Dexcom G6 Placement Sites: FDA Approved and Off Label Options

February 22, 2024 0 comments
Dexcom
Dexcom G6 Placement sites

Table of content

Introduction

Are you interested in knowing the perfect Dexcom G6 placement sites? You have landed on the right article because many Cgm monitors’ patients ask about it. Here we have discussed the most appropriate insertion sites for Dexcom G6. The Dexcom G6 is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system that provides accurate and reliable glucose readings to help people with their effective diabetes self-management.

With its small size and comfortable design, the Dexcom G6 has become popular among people with diabetes who want to track their glucose levels more conveniently and without frequent fingerstick tests. One of the essential factors in achieving accurate and reliable glucose readings with the Dexcom G6 is choosing the right placement site for the device.

In this article, we will explore the different placement sites available for the Dexcom G6 and provide tips for ensuring accuracy and comfort with proper Dexcom locations on body.

Dexcom G6 Sensor Placement Fundamentals

The Dexcom G6 sensor uses a thin filament that sits just beneath your skin in the interstitial fluid. This Dexcom sensor measures glucose levels continuously throughout the day and night for up to 10 days. Unlike insulin pumps like Tandem mobi or TSlim x2 that deliver medication, the CGM sensor only monitors.

Proper insertion site selection ensures the sensor filament remains in optimal position within the subcutaneous tissue. It provides reliable data without interference from muscle movement or inadequate tissue depth. The goal is to find areas with sufficient fatty tissue while avoiding regions prone to sensor compression or friction.

Choosing the Right Dexcom G6 Placement Sites

They are many sites for this Dexcom sensor, of which two are FDA approved, and others are off-label sites that are used by adults or children at their own discretion, but the FDA hasn’t approved them for routine use. Each placement site has its pros and cons, so it’s essential to consider each option carefully before deciding.

FDA-approved Sites

  • Abdomen (Belly)
  • Upper Buttocks

Off-Label Sites

  • Back of the Upper Arm
  • Thigh or Leg Placement
  • Other Body Areas

FDA-Approved Sites For Dexcom G6

Abdomen Placement Site

The abdomen is a recommended site for placing the Dexcom G6 sensor for ages 2 and older. Precisely, the instructions for use recommend placing the sensor on the lower abdomen, about 2 inches (5 cm) away from the belly button. This area is chosen because it has a good blood supply and is relatively free from muscle tissue, which can interfere with the accuracy of the sensor readings.

Upper Buttock

An approved site for children and adolescents aged 2-17. This area is recommended because it provides sufficient subcutaneous tissue for better sensor insertion, reduces the risk of accidental bumps or dislodgement during daily activities, and is generally comfortable for long-term wear. Care should be taken to rotate sites within the upper buttocks region to prevent skin irritation or tissue overuse

Off-Label (Not FDA-Approved) Dexcom G6 Sites

Thigh Placement

Some people are curious to know where to put the Dexcom G6 on the leg and thigh. The thigh is a popular alternative site for CGM insertion. It is a large, flat surface with a thick subcutaneous fat layer, allowing easy insertion and accurate readings. Moreover, the site only comes into contact with the environment occasionally.

Back of the upper arm (posterior triceps area)

  • Commonly used by adults for comfort and discretion.
  • Sensor accuracy may vary slightly compared to FDA-approved sites.

Other Body Areas

  • Areas like the lower arm, calves, or upper back are generally not recommended.
  • Using these sites may affect sensor accuracy and warranty coverage

Overall Considerations:

  • Choose the front or upper outer thigh to avoid muscles that flex frequently.
  • Ensure the area is flat, stable, and free from clothing friction.
  • Rotate sites to prevent irritation or tissue overuse.

Choosing the Right Dexcom G6 Placement Sites

Where Not to Place Your Sensor

To keep your device comfortable, reliable, and kind to your skin, avoid the following areas:

  • Over Bones: Skip spots like ribs, hipbones, or any bony edges. The sensor won’t sit well there and may feel uncomfortable, and also show accuracy problems.
  • Irritated Skin: Redness, rashes, cuts, or any ongoing skin issue—don’t place your sensor at these areas. Let your skin heal first, then apply.
  • Scars and Tattoos: Avoid inserting over old scars or inked skin. Both can affect how well the G6 sensor works and may cause extra irritation.
  • Close to Other Devices: Keep at least 3 inches (about a finger’s width or more) away from insulin pump sites or regular injection spots to reduce interference.

Factors Affecting Sensor Placement Choice (G6/G7)

Lifestyle Considerations

Your daily activities should influence where you place your sensor:

  • Athletes: Consider placement that won’t interfere with your sport. If you are a football player, choose the back of the arm because it has easy access, good accuracy, less clothing rub, and stays secure with arm bands during running.
  • Manual laborers: Avoid areas prone to bumps or pressure. It may cause your sensor to fall off or give inaccurate readings.
  • Parents of young children: Choose sites less likely to be grabbed.
  • Fashion preferences: Select locations easily hidden by your wardrobe.

Body Composition

Your body type affects optimal placement:

  • Leaner individuals: May find the abdomen or upper buttocks more comfortable.
  • Larger body types: Often have more placement options.
  • Muscular builds: Should target areas with more subcutaneous fat rather than muscle.

Sleeping Habits

Consider your sleep position when choosing a placement site:

  • Stomach sleepers: Upper arm or upper buttocks work well.
  • Side sleepers: Alternate sides or use the upper buttocks.
  • Back sleepers: Abdomen or the upper arm is typically comfortable in this situation.

Best Practices for Dexcom G6 Placement Success

Follow these expert-recommended practices to maximize your sensor performance and comfort.

  • Clean and dry skin thoroughly; use rubbing alcohol before application.
  • Rotate sites to avoid overuse and maintain healthy skin.
  • Avoid moles, scars, stretch marks, or irritated/damaged skin.
  • Let sensors reach room temperature before applying.
  • Press firmly around patch edges for 30 seconds.
  • Protect sensor from water; use waterproof covers if needed.
  • Check sites regularly for infection, redness, or scarring.
  • Track experiences to optimize personal site rotation.

Dexcom G6 Insertion Site Bleeding

One potential issue with inserting the Dexcom G6 insertion site is bleeding, which is mostly reported by our CGM Monitors’ users. This can occur for various reasons, such as the depth of the insertion or the skin’s sensitivity. Bleeding can also occur if the sensor is inserted into a blood vessel or if the Dexcom G6 placement sites are not properly cleaned before insertion.

Bleeding at the insertion site can be concerning for some people also reported by Dexcom officially. This is because it can impact the accuracy of the glucose readings and may also be uncomfortable or painful. Following proper insertion techniques and monitoring the insertion site after insertion is essential to ensure that bleeding does not occur.

If bleeding is noted, applying pressure to the site and monitoring it closely for any signs of infection or other complications is recommended. It’s also important to contact a healthcare provider if bleeding is excessive or if there are other concerns related to the insertion site.

Buy Dexcom G7: Better CGM option

Dexcom G6 is an exceptional CGM system. However, it comes with some drawbacks that the users must pay attention to. Considering this fact, you can buy Dexcom G7 online to get your blood glucose levels checked by a reliable firm. The insertion sites of this device are similar to Dexcom G6 placement sites.

However, this innovative device comes with numerous advanced features. You can buy other high-quality CGMs from cgmmonitors.com at a reasonable price. We are famous for providing the best quality CGM systems to treat your diabetes better. Our primary objective is to satisfy our customers with our best.

If you have purchased the G7 and want to know the recommended Dexcom G7 placement areas, here’s a complete guide. It will surely help in the correct placement.

Conclusion

The Dexcom G6 is a popular and effective CGM system that can help people with diabetes manage their condition more effectively. Choosing suitable Dexcom G6 placement sites is essential for achieving accurate and reliable glucose readings. Several options are available, including the arm, abdomen, thigh, and lower back.

Each placement site has pros and cons, and it’s essential to consider individual preferences and needs when choosing a location. Athletes may have different considerations when choosing a placement site. Bleeding at the insertion site is a potential issue that should be monitored closely.

By following proper insertion techniques and watching the insertion site, people with diabetes can achieve better glucose management.

Faqs

How do I prepare the skin before applying a Dexcom G6 sensor?

Clean the spot with an alcohol wipe (or mild soap if alcohol irritates), let it dry completely—no lotion or oils. This helps the adhesive stick better and reduces irritation for Dexcom G6 sensor placement.

How do I choose the best Dexcom G6 placement site for comfort and accuracy?

Pick flat, fleshy areas away from bones, waistbands, or insulin sites—at least 3 inches apart. Many find Dexcom G6 arm placement (back of upper arm) most comfortable and accurate; abdomen works well too—these are often the best Dexcom G6 placement sites for daily life.

How can I prevent skin irritation at Dexcom G6 placement sites?

Rotate sites every sensor, keep skin clean/dry, avoid lotions on insertion day, and consider a barrier film if sensitive. Rotating prevents buildup and lets skin heal between uses.

How does body fat impact Dexcom G6 sensor accuracy at different sites?

Too little fat (lean areas) or too much can affect readings—aim for moderate padding. Arms often give steadier results if you have enough subcutaneous tissue; avoid very lean or overly fatty spots for better consistency.

What are the approved Dexcom G6 placement sites for adults?

For adults, approved sites are the abdomen (belly area) and the back of the upper arm—stick to these for reliable performance and warranty coverage.

What are the most common Dexcom G6 placement sites for adults?

Most adults use the back of the upper arm (Dexcom G6 arm placement) or lower/side abdomen—these are popular as best Dexcom G6 placement sites because they’re discreet, comfortable, and accurate.

What areas of the body are NOT recommended for Dexcom G6 placement?

Avoid bony spots, scars, tattoos, irritated skin, waistbands, or areas with lots of movement/compression. Never use thighs, chest, or other unapproved spots—stick to official guidelines.

What is the difference in accuracy between abdominal and arm placement for Dexcom G6?

Both are very accurate overall, but many users notice slightly more consistent readings with Dexcom G6 arm placement (less compression lows when sleeping on belly). Abdomen can work great too—choose what feels best for your body.

Why is it important to avoid placing the Dexcom G6 in areas with scar tissue?

Scar tissue can mess with sensor readings and adhesion—readings may be less reliable or erratic. Always pick fresh, healthy skin for the most accurate glucose tracking.

Why does Dexcom recommend rotating sites every 10 days?

Rotating every 10 days gives skin time to heal fully, prevents scarring/irritation, and keeps adhesion strong. Using the same spot repeatedly risks poor stick and skin issues.

Why might a Dexcom G6 sensor be less accurate in certain placement sites?

Poor sites (bony, scarred, compressed, or low-fat areas) can cause compression lows, delayed readings, or interference. Stick to fleshy, approved best Dexcom G6 placement sites like arm or abdomen for steady accuracy.

Where can children wear the Dexcom G6 sensor?

Kids (ages 2+) can use the abdomen or back of upper arm; ages 2-17 can also use upper buttocks—parents often prefer arm or buttocks for active play.

Where should parents place the Dexcom G6 sensor on a child's arm?

Place it on the back of the upper arm (fleshy part)—it’s secure, less likely to get knocked, and comfortable for kids during school or sports.

Who benefits most from upper arm Dexcom G6 placement?

Active people, those who sleep on their stomach, or anyone wanting discretion—Dexcom G6 arm placement avoids belly compression and feels less noticeable for many.

Why should I rotate my Dexcom G6 sensor placement sites?

Rotating prevents skin damage, scarring, irritation, and keeps the adhesive reliable. It also helps maintain consistent accuracy over time—simple habit for long-term comfort.

Who should avoid placing the Dexcom G6 sensor on their abdomen?

People with lots of belly movement, tight waistbands, or who sleep on their stomach may get compression issues—try Dexcom G6 arm placement instead for fewer lows.

Who might experience issues with Dexcom G6 sensor adhesion in certain areas?

Sweaty spots, hairy areas, or places with friction (like near belts) can cause peeling—arms often stick better for active users, while abdomen may need extra tape if oily or sweaty.

Write a comment

Your email address will not be published. All fields are required