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Maxing the Dexcom sensor - what's the limit?

cz_dave

cz_dave

Well-Known Member
Messages
450
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
I have learnt from others on this forum that Dexcom sensors can be re-started and so their lifetime is extended to two weeks. Has anyone tried to go beyond two weeks? Are there any potential issues/hazards one should be aware of?
 
I havent used Dexcom, but if it is like other sensors, having it in for too long can cause inflammation and possible infection around the site. Also, some of the materials are not meant to be in the body for too long and can cause some serious irritation
 
The longest I have used a sensor for is 47 days. Caused no problem at all.
 
Cassandra is correct. The sensor can cause irritation and in some cases even scar tissue.

However, it's been my experience that the issue isn't how long the sensor stays in, but rather, keeping the sensor from moving after the adhesive starts to wear off.

I made the mistake of only using tape to keep my sensor attached after the initial Dexcom adhesive wore off. The tape (flexifix) stuck to my body very well, but it allowed the sensor to move ever so slighly. The best way to explain it is that the sensor was acting like a very tiny knife going slightly in/out. It may have only been a millimeter at most, but it was enough to feel about as painful as a bee sting after a while.

Long story short: I use "Crazy Glue" to keep my sensors attached. Call me crazy, but it works extremely well, is very cost effective, and it's widely available. Whenever I want to finally remove the sensor, I just go for a run/workout to get sweaty and then pull the sensor right off without pain. If you search online, you'll find a number of articles discussing using super glue in medical applications. I would decide for yourself if it's something worth trying.

Side note: I change my Dexcom sensors every 12-18 days by choice largely because they seem to be more accurate later in their lifespan. I'm very lucky to live in the US and have good insurance so it's fortunately not the cost that motivates me to make the sensors last longer than 1 week.
 
Very helpful, thanks everyone. I may try to go into a 3rd week with my current sensor and see how it goes...
 
I've managed 18 days. After that the readings went crackers. I'm not sure how people longer than that tbh. I find it lasts longer on the backs of my arms.
 
TorqPenderloin said:
Cassandra is correct. The sensor can cause irritation and in some cases even scar tissue.

However, it's been my experience that the issue isn't how long the sensor stays in, but rather, keeping the sensor from moving after the adhesive starts to wear off.

I made the mistake of only using tape to keep my sensor attached after the initial Dexcom adhesive wore off. The tape (flexifix) stuck to my body very well, but it allowed the sensor to move ever so slighly. The best way to explain it is that the sensor was acting like a very tiny knife going slightly in/out. It may have only been a millimeter at most, but it was enough to feel about as painful as a bee sting after a while.

Long story short: I use "Crazy Glue" to keep my sensors attached. Call me crazy, but it works extremely well, is very cost effective, and it's widely available. Whenever I want to finally remove the sensor, I just go for a run/workout to get sweaty and then pull the sensor right off without pain. If you search online, you'll find a number of articles discussing using super glue in medical applications. I would decide for yourself if it's something worth trying.

Side note: I change my Dexcom sensors every 12-18 days by choice largely because they seem to be more accurate later in their lifespan. I'm very lucky to live in the US and have good insurance so it's fortunately not the cost that motivates me to make the sensors last longer than 1 week.
Click to expand...

I have also found that the G4 works better after about 3 days of insertion but tends to give up a bit by day 18.

The Crazy Glue......is this the same stuff made by BMB?
 
Mrs Vimes said:
I've managed 18 days. After that the readings went crackers. I'm not sure how people longer than that tbh. I find it lasts longer on the backs of my arms.
Click to expand...

Haven't tried my arms yet as although I could insert ok and lean against a ledge to remove the inserter, I would need partner to lay the film adhesive with the rectangle hole cut out, over the top of the transmitter and remove the backing paper.
Do you need a lot of flesh at top of arms for this only mine are getting thinner as Ive got older. I can still do an injection there ok though with no trouble.
 
iHs said:
Haven't tried my arms yet as although I could insert ok and lean against a ledge to remove the inserter, I would need partner to lay the film adhesive with the rectangle hole cut out, over the top of the transmitter and remove the backing paper.
Do you need a lot of flesh at top of arms for this only mine are getting thinner as Ive got older. I can still do an injection there ok though with no trouble.
Click to expand...

Hi, if you search for diabetic danika on YouTube, she actually shows you how to insert it by leaning against a chair.
I've got barely any fat on my arms, I ahem have muscly arms - but when my partner pinches my arm there is always somewhere. If you ever go on Facebook dexcom there are lots of photos of kiddies with them in their arms and the sensor is as thick as their arms. I tend to go on the back of the arm.
 
Mrs Vimes said:
Hi, if you search for diabetic danika on YouTube, she actually shows you how to insert it by leaning against a chair.
I've got barely any fat on my arms, I ahem have muscly arms - but when my partner pinches my arm there is always somewhere. If you ever go on Facebook dexcom there are lots of photos of kiddies with them in their arms and the sensor is as thick as their arms. I tend to go on the back of the arm.
Click to expand...

Thanks
 
iHs said:
I have also found that the G4 works better after about 3 days of insertion but tends to give up a bit by day 18.

The Crazy Glue......is this the same stuff made by BMB?
Click to expand...
I forgot to mention that. Yes, I agree. The sensor seems to take about 2-3 days to read consistently accurate.

Krazy Glue is the all purpose high strength glue you'd find in local grocery and craft stores. I'm in the US so I only know the stores we have here (Walgreens, CVS, etc.

Side note: I haven't tried a sensor on my arm yet. The most comfortable place I've found is placing the sensor about 6" directly to the left or right of my belly-button (navel). I also mount the sensor vertically rather than horizontally. The adhesive is lasting at least 7-9 days without any maintenance and I'm currently on day 13 of my current sensor with only a few drops of glue.
 
I am currently on a trial from the hospital of the dexcom, they have left me 2 weeks with it in and put it on my upper arm slightly towards the back
 
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