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    • 3 hours, 4 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
    • 9 hours, 22 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.
    • 10 hours, 15 minutes 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.
    • 13 hours, 16 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.
    • 13 hours, 16 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.
    • 13 hours, 25 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.
    • 13 hours, 26 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.
    • 13 hours, 39 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.
    • 13 hours, 39 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.
    • 13 hours, 39 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.
    • 13 hours, 39 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.
    • 13 hours, 39 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
    • 13 hours, 40 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.
    • 13 hours, 42 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?"
    • 13 hours, 43 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.
    • 13 hours, 45 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.
    • 13 hours, 46 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.
    • 14 hours 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, 11 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
    • 1 day, 12 hours ago
      Marty likes your comment at
      If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), where do you prefer to view your CGM readings?
      One nice thing about a watch for readings is that, while it is normally redundant, you can be separated from your phone. For example, when you are in water.
    • 1 day, 12 hours ago
      Marty likes your comment at
      If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), where do you prefer to view your CGM readings?
      I use both as you can’t do everything you want in one or the other
    • 1 day, 13 hours ago
      Kathy Hanavan likes your comment at
      If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), where do you prefer to view your CGM readings?
      I selected “other” because my preference (smart watch, mobile phone, or pump screen) depends on circumstances. Watch for a quick and discrete view; pump if I’m preparing for a profile or activity adjustment or bolus, mobile phone if just a food bolus.
    • 1 day, 13 hours ago
      John Barbuto likes your comment at
      If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), where do you prefer to view your CGM readings?
      I use both as you can’t do everything you want in one or the other
    • 1 day, 14 hours ago
      Gerald Oefelein likes your comment at
      If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), where do you prefer to view your CGM readings?
      I use both as you can’t do everything you want in one or the other
    • 1 day, 14 hours ago
      Laurie B likes your comment at
      If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), where do you prefer to view your CGM readings?
      I’m curious about the reasoning behind using a dedicated reader. Could someone please enlighten me?
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    If you use an insulin pump, what are your preferred pump site locations? Select all that apply!

    Home > LC Polls > If you use an insulin pump, what are your preferred pump site locations? Select all that apply!
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    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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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. 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    41 Comments

    1. Steven Gill

      Just curiosity, has anyone had success utilizing their upper arm? I could utilize it the it it worked well. I place the insert on my waist because, always have…

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. AnitaS

        I have success with the upper arm (more toward the back of the arm just below the shoulder. My insulin is absorbed well there but I occasionally will have pain there if I lie on my side. I usually don’t side sleep so it is not too big of a problem for me.

        4 years ago Log in to Reply
      2. Lucia Maya

        I use my arm (back of arm) as much as possible. best absorption for me. it’s a bit tricky to insert, but not more really than taking shots there, which I did for many years. I use my knee or side to “pinch” up the skin a bit…

        4 years ago Log in to Reply
    2. Gustavo Avitabile

      I alternate between abdomen, legs, and belly above navel.

      1
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    3. Britni

      I don’t use one anymore, so I said N/A. When I did, I put it on my stomach, back, and buttocks. Tried my leg once, but it hurt too much, and my arm once, but the catheter came out after one day.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Melanie Wagner

        Just curious. What do you use now?

        4 years ago Log in to Reply
    4. Clearblueskynm

      Anywhere but abdomen

      1
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    5. Lawrence S.

      I use my abdomen and legs. I don’t use my buttocks because that is where I use my CGM. I can’t use the CGM on my abdomen because I get bad rashes. I tried my upper arm, but I can’t reach there to get the cannula in, and it doesn’t stay in there. I can’t imagine where in the lower back I would put a cannula.

      1
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Jneticdiabetic

        I interpreted lower back to mean upper hip area (above buttocks). I use that area and your buttocks because I have more padding there and find that because it doesn’t bend, I don’t have problems with cannulas kinking/failing like I do in the abdomen.

        1
        4 years ago Log in to Reply
    6. Clare Fishman

      Pods can pretty much be placed anywhere there is a little meat. I find anywhere on my chest gives great absorption. Right now my pod is on my upper back in the shoulder area.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. AnitaS

        I am surprised the pod doesn’t bother you when you sleep on your back, if in fact you do.

        4 years ago Log in to Reply
    7. Amanda Barras

      Buttocks and sides
      Sides include love handles and tissue under arm adjacent to breast.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    8. Joan Fray

      Lower and upper abdomen. CGM on upper arms. Legs hurt, and i sleeo on my back so buttocks don’t work.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    9. Shannon Barnaby

      Chest.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Tray Geiger

        Me too! I was very skeptical and nervous about putting an Omnipod on my chest (mid-pec area), but I’ve found that the absorption is excellent and I don’t feel any pain or discomfort (I don’t even know it’s there most of the time).

        4 years ago Log in to Reply
      2. KarenM6

        Oh, wow… I don’t think I’ve ever heard of this location being used! =:o
        I also don’t know if I have the guts to try the location, but it would help with my skin issues.

        4 years ago Log in to Reply
      3. AnitaS

        My physician’s assistant for my diabetes said many women use their breasts for their CGMs also. I am not brave enough to try an infusion set or CGM there however.

        4 years ago Log in to Reply
      4. Karen Brady

        I actually loved this area for both my CGM and pump, not in the pec area but the breast, but my OB said that many women with diabetes have “dense breast tissue” so it’s best to avoid additional scar tissue there. Of course consult with your doctor(s,) but just a heads up!

        4 years ago Log in to Reply
    10. Annie Wall

      I said “other”, though I could have said abdomen some of the time. I am mostly using the area around my hips, sometimes in the abdomen and sometimes just outside the hip near the the buttock. Every once in a while I try the area above my waist. I don’t want to use the abdomen much because I got scarring there after 25 years pumping. I took a pump vacation for two years but am still wary of the abdomen for the most part. I can use it for my Dexcom though, without any problems.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    11. Chrisanda

      I use the soft tissue area between my hips and abdomen too.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    12. Retired and glad

      This question is obviously for Omnipod users, while I am using a Medtronic pump. So my answer relates to placement of the infusion set, which I have always put on my abdomen (right side, infusion, left side, Dexcom). I tried putting the infusion set on my upper leg (more for cosmetic reasons like when I go to the beach), but I had a lot of pain and sometimes infections that way.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    13. Stephen Woodward

      Love handles are the best for me.

      1
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    14. Barbara green

      Sides

      1
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    15. ConnieT1D62

      Lower abdomen below the belt line and fleshy part of hips.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    16. Antsy

      I wish I could use an arm as a site for my CGM, but the undertaping/overtaping is difficult enough when I can see it (belly or thigh). No way could I do the elaborate taping required without the use of both hands. Plus, intermittent shoulder pain means I sometimes lose flexibility. The infusion set application is simpler, but hurt too much for my arms.

      1
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    17. Christina Trudo

      Abdomen only. Tried my legs recently and it hurt fiercely, didn’t get better over time. I have had neuropathy for nearly 40 years so it may well have spread into my thighs.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    18. kristina blake

      I wish I could use arms for infusion sites, but disconnecting/connecting would be difficult. I do have different pump settings based on placement, been pumping so long that my settings are for higher doses in the abdomen area, and lower dose ratios on my legs. I also use the chest area.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Pamela Newman

        Where do you place it on your chest exactly? I’m searching for some new areas.

        1
        4 years ago Log in to Reply
    19. KarenM6

      I use legs and arms. I have the Omnipod, so arms are doable. (I was never able to figure out how to put a tubed pump on my arm.) I can’t use my abdomen anymore because of skin/fat issues (lipoatrophy). I have tried the lower back and upper buttocks but found those sites to be super uncomfortable and difficult for me.

      2
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    20. Jan Masty

      I’m still pretty new to a pump, although I’ve been t1 d for 61 years. Still not sure I like it. I always did pretty well with mdi but thought I’d see if the pump is easier. Jury is still out. Anyway I put my tandem on my stomach area ( high , low, side, mid) legs (upper front) and upper arms. All seem to work okay and not be too annoying.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    21. AnitaS

      My abdomen is where I usually like to where my infusion set as I seem to get the most consistency in insulin absorption there. I find my lower back is comfortable but sometimes I seem to get high blood sugars there. My hips also seem to give me high glucose numbers. My arms seem to work well but sometimes the infusion set can be uncomfortable there. My fat has been eaten away when I have put the infusion set in my upper thighs so I don’t like that area.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    22. Elena Sainz

      I hate abdomen for canulas, I’m surprised 43% preferred it.

      1
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Karen Brady

        same!

        4 years ago Log in to Reply
    23. Mig Vascos

      Im a side sleeper, turn during the night from one side to the other, so that leaves me with my abdomen only.
      It works the best just below the waist line. The lower or upper abdomen works well sometimes but not always.
      Have tried my upper thighs and is kind of an annoyance with the tubing and the underwear when going to the bathroom.
      i can’t think of how to use my arms without pulling the cannula when exercising.
      Some people mentioned the love handles. I’m going to try that and see how it works.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    24. Karen Brady

      I’m a podder and love using legs. Arms and upper buttocks sometimes. Never abdomen.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    25. M C

      My preferred location is on the abdomen, but it is becoming so scarred (internally) that I really need to find a suitable alternative – that won’t cause more problems (pressure from pants on site when I sit, or in a position that will get aggravated when laying down to sleep, etc.). I find, when trying alternate sites, other than the abdomen, that they are not as insulin efficient, and don’t work for the same length of time.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    26. Molly Jones

      I use my Tandem insulin pump where I have enough fat: my outside upper buttocks and my outside upper thighs. My right abdomen and inner upper arms are used for my Dexcom sensor. Sites may change if I change to an Omnipod with their new release.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    27. Donna Condi

      That is where I was originally instructed to put it. I didn’t know there were others.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    28. Donna Condi

      I use my abdomen for both pump (left) and Dexcom (right). I have never had one pull out because it is protected by my pants and underwear. I would think it would be more vulnerable to being pulled out if it were above my waistline.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    29. Sadie Robinson

      I am a podder and I use my abdomen (one side for CGM, the other for the pod). I have tried my thighs and upper arms. I will soon have to try other areas because my abdomen has a lot of scarring.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    30. felicity.t

      I place my pump site almost anywhere – a new place I tried is my lats and its worked great!

      4 years ago Log in to Reply

    If you use an insulin pump, what are your preferred pump site locations? Select all that apply! Cancel reply

    You must be logged in to post a comment.




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