The pump is an amazing machine that has revolutionized juvenile diabetes care, but it is not without its drawbacks. One of the biggest problems that I have with the pump is the marks left behind from the adhesive.
I have talked with my doctors about this issue, and have heard a lot of good ideas in return. There are lots of ways to take off the grubby marks, but don’t get excited about any glamorous treatments.
If you rub peanut butter over the marks and let it sit for about a minute, the oils will take the adhesive right off. When I tried this, it turned my skin red, but it might work for others.
Another idea is to simply rub it off with your finger, but this is like ripping off a bandaid. If it doesn’t bother you, go for it. The solution that worked best for me was rubbing the alcohol swabs used for finger pokes. I rub the alcohol swabs over the area and wipe it away with a washcloth. Yes, it turns red too, but its quick and painless.
Just as technology is advancing for the pump, the companies are also paying attention to the adhesives. I have noticed that I have had to take the grubby leftovers of adhesive off less and less because the newer systems come with better material! This is as exciting an advancement as the pump itself. Funny how the little things add up too, isn’t it?