How to Wear a CGM: A Guide
Wearing a CGM —
Where Does it Go?
Once you’ve gotten a CGM, you’ll need to know where and how to apply it correctly.
A CGM is a small sensor that tracks your glucose levels in real-time. With a continuous glucose monitor, you have the benefit of being able to view your glucose responses to food, stress, exercise, sleeping habits, and other daily activities as they occur.
So, where is the best place to wear a CGM? Most CGMs have only been approved for use on the back part of the arm, though some sensors may be suitable for placement on the legs, stomach, or other locations on the body. Be sure to check with your CGM provider for application instructions.
If you’re wondering how to wear a continuous glucose monitor, it’s as easy as this:
Simply attach the sensor
to the applicator
Align the applicator
onto the back of your arm
Push to apply the sensor
Cover your CGM
with a protective patch
Setting Up and
Installing a CGM Device
Continuous glucose monitor installation is a lot easier than it seems, but there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure the sensor stays put. Here’s how to apply your CGM for the first time:
Attaching a CGM
Start by choosing the portion of the back of your arm with the most fat and follow the steps below:
- Clean the back of your arm with the alcohol wipe provided
- Peel the plastic layer off the sensor pack
- Twist the sensor applicator so it is undone
- Line up the dark marks on the applicator and the pack
- Connect both pieces and push down on a hard surface until you hear a click
Installing the Sensor
In the gray applicator, the small needle should now be visible. Place the applicator over the back of your arm and push down firmly to apply the sensor. The sensor should attach itself to your arm. You can then discard the applicator and cover the sensor with an adhesive bandage or patch. This is strongly encouraged to protect the sensor during use.
Connecting a Device
To connect your sensor, begin by downloading the Nutrisense app and logging into your account. Then, you may follow these instructions:
- Select "Settings" from the sidebar menu in the upper left-hand corner
- Select "Sensor" from the settings menu
- Click "Activate New Sensor"
- Once you see the prompt, "Ready to Scan," hold your smartphone near the CGM device until you feel a vibration
Keep in mind that CGMs can take up to one hour to appear activated inside the app.
Transmitting Data
In order to retrieve all your blood sugar data from your CGM, you will need to scan it at least once every 8 hours. The CGM records up to 8 hours of data, so in order to get a full 24 hours of data in a day you will need to scan the sensor a minimum of 3 times throughout the day, or once every 8 hours.
CGM devices are safe and comfortable for daily use. Still have questions? Read on for a few more details about wearing a continuous glucose monitor.
Do CGM needles hurt?
For most people, applying a CGM hurts less than a finger prick. The applicator that comes with the device is spring-loaded and applies the sensor quickly and painlessly. After a day of wearing the device, most people forget that it is even there.
What happens
if a CGM sensor falls off?
A CGM stays on for several days and cannot be reinserted if it falls off early. If your sensor falls off, contact your provider to learn more about replacement options.
Take care when doing activities such as exercise as it may be easier to accidentally bump your sensor.
Nutrisense strongly suggests wearing the protective patch provided to assure the sensor does not fall off or get damaged.
What materials
are CGMs adhered with?
The CGM sensor has a tiny wire filament that is inserted just below the skin using a micro needle. The filament does not go past the fat layer in your arm, and is held in place by a protective glue-like seal around the sensor.
Wearing a CGM arm band or protective patch is recommended to avoid accidental dislodging of the device.
CGM App &
Wearable Tech
Experiment witheating windows, workout regimens, & macronutrient balance.
Nutrisense arms you with the tools to understand what makes your body tick and make changes that work for....you.
A CGM is a form of wearable tech that allows you to send your body's glucose data straight to your phone.
CGM App & Wearable Tech
As a Nutrisense member, you can sync your data from some other wearables or smart watches with the Nutrisense app. This can help you learn more about how stress, sleep, and exercise routines may affect glucose.
The following devices are compatible with the Nutrisense app:
- Apple Watch
- Samsung watches
- Oura ring
- Fitbit
- Garmin devices
Your questions
answered.
Still have questions? Here are some answers to a few of the most frequently asked questions.
A CGM should not be worn during an X-ray or an MRI, as the radiation can damage the device or cause it to malfunction. Make sure to follow the continuous glucose monitor guidelines provided with your sensor. Consult with your doctor and let them know you are wearing a CGM before getting an X-ray.
If you're planning to travel by plane while wearing a CGM, let the TSA or the airport security agent know that you are wearing the device and request a manual check. CGMs are able to go through metal detectors but may malfunction if exposed to full-body scans or X-rays.
The CGM applicator that comes with your CGMs contains a small needle which is used to apply the device to the back of your arm. Once applied, a small filament attached to the sensor remains under your skin which allows the device to measure your glucose levels via interstitial fluid.
You may have questions about how to apply a CGM sensor, including, "does a CGM hurt?" And the answer is no, it doesn't! Even though it may seem scary at first, the truth is that most people feel no pain when applying a sensor.
The applicator that comes with the device is spring-loaded and applies the sensor quickly and painlessly. Applying a CGM hurts less than a finger prick, and after a day of wearing the device, most people forget that it is even there.
A CGM sensor is able to be applied on the back of the arm and used to track glucose levels in real time. If you’re not sure how to put on a continuous glucose monitor, don't worry! It’s a lot simpler than it may seem. Typically, you attach the sensor to the applicator, place it on the back of your arm, and push down to release the sensor and apply it to your arm, but always follow the exact provided directions for your CGM model. Continuous glucose monitor placement is the same on either arm. If you're wondering how to remove a CGM sensor once it expires, simply peel the adhesive off your arm slowly—just like if you were removing a bandage.
*Disclaimer: The Nutrisense program is not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any conditions such as diabetes.