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Diabetes Device Choices

This is a personalized report of your diabetes device recommendations and choices. This report is a guide not a clinical recommendation. It's a guide based on your input, the best advice from Standford and the first hand knowledge of the T1 Community at DiabetesWise.org.

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Disclaimer: All prices are in USD and are estimates only.

Overview

Sensor & Pump

Dexcom G6 & Omnipod

DexcomOmnipod

Omnipod is the only tubeless pump option. This paired with the G6 is a common choice for active people.

Sensor & Pump

Freestyle Libre 2 & Medtronic Pump

FreestyleMedtronic

These devices do not connect but they each have their merits. The Freestyle Libre 2 can alert you when you are high and low. You get data only when you want it. The Medtronic pump is a sturdy and efficient pump.

Priority: Easy Insulin Dosing

Easy Insulin Dosing
Can use sensor trends for dose adjustment
No interruption in insulin delivery (pods stay on when you shower and swim)
More customizable dosing than pens or syringes
Can use sensor trends for dose adjustment
More precise dosing than pens or syringes

Next Steps Next Steps

You're going to do great on the devices you choose

1.
Talk to your provider

Talk to your provider to get a prescription. Advocate for yourself with a list of reasons why you believe it is best for your lifestyle.

2.
Call the device companies

Talk to the device companies about the device you want and if your insurance will cover it. They can help with this.

3.
Call your insurance

Many insurance companies require documentation of different qualifications before approving diabetes device coverage. every insurance company is different but some common qualifications include checking your blood sugar 4-6 times per day or having frequent low blood sugars. Understanding what qualifications are necessary for device coverage before starting the approval process can make things a lot easier.

Visit https://diabeteswise.org/resources/getting-treatment/qualify-for-insurance/ for more resources.

Questions for your Doctor

Dexcom G6 & Omnipod

Can I try this before I commit to it?

A lot of provider offices have sample devices you can touch and feel to get a sense of how they work. Some offices even have a trial device you can use for week to see how it works for you.

Freestyle Libre 2 & Medtronic Pump

Can I try this before I commit to it?

A lot of provider offices have sample devices you can touch and feel to get a sense of how they work. Some offices even have a trial device you can use for week to see how it works for you.

More on how to Talk to your Doctor

Questions for your insurance

Many insurance companies require documentation of different qualifications before approving diabetes device coverage. Every insurance company is different, but some common qualifications include checking your blood sugar 4-6 times per day or having frequent low blood sugars. Understanding what qualifications are necessary for device coverage before starting the approval process can make things a lot easier.

Get the Guide for Talking to your Insurance

Talk to the device companies

Dexcom G6

Call Dexcom and ask them about your coverage. Talk to your Doctor to get a prescription.

1-888-738 3646 Dexcom Website

Omnipod

Call Omnipod and ask them about your coverage. Talk to your Doctor to get a prescription.

1-800-591-3455 Omnipod Website

Freestyle Libre 2

Call Freestyle Libre and ask them about your coverage. Talk to your Doctor to get a prescription.

1-855-632 8658 Freestyle Libre Website

Medtronic 630G

Call Medtronic and ask them about your coverage. Talk to your Doctor to get a prescription.

1-888-350-5440 Medtronic Website

Additional Resources

By Priorities

Active Lifestyle Active Lifestyle

Sensor Share feature allows someone else to keep an eye on your blood sugar from the sidelines
Don't need to find a place for pump in active wear
Flat sensor transmitter fits easily under active wear and sports gear
Optional settings for exercise to adjust treatment ranges for activity with the press of a button

Avoiding Highs and Lows Avoiding Highs and Lows

Custom alerts can be set for highs, lows, and rapidly rising or falling glucose levels
Pumps allow different amounts of basal insulin at different times of day and very precise dosing
Pods stay on when showering and swimming so there are no gaps in insulin delivery
Faster and easier to check your glucose with this sensor versus with a meter
Pumps allow different amounts of basal insulin at different times of day and very precise dosing

Comfort Comfort

Low profile/low maintenance sensor
No tubing
Pods need more tape than other infusion sets
Lowest profile sensor
Largest pump
Tubed pumps have the most infusion sets to pick from

Easy Insulin Dosing Easy Insulin Dosing

Can use sensor trends for dose adjustment
No interruption in insulin delivery (pods stay on when you shower and swim)
More customizable dosing than pens or syringes
Can use sensor trends for dose adjustment
More precise dosing than pens or syringes

Easy to Use Easy to Use

Sensor integrated with multiple devices in case you change up what you're using
Fewer parts than tubed pumps
Sensor and transmitter are one piece
Few steps to change sensor
Supplies for this pump are the most widely available

Fewer Fingersticks Fewer Fingersticks

Factory-calibrated sensor: fingersticks needed for backup only
Factory-calibrated sensor: fingersticks needed for backup only

Privacy Privacy

Ability to check sugar on phone or watch
Alerts
Most hideable pump option
Requires visible controller to bolus
Needs scan from phone or controller to get blood sugar
Pump has tubing

Wisdom

Getting data every five minutes from a Dexcom is a lot of information, for sure. I'm a doer. I always want to act on information. Relaxing that part of me was a bit of a challenge in the beginning.

Having a continuous infusion of insulin throughout the day has been very helpful in keeping my blood sugar levels stable.

Cost & Coverage

Dexcom G6

Dexcom G6

Freestyle Libre 2

Freestyle Libre 2

Glucose Testing Supplies

Sensors

Transmitter

Receiver (1 time purchase)

Sensors

Receiver (1 time purchase)

Glucose Testing Cost Estimate

Startup $80 to $239

Monthly $35 to $105

These prices vary by Insurance. Many insurers support the G6 Dexcom. It may be covered under durable medical goods or a pharmacy benefit.

Startup $200 to $404
Monthly $108 to $321
Libre 2 is covered by Medicare and most private insurers. Prices will vary based on coverage. If you don't have any coverage, this is the cheapest sensor.

Omnipod

Omnipod

Medtronic 630G

Medtronic 630G

Insulin Dosing Supplies

Pods

Reader

Insulin

Pump

Insulin Cartridges

Infusion Sets

Insulin Dosing Cost Estimate

Startup $5 to $1260 Monthly

Omnipod is now covered by Medicare and Medicaid as well as most private insurers.

Widely covered for insulin-dependent type 1 and type 2. Pump can be provided by pharmacy, DME, or directly through Medtronic Diabetes. Price range; $0-$8,574 to start and $0-$300/Month. Price range varies depending on insurance coverage.