Managing Diabetes
No slips, just sticks: tips for Dexcom G7 adhesion
Published: Jul. 25, 2025
Updated: Jul. 29, 2025
5 min read
The content in this article should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider regarding your individual health needs.
The Dexcom G7 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System uses a medical-grade, pressure-sensitive, acrylic-based adhesive on its sensor patch—designed to help your sensor stay in place for the full wear period. But let’s be real: life happens!
Whether you accidentally bump into something, catch your sensor on a shirt or towel, or just have an active day, there’s always a chance your sensor might come loose before or fall off before the session ends.
No slips, just sticks: your guide to G7 sensor adhesion success
A little extra prep can go a long way in helping your Dexcom G7 sensor stay put for the full wear period. Here are some helpful tips for how to set yourself up for success:
Prep like a pro: getting your sensor site ready
- Site prep: Sensor site should be flat, clean, and completely dry before you insert the sensor. There should be some fat under the skin at the sensor site. Avoid spots where your skin folds or creases—those can make it harder for the patch to stick.
- Clean and dry is key: Make sure the site is clean, dry, and free of lotions or oils before inserting your sensor. Moisture is the enemy of good adhesion!
- Avoid hair: Less hair = better stick. If needed, trim the area with electric clippers (not razors) to avoid irritation.
- Say goodbye to old adhesive: Remove any adhesive residue from previous sensors. Consider using a skin-safe adhesive remover like Uni-solve, Detachol, or Tac Away to start fresh.
- Rotate your sites: Don’t reuse the same spot back-to-back. Give your skin a break and switch it up each time.
- Moisturize between sessions: Healthy skin holds better! Moisturize between sensor wears—but skip it on insertion day to keep the site clean and dry.
Patch care 101: helping your sensor stick around
- First 12 hours = prime time: The longer you keep your sensor dry and sweat-free early on, the better it’ll stick.
- Keep dry: If your sensor gets wet,* no stress—just gently pat it dry. Avoid rubbing or using heat to dry it off.
- Maintenance: If the patch starts peeling at the edges, trim the loose bits and secure it with medical tape. It’s a quick fix that can keep things on track.
- Smooth application for a stronger hold: Wrinkles can mess with adhesion. Ask a friend for help or use a mirror to apply your CGM sensor overpatch smoothly and evenly.
Use extra adhesive
Everyone’s skin and lifestyle are different—what works wonders for one person might not for another. Be patient and open to trying different approaches until you find what sticks—literally! When a little extra support is needed, consider using additional adhesive patches provided by Dexcom or liquid adhesive prior to sensor application. Additionally, any Dexcom G6 or G7 user can request overpatches at no charge to them by visiting the page here: https://dexcom.custhelp.com/app/OverPatchOrderForm
Stick around: Dexcom Warriors’ secrets to sensor success
Hear more helpful tips from our Warriors
Dexcom Warrior Melania is soaking up summer! Whether she’s poolside,* at
the beach, or enjoying a sweet treat, her Dexcom G7 is always with her. This season, she’s proudly doing her own sensor changes and shares her top tip: “I make sure to apply my sensor to clean, dry skin. And when I get out of the pool or waves, I just pat my sensor dry to help ensure all the extra moisture around my sensor gets absorbed up!”
Dexcom Warrior Melissa stays on-the-go during the summer with her favorite activities: time at the pool* and workouts at the gym. She knows that proper application of her sensor is key to keeping her Dexcom G7 in place. Watch to see how she applies her sensor and overpatch so it stays on in the heat
or water.*
Get started on Dexcom G7
To learn more about Dexcom G7, visit dexcom.com/g7. You can also start your journey with Dexcom by clicking the button below:
*The Dexcom G7 Sensor is waterproof and may be submerged under eight feet of water for up to 24 hours without failure when properly installed. †To view a list of compatible devices, visit dexcom.com/compatibility.
BRIEF SAFETY STATEMENT: Failure to use the Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring System and its components according to the instructions for use provided with your device and available at https://www.dexcom.com/safety-information and to properly consider all indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and cautions in those instructions for use may result in you missing a severe hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) or hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) occurrence and/or making a treatment decision that may result in injury. If your glucose alerts and readings from the Dexcom CGM do not match symptoms, use a blood glucose meter to make diabetes treatment decisions. Seek medical advice and attention when appropriate, including for any medical emergency.
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