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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

Freestyle Libre 14 day & Tandem

FreestyleTandem v3

These devices do not connect but they each have their merits. The Freestyle Libre is small and the Tandem is modern. The Tandem pump also allows you to bolus directly from a compatible iOS or Android smartphone.

The Freestyle Libre 14 day does not have high and low alerts. You get data only when you want it.

Sensor & Smart Pump

Tandem Control-IQ System

illo AID tConnect FitMaxWzkzMCwzMzZd

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
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

Freestyle Libre 14 day & 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.

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

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

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

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

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
Pump is watertight
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

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
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

Lowest profile sensor
Smallest tubed pump
Tubed pumps have the most infusion sets to pick from
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 pens or 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 and transmitter are one piece
Few steps to change sensor
Rechargeable pump battery
Pump has touchscreen
Sensor integrated with multiple devices in case you change up what you're using
Rechargeable pump battery
Pump has touchscreen

Fewer Fingersticks Fewer Fingersticks

Factory-calibrated sensor: fingersticks needed for backup only
Factory-calibrated sensor: fingersticks needed for backup only

Privacy Privacy

Needs scan from phone or controller to get blood sugar
Sensor is the smallest
Touchscreen of pump looks like normal tech device
Ability to bolus directly on compatible smartphone
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

Freestyle Libre 14 Day

Freestyle Libre 14 Day

Dexcom G6

Dexcom G6

Glucose Testing Supplies

Sensors

Reader (1 time purchase)

Sensors

Transmitter

Receiver (1 time purchase)

Glucose Testing Cost Estimate

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

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.

Tandem t:slim X2

Tandem t:slim X2

Tandem t:slim X2

Tandem t:slim X2

Insulin Dosing Supplies

Pump

Charger

Insulin Cartridges

Infusion Sites

Pump

Charger

Insulin Cartridges

Infusion Sites

Insulin Dosing Cost Estimate

Startup $5 to $6,995

Monthly $20 to $200

Startup $5 to $6,995

Monthly $20 to $200