24 — Skincare, Sensors & Smarter AID Algorithms for Type 1 Diabetes

Suggest guests or get in contactHost: John Pemberton, RDGuest: Dr Laurel Messer, PhD, RN Epidose page - Detailed show notesEpisode FAQ - Dr Messer answers the FAQ's (free Downlaod)In this episode, Dr Laurel Messer joins John to break down the real science behind skin integrity, sensor performance, and the hidden link between skincare and safer automation. Drawing on leading research from the Barbara Davis Center, the Panther Program, and international AID consensus work, this conversation reframes device wear as both a biological and behavioural skillset.  Your skin is not decoration — it is life-critical infrastructure.What This Episode Covers Why device-related skin issues are common, predictable, and preventableMechanical vs chemical irritation, and how to distinguish both from allergic dermatitisThe “Soap–Water–Dry → Rotate → Low & Slow” skin-protection frameworkWhy skin damage leads to noisy CGM data and poor insulin absorptionHow to prepare skin for CGM and pump wear in children, teens, and adultsPractical barrier strategies: wipes, films, and hydrocolloidsUnderstanding Control-IQ: why the correction factor is the SUPERPOWERTime-block insulin tuning for evening surges, alcohol, illness, and real-lifeThe future of Tandem: Control-IQ+, Mobi, patch options, & Libre 3+ Key Insights Skincare is diabetes care. Healthy skin leads to better signal quality, fewer dropouts, more predictable insulin delivery, and improved algorithm stability. Rotation must be broader than most people think. Use 6–10 zones and give each at least a week off. Children need even more structure due to limited real estate. Removal is where most damage occurs. Dr Messer emphasises a wound-care approach: oil-based loosening, supporting the skin, and folding adhesives back on themselves — never pulling upward. Allergy and irritation are not the same problem. Irritation improves with barriers and technique; allergy is reproducible, blistering, intensely itchy, and requires dermatology support and sometimes device change. Control-IQ’s performance hinge is the correction factor. Across 20,000+ users, strengthening the correction factor improved responsiveness and time-in-range without increasing hypoglycaemia.  Epidose page - Detailed show notesEpisode FAQ - Downlaod the best bits as Laurel answers the FAQ's Support GNL: https://buy.stripe.com/9B63cx4UO3KEdKC0Sp7Re00The Glucose Never Lies® is a registered trademark of The GNL Ltd. Company No. 16733595. UK VAT No. GB 516 3272 08.DisclaimerThis podcast is for education and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and is not a substitute for individualised care.The Glucose Never Lies® is independent by designWe do not accept sponsorships and advertising. We operate via education grants and donations from listeners who value independence. So, consider:Buying the GNL a Coffee:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/jspfree2EnquiriesCollaboration: John Pemberton — [email protected]: Anjanee Kohli — [email protected] The Glucose Never Lies®Website: https://theglucoseneverlies.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theglucoseneverliesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theglucoseneverliesLinkedIn: John Pemberton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-pemberton-587104361/X: https://twitter.com/GlucoseNLiesDisclaimer This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.© The Glucose Never Lies Ltd. All rights reserved.