How to clean your insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor

hand with wash cloth

 Keeping personal items clean right now is more important than ever. Whether you have an insulin pump, continuous glucose monitor (CGM) transmitter, or both, here’s everything you need to know about keeping them clean.   

Pump Cleaning Tips   

Infographic on how to clean an insulin pump   

CGM Cleaning Tips 

Infographic on how to clean a CGM   

We hope these tips help set you up for success to clean your device!

 

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION 
– Medtronic Diabetes insulin infusion pumps, continuous glucose monitoring systems and associated components are limited to sale by or on the order of a physician and should only be used under the direction of a healthcare professional familiar with the risks associated with the use of these systems. 
– Successful operation of the insulin infusion pumps and/or continuous glucose monitoring systems requires adequate vision and hearing to recognize alerts and alarms.
Medtronic Diabetes Insulin Infusion Pumps 
– Insulin pump therapy is not recommended for individuals who are unable or unwilling to perform a minimum of four blood glucose tests per day. 
– Insulin pumps use rapid-acting insulin. If your insulin delivery is interrupted for any reason, you must be prepared to replace the missed insulin immediately.   For more information, visit MedtronicDiabetes.com/isi.
 

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Blog comments

Submitted by Ron Sires (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

One question about cleaning the CGM transmitter — Should I turn off the sensor when I remove it for cleaning? If not, how should I respond when the pump interprets the tester insertion as a new sensor being started? There doesn't seem to be a way to let the system know that the sensor has been removed for cleaning and charging.

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Ron Sires (not verified)

Hi there Ron. Yes, your sensors should be turned off for cleaning.

Submitted by Sammy Hayton (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

I really appreciate this for help that I get.

Submitted by Loretta Rogers (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

Thank you for this information. I thought I was cleaning my equipment properly [and I am] but it is always nice to be validated - especially when it is such an important part of my life.

Submitted by Debby Poronto (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

The images for pump cleaning are blurry and hard to read.

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Debby Poronto (not verified)

I'm sorry, Debby. Are you reading our blog from a mobile device? It may be easier to read from a computer or tablet with a larger screen. In the meantime, you can find cleaning tips in your user guide as well.

Submitted by Stephanie (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

Thanks for these cleaning tips,
Does the same information apply to the rubbery "skin" that came with the pump? And how about the clip?

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Stephanie (not verified)

Yes, Stephanie, you can clean your silicone skin and belt clip the same way.

Submitted by James H. Maynard, (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

Hi, I have been a diabetic for fifty years and on the Medtronic insulin pump for twenty years. My first testing when diagnosed as diabetic was done with urine samples, tablets and and test strips. Our bathroom looked like a chemistry lab. Thanks for all you folks do to make our lives better. Jim Maynard

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by James H. Maynard, (not verified)

Thanks for the kind words and for letting us be part of your journey for so long, Jim.

Submitted by Mary Ris (not verified) on

In reply to by James H. Maynard, (not verified)

Hi James. Your post could be my own. I, like you, have been diabetic for 50 years and worn the pump at least 20 years. Best of luck!
Mary

Submitted by Joe (not verified) on

In reply to by James H. Maynard, (not verified)

Me too 51yrs and have surely been through so many equipment changes. Glass syringes and urine testing and I seldom tested. All the best!

Submitted by D. (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

What's "battery residue"?

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by D. (not verified)

D, on occasion, batteries may leak and leave a corrosive residue on your battery cap. We encourage customers to check and clean the battery area regularly to ensure your pump is functioning as designed.

Naomi, got my CGM over the winter. Now that summer is here an having trouble keeping my transmitter stuck down. I’m a profuse sweater and after a hour + in 90+ heat I will get the signal that my pump has lost contact . Look and see it’s totall off me ! Alcohol, + Skin-Tac + Fixic water proof bandages haven’t cured the situation. Any other ideas ?

James, our 24-Hour Technical Support team may have suggestions that can help. Including taping techniques or different tape products. Please give them a call at your convenience to discuss in more detail.

In the summer I’m same way. So I found that my driest place’s are, on my rump and thighs.

Submitted by Richard Huser (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

I have been using a Medtronic pump since 1992. I would like to see an easier, foolproof way to insure that the tubing inserts into the receptor in the body. I know that there is only one.way it can be inserted. My suggestion is to add a red dot to the male end of the tubing If one see the red dot, it is correctly positioned to me inserted into the receptor.
Thanks,
Richard Huser

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Richard Huser (not verified)

Great suggestion, Richard.

Submitted by Mary Ellen Thompson (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

How can I charge my meter? Plugging it into my computer doesn't charge it at all.

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Mary Ellen Thompson (not verified)

Mary Ellen, have you tried other USB ports on your computer or using a wall charger? If you're still having trouble, please reach out to Ascensia to discuss this in more detail. You can reach them at 800.348.8100.

Submitted by Evelyn Tompkins (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

I was just saying to my husband yesterday that the people who work for Medtronic are always so nice. You spend as much time with me as I need to make sure everything is working properly before we hang up. I spoke with Marian yesterday for 40 minutes. She was very patient and extremely helpful. I’ve been using a pump for about 23 years and it makes my life so much easier, especially with the CGM.

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Evelyn Tompkins (not verified)

We're thrilled to hear this, Evelyn and appreciate the kind words. We'll be sure to share them with Marian and her leadership team.

Submitted by James Brooks (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

Is there anything I need to be doing about cleaning the inside of my pump. ( The " piston compartment " where the insulin reservoir is inserted ) ? Most of the time when I change out the reservoir , there is a fairly strong smell of insulin. Is that unusual ?

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by James Brooks (not verified)

James, it's not unusual as this is where the insulin is dispensed from. If you feel like your pump is not functioning as designed, we certainly encourage you to reach out to our technical support team at 800.646.4633, option 1.

I would like for someone to discuss neuropathy of the fingers bilaterally.
I have discussed this with Medtronic many times without resolution.
I use needle nose pliers to attach the transmitter to the sensor.
Any suggestions?
Thank you for your attention to this email.
nancie :)


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