Beneath diabetes tech: caring for your skin

Skin care – important for all

T1D technology supports everyday life in so many ways, but devices that stay on the skin for several days can sometimes cause skin reactions. This is something lots of people experience, regardless of the brand or type of diabetes tech they use.

Skin reactions as a result of diabetes tech can affect people’s day‑to‑day management of their T1D. Irritation from insulin pump or CGM adhesives can become so uncomfortable that some people need to remove the device early, or the device may fall off. Constant itching and poor absorption due to skin irritation can make managing blood glucose levels harder.

Most skin reactions are mild and cause redness, dryness or itching around the pump or CGM site. But in rare cases, symptoms can be more severe, leading to broken skin, bleeding or lingering inflammation.

Why do skin reactions from T1D technology occur?

Skin reactions linked to T1D technology can happen for a range of reasons, including:

• the device or adhesive patch trapping moisture and sweat close to the skin
• everyday friction from clothing or bags
• devices being knocked off or torn off, which can cause damage to the skin. This type of reaction is called irritant contact dermatitis
• developing an allergic reaction to the adhesive itself or to a part of the CGM or pump device. This type of reaction is called allergic contact dermatitis, and it can cause more noticeable inflammation, including blistering or areas of broken skin
• reactions to ingredients such as acrylates and colophonium (rosin), which help the adhesive stay secure
• products used to prep the skin such as alcohol wipes, or to enhance adhesion. If you’re trying a new skin preparation product, it can help to test it on a small area of skin first, and give it a few days for any adverse reactions to appear.

Adhesive ingredients vary from device to device. To reduce the chance of people developing sensitivities over time, manufacturers will occasionally change the adhesives they use, but they will always update users and healthcare professionals first.

Tips to prevent skin problems

While not everyone experiences skin irritation, there are simple steps you can take that may help reduce the chance of issues developing in the future.

• Choose the right site: pick a site that’s free from irritation, scars, moles or bumps, and make sure the area is clean and completely dry. Moisture and friction can sometimes contribute to skin reactions, so preparing the site well can make a difference.
• Prepare your skin: after cleaning the area, some people find that using a barrier cream, spray or wipe helps protect their skin before applying a device. Try to keep the layer thin and avoid spreading it too widely, as this can sometimes create new issues.
• Change devices on time: avoid wearing devices for longer than recommended to minimise tissue trauma. Follow the manufacturer’s guidance on when to change cannulas and sensors, and don’t reuse cannulas.
• Remove devices with care: when taking off pumps, cannulas or CGM sensors, using an adhesive remover or a little oil can help lift the adhesive more comfortably. Peel it back slowly, keeping the device close to your skin for a gentler removal. Use an adhesive remover or baby oil to remove any residue – don’t pick or scrub, as this can irritate the skin further.
• Let the skin recover: give each site time to heal by rotating where you place your device. Re‑using the same area too soon can affect insulin absorption and may slow down skin recovery. Looking after your skin can make a real difference and using gentle cleansers and moisturisers helps keep the area healthy. If you need to remove hair, trimming rather than shaving is usually kinder.

With these simple steps, many people find they can wear their pumps and CGMs long-term with no issues.

Further information and tips about preventing skin irritation issues can be found by reading The Glucose Never Lies skincare for type 1 diabetes and technology FAQs.

Managing skin irritation from T1D tech

If you’re starting to notice skin irritation from your device, it’s important not to ignore it as this can lead to sensitivities beyond the initial site. There are steps you can take, and your healthcare team can offer support too:

• As a first step, speak to your clinic or GP about the skin issues you’re experiencing. They might prescribe a spray, wipe or cream to help calm inflammation or irritation.
• If irritation continues, your healthcare professional might recommend a skin barrier wipe or a thin film dressing to create a protective layer between your skin and the device.
• Your healthcare team may also advise avoiding harsher skin prep products, such as alcohol wipes or adhesive enhancers unless they’re needed, as these can sometimes make irritation worse.

All device manufacturers have a customer helpline. Letting them know that you are having skin issues with their device will allow them to offer tailored advice and investigate the issue further if needed.

The Yellow Card Scheme enables medical device users and healthcare professionals to report issues with any medical devices which have caused harm – such as skin rashes and irritation. If this is a frequently-reported issue, the MHRA will work with the manufacturer to solve the problem.