After two years of using the back of my arms for my Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), I decided to try a new spot: my chest. This was a significant change for me, and I’ll admit, I was a bit nervous about it. Here’s how it’s been going, along with some insights into other CGM sites people have tried and a look at the most reliable locations based on current data.

My Journey to the Chest

For the past two years, the back of my arms has been my go-to spot for CGM placement. It’s a site recommended by most manufacturers, and it’s worked well enough. But lately, I’ve noticed the readings weren’t always as consistent as I’d like, and the sensor sometimes got in the way during workouts or when I rolled over in bed. I’d heard from others in the diabetes community about trying alternative sites, and after some research, I decided to give my chest a go.

The thought of inserting a CGM into my chest was daunting at first. I worried it would hurt more than the arm or that I’d feel it constantly. I stood in front of the mirror, applicator in hand, psyching myself up for a good ten minutes before finally taking the plunge. And you know what? I felt nothing. Not a pinch, not a sting—absolutely nothing. Once it was in, I couldn’t even tell it was there. No tugging sensation, no irritation, just a small device doing its job quietly.

Now, a couple of days into using the chest site, I’m thrilled to say it feels 100% better than my arm. The readings have been spot-on so far, matching my finger-prick tests almost perfectly, and the early results are proving positive. Plus, it’s out of the way during my daily activities—no more worrying about knocking it off when I’m lifting weights or getting caught on my shirt. I’m also sleeping better without the sensor pressing into my arm when I roll onto my side. So far, this change has been a game-changer.

Exploring Other CGM Sites

While my chest experiment is off to a great start, I know not everyone sticks to the standard arm placement. The diabetes community is full of creative people who’ve tried all sorts of alternative sites. Some of the more common ones include:

  • Abdomen: A popular choice for insulin pumps, the abdomen is also used by some for CGMs. It’s fleshy and easy to access, but readings can be less accurate if you bend or compress the site often.
  • Thigh: Some users, especially athletes, like the thigh because it’s less likely to be knocked during upper-body activities. However, it’s not ideal for those who sit a lot, as pressure can affect accuracy.
  • Lower Back: A less common site, the lower back is sometimes used by people who want the sensor completely out of sight. It’s trickier to insert and may not be as reliable due to movement and pressure.
  • Forearm: Similar to the upper arm, the forearm is sometimes tested, but it’s not officially recommended due to potential variability in readings.

Important Note: These alternative sites aren’t fully tested or approved by CGM manufacturers. Most devices are only approved by regulatory bodies like the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK for specific locations (like the upper arm or abdomen for some models). Using unapproved sites can lead to inaccurate readings, sensor dislodgement, or skin irritation. Always consult with your healthcare provider before trying a new site, and monitor your readings closely to ensure accuracy.

The Most Reliable CGM Sites

To give you a clearer picture, I’ve compiled data from user reports and manufacturer recommendations on the most reliable CGM sites. The chart below shows the commonly used sites and their reported reliability based on accuracy and comfort (note: this is based on community feedback and may vary by individual).

Site, Reliability (%) Upper Arm, 95 Abdomen, 90 Chest, 85 Thigh, 75 Lower Back, 65 Forearm, 60