Expert Q&A

Has anyone here made their own custom CGM patches with a Cricut?

Why Custom CGM Patches Matter for Midlife Weight Loss

As the founder of CFP Weight Loss and author of The CFP Method, I've worked with hundreds of adults aged 45-54 struggling with hormonal changes, joint pain, and blood sugar swings. A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is a game-changer for tracking how foods affect your levels in real time, yet the standard adhesive patches often irritate sensitive skin or fall off during light activity. Many of my clients create custom patches with a Cricut to improve comfort and adhesion without breaking the bank—especially since insurance rarely covers extras.

Custom patches let you choose hypoallergenic materials that stay put through daily walks or housework, helping you stay consistent with glucose tracking. This directly supports the CFP Method's focus on understanding your unique metabolic responses rather than following restrictive diets that have failed you before.

Materials You'll Need for Cricut CGM Patches

Start with medical-grade supplies: 3M Tegaderm or hydrocolloid wound dressings for the base layer, as these reduce skin irritation common in perimenopause. Pair with breathable fabric like cotton jersey or specialized patch tape from CGM accessory brands. Your Cricut Maker or Explore series can cut precise shapes using the rotary blade for fabric or standard blade for vinyl-backed materials.

Avoid standard adhesive vinyl directly on skin; instead, layer a fabric overlay cut to 2.5–3 inches in diameter with a 0.75-inch center hole for the sensor. Add optional essential-oil-free adhesive spray rated for medical use. Total cost per patch often lands under $1.50 versus $8+ for commercial covers, fitting middle-income budgets strained by diabetes management supplies.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Own Patches

First, measure your CGM—most Freestyle Libre or Dexcom sensors need a 2-inch outer ring. In Cricut Design Space, create a circle with an inner cutout, duplicate for batch cutting. Set material to “fabric” or “light cardstock” depending on your base. Cut 10–20 patches at once to save time, critical when juggling work and family.

Clean the area, apply the CGM per instructions, then layer your custom patch. Press firmly for 30 seconds. Many clients report patches lasting 7–10 days instead of 3–5, reducing the embarrassment of visible devices and helping track patterns linked to blood pressure or joint inflammation. Test one patch first to ensure no reaction, especially with hormonal skin sensitivity.

Integrating CGM Data into Your CFP Weight Loss Plan

Once your patches keep the sensor secure, use the readings to identify hidden glucose spikes from common “healthy” snacks. In The CFP Method, we teach pairing CGM insights with simple 20-minute movement routines that respect joint pain—no gym required. Clients typically see 1–2 pounds of fat loss per week once they align meals to stable readings, all without complex plans.

Experiment with patch designs that match skin tone for discretion. If irritation occurs, switch to silicone-based alternatives. This DIY approach empowers you to take control when previous diets left you frustrated and insurance denied coverage. Start small, track results for two weeks, and adjust. Your consistent data becomes the roadmap to sustainable weight loss despite midlife hormones.

💬 What the Community Says

The community shows strong interest in DIY CGM patches with Cricut machines, particularly among 45-54 year olds managing type 2 diabetes and weight. Many report success with hydrocolloid bases and fabric overlays, claiming patches last longer and cause less redness than stock adhesives. A common debate centers on material safety—some users warn against certain vinyls while others share positive experiences with Tegaderm hacks that cut costs significantly. Beginners often feel overwhelmed by Design Space tutorials but appreciate shared templates for Dexcom and Libre sensors. Joint pain sufferers note the patches stay secure during gentle walks, reducing sensor loss frustration. A vocal minority reports skin reactions and recommends patch testing first. Overall sentiment is practical and resourceful, with users trading money-saving tips and expressing relief at customizing for hormonal skin changes without relying on expensive commercial products.
Cite this answer
Clark, R. (2026). Has anyone here made their own custom CGM patches with a Cricut?. *CFP Weight Loss*. https://ask.cfpweightloss.com/ask/has-anyone-here-made-their-own-custom-cgm-patches-with-a-cricut
Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN, FNP-C, APRN
About the Author

Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN, is the founder of CFP Weight Loss in Nashville and CFP Fit Now telehealth. Over 35 years in healthcare — Army Nurse Reserves, Level 1 trauma ER, hospitalist — he developed a 30-week protocol integrating real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 30–90 pounds. He and his wife Anne-Marie lost a combined 275 pounds using the same protocol.

📖 The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset — Get the Book →
Get Personalized Guidance From the Author
Every weight loss journey is different. Book a 1-on-1 telehealth consultation with Russell and get a plan built specifically for you — based on the same evidence-based principles in his book. Available to patients in all 50 states.
Book Your Consultation →
Have a follow-up question?
More Questions 200 answered
▸ Are y’all strict 100% paleo or eat ultra processed food in moderation while doing intermittent fasting and how it connects to gut health and inflammation? ▸ Can i Fast for autophagy for loose skin without losing anymore weight — how a functional medicine approach differs for those with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s? ▸ How do you deal with traveling when you're on a peptide protocol specifically for women over 40 and its effect on metabolism and insulin levels? ▸ Could Nanotyrannus be a nest parasite specifically targeting Trex during the weight loss plateau phase? 📖 Hormonal Chaos — The internal state of imbalance caused by modern grains and refined carbs that overrides willpower and forces the body t… ▸ Does drinking Sparkling Ice (flavored sparkling water - 5 calories per bottle) during my fasting window break my fast and the role of cortisol and stress hormones for those with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s? ▸ Probiotics worked for a month then stopped. Anyone else for those with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's: best practices and common mistakes to avoid? ▸ For those who've lost the weight and kept it off... did you ever achieve true food freedom on a low-carb or ketogenic diet for people with insulin resistance? ▸ Could Nanotyrannus be a nest parasite specifically targeting Trex: what to track and how to measure progress? ▸ How to handle calories vs carbs/fat/sugar and how it connects to gut health and inflammation if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide? ▸ What exactly am I supposed to feel when on mounjaro and how do I know if it's working on a low-carb or ketogenic diet — what certified coaches recommend? 📖 The Clark Protocol — Our evidence-based framework that combines clinical nurse practitioner expertise with personal experience to solve the o… 📗 The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset — by Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN · The complete clinical protocol — 30 weeks of real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 3 ▸ Are people who get no effect just using bad product: best practices and common mistakes to avoid: what to track and how to measure progress? ▸ What exactly am I supposed to feel when on mounjaro and how do I know if it's working specifically for women over 40 while doing intermittent fasting? ▸ Has anybody heard of or experienced improvement from neurological disorders through fasting and autophagy if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide — what the research actually says? ▸ What is your immediate go to for some relief during ha — what most people get wrong about this if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide? ▸ Anyone stopped responding to Mounjaro and had better results with retatrutide — what the research actually says? ▸ Is it just me or is Hashimoto’s greatly underrepresented on a low-carb or ketogenic diet — what certified coaches recommend? 📖 Metabolic Flexibility — The body’s ability to efficiently switch between burning carbohydrates and burning stored body fat based on availability… ▸ My weight loss progress so far as a 23 year male who stared eating less unhealthy and does little to moderate exercise. Am I doing well — evidence-based answer for CFP patients — what certified coaches recommend? ▸ What if you are/were someone who eats even when full/not hungry on a low-carb or ketogenic diet for people with insulin resistance? ▸ Is it okay for teenagers to do longterm lowcarb/keto — evidence-based answer for CFP patients if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide? 📗 The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset — by Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN · The complete clinical protocol — 30 weeks of real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 3 ▸ IBD + antidepressants + impossible weight loss… advice when you have PCOS or hormonal imbalances and its effect on metabolism and insulin levels? ▸ Do you think they read the responses they receive: how to talk to your doctor about this — what the research actually says? 📖 Adipose Tissue Signaling — The way fat cells communicate with the brain; our goal is to fix these signals so the body stops defending an unnaturall… ▸ Finally connected the dots between my thyroid, gut issues, and brain fog - why don't doctors look at the whole picture specifically for women over 40 and its effect on metabolism and insulin levels? ▸ Will eating meintenance calories make me lose weight for those with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's on a low-carb or ketogenic diet? ▸ How long does it take to Is Autophagy? 8 Amazing Benefits Of Fasting That Will Save Your Life while doing intermittent fasting? 📖 Nutrient Density — Prioritizing foods that provide maximum vitamins and minerals per calorie to satisfy the brain and end the cycle of hidd… ▸ Does Mounjaro help people with bulimia for those with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's specifically for women over 40? ▸ Is this a good indicator of autophagy and how it connects to gut health and inflammation for those with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s? ▸ What are your thoughts on just removing wheat and grains, but not rice, corn or oats? Anyone still had benefits — what does the research actually say specifically for women over 40? 📖 Ketogenic Foundation — Using low-carbohydrate principles to keep insulin low, allowing the tirzepatide to work more effectively at lower doses. ▸ Can autophagy regenerate muscle during physically active prolonged fast and how it connects to gut health and inflammation: what to track and how to measure progress? 📗 The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset — by Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN · The complete clinical protocol — 30 weeks of real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 3 ▸ Pic in the white tank top is when I first started 23 days ago, I weighed 280 lbs, compared to today, 269 lbs. I have been dieting and working out frequently, can you even see a difference: how to talk to your doctor about this when you have PCOS or hormonal imbalances? ▸ Accidentally left my vials out overnight. Are they still good if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide for those with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s? ▸ How effective is autophagy really helping me lose fat if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide? ▸ Why is my psychiatrist recommending supplements — how a functional medicine approach differs if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide? ▸ To what extent do Mendelian Randomization Studies provide causal evidence for a particular claim — what does the research actually say: best practices and common mistakes to avoid? ▸ Starting a 7 day water fast, any tips to keep hydrated on a low-carb or ketogenic diet — what the research actually says? 📖 Non-Scale Victories (NSV) — Improvements in energy, sleep, and disease reversal that matter just as much as the numbers on the scale during your tra… ▸ How many were first diagnosed with OCD for long-term maintenance (not just short-term) during the weight loss plateau phase? ▸ Those of you with Reta experience how does this protocol look for people with insulin resistance on a low-carb or ketogenic diet? ▸ What foods to stock for overnight guest — evidence-based answer for CFP patients for people with insulin resistance? 📗 The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset — by Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN · The complete clinical protocol — 30 weeks of real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 3 ▸ What exactly am I supposed to feel when on mounjaro and how do I know if it's working specifically for women over 40 — what the research actually says? 📖 Muscle Sarcopenia — The dangerous loss of lean muscle mass often seen in traditional 'crash diets' or high-dose GLP-1 use, which we combat t… ▸ Difference between a 3 day and 5 day water fast for autophagy and the role of cortisol and stress hormones while doing intermittent fasting? ▸ Can I just skip the broth — how a functional medicine approach differs — what the research actually says? ▸ Anyone remember the metal lid you had to use a butter knife to pop off: what to track and how to measure progress specifically for women over 40? 📖 Inflammatory Markers — Clinical indicators like CRP that we monitor to ensure the body is moving from a state of disease to a state of vibrant … ▸ What do you do when you have to goto a restaurant or party and how it connects to gut health and inflammation if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide? ▸ Does anyone else’s health anxiety get MUCH worse at night for those with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's on a low-carb or ketogenic diet? ▸ When the symptom you went to the ER for clears up while you're waiting to be seen for people with insulin resistance on a low-carb or ketogenic diet? 📖 CICO (Calories In, Calories Out) — An outdated model of weight loss that ignores the role of hormones; we challenge this by focusing on food quality and ho… ▸ Anyone know where to purchase pork rind tortillas — what do certified weight loss coaches recommend if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide? ▸ What's the dumbest thing you and/or your siblings did when you were left home alone for those with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's: best practices and common mistakes to avoid? ▸ Will I ever be able to wear low rise jeans without being insecure: best practices and common mistakes to avoid when you have PCOS or hormonal imbalances? 📗 The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset — by Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN · The complete clinical protocol — 30 weeks of real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 3 ▸ Forgot to swab the vial with alcohol pad if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide: best practices and common mistakes to avoid? 📖 High-Dose Dependency — The pharmaceutical trap of staying on maximum medication doses indefinitely, which we avoid through our smart cycling me… ▸ Did anyone lose weight because of a medical condition and the role of cortisol and stress hormones if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide? ▸ Is lime water (but sipped throughout the day) ok with autophagy — how a functional medicine approach differs and how it connects to gut health and inflammation?