Diabetes Device Choices
Overview
Sensor & Pump
Eversense & Medtronic Pump
The Eversense sensor is implanted under the skin, so you can be discrete when needed. Paired with the Medtronic pump, you have the ability to easily dose your insulin as needed.
Sensor & Injections
FreeStyle Libre 2 & Bigfoot Unity
Bigfoot Unity is a smart insulin dosing system comprised of Bigfoot smartpen caps (for short- and long-acting insulin pens), Abbott's FreeStyle Libre 2 CGM, a mobile app, and a blood glucose meter made by AgaMatrix.
Unity provides recommendations for both short- and rapid-acting insulin doses. Both pen caps have screens that display slightly different information, including blood glucose level (you can scan your Libre 2 with the pen cap to see your mg/dl!), timing of last dose, and recommended doses.
Priority: Overall
Next Steps
You're going to do great on the devices you choose
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.
Talk to the device companies about the device you want and if your insurance will cover it. They can help with this.
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
Eversense & 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.
FreeStyle Libre 2 & Bigfoot Unity
Is the Freestyle Libre waterproof?
Sensor is water-resistant in up to 1 metre (3 feet) of water for a maximum of 30 minutes.
How do I order supplies?
Participating in the Bigfoot Unity program requires an agreement between Bigfoot Biomedical and your health care provider. Ask your doctor if they are contracted with Bigfoot Unity!
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.
Talk to the device companies
Eversense
Either call the phone number here to ask about getting started or fill out the form that is linked here to get started.
1-844-736 7348 Eversense WebsiteMedtronic 630G
Call Medtronic and ask them about your coverage. Talk to your Doctor to get a prescription.
1-888-350-5440 Medtronic WebsiteFreestyle 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 WebsiteBigfoot Unity
Call Bigfoot Unity and ask them about your coverage. Talk to your Doctor to get a prescription.
551-244-3668 Bigfoot Unity WebsiteAdditional Resources
By Priorities
Active Lifestyle
Avoiding Highs and Lows
Comfort
Easy Insulin Dosing
Easy to Use
Fewer Fingersticks
Privacy
Cost & Coverage
Eversense
Freestyle Libre 2
Glucose Testing Supplies
Sensors
Transmitter (1 time purchase & Rechargeable)
Sensors
Receiver (1 time purchase)
Glucose Testing Cost Estimate
Startup Bridge Program $99.
This is a trial program and there are eligibility requirements that should be considered prior.
Eversense is covered by select insurers, including Cigna and Medicare.
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.
Medtronic 630G
Bigfoot Unity
Insulin Dosing Supplies
Pump
Insulin Cartridges
Infusion Sets
Pen caps
Needles
Sensors
Test strips
Lancets
Alcohol swabs
Insulin Dosing Cost Estimate
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.
Monthly mail-order package includes all the supplies needed, for a regular subscription price or insurance-covered copay with no upfront costs.