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How CGM Cover Tapes Are Making Diabetes Management Easier

blue ribbon with text "November is Diabetes Awareness Month"

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Over 10% of the American population has diabetes and almost 1 in 3 Americans have pre-diabetes. Living with diabetes requires you to constantly track your blood sugar levels. Over the years the approach to diabetes management has steadily evolved.

We’ll take a closer look at how modern CGM devices are empowering the masses to lead a normal life with diabetes and the role CGM cover tapes play in improving the efficacy of CGM devices.            

What’s A CGM Device?

Traditionally patients have had to rely on manual finger pricking to monitor their blood glucose. CGM devices are simplifying the process by making it quick, automated, and more accurate.

“CGM” stands for Constant Glucose Monitors. It is a wearable device that gives patients the ability to track, monitor, and regulate their insulin levels. They adhere to a person’s skin with biocompatible adhesive tape patches. The device has a lancet that penetrates the epidural layer of the user’s skin and can monitor the user’s blood glucose for up to 14 days.

The Role Of CGM Cover Tapes In Diabetes Management  

Modern CMG devices are being manufactured for wear times as long as 21 days on the human body. This necessitates an extra layer of protection for the device for day-to-day activities. The term “cover tape” indicates just that – a tape to cover and protect the CGM device from water, dirt, and debris during daily use.

Cover tapes are typically Polyurethane (PU) single-sided tapes that stretch over the top of the CGM device on the skin to give the device an extra layer of protection. They act as a barrier for the CGM device and the stick-to-skin patches the device is attached to. Cover tapes can be designed for single-use (one day), or adherence for up to 14+ days.

As the masses embrace CGM devices for diabetes treatment, there has been a steady demand for uniqueness and self-identification with cover tapes. The cover tape aftermarket has witnessed sharp growth as more than 100 million CGM devices are expected to be sold in the US alone in 2022.  

Many aftermarket manufacturers provide “fashionable” cover tapes in unique patterns and custom prints that make a statement. There are plenty of options for every price point ranging from inexpensive K-Tape material to PU non-woven fabrics, which offer excellent wear time and comfort while keeping the device securely adhered to the user’s body.

What Sets Apart The Tape Lab As A Production Partner  

  • Extensive Industry Experience

The Tape Lab brings to the table over 12 years of research & manufacturing experience in the CGM and Cover Tape space. Some of the largest CGM manufacturers rely on our engineering expertise to develop and bring their CGM tapes to the market. We’re supremely confident we can help you achieve the same.     

  • End-to-end Cover Tape Design & Manufacturing Services 

The Tape Lab excels in every facet of CGM cover tape design and manufacturing. Our core competencies include designing the tapes, die-cutting the patches, laminating the layers together, customizing the liner releases, and full-service OEM assembly and packaging services of CGM patches – no matter what your specifications.

We’re equally proficient in the design, manufacturing, and packaging of stick-to-skin wearables and the CGM devices are one of our most prolific areas of expertise. We thoroughly understand the role biocompatibility play in the effectiveness of the tapes. Moreover, each tape component is manufactured in our ISO-8 certified clean rooms.

  • Quick Turnaround & Access To Core Materials

Most well-known CGM tape manufacturers choose us as a product development partner because of our strong relationships with leading material manufacturers in the medical adhesive space such as 3M, Avery Dennison, Berry Plastics, and Polymer Science. This ensures continuous material access and enables The Tape Lab to design and manufacture your CGM Tape products quicker, cheaper, and without any deviations from your design specifications.

Next Step – Book A Free Consultation

Looking for a full-service tape converter and adhesives specialist? Contact The Tape Lab today. Our experts will schedule an obligation-free call and explain how we can put our full suite of converting services to work for you.  

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