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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 & Pump

Eversense & Tandem

EversenseTandem 1

The Eversense sensor is implanted under the skin, so you can be discrete when needed. Paired with the Tandem pump, you have the ability to easily dose your insulin as needed. The Tandem pump also allows you to bolus directly from a compatible iOS or Android smartphone.

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

 

Sensor & Smart Pump

Medtronic 780G Smart System

Medtronic780G v4

The MiniMed™ 780G hybrid closed-loop system adjusts your basal insulin levels based on personalized glucose targets (as low as 100 mg/dL). This system automatically corrects highs if carb counts are miscalculated or bolus is occasionally missed.

  • MiniMed 780G pump + Guardian 4 Sensor with Guardian™ Link 4 transmitter (Guardian™ Sensor 3 with Guardian™ Link 3 transmitter)

Priority: Overall

Overall
Data and dosing on the fly.

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 & Tandem

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 780G Smart 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.

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

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

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

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
Optional settings for exercise to adjust treatment ranges for activity with the press of a button
Don't need to find a place for pump in active wear
Can increase blood sugar target during activity
System responds to blood sugar changes during activity automatically
Pump is watertight

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
Pumps allow different amounts of basal insulin at different times of day and very precise dosing
Automatically adjusts insulin to reach targets you set
Auto bolus feature automatically corrects high blood sugar
Pump delivers correction doses if carb counts entered are not exact

Comfort Comfort

Longest lasting sensor
Sensor needs to be changed by your doctor
Smallest tubed pump
Tubed pumps have the most infusion sets to pick from
Medtronic sensors need more tape than other sensors
No extra device to carry (no RileyLink)
Largest pump
Longest wear infusion set available, up to 7 days

Easy Insulin Dosing Easy Insulin Dosing

Can use sensor trends for dose adjustment
More customizable dosing than pens or syringes
Automatically adjusts insulin to reach targets you set
Meal detection technology will automatically adjust and correct sugar levels every 5 minutes

Easy to Use Easy to Use

Sensor transmitter must be charged every day
Sensor changes far less often than other types, but your doctor must do it
Rechargeable pump battery
Pump has touchscreen
Software makes many dosing decisions for you
Requires fewer parts than do-it-yourself systems
Easier to keep automatic insulin dosing features working

Fewer Fingersticks Fewer Fingersticks

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

Privacy Privacy

Ability to see sugar on watch or phone
Sensor not movable on body
Sensor requires regular meter use
Touchscreen of pump looks like normal tech device
Ability to bolus directly on compatible smartphone
Pump has tubing
Alerts
Ability to see blood sugar on phone and smartwatch

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.

Tandem t:slim X2

Tandem t:slim X2

Medtronic 630G

Medtronic 630G

Insulin Dosing Supplies

Pump

Charger

Insulin Cartridges

Infusion Sites

Pump

Insulin Cartridges

Infusion Sets

Insulin Dosing Cost Estimate

Startup $5 to $6,995

Monthly $20 to $200

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.