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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 2 & Medtronic Pump

FreestyleMedtronic

These devices do not connect but they each have their merits. The Freestyle Libre 2 can alert you when you are high and low. You get data only when you want it. The Medtronic pump is a sturdy and efficient pump.

Sensor & Pump

Medtronic Sensor & Tandem Pump

MedtronicTandem

With a pump and sensor you have a lot of manual control. The Tandem pump allows you to bolus directly from a compatible iOS or Android smartphone.

Priority: Overall

Overall
Data and dosing when and how you want.
Pump updates without changing devices.

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 2 & 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.

Medtronic Sensor & Tandem 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.

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 2

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

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

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 waterproof
Sensor Connect feature allows someone else to keep an eye on your blood sugar from the sidelines
Can adjust basal insulin for higher activity level

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
Sensor requires regular meter use
Pumps allow different amounts of basal insulin at different times of day and very precise dosing

Comfort Comfort

Lowest profile sensor
Largest pump
Tubed pumps have the most infusion sets to pick from
Medtronic sensors need more tape than other sensors
Tubed pumps have the most infusion sets to pick from
Smallest tubed pump

Easy Insulin Dosing Easy Insulin Dosing

Can use sensor trends for dose adjustment
More precise dosing than pens or syringes
More customizable dosing than pens or syringes
Can use sensor trends for dose adjustment
Bolus calculator available to help figure out doses
Offers smallest increments of basal insulin delivery

Easy to Use Easy to Use

Sensor and transmitter are one piece
Few steps to change sensor
Supplies for this pump are the most widely available
Rechargeable pump battery
Pump has touchscreen
Most steps to change sensor
Sensor transmitter is rechargeable

Fewer Fingersticks Fewer Fingersticks

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

Privacy Privacy

Needs scan from phone or controller to get blood sugar
Pump has tubing
Ability to see blood sugar on phone
Touchscreen of pump looks like normal tech device
Smallest tubed insulin pump
Ability to bolus directly on compatible smartphone

Cost & Coverage

Freestyle Libre 2

Freestyle Libre 2

Guardian Connect

Guardian Connect

Glucose Testing Supplies

Sensors

Receiver (1 time purchase)

Sensors

Transmitter

Glucose Testing Cost Estimate

Startup $200 to $404
Monthly $108 to $321
Libre 2 is covered by Medicare and most private insurers. Prices will vary based on coverage. If you don't have any coverage, this is the cheapest sensor.

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.

Medtronic 630G

Medtronic 630G

Tandem t:slim X2

Tandem t:slim X2

Insulin Dosing Supplies

Pump

Insulin Cartridges

Infusion Sets

Pump

Charger

Insulin Cartridges

Infusion Sites

Insulin Dosing Cost Estimate

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.

Startup $5 to $6,995

Monthly $20 to $200