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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 & Smart Pump

Tandem Control-IQ System

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Control-IQ technology is an advanced hybrid closed-loop system that automatically adjusts insulin in response to predicted glucose levels to help increase time in the target range (70-180 mg/dL).

  • t:slim X2™ insulin pump with Control-IQ™ technology + Dexcom G6 & G7

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

 

Priority: Overall

Overall
Glucose data incognito
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

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.

Tandem Control-IQ System

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.

How does a smart system work?

Automated insulin delivery systems usually have three parts: a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), an insulin pump, and an algorithm, which is the brain. It makes many dosing decisions for you with less button pushing. The system senses your blood sugar level and adjusts insulin delivery automatically.

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

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 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

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
Pump is watertight
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

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
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

Comfort Comfort

Longest lasting sensor
Sensor needs to be changed by your doctor
Have to carry pens and pen needles
Tubed pumps have the most infusion sets to pick from
Low profile/low maintenance sensor
Smallest tubed pump

Easy Insulin Dosing Easy Insulin Dosing

Can use sensor trends for dose adjustment
More precise dosing than syringes
Combo will suspend insulin if it predicts you're going to go low
Can use sensor trends for dose adjustment
More customizable 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 integrated with multiple devices in case you change up what you're using
Rechargeable pump battery
Pump has touchscreen

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
Alerts
Touchscreen of pump looks like normal tech device
Ability to bolus directly on compatible smartphone

Cost & Coverage

Eversense

Eversense

Dexcom G6

Dexcom G6

Glucose Testing Supplies

Sensors
Transmitter (1 time purchase & Rechargeable)

Sensors

Transmitter

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 $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.

Insulin Pen

Insulin Pen

Tandem t:slim X2

Tandem t:slim X2

Insulin Dosing Supplies

Pen (thats it!)

Pump

Charger

Insulin Cartridges

Infusion Sites

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.

Startup $5 to $6,995

Monthly $20 to $200