanacure likes your comment at
      If you have never used an insulin pump with automated insulin delivery (also known as a hybrid closed-loop pump), what are some of the reasons you’re reluctant, or obstacles you’ve encountered? Please select all that apply.
      Like others, the "closed loop" runs me too high - even the target bg is too high for me. I use the TandemX2 with BIQ integrated wqith my Dexcom G6. I also appreciate - and use - the temp basal function often. I would lose that with CIQ. L:ike Nilla Eckstrom (I think?) I like to be between 80-90, with maybe up to 120 after I eat.
    • 1 day, 19 hours ago
      Wanacure likes your comment at
      If you have never used an insulin pump with automated insulin delivery (also known as a hybrid closed-loop pump), what are some of the reasons you’re reluctant, or obstacles you’ve encountered? Please select all that apply.
      The constant refilling and site changes...doesn't seem worth it.
    • 1 day, 19 hours ago
      Wanacure likes your comment at
      If you have never used an insulin pump with automated insulin delivery (also known as a hybrid closed-loop pump), what are some of the reasons you’re reluctant, or obstacles you’ve encountered? Please select all that apply.
      Luddites just may be the most comfortable people on earth. 🙃 
    Clear All
Pages
    • T1D Exchange T1D Exchange T1D Exchange
    • Articles
    • Community
      • About
      • Insights
      • Submit a Question
      • Donate
      • Join the Community
    • Quality Improvement
      • About
      • Collaborative
        • Leadership
        • Committees
      • Clinics
      • Resources
        • Change Packages
        • Sick Day Guide
        • Meet the Experts
      • Portal
      • Health Equity
        • Heal Advisors
      • Join Us
    • Registry
      • About
      • Recruit for the Registry
    • Research
      • About
      • Publications
      • COVID-19 Research
      • Work with us
    • Partners
      • About
      • Previous Work
      • Academic Partnerships
      • Industry Partnerships
    • About
      • Team
      • Board of Directors
      • Culture & Careers
      • Annual Report
    • Join / Login
    • Donate

    How often do you clean your skin with alcohol wipes before giving yourself an injection or inserting a new insulin pump site?

    Home > LC Polls > How often do you clean your skin with alcohol wipes before giving yourself an injection or inserting a new insulin pump site?
    Previous

    If you drink diet soda or drink products labeled “zero” sugar, do you feel like they have an effect on your glucose levels?

    Next

    Do you currently use any of the following CGM systems?

    Sarah Howard

    Sarah Howard (nee Tackett) has dedicated her career to supporting the T1D community 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. Sarah and her husband live in NYC with their cat Gracie. In her spare time, she enjoys doing comedy, taking dance classes, visiting art museums, and exploring different neighborhoods in NYC.

    Related Stories

    Meet the Expert

    Meet the Expert: Improving Patient Care Systems to Increase CGM Use 

    Jewels Doskicz, 3 days ago 7 min read  
    Question of the Day

    How many low blood sugars do you have per week? 

    Samantha Robinson, 5 days ago 5 min read  
    Insulin & Meds

    Using GLP-1 Medications in Type 1 Diabetes 

    Cristina Jorge Schwarz, 6 days ago 9 min read  
    Meet the Expert

    Meet the Expert: Looking Beyond A1c at a Patient’s Quality of Life 

    Jewels Doskicz, 1 week ago 8 min read  
    Research

    Fear of Hypoglycemia: New Tool Helps Docs Identify “FoH” in People with Diabetes 

    Ginger Vieira, 2 weeks ago 5 min read  
    Meet the Expert

    Meet the Expert: Evaluating Telemedicine in T1D Patient Care 

    Jewels Doskicz, 2 weeks ago 9 min read  

    45 Comments

    1. sweet charlie

      What… only 44%… OMG!!!! Never in 70 years have I not used alcahol… on me and a vial etc…..

      2
      10 months ago Log in to Reply
    2. Mike Plante

      I don’t if I just showered, otherwise always yes.

      1
      10 months ago Log in to Reply
    3. AimmcG

      I try to change it when I bathe. I will take it off the old site then Im clean for the new one. If I have to change it at an off time I use alcohol wipes.

      10 months ago Log in to Reply
    4. C T

      I never, quite literally never, do. It’s a terrible habit because I’ll admit my sites aren’t the prettiest when I remove them. I never ran into issues with syringe injections, but with the sites being in the same spot for so many days I find that they get red and ugly quickly so I’ve been trying to be better and keep alcohol on hand for site changes

      10 months ago Log in to Reply
    5. Britni

      I haven’t used alcohol swabs for injections since I was a little kid. The year that I was using the Omnipod Dash I did use them before applying a new pod, but I’m back on MDI now.

      10 months ago Log in to Reply
    6. Jane Cerullo

      I am now using an IPort for MDI so I clean site prior to inserting device. When i was giving myself subcutaneous injections never

      10 months ago Log in to Reply
    7. mojoseje

      When I was 7, I used alcohol but not since I went to high school. I’ve had diabetes for 52 years and have never had a problem. Now that I use CGM, I always clean the site with alcohol.

      2
      10 months ago Log in to Reply
    8. DiabetesC

      I chose always for pump sites, but I would choose never for injections. So I need an always/never option…

      1
      10 months ago Log in to Reply
    9. Brian Vodehnal

      For injections, never. For CGM insertions, always.

      1
      10 months ago Log in to Reply
    10. Natalie Daley

      When changing the CGM sensor always — alcohol also for removing excess Skin Tac after application. Never for injections — no site infection issues in 30 years of shots.

      10 months ago Log in to Reply
    11. Lyn McQuaid

      I always use IV Prep to prepare my skin before inserting the pump and I believe it has alcohol in it? The main reason I use it is to make the insertion set adhere to my skin better, not for cleaning. I rarely take injections but never use anything for them.

      1
      10 months ago Log in to Reply
    12. Nevin Bowman

      I have at some point in my life, but it’s been long enough ago that I have no idea when I’ve last used alcohol – probably at least 30 years.

      3
      10 months ago Log in to Reply
    13. Joan Benedetto

      For pump and Cgm sites, we use IVPrep wipes prior to insertion.

      10 months ago Log in to Reply
    14. Patty Harris

      40 years of injections and pump changes – NEVER!!
      Only use alcohol wipes when performing a sensor change.

      1
      10 months ago Log in to Reply
    15. Nicholas Argento

      I do if I did not just take a shower but I usually do it after a shower . As a doc I see few infections but some people are far more prone to site infections. On that case I recommend using a better soap that kills staph bacteria like hibiclens

      2
      10 months ago Log in to Reply
      1. KarenM6

        Thank you for that recommendation! I’m completely paranoid about infections, so the Hibiclens sounds like something to try!

        10 months ago Log in to Reply
    16. Jeanne McMillan-Olson

      For pump sites I use IV prep and for Dexcom alcohol wipes as recommended. Never use if taking an injection.

      10 months ago Log in to Reply
    17. Ms Cris

      Always for infusion site and CGM site, plus Skin Prep.
      For Symlin injections or other, rarely since I may be in the office, eating out, etc. (I hate the idea of going to a germ filled bathroom to inject. So it’s “cleaner” to inject stealthily where I am, and using hand sanitizer.)

      2
      10 months ago Log in to Reply
    18. Amy Jo

      I usually place a new site right after I shower, so I don’t alcohol swab then. If I haven’t just showered I will use alcohol

      10 months ago Log in to Reply
    19. Thomas Cline

      It seemed inappropriate to combine a question about injections with a question about sites for equipment such as pumps and CGM sensors. I never bother to wipe for an injection but I do for my CGM sensor. Indeed I have no qualms about injecting through my shirt — and can inject when surrounded by people who never even know I’ve done it — beyond the problem of occasional blood spots on my T-shirt. I’ve been doing so for 20 years and have never had even the slightest hint of an infection at the injection sites. I do wipe for my CGM sensor (both the battery and the application site), but that is as much for maximizing the adherence of the adhesive and insuring good electrical contact with the battery as for any concern about infection. I think that for those of us who generally keep our bodies clean, the recommendation to always use an alcohol pad before injection is unnecessary.

      4
      10 months ago Log in to Reply
    20. Yaffa Steubinger

      I feel those two options are very different because I never use an alcohol wipe before an injection but always use a wipe before attaching my Dexcom.

      1
      10 months ago Log in to Reply
    21. Linda Murphy

      got an infection once, had to go to plastic surgeon, fortunately didn’t need his help, healed on own but cannot use that site anymore

      10 months ago Log in to Reply
    22. MT

      Injections no, pump sites yes.
      Have used both over the years.

      10 months ago Log in to Reply
    23. Bruce Schnitzler

      Rarely when I was injecting, but almost always now that I am using an insulin pump.

      1
      10 months ago Log in to Reply
    24. mbulzomi@optonline.net

      ALWAYS. I use I.V. Prep for my Tamdem Auto-Soft 90 injection sites. Only Alcohol for my Sensor sites. (That should have also been part of the question.)

      10 months ago Log in to Reply
    25. Mark Schweim

      Rarely. Sometimes for syringe injections but the Skin Tac main liquid ingredient is the same rubbing alcohol the alcohol wipes contain so by applying Skin Tac to my skin I actually AM also cleaning the area with alcohol at the same time so seems a bit of overkill to first clean with an alcohol wipe only to then use another product on the same area that also contains the same kind of alcohol.

      I use Skin Tac both for my pump infusion sites and my Dexcom sensors. Have only used alcohol wipes for syringe injections since 1991 and have never had any infections.

      1
      10 months ago Log in to Reply
      1. Anna Kiff

        So true!

        10 months ago Log in to Reply
    26. Janice Bohn

      I change my pump site after my shower so rarely also use alcohol wipes as that can be too drying. I do use a spray protective barrier on my skin before applying any devices

      1
      10 months ago Log in to Reply
      1. Lucia Maya

        I’m curious what kind of spray you use? I use Skin Tac wipes and they’re always a mess and wasteful.

        10 months ago Log in to Reply
    27. Carol Meares

      Infusion sites always.
      Shots which I do maybe 3x/week almost never.

      1
      10 months ago Log in to Reply
    28. Bob Durstenfeld

      Always for a new pump site, rarely for a shot.

      1
      10 months ago Log in to Reply
      1. KSannie

        Ditto

        1
        10 months ago Log in to Reply
    29. Lawrence S.

      When I first became a diabetic, my doctor told me to always clean my sites with an antiseptic; sanitation is important. I Always clean my injection, and insertion sites with alcohol wipes, IV Prep wipes or Skin Prep wipes.

      2
      10 months ago Log in to Reply
      1. Anna Kiff

        I’ve also learned since trying out the Omnipod, that if you do have sensitive skin. Just using soap / water .. ensuring area is dry .. alcohol cwipes/etc. can be skipped. Again, it may work for moi and not necessarily others, but as posted above in this thread discussion …no probs with injection/pump sites over my period of T1D.

        1
        10 months ago Log in to Reply
    30. KarenM6

      I am sooooo paranoid about infections! I always use alcohol wipes when sticking sharp things into my body!
      Interestingly, I’m wondering if it is possible to be allergic to alcohol wipes… this is a question for my doctor!

      2
      10 months ago Log in to Reply
    31. Becky Hertz

      Injection, rarely. Insertion site, always.

      1
      10 months ago Log in to Reply
    32. PamK

      I found that using antibacterial soap on my skin before inserting an infusion set leaves me with less skin irritation. However, I do still use an alcohol wipe when I have to give myself a shot and/or check my blood sugar with a meter.

      1
      10 months ago Log in to Reply
    33. Wanacure

      I’m more fastidious about washing my hands before eating and after using toilet. I used to carry a small refillable vial of hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizing stations have become so prevalent at grocery stores, shopping malls, libraries after Covid, I can clean my hands anywhere.

      1
      10 months ago Log in to Reply
    34. lynn nelson

      I have very dry skin/eczema

      1
      10 months ago Log in to Reply
      1. Anna Kiff

        Me too and it’s so bad this year! If I had a GP Id be seeing if I could get a low cortisone cream, but using off the shelf creams to currently battle the worst case I’ve had since I was in grade school in the 70’s. What do you use if it’s not too personal a question?

        10 months ago Log in to Reply
    35. qachemist

      Not almost always. ALWAYS.

      3
      10 months ago Log in to Reply
    36. Anna Kiff

      Wow I was surprised by the responses. I’m an Always or Almost always with insulin pump/CGM. With MDI, I’m in that Never/Always. And touch wood after almost 60 years as a T1D no infections, etc. And I’ve got highly sensitive skin to boot! I must have good genes …Levi’s 🤣🤪?

      10 months ago Log in to Reply
      1. Wanacure

        Anna, for dry itchy skin, ask your Primary Care Physician to refer you to a dermatologist. Avoid long hot showers or baths and avoid soaps which can dry skin even more. Use cool or cold water with washcloth 2x per day.. Keep your pump or tube of moisturizing cream in the fridge. Cold relieves itching. Apply moisturizer when skin is still damp, except feet and crotch where fungus can be problem. If necessary your dermatologist can prescribe a 2% cortisone type ointment to apply sparingly to limited itchy spot(s) for no more than 2 weeks. Apply moisturizer over the cortisone. Follow procedure 2x per day. Try changing clothes or undergarments 2x per day. Some folks apply olive oil. Others eventually just use generic brand petroleum jelly. Avoid strong detergents washing clothes. Try wearing organic cotton boxer shorts. Men, consider kilts. You might consider personal hygiene methods involving bidet or fancy Japanese toilet that sprays water on your bum or a moist disposable baby wipe.

        10 months ago Log in to Reply
    37. Jneticdiabetic

      I always use alcohol before pump cannula insertions, CGM insertions, and injections except on very rare occasions when a I’ve been away from home & without an alcohol swab.
      I am lazy about fingersticks. Almost never use alcohol and also use the same lancet for months.

      10 months ago Log in to Reply
    38. Jeff Balbirnie

      Two entirely different questions!!!

      Swab before a shot, NEVER! Except under extraordinary circumstances, Where I was covered in dirt, mud, germs, Nastiness if a physical kind. So for a shot, almost never.

      For a pump, CGM,… ALWAYS. It’s going to be sticking to my body for a bunch of days, and my skin won’t tolerate it to begin with… So every single time always, and extremely thoroughly.

      Two very different situations

      9 months ago Log in to Reply

    How often do you clean your skin with alcohol wipes before giving yourself an injection or inserting a new insulin pump site? Cancel reply

    You must be logged in to post a comment.

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.




    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

    © 2023 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.

    2019 Publications

    0 Stories Related

    2020 ADA

    9 Stories Related

    2020 ADCES

    0 Stories Related

    2020 ATTD

    0 Stories Related

    2020 EASD

    0 Stories Related

    2020 ISPAD

    7 Stories Related

    2020 Publications

    0 Stories Related

    2021 ADA

    11 Stories Related

    2021 ADCES

    0 Stories Related

    2021 ATTD

    4 Stories Related

    2021 ISPAD

    8 Stories Related

    2021 Publications

    22 Stories Related

    2022 ADA

    11 Stories Related

    2022 ADCES

    4 Stories Related

    2022 ATTD

    10 Stories Related

    2022 ISPAD

    0 Stories Related

    2023 ATTD

    6 Stories Related

    ADA

    5 Stories Related

    ADCES

    0 Stories Related

    Advocacy

    21 Stories Related

    ATTD

    16 Stories Related

    Blood Sugar

    0 Stories Related

    Conditions

    7 Stories Related

    COVID-19

    14 Stories Related

    EASD

    0 Stories Related

    General Publications

    73 Stories Related

    Get Involved

    11 Stories Related

    Insulin & Meds

    16 Stories Related

    ISPAD

    1 Stories Related

    Journal of Diabetes

    21 Stories Related

    Lifestyle

    12 Stories Related

    Lifestyles

    0 Stories Related

    Meet the Expert

    18 Stories Related

    Mental Health

    11 Stories Related

    News

    35 Stories Related

    Our team

    25 Stories Related

    Partner Content

    7 Stories Related

    Press Release

    6 Stories Related

    Question of the Day

    25 Stories Related

    Research

    66 Stories Related

    Stories

    18 Stories Related

    T2D

    1 Stories Related

    Technology

    23 Stories Related

    Uncategorized

    2 Stories Related

    We're preparing your personalized page.

    This will only take a second...

    Search and filter

    • Clear All
    • Sort By

    • Select Category