There IS a definitive best time to change a CGM and/or insulin pump site. It’s rare, but when the stars align and both sites need to be changed around the same time on the same day, then that is the magical occasion that allows for a device-free shower. So for me, syncing up pod and Dexcom sensor changes with the time that I plan to take a shower is by far the most wonderful and ideal time to go out with the old, in with the new.

Think about it. These two devices are meant to be worn 24/7, 365. The only time they ever come off my body is so I can rotate sites and put fresh sensors/pods on. This means that I’ve got two medical devices attached to my body at (just about) all times. And I’m totally used to that, except for the times that I somehow forget about my pod and CGM and manage to knock them off my body while changing clothes or, you know, just walking around – and apparently into – doorways/gates/etc.

So when a pod change coincides with a CGM sensor change, I embrace this as an opportunity to enjoy being free from my devices for a short window of time – and for me, the length of time it takes for me to shower is just perfect for taking a break and not having to worry about 1) cleaning around my devices, 2) bumping them into my shower door, or most importantly of all 3) rising blood sugar levels as this short time span isn’t long enough for me to face any consequences of not having an active bolus.

These might seem like trivial reasons to relish a device break so much, but it really is the only time that I am reminded that my body is aided by the devices, not defined by them. It’s nice to see my skin free of them both, even if it’s only for a short while.