Medtronic Diabetes Guardian Sensor 3 Insertion - How to insert the Guardian 3 Sensor

How to insert the Medtronic Diabetes Guardian 3 Sensor.

In this video I show how I insert the Medtronic Guardian 3 Continuous Glucose Monitor Sensor in my upper arm, just above my triceps.

In 2018, a Medtronic rep taught me that wearing the sensor on the upper arm gave it a better chance of staying intact for a longer period of time AND would likely give me better readings as a result. I've worn the sensor on my arm ever since and experienced great success.

It can be tricky to do this on your own, so if you are trying an arm site for the first time, ask a friend, partner or parent to give you an assist.

Here are links to the patches I use:

[lucacarey]

Thank you! Much easier to follow than the 9, 000 page user manual from Medtronic.

[michaelalvidrez]

Thank you for the great into to using the Guardian Sensor, will be getting mine as soon as the paperwork gets approved

[kathymaja]

Thank you for your video on insertion of the sensor. It is clearly laid out and you are easy to follow.

[angeladugan-starr]

I just want to say thanks for making this video, I went away from the sensor a while and it was the perfect refresher

[jamesneal]

Thanks for making this video. I just got an email confirming that my pump has shipped and is scheduled for delivery tomorrow. Meeting with Medtronic rep and will be educated on the pump even further. Wish me luck.

[blaykblayk]

This really was a great video. I have been using my Guardian system for about four months. I am using the 670 until October of this year when my warranty sends the 770. I generally use the tops of my thighs yet I don't think Medtronic has approved that location. It has never not worked and I will continue to do it there. Thanks again.

[garyfissel]

Thanks for your Arm insertion video. I have only used my waist area for my sensors and transmitters. They have worked for me. I now have enrolled to get the 780G upgrade from the 770G pump and the new Guardian 4 sensors have suggested the Arm insertion. I workout frequently and do not have much fat on my upper arm, so I am hesitant to try insertions in that new location. I want to thank you for your video with the techniques you use, especially with the taping.

[denisespooner]

Great video, Rob. I appreciate it so much. When my husband is out of town, there’s no one to help me put the sensor in my arm. Like you, I had loads of problems putting it in my abdomen. But I’ve been Type 1 for over 56 years and so have lots of scar tissue from multiple daily injections before I started wearing a pump about twenty years ago. And I’m a cyclist too so lots of movement on my abdomen. Today I easily—or fairly easily—attached the sensor on my arm all due to your helpful video. BTW, i too use Skin Grip tapes. Much better than the ridiculous taping methods that come with the sensors. Thanks again!

[HMarie]

I use skin tac wipes they're really sticky and I don't loose sensors anymore. I was using freestyle libre and just got this from Medtronic, hoping it wasn't a bad decision. Thanks for the info, your way looks easier than Medtronic's

[CNinjaa]

Thanks for making this kind of content. I was diagnosed in 1999 at age 8 and a lot has changed since then. Informal information and advice wasn't really out there. Getting the minimed 508 pump in like 2002 was revolutionary. For any kids or parents of kids with T1D I recommend you get involved with the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) and look into T1D summer camps. As a kid who was the only one and bullied left and right it was invaluable to be able to go to a summer camp where everyone was diabetic. Some of my best and most cherished memories were from there at Camp Endres in Oklahoma 😁

[mariesmith]

Absolutely great video, I wish I had found you a year ago my sensors 3 only lasted me 4 days and I’ve called Medtronic several times and never told me to put it on my arm. It’s interesting now with Guardian 4 only place according to Medtronic is back of the arm. I thank you so much for this video!

[Kim-vukz]

Thanks Rob for this great video. I specifically wanted advise on how to accomplish inserting on my arm by myself. Next change I will try your method. Thanks again for this excellent video.

[maryerickson]

Hi Rob, I sure like this video cuz I had my hubby help put one on the back of my arm and it didn't work. I do like putting one in my right inside thigh; the inside left thigh doesn't seem to work. I might even try to find those patches you like. Mary

[torstenhogel]

As you said you have less obstacles on the back of your arm, I'm really feeling that :)
actually the only time I had trouble using my CGM (currently Freestyle till the guardian arrives) was while driving into a parking lot where I had to get a ticket. While reaching out of the window i just pulled my CGM out which was quite painful/funny at the same time haha

Thank you for the great video, it really took my fear of having to remove the needle away!

[WalkingRisk]

I just did my second sensor change and find it sooo intimidating! Thank you for your video!!

[penelopethepelican]

So you don’t go through the whole Medtronic tape rigamarole? This is so much better!

[JohnHenrySheridan]

That was helpful Rob, thank you! I was getting frustrated with the sensor not lasting on my torso.

[heathernusz]

Hoping you will answer bc I am new to this.
We've had the supplies for a couple of months, but I've been nervous and unsure of exactly what to do. This is for my father and he is bed bound. Since he has aides and they are not allowed to test his blood I thought this would be a better option.
My question is how is it if you have to lay on the side where the sensor is in the back of the arm? He has to be rolled occasionally and I don't want to mess up the sensor.

[margretbennett]

Its very easy to do and they teach you just how easy it is to do and the the teach takes his or her time and ask you question to make sure you understand everything you have to do

[VinVizz]

Always wear mine just below my upper chest on the left or right side. This solves the movement problem. My routine of exposing the needle is much different than yours. I use a flat surface and hold the ears while lifting the serter. I also never expose the sticky part until i've inserted the needle. It's interesting to see the many different ways people accomplish the insertion. Always feel a little timid about the needle going in my arm. Looking at the needle, it seems a bit large. I don't feel very comfortable about not being able to use two hands to connect the transmitter to the sensor. That green light doesn't always flash when its supposed to and I have to reconnect to get it to start. The guardian 3 in my opinion has too many fault issues compared with others like the Dexcom models. Medtronic needs to work on this to make it more reliable. Thanks for your video. Maybe I'll give my arm a try.