Staying active is a great way to help with glucose control, but exercising with a continuous glucose monitor or insulin pump can come with unique challenges. Luckily, being strategic about your clothing can help keep your devices secure and allow you to move more comfortably during your workout. Here, we'll review how to protect your diabetes supplies during exercise, along with practical tips for staying active with confidence.
Quick Overview: What to Wear to Protect Your CGM or Insulin Pump During Exercise
- Choose moisture-wicking, breathable clothing to help reduce sweat and help keep your diabetes devices securely in place.
- Wear compression garments or supportive activewear to minimize movement and protect your CGM or pump during exercise.
- Look for workout clothing with secure pockets or pair it with a pump belt to prevent it from bouncing or snagging.
- Use accessories like CGM overpatches or medical adhesives for added protection during high-impact or long workouts.
Why Exercise Can Put Your Diabetes Devices at Risk
Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin pumps make it easier to manage diabetes throughout the day, including during physical activity. A CGM is a small wearable device that continuously measures glucose levels through a sensor placed just beneath the skin, while an insulin pump delivers a specific amount of insulin (basal and bolus) through a small catheter or infusion set. While both devices are designed to withstand everyday movement, exercise can introduce additional challenges, such as:
- Heavy sweating can weaken adhesives, causing your CGM sensor or insulin pump infusion set to loosen over time.
- Running, jumping, cycling, and other repetitive activities can cause devices to bounce, shift, or pull against your skin.
- Sports and intense workouts increase the chance of your device being bumped, compressed, or knocked loose.
- Loose-fitting or rough fabrics can rub against your CGM or insulin pump, gradually lifting adhesives or irritating your skin.
- Tubing, pump clips, or exposed devices can catch on gym equipment, backpacks, clothing, and even seatbelts.
- Waistbands, weightlifting belts, harnesses, or sports gear may press against your device, causing discomfort or increasing the risk of dislodgement.
- Exercising in hot weather can increase perspiration and make it more difficult for adhesives to stay securely attached.
- The longer you exercise, the more opportunity there is for sweat, movement, and friction to affect your device's security.
What to Look for in Workout Clothing
When living with diabetes, regular physical activity can support blood glucose management and is a great way to help stabilize blood glucose levels and is often part of a comprehensive diabetes management plan. However, performing certain aerobic exercises or strength training can sometimes require some strategic adjustments, especially if you use an insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor. One of the best ways to do this is by choosing workout clothing that can help keep devices secure while maximizing comfort during exercise. In general, try to look for:
- Moisture-wicking fabrics pull sweat away from your skin and help preserve adhesives.
- A snug, supportive fit that minimizes device movement without being overly tight.
- Compression materials that gently hold your CGM or insulin pump in place during high-impact activities.
- Soft, breathable fabrics that reduce irritation around sensors and infusion sites.
- Flat seams or seamless construction to help prevent rubbing against your device.
- Secure pockets for safely carrying an insulin pump without excessive bouncing.
- Stretchy, flexible materials that move with your body without pulling on your CGM or pump.
- Lightweight fabrics that won't add unnecessary bulk or heat during workouts.
- Wide waistbands or supportive panels that can comfortably cover or stabilize devices without putting pressure directly on them.
- Durable materials that can withstand frequent washing while maintaining their shape and support.
Best Clothing to Protect Your CGM During Exercise
Continuous glucose monitors have several benefits. Among them, they're a great way to keep an eye on your glucose level during exercise. They can be connected to automated insulin delivery systems to help people with type 1 diabetes keep blood sugar levels managed throughout the day. However, it's important to protect this type of diabetes technology when you're working out. Some tips to help minimize friction and help your CGM sensor stay in place, even during sweaty or high-impact exercises, include the following:
Compression Sleeves
Compression sleeves are a popular option for people who wear a CGM on the upper arm. They can help protect the sensor from rubbing or snagging without putting excessive pressure directly on the device. They're especially helpful for activities involving repetitive arm movement, such as running, tennis, basketball, or weightlifting. However, it’s important to make sure that the compression isn't so tight that it's cutting off circulation or is uncomfortable.
Compression Shirts
For a more relaxed option, a fitted compression shirt can help stabilize a CGM worn on the upper arm or upper abdomen by reducing movement and preventing clothing from catching on the sensor. Look for lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics that provide support while keeping you cool during exercise. There are often both short- and long-sleeve options for every season.
Compression Shorts and Leggings
If your CGM is placed in a manufacturer-approved location on your abdomen, upper thigh, or lower back, compression shorts or leggings can help keep it protected throughout your workout. They create a snug barrier that reduces rubbing and helps prevent the sensor from shifting during activities with more motion, like running or cycling. Again, make sure the compression is snug, but not overly tight.
Moisture-Wicking Activewear
Since sweat can weaken adhesives over time, moisture-wicking fabrics are an excellent choice for almost any workout. These materials pull sweat away from your skin, helping you stay dry while reducing the amount of moisture around your sensor and adhesive. They can also help you stay cool if you're exercising in warm weather or harsh sun.
Clothing That Reduces Friction
You don't necessarily need to wear specific compression or moisture-wicking activewear. However, it's recommended to prioritize clothing made with soft, smooth fabrics and flat seams. These features help reduce rubbing against your CGM, making workouts more comfortable while lowering the risk of adhesive lifting or accidental sensor removal, especially during exercise.
Best Clothing to Protect Your Insulin Pump During Exercise
People living with diabetes who wear an insulin pump may also want to adjust the clothing they wear during exercise, especially if the pump has tubing. Ideally, your workout clothing should keep your pump secure, minimize movement, and reduce the risk of the tubing getting pulled or snagged. Here are some of the best options for staying active while wearing an insulin pump.
Insulin Pump Belts
Insulin pump belts are one of the most popular accessories for exercise. They're designed for people with diabetes and are worn around the waist. The belt works to hold your pump snugly against your body to reduce bouncing during activities like running, hiking, or aerobics. Many belts are made from lightweight, moisture-wicking materials for added comfort during longer workouts.
Running Belts and Waist Packs
A slim running belt or athletic waist pack can provide extra storage while keeping your insulin pump protected. Many styles include zippered compartments that securely hold your pump alongside small essentials like glucose tablets, keys, or identification, making them a convenient option for outdoor exercise.
Athletic Shorts and Leggings with Secure Pockets
Many workout shorts and leggings now feature deep side pockets or zippered compartments that are large enough to hold an insulin pump. A secure pocket can help prevent the pump from shifting or bouncing while keeping it easily accessible if you need to check or adjust your settings during exercise.
Sports Bras with Pump Pockets
For those who wear sports bras during exercise, some styles include built-in pockets specifically designed to hold insulin pumps or other small devices. These can provide a comfortable, discreet option that keeps the pump close to your body without requiring an additional belt or pouch.
Compression Clothing for Tubing Management
Compression shorts, leggings, or fitted shirts can help keep insulin pump tubing close to your body, reducing the chance of it catching on gym equipment, clothing, or sports gear. Some people also tuck excess tubing underneath compression garments to help prevent snagging during movement.
Helpful Accessories for Extra Protection
In addition to choosing the right workout clothing, a few simple accessories can provide extra protection for your CGM or insulin pump during exercise. Depending on your activity level and the amount you sweat, these products can help keep your devices secure, comfortable, and functioning properly.
- CGM overpatches: Provide an extra layer of adhesive over your sensor to help prevent it from peeling off during sweaty workouts or swimming.
- Medical adhesive wipes: Improve the bond between your skin and your CGM or infusion set, making devices less likely to loosen during exercise.
- Adhesive removers: Help gently remove overpatches and adhesives after workouts without irritating your skin.
- Pump clips: Secure your insulin pump to a waistband, pocket, or belt for easy access while helping prevent accidental drops.
- Running belts or waist packs: Hold your insulin pump securely while also providing space for glucose tablets, keys, or other small essentials.
- Protective pump cases: Cushion your insulin pump from accidental bumps, drops, or impacts during sports and outdoor activities.
- Tubing management clips or wraps: Keep excess insulin pump tubing close to your body to reduce the risk of snagging on clothing or gym equipment.
- Moisture-resistant barrier products: Help safeguard your skin from irritation caused by sweat and frequent adhesive use, especially during longer workouts or hot weather.
To find the right diabetes technology for glucose management, talk to your doctor or healthcare professional. To help, Byram Healthcare carries a range of high-quality diabetes products from leading manufacturers.
