Diabetic patches are wearable medical devices designed to assist in managing diabetes. These patches serve various functions, such as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) to track blood sugar levels in real-time or delivering insulin directly into the body. Patches are an integral part of modern diabetes management systems, offering convenience and helping individuals maintain their blood glucose within target ranges. The precise placement of these patches is important to ensure they function effectively and provide accurate readings or consistent medication delivery.
Recommended Body Areas for Patches
Selecting an appropriate body area for a diabetic patch is based on the presence of sufficient subcutaneous fat and minimal movement, which helps ensure proper absorption or accurate glucose readings. The abdomen is a frequently used site due to its large surface area and consistent absorption rates. When using the abdomen, it is generally recommended to place patches at least two inches away from the navel.
Other common areas include the upper buttocks, outer thighs, and the back of the upper arms. The upper buttocks can be suitable, particularly for those who experience issues with adhesion, as the skin in this area tends to pull and perspire less. The outer thigh is often preferred because it typically has less muscle movement, contributing to more reliable and comfortable patch placement. The back of the upper arm is also a common site for continuous glucose monitors.
Choosing and Caring for Your Patch Site
Choosing a specific spot for your diabetic patch within the recommended body areas involves several considerations to optimize its function and minimize skin irritation. It is advisable to select a flat area with sufficient subcutaneous fat that is not subjected to excessive movement during daily activities. Avoid areas with scars, moles, stretch marks, tattoos, existing skin irritation, or bony regions with minimal subcutaneous fat.
Before applying the patch, the chosen site must be clean and dry. Cleaning the skin with mild soap and water or an alcohol wipe helps remove oils, sweat, and residues that could interfere with the patch’s adhesive. Allowing the skin to dry completely before application is important, as any moisture can weaken the adhesive bond. After application, pressing the patch firmly onto the skin for up to 60 seconds can help ensure a secure hold, and rubbing around the area can help remove any wrinkles in the adhesive.
Rotating Application Sites
Rotating patch application sites is important for the long-term health of your skin and to ensure the consistent effectiveness of the device. Repeatedly using the same site can lead to skin issues such as lipohypertrophy, which is a buildup of fatty tissue, or lipodystrophy, where the fat tissue breaks down or becomes hard. These changes can impact how consistently insulin is absorbed or how accurately glucose is measured.
To effectively rotate sites, individuals should move the patch a few inches from the previous location, even within the same general body area. For example, if using the abdomen, a systematic approach like dividing it into quadrants or imagining a clock face can help track placements. Staying on one side of the body for several changes before moving to the other side is another strategy. It is also important to allow a previously used site to rest and heal, ideally for about one month, before reusing it.