7 Best Sites for Dexcom G6 Sensor Placement

Pros and cons of 7 different Dexcom G6 sensor sites that I tested. I share my thoughts on comfort, accuracy, and durability of each site.

0:00 General tips on picking the right sensor site
1:16 Lower abdomen
1:48 Upper abdomen
2:53 Chest
3:36 Calf
5:14 Inner upper arm
6:16 Upper thigh
7:30 Other Dexcom sites that people use
7:57 Outer upper arm

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I regularly release videos covering diabetes topics. Let me know if you have any questions or topics you would like me to cover. I really appreciate your input!

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and my videos are not medical advice. What works for me might not work for others. Please consult your medical professional regarding your diabetes treatment. Certain sites discussed in this video are not approved by regulators and are not meant to be used with the Dexcom G6 sensor. Note that the content of this video was not discussed with or approved by Dexcom. I just use and love their products and share my personal experience.

Disclosure: Links in the video description might include affiliate links (I will receive a small provision if you use these links for your purchase). I am not affiliated with Dexcom, the manufacturer of the Dexcom G6 CGM system.

#typeonetalks

[anthonypitrelli]

New diabetic here type 1 I’m 22 years old my pancreas gave out. When I was rushed to the hospital ( being completely conscious walking talking and driving) they took blood work and my blood sugar was 1140 my A1C was 15 so this video was super helpful thank you!

[sunni]

Careful with thigh sensors, surgery scheduled tomorrow. My thigh probably too dense/muscular and the sensor wire broke off immediately on injection and is stuck inside my thigh occasionally causing debilitating pain. Will be using at least 1” skin pinchable areas and also a adhesive remover to pull future sensors out straight to avoid this.

[jaredw]

I just switched from Libre2 to Dexcom G6 and this video is greatly appreciated! I used the outside of upper arm and it worked great.

[karenmcguire]

I've been using the upper buttocks/hip area for a couple of years now and my readings are almost always spot on compared to my experience w/abdomen and/or back of arm. T1 - 50 years.

[jodiehawkins]

I have a type 1 diabetic son as of end of June he is or was special needs before that he has Digeorge and one kidney and club foot.Dexcom is a live saver!!

[leoguy]

Started as type 2 diabetic and recently diagnosed a being a type 1.5 diabetic which is an autoimmune disease related diabetes which has been insulin resistant. Find your videos very helpful, waiting for my new DexcomG6 sensors and transmitter to come in on Friday,

[aaronh]

I am a new Type 2 diabetic. My doctor quickly put me on Dexcom G6. I was quite overwhelmed. I have watched many of your videos and have learned so much. Thank you!

[cut--]

If anyone new is wondering why all the different site options: you have to move sensors and pumps around when you change them. You run out of spots quicker than you'd think!

[slc]

I have the Dexcom 7. They really push using the arms. They don't like using the abdomen, even though they list it as an approved site. The arms are very difficult for me as I have had a large weight loss and tons of loose skin, not fat, on these areas. And I've knocked the sensor out once and it hit muscle once, which was painful. Both necessitated getting new sensors, which is where I found out Dexcom doesn't like the abdominal site. However, I've found it's pretty accurate there. I don't get compression lows like with the arm sites. I already have issues with actual nighttime lows, so I don't like having to verify my lows multiple times at night. I do have a fat pad on the abdomen and find it super comfortable. I think I will try my thigh next time, since I do my insulin in my abdomen. Thank you for providing a wide variety of information on your channel. I'm a critical care nurse and I've not found any errors in your info plus I've come away with some new info after every one.

[joep]

Hello, from the U.S. I appreciate the effort you make in your videos to help diabetics across the globe. I am wondering if you find blue jeans are likely to tear a sensor out of the outer thigh simply because they tend to be snug pants. I'm not talking about skinny jeans but more traditional jeans. I like the leg idea simply because I can use both hands to apply the sensor and transmitter. I like to pinch the skin upwards when inserting the sensor to protect the muscles from penetration. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and experience. Right now I'm trying the outer upper arm for the first time. For years I've been using my belly.

[philcraine]

Pretty new to all this, type II and the results have been fantastic, A1C estimate is 6.2-6.3 and before I was at 7.5 and could not bring it down. Even my Doctor had heard of you. I ordered (from your link) the sample patches, very sensitive to adhesive. The best thing I found are the Skin Tac wipes, I had no idea these existed! Next month I am going on vacation to Europe (Italy and Switzerland!) and I knew I could not bring the bottle on the plane (I learned about the product from you!). Thanks you for doing all you do, it really helps.
The skin grip patches arrived and caused zero reaction, not the slightest itch

[raoulduke]

I appreciate the video. I have been wondering about different sites since I got my Dexcom G6, but was worried I would end up wasting a sensor on a poorly picked site (and they're not cheap). Thank you!

[dennisstephens]

Great video. 47 years T1 and I’m checking other areas to use G6. Your suggestions +/- seem to be spot on based on my use of CGM sensors over the past 15 years. I need to vary sites as I find issues if near and underlying scar tissue. Arms are a favorite, but I was using Eversense for a few years and had several arm insertions (They are an implanted sensor in upper arms) with a minor procedure to insert under skin for 3 months at a time, so scar tissue is issue.

[stevericci]

I needed this video, I'm just starting the D6 and have an active job but did not know were to stick it. Upper thigh is perfect. Thank you.

[powerlung]

I am extremely sensitive to the glues they use on CGM and pump supplies. I use a topical steroid before applying anything and it's helped me so much. I use a Fluticasone nose spray (I know super odd) or Flonase (Amazon has one of the best prices for it) but it's worth a shot if your experiencing itchiness from the adhesives. Hopefully this will help!

[TypeOneTalks]

This video took a long time to make but I enjoyed every minute of the preparation, filming, and editing. I hope it will help some of you who are using the Dexcom sensors.
If you enjoyed the video you might want to:
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I appreciate your support!

[michaelbluejay]

Your videos are very well done, and just the right amount of info (not too much, not too little). So helpful.

[watauga]

I am trying the arm placement for the first time. This was due to folliculitis from my last two abdominal placements. I determined where it wouldn’t get compressed when I laid on that side. The place ended up being somewhat between the rear of my arm and the inside. I’m already very happy. I honestly can’t tell I’m wearing it. Thank you so much for your video.

[aarh]

discoverd your channel today and it's the best thing on youtube sooo helpful videos and advices really like that my son is type one diagnose at age 1 now he is 10 will watch all your videos together just subscribed now will share you channel with others u deserve more subscibers keep it up 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[sjf]

@ Type One Talks, I've been wearing Dexcom G5 and G6 for three years. I always place the sensors on my lower lateral abdomen and have never had any problems with placement and wear. Never had one even come close to peel off. I use Skin Tac liquid adhesive painted on the sensor tape itself, not on the skin first. Then let dry for 5 to 10 minutes. Then apply. I have never had any problems with the adhesive not lasting 10 or 20 days. The bottle of liquid is much better than the Skin Tac wipes. (Yes for traveling, the wipes would be better, the bottle is 4 ounces and lasts forever but is 4 ounces. Not OK for airplane travel.). And after removal of the sensor, either TacAway adhesive remover or Detachol Adhesive remover for the residue. T1 for 30 years, my last Glycohemoglobin was 5.8.