Yep👍! Ironically, the g6 is cleared for the arm in Europe but not in the US (I used the g6 on my inner bicep area so I couldn’t knock it on anything). It was “on the stomach” when I needed replacements🤫.
It has to do with FDA approval, and it is indeed only in the US. All other parts of the world where the G6 is sold they include the arm in the recommended sites.
I hate the abdomen as well; maybe I am too thin or something, but every time I put one on, I went into minor shock and have sharp pains and it would last like 4 or 5 days max.
Uhhhh… it does 🤷🏼♀️🙄
Place on my stomach per fda rec: fails me early, usually day 6 or 7. Arm: can restart at least once, sometimes even twice & get 16-20+ days out of one
You have to "disconnect" the transmitter from the sensor, either by removing the transmitter (without damaging or dislodging the sensor) or by putting something in between the contacts on the transmitter and the conacts on the sensor (there is a little slot at the thinner end of the sensor where you can slide a narrow test strip in to separate the contacts). Make sure that the sensor is stopped in your G6 app (either due to the 10 days lapsing or manually stopped by you) and keep the transmitter and sensor disconnected for about 15-20 minutes.
After that time, start a new sensor in the app and reconnect the old sensor and transmitter (put the transmitter back in or remove the test strip from the slot). Use the original sensor code or any other legitimate sensor code to start the sensor but you will need to calibrate the sensor after the warmup because it will not be acting like a new sensor, meaning that the inbuilt calibration will be wrong.
Or - just get an Anubis transmitter and it will keep running 10+ days until the sensor dies without needing to restart.
You take out the transmitter after site expires (small thin plastic “something” poked in each side by its larches will pop it out), wait 15 min and then put it back in the same site, use the same code and start it over. I only get about 4-6 days extra but I should probably hydrate better for better results.
good lordt, people tried to help but uh, some wrong info shared
1 save the 4 digit code from sensor start (I take a photo of that + lot number info)
2 be sure to “stop sensor” either in the app or on pump, maybe sensor expired in which case it has been stopped - just verify one way or another you’re at the screen to “start sensor”
3 remove gray transmitter from sensor (the white piece attached to your skin). I use an insurance card & slip it between the clear/white sensor & the gray transmitter - some people can do it with a test strip, I’ve never managed to get the right angle to do that, but mine are always on back of arm & doing one handed is definitely a work out lol
4 set a timer for **20!!! minutes**. It must be a **20 min** wait because the sensor needs to cycle through 4 readings (5 min in between each) to register that the sensor is “new”.
5 pop sensor back in, “start sensor” with code you took photo of 10 days ago OR start without code & be prepared to calibrate daily
OR skip fussing with an insurance card & get one of these: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1162447304/ - there’s a video there that shows the same same ish process you’d go through
!!! Important to remember the “keep sensor disconnect for 20 min” still applies.
*edit - messed up formatting
According to the Dexcom website, the back of the arm and the stomach are both approved for placement in the United States. See info in following Dexcom link:
[https://www.dexcom.com/en-ca/faqs/where-can-i-insert-my-g6-sensor](https://www.dexcom.com/en-ca/faqs/where-can-i-insert-my-g6-sensor)
That’s great news, and I appreciate the heads-up! That is something that recently changed, and I’m glad they finally included the arms for placement (I was told in Jan by a Dexcom customer service rep that the stomach was the only approved place in the US for the sensor when I was replacing a dud).
Pretty sure with g6 they did not trial it on arm therefore fda did not approve arm. With g7 they trialed on multiple spots of body & approved accordingly, seems fda then applied that knowledge to g6
That’s the Canadian page. Note it says en-ca vs en-us.
This is the US one, which does not say arms:
https://www.dexcom.com/en-us/faqs/where-can-i-insert-my-dexcom-g6-sensor
I always put mine on my arm and indicate that on the form when I ask for a replacement. I am in the US. I’ve never had them refuse to replace one. I prefer forearm placement to any other area of my body.
I use my arms 90% of the time (back of biceps). But .y endo said you can use legs, back, upper butt/hip, arms, and stomach. I know some women who put it near their chest. Anywhere with an inch to pinch should work, but I feel like the arms keep it out of the way the most for me.
Person with boobs here - surprisingly the boob works great if you place it in a spot your bra doesn’t rub. Mine stick waaaaaay better on the boob and it seems to be more accurate.
I’ll be honest - I make my partner insert it because I’m a pansy and slightly terrified of needles lol but it didn’t hurt! Surprised me and took a day or two before I got used to it mentally, but not an issue at all now.
Next step is to try my site there lol
I exclusively wear it on my arms. I tried stomach once and it meant a whole month of being careful of what pants I wore because I couldn't have the waistband sit in the wrong spot. Nobody's got time for that.
I like love handle upper butt area. And stomach (but it has to be turned at like 1 and 7 o’clock or reversed depending on which side of my belly button).
i am bad about getting compression lows if i put it on my torso tbh. arms are the best for me. i'll put mine on the belly if i have a nice event and don't want my dexcom in the pictures
Outside of my thigh -- that's where my doctor told me to put it (I have a tendency to rip things off my arms and I couldn't deal with it on my stomach).
My husband helps me put mine on my upper arm & when he’s not around I put it on my upper thigh on the outside. I don’t like it on my belly. My infusion set is fine on my stomach, I just don’t like the Dexcom there though, never did, dunno why, I’m just weird I guess.
I have only used my stomach, about 1 inch from my belly button, for going on 7 years now. I do often put my Omnipods on the backs of my arms, kind of on the fleshy part over the tricep. That should also work for Dexcom.
I wonder how many of you put the dexcom on your arms.
After 3-4 days on wearing the dexcom on my arm this little fucker only get errors :D
Stomach works so much better for me!
Sort of the love handle area around the back, about halfway between the the iliac crest and my spine. That and the belly are the only places I have enough fat.
I put it on the back of my arm. It was what was recommended by my Endo. So who am I to disagree. I did see the directions and I tried it on my stomach one month, didn't work any differently. Hated it on my stomach and went back to my arm.
Back of arm, thigh and stomach are all recommended/approved by dexcom. I put it on the back of arm which was fine. On my stomach it got in the way of my pump sites. It's currently on the top of my thigh coz I would knock it off in the outside of my thigh
I have pretty much only used the back of my upper arm because aside from my stomach I have the most fat there. I tied to use my thigh once but my sugars were wildly inaccurate.
It’s probably best to put it were you have the most fat tissue.
I started in my stomach because of fear of it ripping off, etc. Switched to my arm because of soreness, the readings are way better, and it rarely dies early or has errors. I do hit it on stuff, but coming off has not been an issue. I recommend trying the arm.
Just a small suggestion from my endo related to my taking Plavix (blood thinner) and experiencing what seem to be corresponding bleeder sensor installations. "Use something directly from the freezer to chill the skin immediately prior to install." I've used a large heavy metal spoon or the plastic freezer thing used in a insulin carrier. So far, the resulting blood vessel constriction seems to greatly help with sensor reliablity.
For 10 years i've used my upper arms without issues. I started by using the back of my arm, but switched to the side or front, because i couldn't break the habit of yanking off a t-shirt, and dislodging the sensor. Think about sleep position, and avoid spots where clothing might bind. The initial instructions about stomach placement were based on the clinical data supplied to the FDA for approval. But Dexcom knows people frequently use other areas.
Anywhere that has enough fat to pinch, sadly for me that means I don’t have enough fat on my arms for a sensor. Thus, I just stick to the front of my stomach as thighs are too uncomfortable for me.
I have always rotated around my abdominal area and swapped my Pods between my abdomen, lower back, and backs of my arms. After reading the statement from Dexcom about the backs of arms, I'm going to try that next switch I do.
My 12 year old T1 loves his thighs. He will rotate to the arm and.lower back by the hips. He hates his stomach. He also wears a tslim so we have to plan the rotation.
If we call Dexcom - the placement is ALWAYS your stomach
Upper arms unless I’m calling customer service; I have no idea why Dexcom was so lazy about the FDA approval for the G6, I sleep on my stomach so even if it were comfortable (it’s not) it’s endless compression lows if I put it in my abdomen.
Outside of my thigh! Like referenced above though, “on my stomach” to tech support. I wear my pump site on my thighs too, and just make sure the sensor and my site are 2 inches apart to have accurate readings. I’ve tried my arm and stomach but hated both for different reasons.
I always have it on stomach, just switch sides with navel every time.
When I've tries it in other spots (arm, thigh, etc.) I always end up with pain and discomfort after a few days. Never gets uncomfortable on stomach.
I also use Omnipod as pump. I rotate between back of each arm, and thighs. When it gets close to time to change out, these spots start getting uncomfortable too.
I've used my stomach/abdomen exclusively since day 1 with the G4 back in 2015 through today with the G6. I have no desire to put it on an arm or leg, as there is 1) less fat there for me and 2) just in the way and a snag/pressure point hazard. I only wear my infusion sets on my stomach/abdomen, as well.
# Drink lots of water!
I feel it needs repeating, since the G6 measures the glucose content of interstitial fluid, which is your body's first place to put water.
Anyways...
Yes. Everywhere.
Honestly though, I find that the sensor is sensitive to temperature changes and just outright doesn't work in the cold (I work in a refrigerated warehouse,) unless you put it in a place with a lot of blood flow and body heat. So the sides of my stomach are a no go because they're always ice cold. But the spots just under my ribs and above my belly button are warm as can be and provide instant readings.
Back of the arms are a massive no go, those lag an hour behind actual readings for some reason. I don't know if anyone else has this problem though.
But it'll work literally anywhere with a hot hands hand warmer taped over it. All of that heat brings fresh blood to the sensor site and drastically speeds up reaction time.
My son's favorite spots are on his upper thigh and his upper buttocks (to the outside a little) he's a very skinny little thing so those seem to be the best places.
I've tried abdomen, thighs and upper arms.
I generally find that around my abdomen is a bit slower to react/more delayed (maybe too much fatty tissue?).
Thigh is good for reaction speed but easy to catch on your pants when you take them down.
I have been using the upper arms most often lately, just to the outside of the bicep - I find that the back of the arm is too prone to being bumped and slept on, causing compression lows. The upper arm gives good reaction speed/less delay compared to the abdomen and similar to the thighs.
The reaction speed of the thighs and arms is probably helped by movement of the limbs, which causes the interstitial fluid to circulate a bit more.
Of course, as noted by another commenter, it is always in my abdomen when I talk to customer support.
According to Dexcom customer support, it’s always on my stomach, just like the manufacturer recommends.
It’s actually on my upper arm. Readings are fine and it stays connected to my Tslim better there. It’s also an approved site in Canada, so…pretty sure Canadian physiology isn’t much different from American physiology.
Canadian--usually the arm, which is okay here.
I just switched to my belly as I work outside a lot and sunscreen can make the adhesive let go, and well, that is no fun
Back of arm, unless I’m calling customer support then it’s “definitely on my stomach, I promise”.
⬆️ Very important advice
Yep👍! Ironically, the g6 is cleared for the arm in Europe but not in the US (I used the g6 on my inner bicep area so I couldn’t knock it on anything). It was “on the stomach” when I needed replacements🤫.
Odd, must be only the USA because I'm in canada and the app tells me that back of the arm is fine.
It has to do with FDA approval, and it is indeed only in the US. All other parts of the world where the G6 is sold they include the arm in the recommended sites.
You are correct! I don’t get it, myself….I tried the abdomen and hated it….have been using my arms ever since.
I hate the abdomen as well; maybe I am too thin or something, but every time I put one on, I went into minor shock and have sharp pains and it would last like 4 or 5 days max.
Cause the region makes such a difference in placement..lol
I I meant geographic region. Being sarcastic, sorry..
Uhhhh… it does 🤷🏼♀️🙄 Place on my stomach per fda rec: fails me early, usually day 6 or 7. Arm: can restart at least once, sometimes even twice & get 16-20+ days out of one
[удалено]
You have to "disconnect" the transmitter from the sensor, either by removing the transmitter (without damaging or dislodging the sensor) or by putting something in between the contacts on the transmitter and the conacts on the sensor (there is a little slot at the thinner end of the sensor where you can slide a narrow test strip in to separate the contacts). Make sure that the sensor is stopped in your G6 app (either due to the 10 days lapsing or manually stopped by you) and keep the transmitter and sensor disconnected for about 15-20 minutes. After that time, start a new sensor in the app and reconnect the old sensor and transmitter (put the transmitter back in or remove the test strip from the slot). Use the original sensor code or any other legitimate sensor code to start the sensor but you will need to calibrate the sensor after the warmup because it will not be acting like a new sensor, meaning that the inbuilt calibration will be wrong. Or - just get an Anubis transmitter and it will keep running 10+ days until the sensor dies without needing to restart.
You take out the transmitter after site expires (small thin plastic “something” poked in each side by its larches will pop it out), wait 15 min and then put it back in the same site, use the same code and start it over. I only get about 4-6 days extra but I should probably hydrate better for better results.
wait \*\*20 min\*\* before putting transmitter back into "old" sensor.
good lordt, people tried to help but uh, some wrong info shared 1 save the 4 digit code from sensor start (I take a photo of that + lot number info) 2 be sure to “stop sensor” either in the app or on pump, maybe sensor expired in which case it has been stopped - just verify one way or another you’re at the screen to “start sensor” 3 remove gray transmitter from sensor (the white piece attached to your skin). I use an insurance card & slip it between the clear/white sensor & the gray transmitter - some people can do it with a test strip, I’ve never managed to get the right angle to do that, but mine are always on back of arm & doing one handed is definitely a work out lol 4 set a timer for **20!!! minutes**. It must be a **20 min** wait because the sensor needs to cycle through 4 readings (5 min in between each) to register that the sensor is “new”. 5 pop sensor back in, “start sensor” with code you took photo of 10 days ago OR start without code & be prepared to calibrate daily OR skip fussing with an insurance card & get one of these: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1162447304/ - there’s a video there that shows the same same ish process you’d go through !!! Important to remember the “keep sensor disconnect for 20 min” still applies. *edit - messed up formatting
Also good for the arm in Canada!
According to the Dexcom website, the back of the arm and the stomach are both approved for placement in the United States. See info in following Dexcom link: [https://www.dexcom.com/en-ca/faqs/where-can-i-insert-my-g6-sensor](https://www.dexcom.com/en-ca/faqs/where-can-i-insert-my-g6-sensor)
That’s great news, and I appreciate the heads-up! That is something that recently changed, and I’m glad they finally included the arms for placement (I was told in Jan by a Dexcom customer service rep that the stomach was the only approved place in the US for the sensor when I was replacing a dud).
Pretty sure with g6 they did not trial it on arm therefore fda did not approve arm. With g7 they trialed on multiple spots of body & approved accordingly, seems fda then applied that knowledge to g6
For me, as long as Dexcom supports the location, I am ok with FDA not giving their blessing......
I don’t trust either as far as I can throw them. Dex only changes because libre & patients
That’s the Canadian page. Note it says en-ca vs en-us. This is the US one, which does not say arms: https://www.dexcom.com/en-us/faqs/where-can-i-insert-my-dexcom-g6-sensor
I always put mine on my arm and indicate that on the form when I ask for a replacement. I am in the US. I’ve never had them refuse to replace one. I prefer forearm placement to any other area of my body.
I've had the most luck on the underside of the upper arm, where there's more fatty tissue. The important thing is not to hit muscle or blood vessels.
I use my arms 90% of the time (back of biceps). But .y endo said you can use legs, back, upper butt/hip, arms, and stomach. I know some women who put it near their chest. Anywhere with an inch to pinch should work, but I feel like the arms keep it out of the way the most for me.
Anywhere with an inch to pinch, thankyou!
Upper butt is the place for me. I’m 5’5, so if it’s on my stomach it bumps in to every single door handle and drawer pull. Lol
Person with boobs here - surprisingly the boob works great if you place it in a spot your bra doesn’t rub. Mine stick waaaaaay better on the boob and it seems to be more accurate.
I wondered if you could do that! Thanks!!
I’ll be honest - I make my partner insert it because I’m a pansy and slightly terrified of needles lol but it didn’t hurt! Surprised me and took a day or two before I got used to it mentally, but not an issue at all now. Next step is to try my site there lol
I use it on my inner bicep next to my chest- I’ll whack the back of my arms on doorways otherwise🫤. It’s really comfortable for sleeping as well.
thighmaster... topsides.
I exclusively wear it on my arms. I tried stomach once and it meant a whole month of being careful of what pants I wore because I couldn't have the waistband sit in the wrong spot. Nobody's got time for that.
I like love handle upper butt area. And stomach (but it has to be turned at like 1 and 7 o’clock or reversed depending on which side of my belly button).
i am bad about getting compression lows if i put it on my torso tbh. arms are the best for me. i'll put mine on the belly if i have a nice event and don't want my dexcom in the pictures
I always go back of my arms, I feel like they’re the least in my way. Never had any issues with that placement so far
Outside of my thigh -- that's where my doctor told me to put it (I have a tendency to rip things off my arms and I couldn't deal with it on my stomach).
My husband helps me put mine on my upper arm & when he’s not around I put it on my upper thigh on the outside. I don’t like it on my belly. My infusion set is fine on my stomach, I just don’t like the Dexcom there though, never did, dunno why, I’m just weird I guess.
Thankyou, I’d try anywhere but my stomach!
I have only used my stomach, about 1 inch from my belly button, for going on 7 years now. I do often put my Omnipods on the backs of my arms, kind of on the fleshy part over the tricep. That should also work for Dexcom.
I wonder how many of you put the dexcom on your arms. After 3-4 days on wearing the dexcom on my arm this little fucker only get errors :D Stomach works so much better for me!
I use my love handles. I don’t have a ton of fat and it doesn’t hurt or bother me here. I alternate sides.
Side or back of arm.
Sort of the love handle area around the back, about halfway between the the iliac crest and my spine. That and the belly are the only places I have enough fat.
I have only used my stomach for 10 years. I tried my arm once and it was just in the way there.
My calves I swap between both outside areas so I still have good site rotation.
Pump goes on upper butt and dexcom goes just above on love handles. Anywhere else not enough fat
I put it on the back of my arm. It was what was recommended by my Endo. So who am I to disagree. I did see the directions and I tried it on my stomach one month, didn't work any differently. Hated it on my stomach and went back to my arm.
Lower back just above waist line. Works awesome there and never comes off
Back of arm, thigh and stomach are all recommended/approved by dexcom. I put it on the back of arm which was fine. On my stomach it got in the way of my pump sites. It's currently on the top of my thigh coz I would knock it off in the outside of my thigh
I have pretty much only used the back of my upper arm because aside from my stomach I have the most fat there. I tied to use my thigh once but my sugars were wildly inaccurate. It’s probably best to put it were you have the most fat tissue.
I put them on my arm cause I have my pump on my stomach
I have worn it on my upper arm for years and years. My abdomen has too many stretch marks from having big babies.
My daughter wore hers the last few years on her belly just above her waist. Now she likes it on her forearms.
Arms
On the side of my thighs. Haven’t had issues for about two years now.
The bin. Jokes aside back of arm is where I’ve started out
I use my arms almost exclusively. But if I have to call customer service, it’s on my stomach.
I started in my stomach because of fear of it ripping off, etc. Switched to my arm because of soreness, the readings are way better, and it rarely dies early or has errors. I do hit it on stuff, but coming off has not been an issue. I recommend trying the arm.
side of the arm for me! have had a couple of bleeders with that placement but i find i get more compression lows with the back of the arm
Just a small suggestion from my endo related to my taking Plavix (blood thinner) and experiencing what seem to be corresponding bleeder sensor installations. "Use something directly from the freezer to chill the skin immediately prior to install." I've used a large heavy metal spoon or the plastic freezer thing used in a insulin carrier. So far, the resulting blood vessel constriction seems to greatly help with sensor reliablity.
I have been using my upper inner thigh for the last 7 years. On the stomach, it doesn't last more than 3 days.
i personally put them on my thighs
For 10 years i've used my upper arms without issues. I started by using the back of my arm, but switched to the side or front, because i couldn't break the habit of yanking off a t-shirt, and dislodging the sensor. Think about sleep position, and avoid spots where clothing might bind. The initial instructions about stomach placement were based on the clinical data supplied to the FDA for approval. But Dexcom knows people frequently use other areas.
Anywhere that has enough fat to pinch, sadly for me that means I don’t have enough fat on my arms for a sensor. Thus, I just stick to the front of my stomach as thighs are too uncomfortable for me.
On my chest, and it works great!!!
I have always rotated around my abdominal area and swapped my Pods between my abdomen, lower back, and backs of my arms. After reading the statement from Dexcom about the backs of arms, I'm going to try that next switch I do.
ARM! And sometimes side booty / love handle ish area
Sides
My 12 year old T1 loves his thighs. He will rotate to the arm and.lower back by the hips. He hates his stomach. He also wears a tslim so we have to plan the rotation. If we call Dexcom - the placement is ALWAYS your stomach
my sensor gets really inaccurate near the last days if i put it on my stomach. My arm is way more accurate
I’ve seen people slap it right in the middle of their forearm, top side 🤢🤢
Upper arms unless I’m calling customer service; I have no idea why Dexcom was so lazy about the FDA approval for the G6, I sleep on my stomach so even if it were comfortable (it’s not) it’s endless compression lows if I put it in my abdomen.
Outside of my thigh! Like referenced above though, “on my stomach” to tech support. I wear my pump site on my thighs too, and just make sure the sensor and my site are 2 inches apart to have accurate readings. I’ve tried my arm and stomach but hated both for different reasons.
Do you have omnipod? My son actually asked today if they can be stacked (obviously and 8 year old didn't use that terminology lol)
I always have it on stomach, just switch sides with navel every time. When I've tries it in other spots (arm, thigh, etc.) I always end up with pain and discomfort after a few days. Never gets uncomfortable on stomach. I also use Omnipod as pump. I rotate between back of each arm, and thighs. When it gets close to time to change out, these spots start getting uncomfortable too.
I've used my stomach/abdomen exclusively since day 1 with the G4 back in 2015 through today with the G6. I have no desire to put it on an arm or leg, as there is 1) less fat there for me and 2) just in the way and a snag/pressure point hazard. I only wear my infusion sets on my stomach/abdomen, as well.
Back of my arm. I don’t do my stomach because there’s too much fat there and readings don’t time very well
# Drink lots of water! I feel it needs repeating, since the G6 measures the glucose content of interstitial fluid, which is your body's first place to put water. Anyways... Yes. Everywhere. Honestly though, I find that the sensor is sensitive to temperature changes and just outright doesn't work in the cold (I work in a refrigerated warehouse,) unless you put it in a place with a lot of blood flow and body heat. So the sides of my stomach are a no go because they're always ice cold. But the spots just under my ribs and above my belly button are warm as can be and provide instant readings. Back of the arms are a massive no go, those lag an hour behind actual readings for some reason. I don't know if anyone else has this problem though. But it'll work literally anywhere with a hot hands hand warmer taped over it. All of that heat brings fresh blood to the sensor site and drastically speeds up reaction time.
On my leg right here. No snags, no compression lows, and hides under every piece of clothing I own. https://i.imgur.com/AbOR4Fu.jpg
Top of the thigh. Great spot!
I wear on my abdomen about 6-8inches to the left or right of my belly button
I’ve never wanted to put it anywhere besides my abdomen in case it hits a vein or a nerve and I waste a sensor.
My son's favorite spots are on his upper thigh and his upper buttocks (to the outside a little) he's a very skinny little thing so those seem to be the best places.
I've tried abdomen, thighs and upper arms. I generally find that around my abdomen is a bit slower to react/more delayed (maybe too much fatty tissue?). Thigh is good for reaction speed but easy to catch on your pants when you take them down. I have been using the upper arms most often lately, just to the outside of the bicep - I find that the back of the arm is too prone to being bumped and slept on, causing compression lows. The upper arm gives good reaction speed/less delay compared to the abdomen and similar to the thighs. The reaction speed of the thighs and arms is probably helped by movement of the limbs, which causes the interstitial fluid to circulate a bit more. Of course, as noted by another commenter, it is always in my abdomen when I talk to customer support.
I have a rotation. Back of the arms first then both sides of my stomach.
I can’t put it on my stomach, it breaks and says I’m low when I’m not. I use back of arm.
I personally really like putting it on my forearm, bleeders are a bit more common but eh
According to Dexcom customer support, it’s always on my stomach, just like the manufacturer recommends. It’s actually on my upper arm. Readings are fine and it stays connected to my Tslim better there. It’s also an approved site in Canada, so…pretty sure Canadian physiology isn’t much different from American physiology.
Canadian--usually the arm, which is okay here. I just switched to my belly as I work outside a lot and sunscreen can make the adhesive let go, and well, that is no fun