Winter brings its own set of challenges for people living with diabetes. As temperatures drop, routines change: thicker clothing, indoor heating, outdoor sports, and seasonal colds all influence how the body behaves. For those using continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), cold weather can also impact the way sensors adhere and function.
While summer heat is often blamed for loosening adhesives, winter can be just as demanding. Dry air from heating systems, friction from layered clothing, and sudden shifts from outdoor chill to indoor warmth all create stress on both skin and device adhesives.
How Winter Conditions Affect CGMs
Cold temperatures can make skin drier, which in turn affects how well adhesives stick. When skin is dehydrated, it becomes more prone to peeling and irritation, making it harder for a sensor to stay secure for its full wear cycle.
Multiple layers of clothing, especially snug winter sweaters or thermal wear, can create additional friction over the sensor site. Even slight rubbing over the course of the day can cause edges to lift. Outdoor winter activities, skiing, snowboarding, or even shoveling snow, add movement, moisture from sweat, and contact with bulky coats, all of which can work against a sensor’s adhesive.
For those who enjoy winter sports, falls, tumbles, or simply brushing up against gear can lead to sensors being dislodged before their time. That makes having a reliable way to reinforce them all the more important.
Supporting Skin and Sensors in Winter
Taking care of skin in the colder months can make a big difference in CGM performance. Moisturizing regularly, but not immediately before applying a sensor, helps maintain healthy skin that bonds better with adhesives. Choosing breathable base layers can reduce excessive sweat buildup, which helps prevent premature lifting.
A protective adhesive patch can also provide an extra safeguard. FixiC patches are designed to hold firm against both movement and friction, which are common in winter wear. The breathable material reduces skin irritation while still protecting the sensor from environmental stressors. Even with multiple layers of clothing, the patch stays flat and secure, preventing corners from catching on fabric.
CGMs and Winter Travel
Cold climates bring travel opportunities: ski trips, mountain getaways, or family visits during the holidays. Traveling with diabetes devices in winter requires a bit of planning. Luggage and clothing changes can easily bump a sensor, while switching between cold outdoor air and warm indoor spaces can increase condensation and affect adhesives.
An adhesive patch provides a consistent layer of stability, keeping the sensor secure regardless of environmental changes. For people spending more time outdoors, whether walking the dog in frosty air or trekking through snow, that extra layer of reliability helps maintain uninterrupted monitoring.
Comfort and Confidence Through the Season
Living with diabetes means adapting to the demands of every season. In winter, that means balancing warmth, activity, and device protection. While clothing layers can hide a sensor from view, they can’t protect against the constant friction and dryness that winter brings.
A secure adhesive patch allows CGM users to enjoy winter activities without the constant worry of a sensor peeling or falling off. It’s a small detail, but one that makes cold-weather diabetes management smoother, more reliable, and more comfortable, whether you’re skiing down a mountain, walking through holiday markets, or simply enjoying a quiet evening by the fire.