Insulin pump sites and strategies for changing temperatures

For those of us who live with diabetes, insulin pump sites are often at the forefront of our minds when it comes time for a site change, whether for an insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor (CGM). If you have diabetes and wear a pump and/or a CGM to assist with your daily management, you've likely had to get a little bit creative when choosing where to rotate your pump and sensor sites.

And one factor that always seems to add an extra layer of complication when it comes to placement: changes in the weather.

Thankfully, pump and CGM sites can absolutely be adjusted to fit your particular lifestyle and activity level, as well as the atmosphere. It simply takes a bit of experimenting! Here's what you need to know about navigating warm and cold temperatures, and the merit of mini pump breaks.

Device placement in warm weather

Warmer weather is perhaps the trickiest climate to navigate wearing CGMs and insulin pumps. It can be tough to keep the adhesive intact due to a number of factors, including sweat, certain types of clothing, and participating in water sports (especially swimming). One strategy I've used to keep sites more firmly in place is using an additional adhesive barrier product.

Additionally, I've found that it's best to avoid placing pump or CGM sites on the lower back because perspiration tends to collect there. You may also want to avoid placing sites on the back of your legs during warm weather outings, as the back of the knee can also produce a lot of sweat.

If you're planning any sort of high-energy activity, you may want to consider other preferred site placement areas. These can include the arms, the abdomen, and the front of the leg.

Wearing diabetes technology with swimwear

Where to place your sensor and insulin pump site when wearing a swimsuit is a personal preference. But some people with diabetes prefer to wear their CGMs on their arms so that the device isn't fully immersed in water as much as it would be if worn on the abdomen, lower back, or leg. If using a tubed pump, you'll need to disconnect your pump from the site before diving into the water. However, if the (tubeless) Omnipod is your pump of choice, it can be worn in the water along with your CGM.

Certain swimsuits can make insulin pump sites a bit easier to navigate. For instance, if you're wearing a one-piece swimsuit with cutouts, these can serve as wonderful places to clip your pump. The same goes for the waistband of board shorts or the back of a bikini top. Swim trunks may also come with pockets where you can clip your pump.

Some diabetes-friendly fashion lines such as Anna PS make swimsuits specially designed for pump storage!

Device placement in cold weather

Deciding on pump and CGM placement during the cold weather months can be equally as challenging at times. Cold weather typically requires you to wear multiple layers, which means it can be tricky — and often frustrating — to access your pump. To combat this problem, the easiest pump site placement would most likely be the abdomen, with the pump itself clipped to the waistband of your pants, pants pocket, or sweater pocket.

Another way to solve for the many layers is to opt for longer pump tubing. That way, you can more easily string the tubing under jackets or coats if needed for quick access. The Omnipod insulin pump can be worn anywhere, and the personal diabetes manager (PDM) device can be placed in any pocket or bag.

What to know about insulin pump vacations

Many people with diabetes tend to struggle during the summer months with what's known as "diabetes burnout," which is when they start to feel constricted by so many devices. I've switched back to multiple daily injections (MDIs) after being attached to more than one device became too mentally straining for me, or at times when I was going to be on a beach. After my brief pump vacations, I've continually returned to a pump, as I enjoy using the technology's more tailored settings throughout my days.

It's perfectly understandable — and absolutely acceptable — to take a break from your insulin pump after speaking with your endocrinologist. This allows for a bit more freedom when it comes to summer activities. Alternative diabetes management can take the form of insulin vials and syringes, or insulin pens. Today, there are even smart pens available that store your dosages and other data via Bluetooth.

Navigating life with multiple devices attached to your body can feel daunting, but there are many options available for you to be able to reduce stress and match your diabetes management choices with your lifestyle. Don't hesitate to talk with your medical team if you're thinking about switching things up.

Curious to learn more about switching to multiple daily injections (MDIs) this summer? Visit the Edgepark website to check out the InPen™ and look into getting one through insurance.