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If you wear a pump or sensor, how often do you put a site somewhere visible, such as on your arm or leg?
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I used to wear a Libre sensor, which was often visible (at least in warm weather). I now wear a Dexcom sensor and I get better results when it’s on my abdomen, so that’s less visible — but not because I’m trying to hide it. The pump sites are typically in covered areas because I want to avoid snagging the tubing!
I used to wear a Freestyle Libre on one of my arms, which were visible, but now I’m using the Guardian Sensor 3 (MiniMed/Medtronic) I only occasionally use one of my thighs, which are generally not ‘visible’ unless you’re there to see me undress. 😉
I don’t put insets or sensors anywhere to specifically hide them but since I put them on my waist, they are not visible. I did wear the sensor on my upper arm for a while and that was visible at times.
I guess I’m just vain but I don’t like anything related to my diabetes care visible. Whenever I get a new pair of pants or shorts, my wife puts a slit in the inside of the right pocket with a velcro closure so I can hide the pump there along with the tubing. I used to clip my pump on my belt but it always brought up questions whenever anyone saw it and I’d rather not advertise the fact that I’m diabetic. My Dexcom G6 is placed on my abdomen. I tried it on my upper leg a couple of times but either due to circulation issues or other factors it was not comfortable.
Mine is mixed. I wear the Dexcom G6 Sensor on my arm. Infusion sets are on leg, abdomen, Glute (Somewhat of a rotation). I find the CGM sensor works fine on my arm. Abdomen is a little inconvenient – especially with summer perspiration! I have tried the infusion set on my arm before. However, can’t get the tubing in the right length anymore – either too short or way too long!
Of course it depends on the season, if it is summer, short sleeves and shorts, more will be seen. But I do use my thighs and my upper arms. I did have one woman at a wedding insist I was beautiful, and to wish me luck when my Dexcom sensor was on my upper arm. (I was a guest). I guess she had seen one of those ads for the patch for chemo symptoms (Neulasta?). Anyway, I use patches that I turn into little paintings (my best is doing a sugar skull painting and a copy of Munch’s “The Scream” with the sensor as the face). Anyway, since I have ink anyway, it is barely noticeable.
Dexcom told me to put the sensor on my abdomen, so the pump is usually on the back of my arms or on my leg. If it shows, it shows. Doesn’t bother me. One day when it was showing, a mom with a newly-diagnosed 4-year-old saw it and asked me if I would talk to him. So sometimes it works out well if it shows.
I use my upper arms and my forearms for my sensors and my upper arms for my infusion sets on a regular rotation. If they are seen, it does not bother me. If someone asks a question, I answer it and go on about my day. You just never know when your answer can help someone.
I wear the cgm on my abdomen. I have had a few sensors not work and when I call Dexcom, I am always asked where I was wearing the sensor. I got the idea they will not replace a sensor unless I follow the directions.
I use abdomen and arm and Love Handle areas BUT usually have pump in a Shirt or pants pocket, sometimes with tubing exposed. After 56 years I have no modesty about my Dm.
Our 1 year old loves my pump & sensor so I do my best to hide both of them.
Both are always visible, that’s not an issue for me. I’ve found wearing the CGM on my upper arm the most comfortable location. The pump inset is on my abdomen with the pump clipped to my waistband or pants pocket. When I was using MDI and a meter I’d check my bg and inject in public. I’ve always tried to go ahead and do what I needed to do without making a big production out of it.
Both the pump infusion set and cgm are on my abdomen. Having clothing cover them adds some protection from being bumped or pulled out. My pump, however, is in a zippered, padded case that I sewed a hole in and slipped a carbiner through to hook to my beltloop. The pump and tubing are visible, but the pump won’t fall off as it occasionally did when I used a clip. I tuck the tubing into my pants to minimize it getting caught on things.
I insert infusion sets in my leg (usually covered by pants) and CGM sensors in my abdomen (usually covered by a shirt). I sometimes remove my shirt if it is hot. I sometimes remove my shirt and/or pants for medical exams. I don’t care who sees my infusion sets or CGM sensors as long as I’m not exposing private parts.
I use Omnipod Dash pump (pods) with no tubing to deal with. A much more flexible option! I wear both CGM and Omnipod on my abdomen (opposite sides). Like another user mentioned, I have had a number of Dexcom G6 sensors fail. Dexcom has sent me replacements for every single sensor. They do always ask where you placed it but that has never affected the replacements. They have aslo included an extra sensor in each of my last two replacement shipments when I had to return 2 or 3 sensors at a time. If you do have Dexcom failures be sure to call them. They have always been very helpful to me.
Pump – belly Sensor – Arms
My arm is most comfortable but has the greatest risk of being accidentally hit or bumped off. In the extreme warm and cold months, I tend to not wear it exposed to protect it from the harsh sun or weather elements. Clothing over the pod does add another cushion of protection. I only really intentionally do not want it visible if I am dressed in evening or formal wear.
Since I use Omnipod my site options are limitless and I use them all. Generally my Dexcom is on the back of my arm. It is the most comfortable spot for long term use and I use each sensor for at least a couple of sessions.
Wearing a pump folks see my tubing, which I often have to work hard to protect (pulled the insert loose before)..
With my Dexcom, I use my arm 90% of the time. With my pump, never.
I use my arms a lot for my Dexcom and it depends on sleeve length whether or not it shows. My insulin pump does have tubing but the insertion site doesn’t show.
I wear my pump set so everyone can see it but also wear it so no one can see it because of rotation of sites but when visible the kids love it because they know that there not alone that there is someone else who has diabetes isn’t it great
I use all areas equally. I rotate sites so arms and legs get used as much as hips, buttocks and upper/ lower stomach. All areas are possibilities for site locations.