Handling Sports & Diabetes Tech: Keeping Devices Secure During Exercise
For children and teenagers with Type 1 diabetes (T1D), staying active is brilliant for overall health- but let’s be honest, keeping diabetes tech secure during sports can be a challenge. Whether it’s an insulin pump bouncing around during football, a CGM sensor at risk of peeling off mid-netball game or tubing getting in the way during gymnastics- keeping devices in place is key.
The good news? With the right gear and strategies, your child can run, jump and play without worrying about their pump or sensor. Let’s dive into the best ways to keep diabetes devices safe and secure during exercise!
1. Keeping Insulin Pumps Secure During Sports
Insulin pumps are fantastic for managing blood sugars, but they can be tricky to manage when children are constantly on the move. Whether they wear a tubed pump or a tubeless Omnipod, here’s how to keep them safe during physical activity.
For Tubed Insulin Pumps (Tandem, Medtronic, etc):
Pump Belts & Waistbands: A snug, stretchy waistband keeps the pump close to the body and prevents tubing from snagging.
Best Picks:
SPIbelt Kids’ Waistband (Available on Amazon UK)- Lightweight and bounce-free for active play
Tallygear Tummie Band (Etsy UK)- Soft, comfy and has multiple pockets for pump storage
Clip It Securely: If your child prefers clipping their pump to clothing, make sure it’s a sturdy, sports-friendly clip.
Tuck Away the Tubing: Running tubbing inside compression shorts or leggings helps keep it from getting pulled during contact sports.
For Tubeless Pumps (Omnipod):
Since Omnipods don’t have tubing, the key challenge is keeping them stuck in place
Best solutions:
Adhesive Overlays: Products like GrifGrips, Skin Tac, GripShield or Opsite Flexifix tape help keep pods secure.
Strategic Placement: Choosing areas with less movement (like the back of the arm for runners or the lower back for footballers) can reduce the risk of pods getting knocked off.
2. Protecting CGMs During Exercise
Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGSs) like Dexcom, Freestyle Libre and Medtronic Guardian are game-changers for managing blood sugar during sports. However, sweat, movement and contact sports can put them at risk of peeling off or getting bumped.
How to Keep CGMs in Place:
Extra Adhesive: Reinforce with Skin Tac, RockTape, GripShield or Libre Overpatches (Available on Amazon UK)
CGM Arm Bands & Sleeves: If your child wears their sensor on their arm, a light compression sleeve can protect it from getting knocked off.
Best Picks:
Sensor Armband Holder (Amazon UK, DiabeticSupply or Etsy): Designed to keep Dexcom and Libre sensors in place
Dia-Band (Etsy UK): Stylish and protective for active children and teens.
Sweat-Proofing Tips: If sweat causes the sensor to loosen, applying an adhesive barrier like Tegaderm can help.
3. Diabetes & Contact Sports (Football, Rugby, Martial Arts, etc.)
For high contact sports, extra protection is needed to keep pumps and CGMs safe.
Wear Extra Adhesive or Kinesiology Tape (Amazon UK or Funky Pumpers): Cover sensors with a layer of this extra sticky tape to help keep device safe
Consider Removing the Pump (if Safe): Some children and teens disconnect tubed pumps for short periods if their diabetes teams approves.
Use a Sweatband Over the CGM/Pump Site: This helps absorb impact and prevent sensors from getting dislodged.
4. Diabetes Tech & Water Sports (Swimming, Diving, Water Polo)
Swimming presents a unique challenge for diabetes devices, but i’ts absolutely doable!
How to Keep Diabetes Tech Secure in Water:
Waterproof Pouches for Pumps: If your child wears a tubed pump that isn’t waterproof, a waterproof belt like the Aquapac Insulin Pump Case (Amazon UK) keeps it dry.
Extra Adhesive for CGMs & Omnipods: Products like Simpatch, Fixomull Stretch, RockTape or Hydro Seal Band-Aids help keep devices stuck underwater.
Backup Plan for Extended Water Time: Since CGMs can sometimes struggle to give readings in water, it’s good to have a BG meter poolside just in case.
Final Thoughts
Managing diabetes tech during sports doesn’t have to be stressful! With the right waistbands, adhesives and placement strategies, kids with Type 1 Diabetes can play just as hard as their teammates- without worrying about their devices.