Best Dexcom G7 Placement: Where Should You Wear Your Sensor?

One of the first questions many people have when using a Dexcom G7 is simple:

Where should I put it?

Your sensor placement can make a difference in comfort, security, and how often your CGM gets bumped or caught on things throughout the day.

Whether you're new to the Dexcom G7 or you've been wearing a CGM for years, here's what to know about choosing a good sensor location.

Where Does Dexcom Recommend Wearing the G7?

For Dexcom G7 users in the United States, Dexcom recommends wearing the sensor on the back of the upper arm for users ages 2 and older.

For children ages 2 through 6, the upper buttocks is also an approved location.

Dexcom says its research has shown that wearing the G7 on the back of the upper arm provides optimal performance.

Always follow the current Dexcom instructions for your specific sensor and speak with your healthcare provider if you have questions about placement.

What Makes a Good Dexcom G7 Placement?

Even within the recommended area, exactly where you place your sensor can matter.

Try to find a spot that is:

• Flat and comfortable
• Away from areas where your skin frequently folds
• Away from waistbands or clothing that constantly rubs against it
• Less likely to get bumped into walls or door frames
• Somewhere you are less likely to sleep directly on it
• Away from irritated or damaged skin

You should also rotate your sensor location instead of repeatedly using the exact same spot.

Think About Your Everyday Routine

The best location isn't only about where the sensor looks good.

Think about what you do every day.

Do you play sports?

Lift weights?

Sleep on one particular side?

Wear a backpack often?

Spend a lot of time swimming?

Wear tight sleeves?

All of these things can affect how exposed your CGM is.

If you're active, choosing a location where your sensor is less likely to get hit or snagged can make wearing your CGM much easier.

How Do You Keep a Dexcom G7 Secure?

Placement is only part of the equation.

Sweat, water, workouts, clothing, and everyday movement can gradually cause adhesive to lift.

Dexcom includes an overpatch with the G7 and recommends using it to help keep the sensor secure throughout the wear period.

You can also use additional CGM patches designed to provide another layer of protection around your sensor.

A patch can be especially helpful if you're active, sweat frequently, swim, or simply tend to bump your sensor into things.

Your CGM Doesn't Have to Look Medical

Here's the part we think should be more fun.

A CGM is something you wear on your body every day. That means there's no reason it can't reflect a little bit of your personality.

Maybe you want your sensor to blend in.

Maybe you want a bright color.

Maybe you want something that matches what you're wearing.

Maybe you want to represent something you love.

That's why we created Glu.

Living with diabetes comes with enough things to think about. What your CGM looks like can be one of the fun parts.

Can You Exercise With a Dexcom G7?

For many people, absolutely.

CGMs are designed to be part of everyday life, including active lifestyles.

The bigger concern for many active users isn't whether they can exercise with their sensor. It's keeping the sensor protected from sweat, friction, accidental bumps, and snagging.

If you're regularly in the gym, playing sports, running, hiking, or doing other activities, adding extra protection around your sensor may help you feel more confident about keeping it secure.

What About Swimming and Showering?

Water is another common concern for CGM users.

After your sensor or patch gets wet, gently drying the area instead of aggressively rubbing it can help protect the adhesive.

Your choice of patch can also matter if you frequently swim, sweat, or spend time around water.

Watch Out for the Sneaky Stuff

Sometimes sensors don't come loose during a workout.

They come loose because of something completely random.

The edge of a shirt.

A towel after a shower.

A backpack strap.

A seat belt.

A doorway.

If you've worn a CGM long enough, you probably know exactly what we're talking about.

Keeping the edges of your sensor protected can help reduce those annoying accidental snags.

Find What Works for You

There's no reason Type 1 diabetes should stop you from doing the things you love.

Your CGM is there to help you manage your glucose while you live your life.

Finding a comfortable placement, protecting your sensor, and making it feel a little more personal can make wearing one every day a better experience.

And if you're going to wear something 24/7, we think it should feel like you.

Explore Glu CGM patches designed to add protection, personality, and a little more fun to your sensor.

Patches designed for you.