Smart Devices, Angry Skin — When Diabetes Technology Causes Irritation
- Rebecca Guldberg
- 11 minutes ago
- 3 min read
If you—or someone you love—uses a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) or an insulin pump, you likely appreciate how much easier these tools have made managing Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). They spare you from endless finger-pricks or meal-time injections, and have helped many maintain better blood-sugar control, with lower HbA1c levels and more time “in range.”
But behind that convenience, there’s another story many people don’t talk about enough — skin problems. Turns out, having a CGM or insulin pump stuck to your skin for days can lead to irritation, rashes, or even more serious skin damage as explained in this recent article by: Breakthrough T1D.
Why So Many T1D Patients Deal With Skin Trouble
Wearable T1D devices are a real game-changer. But as more people use them day in and day out, dermatological issues are cropping up across age groups and technologies.
One user, Mary, described how her “skin was getting so irritated and itchy that my pump would literally fall off in my sleep.” She added that when she scratched off her pod, her glucose numbers shot up — not because the device failed, but because the insulin wasn’t getting absorbed properly through damaged skin.
A parent whose teen used a CGM chipped in with a heartbreaking description: “It looked like a burn and a whole layer of skin would come off. It was painful, itchy, and just one more thing that made this disease seem unbearable.”
Doctors treating children with T1D aren’t surprised. According to endocrinologists at a pediatric diabetes center, skin complaints are very common — redness, itching, dry skin — and roughly half of their patients experience some reaction.
The root causes vary: sometimes it’s sweat and moisture trapped under the patch, sometimes friction or damage from device removal. These cause what’s known as irritant contact dermatitis. In other cases, people react to adhesives or materials in the device housing — what’s called allergic contact dermatitis. Adhesive chemicals like acrylates and colophonium (rosin) have been singled out as common culprits.
Even skin-prep products (wipes or cleansers used before sticking on a patch) can trigger reactions in people with sensitive skin.
What You (or Someone You Care About) Can Do
Good news: if you’re struggling with “diabetes-device skin,” there are ways to try to make things better:
Your doctor might suggest a calming spray or cream to soothe inflammation.
Using a barrier wipe or a thin film dressing between your skin and the device can reduce friction and irritation.
Try to avoid harsh skin preps — skip alcohol wipes or adhesive enhancers unless absolutely needed.
If reactions are severe or persistent, see a dermatologist. A patch-test can reveal whether it’s an allergy (to adhesive or device materials) or simple irritant dermatitis.
In some situations, switching to a different CGM or pump brand — with a gentler adhesive or different materials — might make all the difference. While this isn’t ideal every time, it can help when other methods fail.
On a day-to-day basis, treating your skin gently helps too: use mild cleansers and moisturizing lotions, ensure your skin is fully dry before attaching a device, and if removing hair, trim instead of shaving. All small steps that can add up to a big change.
Why This Matters — More Than a Minor Annoyance
For many with T1D, CGMs and pumps are lifesavers. They deliver freedom: fewer finger-pricks, more stability, less daily burden.
But when wearing that technology means risking persistent pain, discomfort, or skin damage — especially in children — it becomes more than a “tech issue.” It’s a quality-of-life issue. As one parent said about their children’s experience, “I want … devices that stay in place but don’t destroy my kids’ skin.”
Many people may silently endure this side effect simply because the technology is so essential. That’s why it matters that organizations like Breakthrough T1D are shining a light on this. Sharing these stories helps others know they’re not alone — and lets them push their healthcare providers to help find solutions.
About Direct Diabetes
Direct Diabetes has been helping people with diabetes for nearly 30 years by mailing the supplies they need directly to their home, and helping them avoid the hassle of having to go to a pharmacy. From Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) to insulin pumps and testing supplies, our goal is to take the stress out of managing diabetes so patients can focus on living healthier, fuller lives. We work directly with doctors and insurance companies to make the process simple and affordable.
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This content is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about any questions or concerns regarding your health or treatment options.
