Ask Dana: How Do I Protect My Heart While Having Heart Disease and Diabetes?
IDS Director of Technology and Applied Research, Dana Roseman
QUESTION:
Dear Dana,
With summer here, I always have issues with my devices. I feel like my insulin pump infusion set and CGM fall off before they are suppose to. I never know if I should swim or even apply sunscreen when I have these devices on. Do you have suggestions for the summer management of diabetes devices like this?
Julie Perkins
St. Louis, MO
ANSWER:
Dear Julie,
This is a very common issue, not only in the hot summer months but also for people with varied skin types. The good news is that there has yet to be a skin issue that cannot be solved with some preparation and perhaps some supplies from a local pharmacy.
https://integrateddiabetes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/summer-heat.jpg
The hot, sweaty months of summer can add a good deal of moisture to the adhesive areas of both an infusion set/pod or continuous glucose monitor.
The first step in maintaining a good “stick” is making sure your skin is clean and dry.
This is often difficult to do if you are in the pool, shower or bath on a regular basis. Be sure to be out of the water an extended amount of time before attempting a device change. Your skin can stay moist for some time after getting out of the water. Alcohol pads can help this but can really dry out skin that for people with diabetes is often already on the drier side. I suggest simply making sure the skin is dry and clean naturally if possible.
Lotions during the summer (and winter months) can also contribute to decreasing the adhesive life of a device. Make sure to avoid putting body lotion or oils on the area you plan to use for an adhesive device that day unless you plan to use a site preparation.
As for sunscreens, make sure to put them on after a device change so as not to get on the adhesive.
If these first steps do not help with extending the life of your device, there are products that add some “stick” to the tape already on the device.
IV Prep or Skin Tac, both in wipe and liquid forms, are very commonly used to increase the adhesive power of a product.
You can also use aftermarket overlay tapes that are much stronger than some of the tape included in a manufacturer’s packaging of a device. There are a wide variety of these aftermarket tapes that come in all strengths, sizes, colors and shapes to match your personal devices. In addition to these overlay tapes, there are a wide variety of sleeves, bands and compression clothes that can help keep a devices on not only during summer activities but sports, exercise and travel. Clothing can be a good way to help give additional security of a device.
If your devices start to peel up around the edges while wearing it, you can replace the overlay tape or even use SkinTac again around the tape. It is a good idea to keep a few pre-cut strips of tapes in your bag or wallet for on-the-go fixes. This will allow the device to continue its wear with good success.
With changing weather and seasons, it is not unusual to have changing skin reactions to devices and the adhesives.
Skin barrier wipes can provide a lot of relief from any irritation or redness you might experience.
Cavilon, Bard or even a thin adhesive film like IV3000 or Tagaderm and Opsite Flexifix are all great to provide a thin barrier between sensitive skin and irritating adhesive. Hydrocolloid bandages can also be effective if there is a major skin allergy with a device’s adhesive ingredients.
Then, of course, there might be irritation when taking off these devices.
Making sure the skin is moist after a shower, bath or swim can help take off all of these adhesive devices. Uni-solve or TacAway can also help remove the adhesive residue along with using any natural skin oil like baby oil can be equally effective. For aftercare, try using 1% hydrocortisone cream for any red bumps or irritations. Aquaphor, calendula cream or a soothing moisturizer can keep the skin feeling comfortable.
Placement of diabetes devices can also help when planning activities that include water, sand, or extra moisture.
Arms, thighs and upper glutes are great locations that can be easily covered with shirts, bands or compression shorts.
Consider if there are places of increased friction if you are hiking or walking long distances and avoid those in advance.
Summer fun does not need to be ruined by diabetes or diabetes device issues. It might take a bit more preparation or thought, but no activity, vacation or hobby needs to be avoided due to diabetes.
We all live with T1D and have learned a few things along the way.
If you need more individualized guidance, connect with our team here at IDS!
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