What are the risks of wearing a CGM?

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has revolutionized diabetes care. These small wearable sensors continuously track glucose levels, allowing people with diabetes to manage their health with greater precision and freedom.
However, like any medical device that stays on the skin for days, CGMs come with certain skin-related and practical risks — many of which can be prevented with the right medical-grade protection patch.

A Real-World Story: When the Sensor Won’t Stick

Lena, a 32-year-old fitness coach living with Type 1 diabetes, shared her CGM experience online. After switching to the Dexcom G7 to better track glucose fluctuations during workouts, she noticed that by the eighth day, her sensor began to peel away due to sweat and movement friction.

After a long run on a humid day, the entire patch detached, leaving behind redness and mild irritation. She had to replace the sensor days before it expired — costing her extra time and money.

Lena’s story echoes the experiences of many CGM users worldwide. On a popular Reddit diabetes forum, one user wrote:

“I’m on my second G7 in 10 days already and it’s just a mess of gloopy adhesives…” (Reddit thread)

Another shared:

“I never had issues before — but now I’m getting awful itchy burn-like marks after every single new sensor!” (Reddit thread)

These real-life reports illustrate a common issue — long-term adhesive contact can cause skin stress, allergic reactions, or premature detachment, especially for active individuals or those living in hot, humid environments.

Even Dexcom’s official FAQ acknowledges this challenge, offering guidance for users experiencing skin irritation with the G7 adhesive (Dexcom Official FAQ).

Common Risks of Wearing a CGM

1. Skin Irritation and Allergic Reactions

According to a 2022 Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology study, nearly 35% of CGM users report mild to moderate skin irritation.
This is often caused by the adhesive used in the device’s patch, which can lead to redness, itching, or contact dermatitis, especially for sensitive skin.

2. Sensor Detachment During Exercise or Sweat

Daily activities such as swimming, showering, or intense workouts can loosen the CGM’s adhesive, leading to sensor dislodgment or data loss.

3. Moisture and Bacterial Growth

Excess moisture trapped under the sensor site — from sweat, bathing, or environmental humidity — can increase the risk of local infections and affect device performance.

4. Adhesive Breakdown Before the Wear Period Ends

Most sensors are designed to stay on for 10–14 days, but if the adhesive fails early, users may face inaccurate readings or premature replacement costs.

Why Skin Protection Matters for CGM Users

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems like Freestyle Libre 2/3 and Dexcom G7 have revolutionized diabetes care — allowing real-time glucose tracking without routine finger pricks.
However, these devices are meant to be worn 10–14 days continuously, meaning the skin-adhesive interface becomes critical to both comfort and device reliability.

Medical studies have documented common challenges:

• Skin irritation or allergic dermatitis from prolonged adhesive contact (SAGE Journals
• Adhesive failure due to sweat, humidity, or exercise (ScienceDirect)
• Inaccurate readings if the sensor shifts or detaches prematurely

For individuals who live active lives or have sensitive skin, protecting both the device and skin barrier is essential.

A Simple Yet Effective Solution: Medical-Grade CGM Patches

That’s where a CGM protection patch comes in — a medical-grade adhesive overlay designed to secure your sensor and protect your skin.
Ceeport’s Freestyle Adhesive Patch (Sensor Cover) is engineered specifically for CGM users who need durable, breathable, and skin-friendly coverage.

✅ Key Features:

·  Easy Application:
Three-part backing paper design for quick, precise, one-handed placement—no sticky fingers, just perfect alignment.

·  Flexible & Comfortable:
Made from high-stretch medical fabric that moves with your body for lasting comfort all day.

·  Skin-Friendly Adhesive:
Low-allergy acrylic glue that’s gentle on sensitive skin, safe even for children.

·  Strong & Reliable Hold:
Keeps your CGM sensor secure through exercise, sweat, and showers.

·  Water-Resistant & Breathable:
Protects against moisture while allowing skin to breathe—no irritation or discomfort.

·  Universal Fit:
Designed for Dexcom G7 and Freestyle Libre 2/3 sensors.

·  Non-Adhesive Center:
Prevents sticking to the sensor itself and avoids accidental removal.

·  Extra Protective Layer:
Soft nonwoven center pad minimizes friction and helps reduce skin reactions.

Its circular center cut-out fits Freestyle Libre 2/3 perfectly, while the larger center design also accommodates Dexcom G7 — one of the most popular CGM devices worldwide.
And with growing demand, Ceeport will soon introduce a patch tailored specifically for Dexcom G7’s unique shape.

Real-World Application: Comfort Meets Reliability

For users like Lena, who lead active lifestyles, using a CGM protection patch makes a real difference.
In field use reported by Ceeport customers, adhesive stability increased by over 40%, and users reported significantly fewer skin irritations during the full 14-day wear cycle.

The patch not only keeps the sensor in place — even under heat and sweat — but also acts as a protective medical dressing, preventing friction, moisture buildup, and bacterial exposure at the sensor site.

Learn more about Ceeport’s commitment to safe and skin-friendly wound care technologies at our Official Medical Dressing Website, or explore our Wound Education Blog for clinical insights and material science behind advanced dressings.

Conclusion

Wearing a CGM brings freedom and control to diabetes management — but it also introduces daily challenges related to skin integrity, adhesion, and comfort.
With medical-grade CGM patches like Ceeport Freestyle Adhesive Patches, users can focus less on adhesive issues and more on what truly matters: maintaining consistent glucose monitoring for better health outcomes.

For active individuals, sensitive skin types, and long-term users, this simple addition can transform your CGM experience — keeping your device secure, your skin healthy, and your data reliable.