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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 & Tandem

DexcomTandem v2

The Tandem and Dexcom G6 can be connected, so you have one less thing to carry. Also, Tandem has a program called Control IQ that works with the Dexcom G6 to reduce your basal when it expects a low or increase your basal when it expects a high blood sugar. Control IQ also gives automatic correction doses when needed. 

The Tandem pump allows you to bolus directly from a compatible iOS or Android smartphone.

Sensor & Injections

Freestyle Libre 14 day & Syringe

FreestyleSyringe v3

If you don't like having stuff on your body but want glucose data at a glance, the Freestyle Libre is the smallest sensor option. Syringe and vial insulin delivery is the most affordable option.

*The Freestyle Libre 14 day can be manually scanned to get data only when you want it. 

Priority: Overall

Overall
Keeps low blood sugar levels at bay.

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 & Tandem

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 14 day & Syringe

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.

Is the Freestyle Libre waterproof?

Sensor is water-resistant in up to 1 metre (3 feet) of water for a maximum of 30 minutes.

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

Tandem t:slim X2

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

1-877-801-6901 Tandem Website

Freestyle Libre 14 Day

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

1-855-632 8658 Freestyle Libre Website

Syringe and Vial

Understand your cost at your local pharmacy.

Insulin Cost Overview

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
Optional settings for exercise to adjust treatment ranges for activity with the press of a button
Pump is watertight
Flat sensor transmitter fits easily under active wear and sports gear
No way to adjust long acting insulin for higher activity on the fly

Avoiding Highs and Lows Avoiding Highs and Lows

Combo will reduce or suspend insulin to prevent lows
Custom alerts can be set for highs, lows, and rapidly rising or falling glucose levels
Combo will increase insulin delivery to prevent high blood sugars
Faster and easier to check your glucose with this sensor versus with a meter
Syringes and pens limit your ability to adjust insulin throughout the day
No sensor alerts

Comfort Comfort

Low profile/low maintenance sensor
Smallest tubed pump
Tubed pumps have the most infusion sets to pick from
Lowest profile sensor
Have to carry syringes and insulin

Easy Insulin Dosing Easy Insulin Dosing

Can use sensor trends for dose adjustment
Combo will suspend insulin if it predicts you're going to go low
More customizable dosing than pens or syringes
Can use sensor trends for dose adjustment
You have to do the math to figure out your dose

Easy to Use Easy to Use

Sensor integrated with multiple devices in case you change up what you're using
Rechargeable pump battery
Pump has touchscreen
Sensor and transmitter are one piece
Few steps to change sensor
Many steps to figure out doses and deliver insulin every single time you need it

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
Touchscreen of pump looks like normal tech device
Ability to bolus directly on compatible smartphone
Needs scan from phone or controller to get blood sugar
Sensor is the smallest
Syringes are hideable when not in use but very visible when in use

Cost & Coverage

Dexcom G6

Dexcom G6

Freestyle Libre 14 Day

Freestyle Libre 14 Day

Glucose Testing Supplies

Sensors

Transmitter

Receiver (1 time purchase)

Sensors

Reader (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.

Widely covered. Provided by pharmacies. Price range; $0-$100/month. Often the cheapest and easier to access sensor.

Tandem t:slim X2

Tandem t:slim X2

Syringe and Vial

Syringe and Vial

Insulin Dosing Supplies

Pump

Charger

Insulin Cartridges

Infusion Sites

Syringe ~$30 (Monthly)

Insulin $5 to $500 (Monthly)

Insulin Dosing Cost Estimate

Startup $5 to $6,995

Monthly $20 to $200

The total amount depends hugely on how much insulin you use and what your insurance covers.