I’m really excited to share the first guest post on my blog! (and that it’s written by one of my closest and oldest friends. We met at Camp Kudzu in 2003, and even though she moved to PA… we stayed close!). I’ve thought about guest posts, but once she shared these tips with me when I asked for a friend… I thought- THIS IS USEFUL- TIME FOR A GUEST POST! So- without further-ado!

Disclaimer. Please note that this doesn’t serve as medical device or an endorsement for any specific product.

Hey guys, I’m Liz. I’m 24 and I’ve had T1D for twenty (yes, oh my god, twenty!) years. I’m the program director at Camp Setebaid — that’s diabetes spelled backwards because (insert eye roll for dad joke) we’re turning diabetes around. I’ve been involved in D-Camps since I was ten years old. That’s where I met Mindy! I have an Animas Vibe, the Nokia of the pump world, obviously, and I use my Dexcom G4 with it. It’s the best system and technology I could ask for, and it works so well for me. I went to Kutztown University for professional writing but didn’t finish because I haven’t quite figured out adulting yet, but down the road I might go back and become a CDE. In non-diabetes life, I work as an insurance agent for Baltimore Life in Pennsylvania.

You can find me at facebook.com/elizzabethmarie, elizzabethmarie on Instagram and Snapchat, and twitter @lizisnothipster. (What, I’m not a hipster, okay?)

The following IS NOT MEDICAL QUALIFIED ADVICE OR ENDORSEMENT! It’s just how I make my Dex last comfortably.

I used to get sore spots from the corners of my Dexcom sensors, and that was the most painful part of wearing a Dex. Through trial and error and a DIY attitude, I’ve come up with a way to my Dex on for a full month.

 

 

 

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Kinesio tape
• a rough-grit nail file
• scissors (the sharper the better)
• your Dex
• (and anything else you might use to change it)

 

You can find kinesio tape under the name brand KT Tape at Target, Rite Aid, CVS, whatever, but if you can wait a few days, you can order the cheapest knock off brand you can find on Amazon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step one:

Let’s get to it! Open up your Dex sensor, and take a look at those corners.

Those are the bad boys that may have been doing the damage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That’s where the nail file comes in. Carefully fold back the tapes, and file the edges into a less severe shape.

 

It takes a minute or so, but eventually you’ll notice a difference.

 

 

 

 

  

The front corners are always a little harder to access but if pull gingerly, and if you’re covering your Dex with a GrifGrip or kinesio tape once inserted, it shouldn’t matter too much.

Repeat the nail filing process.

Step two:

Now that you’ve smoothed out the edges, it’s time for extra padding. All you’ll need is one sliver of tape, about a third of an inch thick, and cut it in half.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is the hardest part — getting the dry side of the tape to stick to the Dex tapes. Sometimes it’s easier than others, and I often use some Skin Tac to try to help adhesion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then Skin Tac and insert like normal. It takes a few extra minutes, but it really improves the comfort and longevity of my Dex.

Hope this helps, guys, and thanks for the guest blog!

Hey you! Yes, you! 

Let’s connect on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram (maybe even 2 or all of those!). 

If you enjoyed this post, please comment and share. I’d also appreciate your feedback.

and of course-don’t forget to keep up with “There’s More to the Story” via email! (Right sidebar towards the top).

We’ll both be glad you did! -Mindy