Favorite Insertion Sites! (Insulin pump, shots, and CGM)

The lighting is really bad in this video. Makes my neck look translucent. But hey, here it is anyway! Enjoy!
I talk about my favorite spots to put injections, pump infusion sets, and Dexcom CGM sensors!
Dexcom Arm Insertion Video: • Arm Dexcom G4 Sensor I...
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[@NetterzRN]

I am so glad to know I am not the only one who has struggled with spots for my insulin pump... when I call customer service they always act like I am the first person to ever have an issue. SO FRUSTRATING!!! Love your videos!

[@kakorakr6149]

I have been using a pump for 20+ yrs. Damn, wish I had your videos back then--when no one knew much of anything. I use my belly and upper abdomen; I will try arm, thanks for that video. I have always worn my pump on an elastic belt under my bra and under my clothes. I have a clip it pouch that I use to attach to my night shirt or put under my pillow when using the long tubing. Thanks for doing these. Enjoyed very much. It is never too late to learn from someone else's experiences.

[@amandamcallister2194]

I know this video was a long time ago however I just stumbled upon it and I need to say thank you. My son was recently diagnosed at the age of 4. We struggle with finding places for his dexcom and we should get a pump soon. Your real life experience helps a lot. thank you!

[@wendyc.5893]

I just wanted to say THANK YOU SO MUCH for this post!! I've had type 1 diabetes for 31 years and have been pumping for 15 of them... Well, after all those injections, sit changes, oh, and THREE c-sections, I am sooooooo running outta room for my sites & sensors! I've never used any place other than my upper & lower abs for my pump stuff, but anywhere else really for shots... I'm changing my site tonight so I'm gonna venture outta my 'comfort zone' and try my thigh for my site and arm for my sensor... I'm anxious to see how this plays out!! Thanks again, I think you're my new fan-girl ',crush' LOL ;0)

[@bamapdub]

Love your videos by the way. There aren't enough older diabetic youtubers out there.

[@jennifera3028]

Hi Danica, My daughter Katie uses her belly, hips, lower back/upper bum for pump sites and thanks to you, we put the Dexcom on her arms with great results. We love your videos!

[@sassysarah29]

Sometimes when I put my pump sites in my tummy it kills! It can take a good 5-10 minutes just to find somewhere that doesn't hurt. It was good to see other places i could try. Thanks!

[@mariadiantherese9663]

Dear Danica, No apologies necessary! You have a generous spirit and a positive attitude. If there is any advice you could give to a certain young person in my life about how you stay positive, I would gladly provide you w. my contact information. This pt. has had this condition for 11 years. My question is, how do you stay positive?

[@dimitrioshantgos9918]

I have had an insulin pump for over 12-14 years and have been Type 1 Diabetic for 42 years, and I am 43 years old (since 1977). I used the abdomen for the insulin pump for years. Basically switching from one side to the other side of my abdomen, every time I changed supplies. I decided to take a brake and use the upper butt. I have to say, I like that area a lot more. The only downside is when I am taking a shower I have to be careful not to get too much water so the adhesive does not come off, where when it is on the front of your body, if your back is towards the shower water, it won't get a lot. I may try the top of my leg. Only difference is since I am a guy, I may have to shave that area that I will put the infusion set, if it is my leg.

[@elibrown4525]

Hi Dimitrios, there is one more device which I am using since long. On the FreeStyle Libre Sensor I am using one more device BluCon NightRider which gives me reading in every 5 minutes on my Mobile. I am safe now, i don't need to carry my Libre reader. you can use it on the upper back side of arm, i also apply there and seems more safe and comfortable. Just sharing my views. Cheers!

[@remotalia1]

I went back to shots after popping so many blood vessels (bleeding all over the place when taking out an insertion... isn't it creepy?!?! It looks like you've been stabbed!) while on the pump.I recently started using a dexcom. Freaking out a bit about insertions again, but your video helps. It's good to know I'm not the only one with that problem!Thank you!

[@Carol_Pearson]

CGM: upper arms, mostly, but twice the thighs. Pump: sides (between rib cage and hip bone) and back, but may try the arms soon. I can't use the front of my abdomen because the sets and sensors always fall off early. I think it's because I have a lot of scar tissue in my abdomen and calves and forearms since those were my usual shot spots, and I used MDI for nearly 30 years.

[@nopotato4217]

Thank you so much Danica for taking video recommendations! I wear my pump in my abdomen and my hip. One time I put a pump site into my abdomen about an inch away from my belly button and I just leaned over in pain, it felt horrible! I pulled that site out and the catheter was filled with blood and the tube started filling up with blood and then my abdomen started bleeding. Pretty horrible experience!

[@jacquelinesmith-jackson2815]

What would you do if you were in a situation where the doctors would not do their jobs?? Because I was suppose to get supplies for T1D when I was like 7 years old. But the doctor in my state said I don't believe in T1D.

[@AnimaSola3o4]

My shots (lantus pen) go in my belly. I usually have no pain. At least not with the jabbing. The pain sometimes hits when the insulin goes in. My other spot is the tops of my thighs when I'm sitting down.

[@morgandempsey6157]

I am still on the pens, I give my shots in my arms, stomach, and my thighs. When i get my pump i will try near my hips too. :) your videos help so much!

[@djvl816]

Danica, I'm knew to the pump(1 day) your video's are very helpful to me. Thanks!

[@LillyxSayuki]

I always take my lantus in my leg... and the rest of the shots in my hips and tummy :) I'll be on the pump soon though ^^ hopefully =D

[@ArisaTaiyou]

I use my tummy, hips, caboose, and back of my arms. I can relate to the bleeders!

[@oliviadwyer6248]

I put my pump site in my arm, stomach, back, butt, and thigh so pretty much everywhere then i am looking into the dexcom right now

[@diabetesrus]

hi diabetesdanica i was wondering if you wear makeup in your videos as i have just started to wear some in mine i need feedback on to wear it or not what do think? thanks love your videos too

[@sarahhatfield6911]

So I haven't tried it yet but when I was at diabetes camp lots of the girls put pump sets in their breast tissue. Does anyone know if a sensor would work there? I feel like the tubing from a pump set would pull. So far with my sensor when I fall asleep no matter where I put it I get disconnected. I believe that is because of pressure but I roll around while sleeping so I haven't found an appropriate site yet.

[@sydneybunce2358]

I don't have a pump but I do have a CGM, and I usually put it in my abdomen and I'm going to try my arm. I usually do shots in my hips and legs. I used to use my arms but I recently discovered I don't have enough fat there so it really hurts and always bleeds a lot.

[@dynabetes]

how many years have you been diabetic? which pump and set up are you using?

[@jewellhalsted4942]

I'm on shots right now and my arms don't work for me at all! They are okay, but they knot and bruise so easily, I do not like them at all! However, I'm starting the Omnipod soon and I will try to put it in my arms.

[@not_in_the_know]

Hi Danica. Great vlog. Do you ly on your quick set insertion site location when in bed? I avoid it so end up lying on one side. Am I being overly cautious? Is it ok to ly on your pump site location?

[@carriegrady3260]

Great video! I love using above the belly button for my Dexcom! I'm afraid to use my arms for it because I don't want the marks and sticky residue after I take it off. I might have to try anyway though. We need that extra limb.

[@thberger61794]

Imma try my butt. I have scar tissue on my tummy so gotta adventure out into the unknown lol. You are awesome Danica. I watched almost every video youve posted (not to seem stalker like lol), but i watched your pumping vids before i got my pump & your dexcom vids too before i got it :) thanks!

[@sassydunlap3790]

when will you do another live video and dose the dexcom hurt going in and taking the needle out

[@sassydunlap3790]

thanks for letting me know

[@thediabeticgeek791]

I use Insulin Pens and I inject into my thigh or stomach/hip area, the problem with me is I only can inject in the left of my stomach because on the right I have an ileostomy. I find that for me thigh and stomach/hip is better since I always have someone to inject for me in my arm.But stomach and thigh works well for me.

[@seymashabbir]

Thanks for tips!

[@TheMrsterE]

My insulin pump in my stomach because my shirt covers it up really good and it barely hurts taking out or putting it in

[@traceystar16]

I've always kinda thought when people said "hips" they meant their lower back/upper butt. So when you say hip do you mean like your side above your pant line?

[@kfmarceau]

I do my shots in my arms, hips, stomach area and legs sometimes. I talked with Animas today hopefully will be getting a pump soon!

[@floradean3190]

Thanks for the info. I use Blucon device and freestyle Libre sensor on back of my arm to check my diabetes. Also, I share my blood glucose values with my doctor through Ambrosia Followblucon app which really helps me alot when my glucose values goes out of range.

[@traciholmes897]

I put my infusionsets in my arm, leg,stomach. as far as my sensor in my arm, leg and stomach.

[@elliekilmon4999]

I've never used anywhere besides my back area for my infusion sets I just alternate sides every time I change sites and it works fine, so I wouldn't worry about using your legs to much ;)

[@ambersherry4869]

Hi! I put my 6 year old's sets in her 'lower back'. We were told she is too skinny for anything else... however in april we are getting a dexcom- not sure where that will go yet!

[@timothysmoke6202]

I have been Lantus shot (long action insulin) at most right side abdomen while I sit down as little fat. Not really pain at all but sometime little pain for while. I use to my hand to abdomen and push make bubble fat which cant getting hurt as shot slow and use voice sound "now!" as keep going though. That help. Because I am thin and deaf person. I have same shot area in 5 or 6 years.

[@jadabird5905]

is there anything you do to heal certain spots? how about your fingers? i tried to switch them each time but over time they get hard and sore. any ideas on how I could fix that?

[@thepr1met1meang3l7]

Jada Bird lubiderm lotion

[@tralee2006]

with the stomach site issue... too close to your belly button or particular random spots. or even length/ type of needle (i found medtronic Sure-T works awesome). some on my butt/hips hurt too...usually too close to previous site or not enough padding

[@dreamflight6000]

Henry just turned 5 and his legs aren't working for him either for shots. So we are giving them a break.

[@SalBOER]

Danica, Do you ever get your canula bent when you put the infusion set on your back side?? I do and it limits me to where I can put it, since I have so much scar tissue,

[@jacklynst.julien1775]

Thanks Danica! I've been a Type 1 diabetic 37 yrs. I use & love my CGM-Dex & still using a 530G pump (upgrading soon). I love the Dex and use back of arm. Pump sites:below ribs, sides & 2" from belly button. Butt cheeks & tummy bleed. I'm skinny, low on fat. Running out of site areas. Any day the cure will be here, right?

[@hannahray6017]

Hey Danica, so I love my pump, and have been favoring my tummy set wise, but lately the sets have been hurting A LOT, but I'm petrified to put it in my legs, as I've had bad experiences, and my tubing isn't long enough for my arm. What should I do??? :0

[@davidharper9383]

Use arm pit ?

[@egreen716]

Do you get awful dry skin from pump/CGM sites? I do and I still haven't found anything that helps it!

[@GlennOwnco]

I don't care to use the area around my belly button either. I usually get bruises each time I do.

[@angiegraham3637]

For my pump I've used my belly and my arms. I really like my arms. I feel it works alot better. The only downside is I have a short tubing so I have to d/c if I go potty or i just wear it in my bra. I haven't tried my legs yet. I will when I start wearing shorts when it gets warmer. I'm nervous to wear it there when I'm wearing my pants. I've tried my lower back but it seems I rip them out when I sleep. I wear my dexcom on the back of my arms and my tummy. I was giving my tummy a break because of wearing my pump there all the time but my arms are getting sore so next change will go back to my tummy or my legs. I've tried my forearm but I guess I have too much muscle and it hurt really bad.

[@Ryan-HgBoost]

"This thing hurtsz," :-) Chuckles...Not laughing at your pain. Living with MDI and don't think infusion sites will work for me. Thanks for the info.

[@alizasherman9596]

I used to put shots in my arms, and then right before I got the pump I found out that it doesn't hurt that much on my thigh! Then when I got the pump I put it on my stomach and realized how much that hurt. So now I do it on my lower back....... ;)

[@davidharper9383]

1- Lantus leg, tummy as well.Considering a insulin pump, appears to be too much work to handle, SOS !

[@editedbydiana]

Hi, Danica! Thank you for the video. I have my pump for 12 years already and I always use my belly and my buttocks, but I have a problem with my belly: the areas that I'm using for insertion it kinda got fat. But that's the only fat place that I have. Did this happen to you?

[@lsarantos1]

Diana - I know this post is from last year - but the same exact thing happened to me!! All lumpy bumps. I actually saw something online yesterday called Injection-Site Lipohypertrophy! big word - but makes sense.

[@diabetesrus]

i forgot to ask what brands of makeup do you use i use cover girl thanks

[@donnab6372]

I'm considering dexcom cgm. What is an angle set? I'm a newbie.

[@elibrown4525]

Hi, Donna there is one more device which adds chary on the cake. On the FreeStyle Libre Sensor I am using one more device BluCon NightRider which gives me reading in every 5 minutes on my Mobile. I am safe now, i don't need to carry my Libre reader. Just sharing my views. Cheers!

[@169centurion]

Diabeticdanica, hear is a challenge for you i have low estrogen and have to be on the estrogen patched, where would you place the unit in this case because the patch also goes on the hip, butt area, lower back and on the upper arm area! As well never in the same spot! Help?!!!!!!!!!!! Kristine

[@DiabeticDanica]

I guess all you can really do is rotate! And you could always try the pump in your thighs and belly area :)

[@cjynk26]

I wish I could do the CGM sensors on my arm, but it isnt as accurate there for me...so I generally do it on my hip or stomach. The insets I've always only done on my stomach, but recently started doing on my back thigh....it works fine, but it does tend to catch on my pants every time I pull them up or down which is uncomfortable. I've heard a lot of people complain about the adhesive on their insets, but mine always hold tight to the very end....but my sensors, by day 3 are un-peeling around the outside and leaving an ugly black ring. Anyone else have that problem or a better solution than using boat loads of medical tape?

[@bowlinja]

Arm fail frustration here too! I'm only 4 weeks into my new Dexcom G4. After two weeks of stomach use (hate the stomach!), i felt empowered to try the back of the arm after seeing all of these youtube videos (multiple people). Well, im giving up on trying a third time due to consistent sensor failure. UGH. i guess im going back to the stomach. boo! I have no fat on my arms and legs. where on your hip do you put it? i once read something about inner thigh

[@terrihugh9840]

If you use your butt or hips, how do you disconnect for showers?

[@Alyssayarborough01]

I LOVE to use my arms and hips. You are supposed to insert sets at least 2 inches away from your belly button

[@bamapdub]

My biggest problem is deciding where to put my pump once ive got it on. I use 23" tubing most of the time and it limits where I can put my pump. I don't always like to hook it on the outside of my pants because I work with kids and don't want them grabbing it. I usually just end up sticking it in my bra, but I worry that might not be good so close to my boobs.

[@freezersk]

I use only belly for shots, it was adviced to me by ma doctor, but it hurt sometimes (a lot!) so I want to try some other spots…

[@alizasherman9596]

Try the front of your thigh (idk how to spell it) while your sitting!!! I found that there are more fat cells there then anywhere else (unless you work out a lot, lol)!!!! ;)

[@moniquewalker4782]

Ok

[@Gabbi-LovesJesus]

When it hurts take it out immediately because it’s going to stay uncomfortable especially when giving insulin. It just means you hit a nerve which can cause bleeding. I’ve hit nerves so many times🤦🏾

[@pequenaffm]

Danica, if you put a pump site on your hip, does it hurt when you lay on it at night? Because for me it did and that's why I have avoided the hip area ever since. Also, I have read that Dexcom does not recommend putting the sensor in your arms, but I see a lot of people doing it. Is the accuracy the same as on recommended insertion sites?

[@alizasherman9596]

Just lay on the other side! That's what I do......

[@bernadinesuarez9971]

I get better results on my arms. I had wild inaccuracies with abdominal cgm insertions. So happy I get long usage with close readings now. Mine is in the front of my upper arm and side sleeping doesn't bother me at all.

[@saracurr9014]

I get better results in my arms.

[@TheMinidrey]

I use the top of my thighs for the pump, or my 'muffin top' lower back lol, for the dexcom I use my belly and arms

[@nillyhilly5386]

I have a pump at the moment and I'm 14 but my favourite spot is my hips but they have started to dip in so I can't use them anymore so I'm super annoyed :\

[@jayleatherwood7115]

Hi my andasia how long did you have diabetes??

[@ioioio13]

Hey I just got diagnosed last august after god knows how long of various medical issues which never culminated in getting my glucose levels checked. Doing several shots a day is incredibly unpleasant and I seem to hit sensitive spots maybe one out of five times but when I do often several times in a row. It's very discouraging at times. When did you get diagnosed? Did you ever have such issues? Is the pump really much more pleasant? I realize this is an old video and who knows if you even check comments. Would just appreciate some input since I don't know any other Type 1's.

[@calistapresley2430]

Hey(: I was diagnosed in Thanksgiving of 2009. being on the shots for a while gave me some ups and downs... I found my thighs and arms to be the best. I know what you mean about it hurting really bad because that's has happened to me many times. The pump is some what better depending on the site and for me, how much insulin I am taking. The more insulin I take I notice that it hurts more. Me being younger I don't have as much body fat so if or when you get a pump I would recommend trying legs or arms first. Then maybe going to your stomach or hips. hope this helped(: !!!!!!!!!

[@ioioio13]

Yeh I just started on the sides of my thighs/top of em, and doing that for my all day and breakfast is seeming to work great right now freeing up tummy space and avoiding bruising. Yeah I'm only 21 and maybe have a bit more chub than I really want but I dunno. Maybe I'll look into this pump, I'm kind of back and forth on the whole becoming an android thing though.

[@calistapresley2430]

LOL! At least you are freeing up some space(:

[@ioioio13]

calista presley well thanks for being peachy :)

[@calistapresley2430]

No problem

[@anachelnance6329]

when I was on the pen, I had no problem with injecting my arm myself, I would just sorta stabbed myself, apparently that is not what most do. how possible is it to have 3 bad sites in a row?

[@chronicallymadison2214]

I love your intro I think that is what it is called

[@sarahk5417]

I hate these experiences. The accidently in a vein or scar tissue. Happens way too often.

[@s1111rrah]

I hate having Dex on my stomach bc of the pump/my pants/tight shirts. I have a friend who puts it on his upper thigh, but being a girl that;s not going to happen. So as far as fat and muscle goes. Does that make a big diff with Dex? I don't think I have enough fat in my arms, bc they keep failing. :( Is this why they advise the tummy area? Also I've knocked them off my arms a few times, I have lil arms. Please let me know here or on Twitter @Purepanc Thanks.

[@bowlinja]

Arm fail frustration here too! I'm only 4 weeks into my new Dexcom G4. After two weeks of stomach use (hate the stomach!), i felt empowered to try the back of the arm after seeing all of these youtube videos (multiple people). Well, im giving up on trying a third time due to consistent sensor failure. UGH. i guess im going back to the stomach. boo! I have no fat on my arms and lefs . WIth the stomach im sensitive to the insertion and weary of creating (faux-fat) scar tissue.

[@s1111rrah]

James Bowling I already have scar tissue on my stomach. I've had Dex work well on my arms before but I work out more now and it just doesn't like my arm sites as much. The arms where great for winter but although I hate my stomach I may switch back for summer. (Swimsuits may be an issue, but I don't walk around in them all the time)

[@s1111rrah]

James Bowling I also found it harder inserting on the stomach BC you're doing it upside down. I went through 3 sensors the first time. Putting it on the arms once they fail I restart it a second time but that doesn't always work. GL

[@madisonmunger4008]

I put my sets in my stomach

[@thediabeticgeek791]

Have you dated another Diabetic before?

[@stephaniemcgrew9523]

can you ware your cgm sensor in the shower

[@TheAncientOne1000]

What can you do with the pump when you are having sex and please don't take this the wrong way

[@aymankarroum4032]

Suspend it and put it off to the side

[@bobalvarez775]

Is yore mom añd dad or...