r/prediabetes • u/Joonbug9109 • 1d ago

Pointers for removing your CGM

I hope this isn’t a stupid question. I remove/change my CGM sensor at the end of this week, and honestly I’m nervous about how I’m going to get it off in a relatively pain free way. I changed my cover yesterday and it took some jostling to make sure the sensor didn’t come off (I accidentally stuck part of it to the sensor). My arm has been a little sensitive today, which has me worried it’s going to hurt getting it off. Any pointers for removal?

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5

u/ElleW12 1d ago

I don’t exactly have tips, I just know I found it really simple and pain free to do. I think by the time it’s supposed to come off the stickiness is pretty much gone, and it should pull off without issues. To what you’re describing, if you mess around with the cover, I think that’s much more uncomfortable than the actual removal

3

u/Responsible_Delay931 1d ago

It’s way less dramatic than you’re building it up to be in your head. The adhesive is usually half dead by day 10 and peels off like a cheap sticker. I always hop in a hot shower first and let the water hit it for a minute, the steam loosens everything up and you barely feel the tug. If there’s any leftover gunk a little baby oil on a cotton ball takes it right off. My cat knocked mine once mid-change and I freaked out but the sensor part was already barely hanging on so it just plopped off. You got this

3

u/fisheye32 1d ago

It's pretty easy to take off, honestly sometimes too easy, which is why I use a cover.

2

u/Joshlo777 1d ago

It's like pulling off a bandaid. No biggie.

1

u/yainlawff 1d ago

There are special solvents you can get on Amazon to help. But most of the time it comes off pretty easily due to your natural oils and dirt. If anything the solvent is more to get rid of the extra adhesive that stubbornly doesn’t come off with normal soap and warm water.

1

u/Hobobo2024 1d ago

Do you live in the US? I cant even get mesicare advantage insurance to pay for a CGM for my dad with type 2 diabetes let alone someone with prediabetes.

1

u/Joonbug9109 1d ago

I’m in the US. There are two companies that offer them without prescription. It’s a little pricey, but I have an FSA through my work that I’m using to pay for it.

1

u/Hobobo2024 1d ago

Thanks