Expert Q&A

Has anyone here made their own custom CGM patches with a Cricut for those with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's for long-term maintenance (not just short-term)?

Why CGM Monitoring Matters in Long-Term Maintenance with Hypothyroidism

In The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset, we emphasize that true metabolic freedom comes from understanding your body's signals, especially for patients dealing with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's. Continuous glucose monitors (CGM) provide real-time data on how foods, stress, and hormones affect blood sugar stability. After completing the three 70-day cycles of low-dose tirzepatide, many patients transition into maintenance where chaotic intermittent fasting and daily Japanese-style walking become habits. For those with sluggish thyroid function, CGM helps prevent hidden glucose spikes that worsen inflammation and stall fat loss. In our clinic, we've seen A1C improvements of 1.5–2.0 points when patients track consistently during maintenance, not just the initial reset phase.

Creating Custom Patches with a Cricut for Comfort and Compliance

Yes, many of our patients with sensitive skin from Hashimoto's have successfully made custom CGM patches using a Cricut machine. Standard adhesive often causes irritation over months of use, which is why we encourage personalization. Start with medical-grade adhesive sheets (hypoallergenic, latex-free) and cut precise overlays that match your CGM size—typically 1.5–2 inches in diameter for Dexcom or Freestyle Libre. In the book, I outline the exact 69 Transformation Steps, including a section on device hacks for long-term adherence. Use the Cricut Design Space to create breathable fabric borders with fun patterns that reduce edge lift during daily 10,000-step Japanese walking intervals. Add a small tab for easy removal. Patients report 40–60% less skin reactions when using 100% cotton or bamboo overlays versus factory patches. Combine this with our Brown Detox Drops to support lymphatic drainage and minimize toxin-related flare-ups common in Hashimoto's.

Integrating CGM Data into the Lectin-Free Protocol for Sustained Results

The real power isn't just the patch—it's how you use the data. Our lectin-free low-carb meal plans (221 recipes included) are designed to keep glucose between 70–110 mg/dL most of the day. For hypothyroidism patients, we adjust the chaotic intermittent fasting windows based on CGM trends, often starting with 14:10 and progressing only when stable. Avoid grains and lectins that trigger autoimmune responses; instead focus on grass-fed proteins, non-starchy vegetables, and healthy fats. Red light therapy sessions from our Unlimited Red Bed Club further improve mitochondrial function, which directly supports thyroid conversion. One patient following this exact approach maintained a 52-pound loss for 22 months post-tirzepatide by catching nighttime glucose rises early through her custom-patched CGM and adjusting evening electrolytes.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls and Building Metabolic Freedom

The two biggest mistakes I see are relying solely on medication without rebuilding metabolic health and obsessing over scale weight instead of CGM trends and non-scale victories like energy and joint pain relief. In The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset, we cycle one box of tirzepatide strategically so patients aren't dependent long-term. For Hashimoto's, pair your custom Cricut patches with consistent thyroid labs every 8–10 weeks. Focus on root causes: reduce toxin burden with detox protocols, balance hormones through real food, and restore hypothalamic signaling. This approach has helped patients like John, who reversed Type 2 diabetes markers while managing hypothyroidism, lose 40 pounds and keep it off. You can achieve the same metabolic freedom without lifelong injections or complicated routines.

💬 What the Community Says

The community shows strong interest in DIY CGM solutions, especially among those managing hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's during maintenance phases. Many report success with Cricut-cut patches using vinyl, fabric, or hydrocolloid sheets, noting improved wear time up to 14 days and fewer rashes compared to official covers. Practitioners frequently share templates for Dexcom G7 and Libre 3, praising designs that incorporate breathable materials for all-day Japanese walking. However, a vocal minority warns about adhesion failures during showers or exercise, with some experiencing inaccurate readings from overly thick custom layers. Debates center on FDA-compliant materials versus creative patterns—most agree that combining patches with lectin-free eating and detox routines enhances long-term compliance. Newer users express appreciation for these hacks as they transition off tirzepatide, though experienced members stress tracking glucose trends over aesthetics. Overall sentiment is practical and supportive, with shared files and troubleshooting tips circulating regularly.
Clark, R. (2026). Has anyone here made their own custom CGM patches with a Cricut for those with h. *CFP Weight Loss*. https://ask.cfpweightloss.com/ask/has-anyone-here-made-their-own-custom-cgm-patches-with-a-cricut-for-those-with-hypothyroidism-or-hashimoto-s-for-long-term-maintenance-not-just-short-term
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.

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
Tesa while on Reta am or night — evidence-based answer for CFP patients for people with insulin resistance? Metformin (6 weeks in) for insulin resistance — can the gut stuff actually get better during the weight loss plateau phase? IBD + antidepressants + impossible weight loss… advice when you have PCOS or hormonal imbalances — what certified coaches recommend? How to incorporate psyllium husk with intermittent fasting — what do certified weight loss coaches recommend while doing intermittent fasting? 📖 Tirzepatide Micro-Dosing — The practice of using the lowest effective dose to achieve results, minimizing side effects while maximizing the longevi… Compression socks. Worth it? Any recs — how a functional medicine approach differs and how it connects to gut health and inflammation? 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? Is tomato paste lectin free during the weight loss plateau phase: best practices and common mistakes to avoid? What's the dumbest thing you and/or your siblings did when you were left home alone for those with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's: what to track and how to measure progress? 📖 High-Dose Dependency — The pharmaceutical trap of staying on maximum medication doses indefinitely, which we avoid through our smart cycling me… 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? 📗 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 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 to track and how to measure progress? Oval twice a week patch - what was I using on a low-carb or ketogenic diet and how it connects to gut health and inflammation? Is Emma Relief good for gut issues and the role of cortisol and stress hormones for long-term maintenance (not just short-term)? 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? 📖 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 is a ‘normal’ value for dawn phenomena for you for people with insulin resistance for those with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s? IBD + antidepressants + impossible weight loss… advice when you have PCOS or hormonal imbalances while doing intermittent fasting? Weight loss without GLP-1 — what does the research actually say for those with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s? 📖 Diabetes Reversal — The clinical goal of restoring normal blood sugar levels and insulin function, as seen in patients like John who no long… 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? Accidentally left my vials out overnight. Are they still good if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide for people with insulin resistance? Those of you with Reta experience how does this protocol look for people with insulin resistance 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 Does the weight loss journey has to be so miserable: how to talk to your doctor about this and how it connects to gut health and inflammation? 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 specifically for women over 40? 📖 Cellular Detox — The process of clearing out metabolic waste and reducing cellular stress to allow for more efficient energy production a… Could Nanotyrannus be a nest parasite specifically targeting Trex: what to track and how to measure progress? What lifestyle changes are your golden rule for reversing IR during the weight loss plateau phase for those with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s? Forgot to swab the vial with alcohol pad if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide for people with insulin resistance? 📖 Hormonal Chaos — The internal state of imbalance caused by modern grains and refined carbs that overrides willpower and forces the body t… 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? How long until I start losing weight this way — how a functional medicine approach differs: best practices and common mistakes to avoid? Does salt instantly relieve a slight headache for you if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide for people with insulin resistance? 📖 Hashimoto’s Success — Achieving weight loss and reduced inflammation in thyroid patients by removing dietary triggers like lectins and modern … Is it normal to lose 6 kg in one week during the weight loss plateau phase while doing intermittent fasting? 📗 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 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 certified coaches recommend? Has anyone felt better taking antidepressants instead of hrt — evidence-based answer for CFP patients: what to track and how to measure progress? 📖 Refined Carbohydrates — Processed sugars and flours that strip the body of nutrients while driving the hormonal chaos responsible for the modern… Is anyone else worried about judgment from others for those with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's while doing intermittent fasting? What is a ‘normal’ value for dawn phenomena for you for people with insulin resistance specifically for women over 40? To what extent do Mendelian Randomization Studies provide causal evidence for a particular claim — what do certified weight loss coaches recommend — what certified coaches recommend? For those of you that drink - what's your go to: best practices and common mistakes to avoid if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide? Did L. reuteri ATCC 6475 or Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086 (BC-30) Eliminate My Seasonal Allergies — what most people get wrong about this: what to track and how to measure progress? 📖 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset — Our signature protocol using a single 60 mg box of medication cycled over 30 weeks to achieve lasting metabolic transfor… Can i Fast for autophagy for loose skin without losing anymore weight — how a functional medicine approach differs — what certified coaches recommend? 📗 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 Does okra water actually help gut issues: what to track and how to measure progress: what to track and how to measure progress? What lifestyle changes are your golden rule for reversing IR during the weight loss plateau phase for people with insulin resistance? 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? Is this a good indicator of autophagy and how it connects to gut health and inflammation for long-term maintenance (not just short-term)? 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? 📖 Metabolic Efficiency — The state where your body processes fuel cleanly and maintains high energy levels without the need for constant snacking… Can I just skip the broth — how a functional medicine approach differs — what the research actually says? When do you know to go to the hospital — evidence-based answer for CFP patients when you have PCOS or hormonal imbalances? Probiotics worked for a month then stopped. Anyone else for those with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's while doing intermittent fasting? 📖 Maintenance Phase — The final 28 days of our 70-day cycle where we stabilize the new weight and solidify the metabolic habits that prevent f… 📗 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 LDN is changing my life, will this last: best practices and common mistakes to avoid specifically for women over 40? What surprised me the most in menopause? Alcohol for those with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's: what to track and how to measure progress? 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? What routine worked for you: what to track and how to measure progress 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? What if you are/were someone who eats even when full/not hungry on a low-carb or ketogenic diet while doing intermittent fasting?