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With it being such a common issue for many PWDs, a Dexcom-affiliated research analysis published in 2018 cited earlier clinical research showing that skin reactions are a significant barrier to people using CGM technology. Some researchers have found that at least 35 percent of diabetes device users experience intermittent skin problems due to irritation from sweating, occlusion and so on under the adhesive.

And skimming through “adverse event reports” kept by the FDA to find data can be quite complicated and fruitless, given the complexity of the database. Manufactures keep close to their chest when it comes to data about customer service calls relating to adhesives or skin issues. Many include images - sometimes quite graphic - to show the extent of the problem.

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None of this is a surprise to the myriad PWDs who experience these issues firsthand.įacebook groups and other social media channels are full of PWDs complaining about rashes or red marks caused by wearing a CGM or insulin pump infusion set. Some of the more common skin complications and allergic reactions include tissue damage and scarring, hypersensitivity, lipodystrophy (uneven distribution of fat), and even infection and more serious wounds.

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Few resources are available, however, to guide clinicians on how to comprehensively assess, prevent, and treat skin conditions associated with diabetes device usage,” the authors wrote. Skin issues are frequently reported to endocrinologists and diabetes educators in clinical practice, and are a persistent topic in diabetes support groups and social media websites. “With the increasing use of these devices, dermatological concerns are becoming more common in people with diabetes.

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The authors explain how “devices involve a small filament or cannula being inserted under the skin and secured with an external adhesive patch (worn) on the skin (that) varies in size, with tubed infusion sets offering the smallest surface area, and CGMs and patch pumps requiring a larger adhesive body.” They note that insulin pump infusion sets need to be replaced every 2 to 4 days, while CGM sensors are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be worn on the skin for 7 to 14 days. In 2018, a team of healthcare professionals including diabetes care and education specialists (DCES) recognized the problem in a research article on “Preserving Skin Integrity with Chronic Device Use in Diabetes.”

That may very well be a pipe dream that never materializes, but it shows the level of interest, at least in theory.įortunately, a growing body of research has brought more attention to this issue and forced some diabetes device companies to make significant changes to their manufacturing processes and the types of adhesives they choose. Over the years, industry has touted new innovations that might someday include different levels of stickiness for people to choose from, or even “smart” adhesives that could automatically adjust to an individual’s skin. Heck, people have been suffering from allergies to simple band-aids and medical tape for as long as they’ve been around, so this is all very common.īut it’s a real concern for PWDs, because it can sometimes translate into not being able to use an insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor (CGM) - devices that could otherwise reshape diabetes management and their quality of life with this condition. While many life hacks exist as a way around these issues, it doesn’t eliminate the challenges - especially for those who develop a skin reaction to a particular ingredient in the adhesive paired with their chosen diabetes device, like latex for example. The struggle is real for people with diabetes (PWDs).

super glue-level stickiness, that takes off a layer of your skin and leaves a mark when you remove the device.

allergic reactions, such as itching, redness or hives due to some component in the adhesive that often irritates more over time.

an infusion set or sensor gets bumped on a wall or door jamb, ripping off the adhesive along with some of your skin.

Anyone who’s worn a diabetes device stuck to their body knows that some type of skin issues with the adhesives are pretty much inevitable.

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