logo
Please be advised that the site search and results are exclusively available in English only.
Disclaimer: We are working on translating our site into other languages. If you encounter any issues with the translations, please email us at diabeteswise@stanford.edu.

Return to previous step

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.

Print

Share your device finder report

Share your top 3 device combos with your friends, family, or diabetes care providers to get their advice or support. Or, send it to yourself for future reference!

Download
Disclaimer: All prices are in USD and are estimates only.

Overview

Sensor & Pump

Freestyle Libre 2 & Omnipod

FreestyleOmnipod v3

The Freestyle Libre 2 can alert you when you are high and low. You get data only when you want it. This combo is great for active people because it's waterproof and tubeless.

Sensor & Pump

Eversense & Medtronic Pump

EversenseMedtronic 1

The Eversense sensor is implanted under the skin, so you can be discrete when needed. Paired with the Medtronic pump, you have the ability to easily dose your insulin as needed.

Priority: Overall

Overall
Tubeless data and dosing.
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

Freestyle Libre 2 & 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.

Eversense & 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.

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

Omnipod

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

1-800-591-3455 Omnipod Website

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

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

Flat sensor transmitter fits easily under active wear and sports gear
Don't need to find a place for pump in active wear
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

Avoiding Highs and Lows Avoiding Highs and Lows

Faster and easier to check your glucose with this sensor versus with a meter
Pods stay on when showering and swimming so there are no gaps in insulin delivery
Pumps allow different amounts of basal insulin at different times of day and very precise dosing
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

Comfort Comfort

Lowest profile sensor
No tubing
Pods need more tape than other infusion sets
Longest lasting sensor
Sensor needs to be changed by your doctor
Largest pump
Tubed pumps have the most infusion sets to pick from

Easy Insulin Dosing Easy Insulin Dosing

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
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
Fewer parts than tubed pumps
Sensor transmitter must be charged every day
Sensor changes far less often than other types, but your doctor must do it
Supplies for this pump are the most widely available

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
Most hideable pump option
Requires visible controller to bolus
Ability to see sugar on watch or phone
Sensor not movable on body
Sensor requires regular meter use
Pump has tubing

Cost & Coverage

Freestyle Libre 2

Freestyle Libre 2

Eversense

Eversense

Glucose Testing Supplies

Sensors

Receiver (1 time purchase)

Sensors
Transmitter (1 time purchase & Rechargeable)

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 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.

Omnipod

Omnipod

Medtronic 630G

Medtronic 630G

Insulin Dosing Supplies

Pods

Reader

Insulin

Pump

Insulin Cartridges

Infusion Sets

Insulin Dosing Cost Estimate

Startup $5 to $1260 Monthly

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

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.