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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 & Pump

Freestyle Libre 14 day & Medtronic Pump

FreestyleMedtronic

These devices do not connect, but they each have their merits. The Freestyle Libre 14 days can be scanned for blood glucose readings with a reader or smartphone. You get data only when you want it. The Medtronic pump is sturdy and efficient.

Priority: Overall

Overall
Glucose data incognito

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.

Freestyle Libre 14 day & 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.

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

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

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

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
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

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
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
No sensor alerts

Comfort Comfort

Longest lasting sensor
Sensor needs to be changed by your doctor
Have to carry pens and pen needles
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
More precise dosing than syringes
Can use sensor trends for dose adjustment
More precise dosing than pens or 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
Sensor and transmitter are one piece
Few steps to change sensor
Supplies for this pump are the most widely available

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
Needs scan from phone or controller to get blood sugar
Sensor is the smallest
Pump has tubing

Cost & Coverage

Eversense

Eversense

Freestyle Libre 14 Day

Freestyle Libre 14 Day

Glucose Testing Supplies

Sensors
Transmitter (1 time purchase & Rechargeable)

Sensors

Reader (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.

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

Insulin Pen

Insulin Pen

Medtronic 630G

Medtronic 630G

Insulin Dosing Supplies

Pen (thats it!)

Pump

Insulin Cartridges

Infusion Sets

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.

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.