Dexcom sensors are manufactured with a special adhesive to help them stick to patients’ skin after sensor insertion. Adhesive supplements may also be used.
- Liquid adhesive agents can be used with the sensor adhesive patch.1,2 A suggestion for patients when using liquid adhesive agents is to:
1. Create an empty oval on the skin with the liquid adhesive product.
2. Let skin adhesive dry.
3. Insert sensor on clean skin in center of oval.
- Additional adhesive patches or tape can be applied over the sensor adhesive patch.1,2 Suggestions for patients when using adhesive patches or tapes are to:
- Cut a hole in the adhesive patch or tape to fit around transmitter.
- Cut the adhesive patch or tape into strips to use ‘‘picture frame’’ technique around sensor adhesive patch.1,3
For detailed step-by-step instructions on how to use the Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System, please refer to the user guide. Dexcom, Inc. does not recommend, endorse or warrant any third-party products, including adhesive supplements and removal products.
View the downloadable "What Works for Me" document, which outlines the step-by-step process for how to insert and remove a Dexcom G6 sensor patch.
1. Chase HP, Messer L: Understanding Insulin Pumps and Continuous Glucose Monitors. 3rd ed. Denver: Children’s Diabetes Research Foundation, 2016.
2. Englert K, Ruedy K, Coffey J, et al.: Skin and adhesive issues with continuous glucose monitors: a sticky situation. J Diabetes Sci Technol 2014;8:745–751.
3. Ives B, Sikes K, Urban A, et al.: Practical aspects of realtime continuous glucose monitors: the experience of the Yale Children’s Diabetes Program. Diabetes Educ 2010;36: 53–62.
If patients experience difficulty removing the sensor from their skin, these products and techniques may help:
General Removal Techniques
- Loosen edge of adhesive with fingernail and use products listed below if necessary.1,2
- While removing tapes, use fingers of opposite hand to push skin down and away from adhesive. Continue to move fingers on skin toward adhesive as it is removed.2
- ‘‘Fold back’’ technique: Remove adhesive slowly, at low angle, folding back on itself.2
- ‘‘Stretch and relax’’ technique: Films that stretch (e.g., IV3000 or Tegaderm) may be stretched horizontally away from the center (opposite of the fold back technique) while walking fingers under the dressing to continue stretching it.2
- Use adhesive removal wipes to rub the skin under the tape toward the adhesive as it is removed. This helps loosen adhesive from skin and may help reduce pain with removal.1
Removal Products and Description
Product | Description |
Uni-solve Adhesive Remover (Smith&Nephew) | - Comes in wipes or liquid |
AllKare Adhesive Removal Wipe (ConvaTec Inc) | - Comes in wipes |
Tac Away Adhesive Removal Wipes (Torbot) | - Comes in wipes - Reciprocal product to Skin Tac |
Detachol Adhesive Remover (Eloquest) | - Latex free, alcohol free - Comes in single use vials or liquid - Reciprocal product to Mastisol |
Household oilsa: - Baby oil, coconut oil or olive oil |
- Least specialized and least expensive option |
For detailed step-by-step instructions on how to use the Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System, please refer to the user guide. Dexcom, Inc. does not recommend, endorse or warrant any third-party products, including adhesive supplements and removal products.
View the downloadable "What Works for Me" document, which outlines the step-by-step process for how to insert and remove a Dexcom G6 sensor patch.
1. Chase HP, Messer L: Understanding Insulin Pumps and Continuous Glucose Monitors. 3rd ed. Denver: Children’s Diabetes Research Foundation, 2016.
2. McNichol L, Lund C, Rosen T, Gray M: Medical adhesives and patient safety: State of the science: consensus statements for the assessment, prevention, and treatment of adhesive related skin injuries. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs 2013;40:365–380; quiz E361–E362.
a Used within institution or support in public commentary, online articles, diabetes blogs, social media.
Yes, Dexcom G6 is indicated for children as young as 2 years old.
Yes, Dexcom G6 does work with Clarity. Patients will not need to register again nor download a new Dexcom Clarity App if they have already established an account. If you are already sharing with your clinic, the clinic will not need to reconnect.