Updated: May 2026 · by Sonja Spörlein
🩹 At a glance: Styling your Dexcom G6 with Zuckerschmuck
The Dexcom G6 is a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGM) from Dexcom Inc. [1]. If you want to wear it discreetly under clothing, protect it from friction, or simply make it more colorful, Zuckerschmuck offers three ways: covering tapes, sensor holders, and stickers.
- Compatibility: Dexcom G6 Sensor + G6 Transmitter + G6 Receiver
- Sensor wear time (according to manufacturer): 10 days [1]
- Sensor dimensions for orientation: approx. 3.8 cm × 2.3 cm × 1.2 cm [1]
- Tape material note: medical adhesive, hypoallergenic adhesive according to manufacturer data sheet
- Care of holder strap: 30 °C delicate wash, do not iron hot, do not tumble dry
For sensitive skin, we recommend testing a new tape on a small area beforehand — adhesive reactions around CGM sensors are documented in specialist literature [2,5].
✨ What makes the Dexcom G6 better than its predecessor?
In short: easier insertion, longer wear time, flatter transmitter — and you no longer have to calibrate by default.
The new Dexcom G6 is well-received in the diabetes community because it has several advantages over its predecessor, the G5:
- No calibrations required, but possible: This is great because you can decide when your readings are stable and calibration makes sense. You don't have to calibrate just because the system prompts you to.
- Uncomplicated sensor insertion: The new G6 has an integrated inserter that makes applying a new sensor much more pleasant – everything is done with a single push of a button. Even after 30 years with diabetes, the G5 still cost me a certain amount of effort to trigger the huge needle! The G6 has been greatly improved here.
- Flatter transmitter: The transmitter has become flatter and somewhat more inconspicuous, making it more comfortable to wear – and it's less likely to snag on clothing or doorframes.
- Operating time of 10 days compared to 7 days for the predecessor model: Even a pleasant sensor change is not something you like to do, which is why the longer operating time is great!
🎨 Covering Tapes for the Dexcom G6
In short: Tapes cover the white sensor patch, so the sensor disappears in your favorite color or blends with your skin tone — and provides additional security if the patch has already peeled off in some places.
The Zuckerschmuck team has developed various covering options and great stickers for you to make your G6 look fantastic. You can choose between covering tapes in various colors and shapes or sensor holders.
With the help of covering tapes, you can style the boring white patch in your favorite color or camouflage it to match your skin tone. The inner cutout of the Dexcom G6 Tapes is precisely custom-made for the sensor's shape. On the outside, our Dexcom Tape is slightly larger than the white sensor patch, so the sensor is covered even if the white patch has already peeled off in some places.
Of course, you can also change our tapes during their wear time. To do this, gently peel the outer adhesive edge of the tapes from the skin and pull them outwards away from the sensor. It's best to press the sensor onto the skin with your other hand so that it doesn't accidentally get pulled off.
Tip for difficult insertion sites: If the tape doesn't hold well (e.g., in areas with a lot of movement), check out our article TapeGuard for difficult insertion sites.
💎 Sensor Holders for the Dexcom G6
In short: The sensor holder is a textile covering option over an elastic strap – no additional adhesive on the skin, ideal for sports, swimming, and sauna.
The sensor holder covers your Dexcom G6 either permanently or for a few active hours a day – e.g. during sports, swimming, or sauna. The holder is very comfortable to wear thanks to the elastic band and can be infinitely adjusted to your arm circumference. Our holder comes without annoying clamps or seams, the band locks by itself. Choose your desired color combination of holder and colorful or plain band:
Replacement straps for your sensor holder – suitable for Dexcom G6 and FreeStyle Libre:
⭐ Stickers for Dexcom G6 Transmitter and Receiver
In short: Stickers decorate the transmitter and receiver, are water, UV, and scratch-resistant, and last many weeks to months thanks to protective sealing.
In addition to the covering tapes or sensor holder, you can decorate your transmitter and receiver with our pretty stickers. The stickers are covered with a protective film so that they look good and hold up well for many weeks to months. You can bathe, swim, and go to the sauna with them – they are also UV-resistant.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about the Dexcom G6
Where can I place the Dexcom G6 sensor?
The manufacturer recommends the abdomen (at least 8 cm away from the navel) or the back of the upper arm for adults; for children aged 2 and older, also the upper buttocks area [1]. Change the insertion site with each sensor if possible – this protects the skin.
How long does a Dexcom G6 sensor last?
The official wear time is 10 days [1]. After that, the system requires a sensor change. The transmitter has a separate lifespan of approx. 3 months.
What to do in case of adhesive allergy under the Dexcom G6?
Adhesive reactions to CGM sensors have been described [2,5]. First options: try an underpatch (protective patch between skin and sensor) or read the article on skin irritations. For recurring skin reactions, please consult your diabetology practice.
What is an Underpatch for the Dexcom G6?
An underpatch is an additional thin patch that you stick to the skin before inserting the sensor – the sensor is then inserted through the underpatch. This prevents direct sensor adhesive from coming into contact with the skin, which helps with adhesive sensitivity.
Do Dexcom tapes and stickers hold up when swimming, bathing, and in the sauna?
Yes. Our stickers are covered with protective film, water, UV, and scratch-resistant. Tapes are water-resistant depending on the variant – we recommend dabbing them dry briefly after swimming instead of rubbing.
What is the difference between Dexcom G6 and G7?
The G7 is the successor and features a more compact all-in-one sensor (sensor + transmitter in one), a shorter warm-up period, and a slightly shorter wear time. If you switch to the G7: Tapes, holders, and stickers for the G7 can be found in our Dexcom G7 collection.
📣 Conclusion
Do you have any other design requests? Write to us at info@zuckerschmuck.com 🌈
Best regards,
your Sonja from Zuckerschmuck
Note: This article is product information for lifestyle accessories and does not replace medical or diabetological advice. In case of recurring skin reactions, sensor detachments, or other abnormalities, please consult your diabetology practice.
Sources
- Dexcom Inc. Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring System — User Guide. San Diego (CA): Dexcom Inc.; 2023. Available at: https://www.dexcom.com/de-DE/dexcom-g6 [Accessed: 08.05.2026].
- Heinemann L, Kamann S. Adhesives Used for Diabetes Medical Devices: A Neglected Risk With Serious Consequences? J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2016;10(6):1211–1215. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27562857/ [Accessed: 08.05.2026].
- Deutsche Diabetes Gesellschaft (DDG), Bundesärztekammer, AWMF. S3-Leitlinie Therapie des Typ-1-Diabetes. AWMF-Register-Nr. 057-013. 2. Auflage; 2023. Available at: https://www.awmf.org/leitlinien/detail/ll/057-013 [Accessed: 08.05.2026].
- Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte (BfArM). Hinweise zu Glukosemessgeräten und Continuous-Glucose-Monitoring-Systemen. Bonn: BfArM. Available at: https://www.bfarm.de [Accessed: 08.05.2026].
- Kamann S, Aerts O, Heinemann L. Further Evidence of Severe Allergic Contact Dermatitis from Isobornyl Acrylate while Using a Continuous Glucose Monitoring System. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2018;12(3):630–633. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29575930/ [Accessed: 08.05.2026].
