Site Prep and Changing

Site Prep (Before Insertion)

Proper skin prep helps prevent infections, ensures the device sticks well, and improves accuracy. We experienced a bad infection that led us to the hospital. We want to help others so you do not end up in the same boat.

Steps:

1. Wash hands with soap and water.
2. Choose a site: rotate between locations (abdomen, thigh, arm, lower back, etc.) to prevent scar tissue.
3. Clean skin with an alcohol wipe (opens in a new tab) or a skin prep wipes (opens in a new tab) (like IV Prep (opens in a new tab) or Skin Tac (opens in a new tab)).
4. Let it dry fully – inserting on damp skin can cause irritation or make adhesives fail.
5. (Optional- we use this) Use barrier wipes (opens in a new tab) or a barrier film (opens in a new tab) if you have sensitive skin or allergy to adhesives.
6. (Optional- we use this in the summer) Apply an adhesive enhancer (opens in a new tab) (like Skin Tac) if you need extra stick, especially in summer or sweaty conditions.
7. (Optional- we use in the summer) Apply an overlay sticker over the devices especially in summer or sweaty conditions.

*Some little ones are scared about the daily injections or complain that they hurt. Putting an ice pack on the site first, or using something with vibration and ice like Buzzy (opens in a new tab) will help not only with the pain, but also as a distraction.

Site Changes (for infusion sets or CGMs)

How often?

• Infusion sets (insulin pumps): every 2–3 days.
• CGMs: depends on the model (Dexcom G7 = 10 days, Libre = 14 days, etc.).
• Always change sooner if there’s irritation, occlusion alarms, or poor absorption. If irritation occurs, talk to your doctor. We were able to get insurance to cover us to change sites more often due to skin sensitivity.

Tips for Changing:

• Rotate sites to avoid lipohypertrophy (fatty lumps under the skin).
• Avoid using the same spot too often—create a rotation map if needed.
• Check the old site for signs of infection or scarring.
• Use an adhesive remover (opens in a new tab) (like Goo Gone) or adhesive remover wipes (opens in a new tab) (great for travel) if taking off sticky sensors is hard or painful.
• ApplyCerave healing ointment (opens in a new tab) on the site that you changed. This will help prevent infection on the open site and help heal any skin irritation from adhesives.
• Massage or apply heat to new sites for better absorption (especially with insulin).

Watch our YouTube video (opens in a new tab) of site prep and change- our son wanted to show the process!

T1DTips is run by a T1D family. When you buy through our links, a portion of the proceeds supports our son's Breakthrough T1D team fundraising.