How to take care of your skin while using diabetes devices

In this article we’ll look at:

• Selecting the right place on your body for your diabetes device
• Considerations if you’re wearing more than one diabetes device
• Preparing your skin when applying a diabetes device
• Tips for keeping the diabetes device in place
• Tips for avoiding skin irritation from a diabetes device
• Tips for removing your diabetes device

Site selection for diabetes devices

When you’re applying wearable devices, the first thing to do is to check the manufacturer’s guidance for recommended sites and specific application instructions.

Find out more about the recommended sites for Omnipod® Insulin Pod Therapy in our Pod Placement guide.

General tips for choosing a diabetes devices site

• Change the device’s location each time you apply a new one, as using the same site repeatedly may affect insulin absorption¹.

• By making sure the new site is at least one inch away from the previous one, you’ll also reduce the chances of skin irritation², so it’s best to not overlap with the last site. 

• Keep the device 5 centimeters away from your belly button and ideally not over a mole, tattoo or scar. 

• Avoid areas with an active infection.

• Try to make sure you’re not putting the device anywhere uncomfortable, or in a place where you could dislodge it when you sit or move around, such as under folds of skin or directly under your waistband. 

• Watch out for where you wear belts, handbags and backpacks too as these can knock the devices, causing irritation.

As you try your devices in different places, you’ll learn which sites feel the most comfortable and convenient for you. 

Everyone has slightly different preferences, so the more you wear your devices, the more you’ll understand which of the recommended placements suit you and your body.

Tips if you’re wearing multiple diabetes devices

If you're wearing a Pod or insulin pump, you might wear it alongside another diabetes device, such as a glucose sensor.

Site preparation for diabetes devices

• Before inserting a new diabetes device, clean your skin well. Avoid getting body lotion, creams or oils near the new site, as these products may loosen the adhesive. 

• Try to make sure you’re cool and dry (i.e. not sweating) when you’re changing the device.

• To improve adhesion, use an alcohol wipe or soap and water to clean the area where you plan to place the new device. Let it air dry completely before applying. 

• Once the device has been applied, press down on the adhesive edges to help it stick to the skin. 

• Pushing down over the device adhesive will encourage the bonds to form with the skin. 

• In general, gently exfoliating the skin can help to remove dead skin cells, which may help the device to stay in place.

• Remove hair on the site by shaving or trimming with scissors before application can ensure good skin contact with the adhesive. Try doing this the day before to reduce any irritation.

• If possible, avoid getting the device wet for at least two hours after applying it to help with adhesion. So don’t take a bath, shower or swim with a brand-new device.

There are products available to enhance adhesion if needed. We have included some options below, but it’s best to ask your healthcare team for more information.

Troubleshooting for common issues when applying diabetes devices

Issue: Oily Skin

• Problem: Residue from soap, lotion, shampoo or conditioner can prevent your device from sticking securely. Skin is naturally oily. 
• Solution: Clean your site thoroughly with an alcohol wipe before applying your device, and be sure to let your skin air dry.

Issue: Damp Skin

• Problem: Dampness gets in the way of adhesion.
• Solution: Towel off and allow your site to air dry thoroughly. Do not blow on it.

Issue: Body Hair

• Problem: Body hair gets between your skin and your device. If there is a lot of it, it can prevent the device from sticking securely.
• Solution: Clip or shave the site with a razor to create a smooth surface for the device to stick to the skin. You may wish to do this up to 24 hours before applying the device to prevent irritation.

Tips for keeping the diabetes device in place

Adhesive Wipes and Creams

These creams, wipes and sprays provide a tacky layer between the device and the skin to help it stick. 

You might need to try more than one option to work out which one suits your skin best. 

There are various barrier creams available to help keep your devices in place throughout the length of wear. Speak to your healthcare team about options available to you. 

Alternatively you can buy various adhesives online, or speak to a pharmacist. Some options include³:

• Skin Tac™ is a latex-free, hypo-allergenic ‘tacky’ skin wipe or liquid
• Skin Prep is a fast-drying sterile liquid or wipe that forms a skin-protectant film.
• Mastisol® is a liquid adhesive

Please note these product recommendations are not endorsed by Insulet. Availability may vary depending on your location.

Adhesive Tapes and Patches

There are lots of options for tape, as well as ‘patches’ that stick over the devices for an extra layer of protection or adhesion.

This might be particularly useful if you are extremely active, frequently swim or are prone to sweating.

The tape can be cut to size, and many patches are precut to fit the shape of each particular device, so you can buy the patches to match the device you are wearing. 

Speak to your healthcare team for their recommendations, but some options include³:

• IV3000 film
• Blenderm™
• Hypafix®
• Kinesiology tape
• Opsite™
• Tegaderm HP tape
• Transpore™ Surgical Tape

Please note these product recommendations are not endorsed by Insulet. Availability may vary depending on your location.

Protecting the skin from irritation caused by diabetes devices like insulin pumps and glucose sensors

Some people experience reactions to their device or device adhesive, affecting the skin and causing irritation.

Human skin is an uneven surface that can stretch⁴. Skin cells are constantly renewing (the cycle is around every 28 days), as well as producing sweat, oil and hair at rates that vary between each person.

A report looking at chronic device use in diabetes cites these common complications from wearing diabetes devices³:

• Tissue damage and scarring
• Hypersensitivity
• Lipodystrophy (uneven distribution of fat)
• Infection 

There are products available that act as a barrier between the skin and the device adhesive, which helps to limit the skin irritation. 

For films​ or bandages, cut a small hole where the cannula or filament is to ensure it inserts properly³.​

These product recommendations are not endorsed by Insulet. Availability may vary depending on your location.

• AllKare® Protective Barrier Wipe provides a barrier layer on skin to help protect against irritation and adhesive build-up.
• Bard® Protective Barrier Film provides a clear, dry, waterproof barrier for irritation associated with adhesives.
• Cavilon™ Durable Barrier Film is a waterproof, breathable skin protectant.
• Skin Prep is a fast-drying sterile liquid or wipe that forms a skin-protectant film.

If you experience skin irritation after applying any diabetes device, speak with your doctor, pharmacist or diabetes management team.

Gentle removal of diabetes devices

Loosen the edges of the adhesive with your fingernails first before pulling back slowly to remove the device. 

The following products can also be used on the adhesive of the device to help with the removal. They may also help to reduce​ irritation after removal.

Following product use, clean the area with warm, soapy water and rinse well to remove the residue remaining on the skin³.

These product recommendations are not endorsed by Insulet. Availability may vary depending on your location.

• AllKare Adhesive Removal Wipe
• Detachol® Adhesive Remover
• Baby oil or baby oil gel
• Uni-solve Adhesive Remover
• Tac Away Adhesive Remover

There are lots of other people with diabetes you can speak to online - on social media, in forums and in groups, that may be able to offer their experience before you buy a spray, cream or tape.

Remember, you’re not alone, and there are other people you can talk to who understand what living with type 1 diabetes is like.

References and Disclaimers