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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 & Syringe

EversenseSyringe v2

The Eversense is implanted under the skin, so you can hide your devices easier.

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

Sensor & Pump

Medtronic Sensor & Omnipod

MedtronicOmnipod v3

Omnipod is the only tubeless pump option. With a pump and sensor you have a lot of manual control.

Priority: Overall

Overall
Simple. Reliable.
Tubeless data and dosing.

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 & 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.

Medtronic Sensor & Omnipod

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

Syringe and Vial

Understand your cost at your local pharmacy.

Insulin Cost Overview

Guardian Connect

Call Medtronic and ask them about how much it will cost with your insurance coverage. Talk to your Doctor to get a prescription.

1-800-646 4633 Medtronic Website

Omnipod

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

1-800-591-3455 Omnipod 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
Sensor Connect feature allows someone else to keep an eye on your blood sugar from the sidelines
Don't need to find a place for pump in active wear

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
Sensor requires regular meter use
Pumps allow different amounts of basal insulin at different times of day and very precise dosing
Pods stay on when showering and swimming so there are no gaps in insulin delivery

Comfort Comfort

Longest lasting sensor
Sensor needs to be changed by your doctor
Have to carry syringes and insulin
Medtronic sensors need more tape than other sensors
No tubing
Pods need more tape than other infusion sets

Easy Insulin Dosing Easy Insulin Dosing

Can use sensor trends for dose adjustment
You have to do the math to figure out your dose
Can use sensor trends for dose adjustment
No interruption in insulin delivery (pods stay on when you shower and swim)
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
Many steps to figure out doses and deliver insulin every single time you need it
Sensor transmitter is rechargeable
Most steps to change sensor
Fewer parts than tubed pumps

Fewer Fingersticks Fewer Fingersticks

Daily fingersticks needed to calibrate sensor
Daily fingersticks needed to calibrate sensor

Privacy Privacy

Ability to see sugar on watch or phone
Sensor not movable on body
Syringes are hideable when not in use but very visible when in use
Sensor requires regular meter use
Ability to see blood sugar on phone
Most hideable pump option
Requires visible controller to bolus

Cost & Coverage

Eversense

Eversense

Guardian Connect

Guardian Connect

Glucose Testing Supplies

Sensors
Transmitter (1 time purchase & Rechargeable)

Sensors

Transmitter

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 $69 to $206

Monthly $32 to $97

These prices vary by Insurance. If you call Medtronic they will start a process to check exactly how much your costs will be. Generally Medtronic pumps and sensors are covered by private insurance and medicare. It may be covered under durable medical goods or a pharmacy benefit.

Syringe and Vial

Syringe and Vial

Omnipod

Omnipod

Insulin Dosing Supplies

Syringe ~$30 (Monthly)

Insulin $5 to $500 (Monthly)

Pods

Reader

Insulin

Insulin Dosing Cost Estimate

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

Startup $5 to $1260 Monthly

Omnipod is now covered by Medicare and Medicaid as well as most private insurers.