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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 & Injections

Eversense & Pen

EversensePen v3

The Eversense is implanted under the skin, so you can hide your devices easier. Some pens have the ability to track insulin doses on a smart phone.

*You will need an iPhone to use the Eversense sensor.

Sensor & Injections

Dexcom G7 & Pen

Dexcom G7+Pen

If you don't like having stuff on your body but want glucose data at a glance, the Dexcom G7 comes factory-calibrated, with a shortened warm-up time, and requires no finger stick. Some pens have the ability to track insulin doses on a smartphone.

Priority: Overall

Overall
Glucose data incognito
Continuous numbers, less gear.

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

Eversense & Pen

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.

Dexcom G7 & Pen

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.

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 Website

Insulin Pen

Ask your provider about a insulin pen prescription. Learn which is covered.

Insulin Pen Overview

Dexcom G7

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

1-888-738 3646 Dexcom Website

Insulin Pen

Ask your provider about a insulin pen prescription. Learn which is covered.

Insulin Pen Overview

Additional Resources

By Priorities

Active Lifestyle Active Lifestyle

Because the sensor is under your skin, it won't get dislodged if it gets bumped
No way to adjust long acting insulin for higher activity on the fly
Sensor Share feature allows someone else to keep an eye on your blood sugar from the sidelines
Can use sensor trends for dose adjustment

Avoiding Highs and Lows Avoiding Highs and Lows

Only sensor that vibrates on your skin to alert for high or low blood sugars; alerts work even when smart phone isn't close by
Syringes and pens limit your ability to adjust insulin throughout the day
Custom alerts can be set for highs, lows, and rapidly rising or falling glucose levels
Syringes and pens limit your ability to adjust insulin throughout the day

Comfort Comfort

Longest lasting sensor
Sensor needs to be changed by your doctor
Have to carry pens and pen needles
Low profile/low maintenance sensor
Have to carry pens and pen needles

Easy Insulin Dosing Easy Insulin Dosing

Can use sensor trends for dose adjustment
More precise dosing than syringes
Can use sensor trends for dose adjustment
More precise dosing than syringes

Easy to Use Easy to Use

Sensor transmitter must be recharged every day
Sensor changes far less often than other types, but your doctor must do it
Pens are faster and easier to use than syringes
Pens are faster and easier to use than syringes
Shortest sensor warm-up time
Sensor and transmitter are one piece
12-hour grace period allows you to swap sensors when convenient for you

Fewer Fingersticks Fewer Fingersticks

Daily fingersticks needed to calibrate sensor
Factory-calibrated sensor: fingersticks needed for backup only

Privacy Privacy

Pens are low profile
Ability to see sugar on watch or phone
Sensor not movable on body
Ability to check sugar on phone or watch
Pens are low profile
Alerts
Small sensor

Cost & Coverage

Eversense

Eversense

Dexcom G7

Dexcom G7

Glucose Testing Supplies

Sensors
Transmitter (1 time purchase & Rechargeable)

Sensors

Receiver (1-time purchase) - not required 

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 $80 to $239

Monthly less than $40

These prices vary by Insurance. It may be covered under durable medical goods or a pharmacy benefit.

Insulin Pen

Insulin Pen

Insulin Pen

Insulin Pen

Insulin Dosing Supplies

Pen (thats it!)

Pen (thats it!)

Insulin Dosing Cost Estimate

Monthly $5 to $1260

The total cost depends on the amount of pens you use which is dependent on how much insulin you use.

Monthly $5 to $1260

The total cost depends on the amount of pens you use which is dependent on how much insulin you use.