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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

Medtronic Sensor & Medtronic Pump

MedtronicMedtronic 2

The Medtronic sensor and pump communicate with each other, so there's no need to keep track of a separate sensor receiver.

Sensor & Smart Pump

Omnipod 5 Smart System

illo AID OmnipodDash v2

The Omnipod 5 closed-loop system adjusts your basal insulin levels up and down based on predicted glucose levels. 

  • Omnipod + Dexcom Sensor 

Priority: Overall

Overall
A perfect match.

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

Medtronic Sensor & 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.

Omnipod 5 Smart System

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.

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.

Where can I find information about financial assistance for Omnipod 5?

The Omnipod Financial Assistance Program was created to help cover your Omnipod costs during financial challenges. More information is available on: https://www.omnipod.com/is-omnipod-right-for-me/coverage/financial-assistance. As a general reference: • The majority of Omnipod 5 customers pay $50 or less per month • Over 70% of Omnipod 5 customers pay $50 or less per month • More than a third of Omnipod 5 Customers pay $0 per month • More than half of Omnipod 5 customers pay $1 or less per day • Over 38% of Omnipod 5 customers pay $1 or less per Pod • More than a third of Omnipod 5 customers pay $1 or less per Pod

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

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

Dexcom G6

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

1-888-738 3646 Dexcom 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

Sensor Connect 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
Can increase blood sugar target during activity
System responds to blood sugar changes during activity automatically
Don't need to find a place for pump in active wear
Sensor Share feature allows someone else to keep an eye on your blood sugar from the sidelines
Continuous numbers, less gear.

Avoiding Highs and Lows Avoiding Highs and Lows

Combo will reduce or suspend insulin to prevent lows
Pumps allow different amounts of basal insulin at different times of day and very precise dosing
Custom alerts can be set for highs, lows, and rapidly rising or falling glucose levels
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

Medtronic sensors need more tape than other sensors
Largest pump
Tubed pumps have the most infusion sets to pick from
Low profile/low maintenance sensor
No tubing

Easy Insulin Dosing Easy Insulin Dosing

Can use sensor trends for dose adjustment
Combo will suspend insulin if it predicts you're going to go low
More customizable dosing than pens or syringes
Automatically adjusts insulin to reach targets you set
Will automatically revert to manual mode in certain situations

Easy to Use Easy to Use

Sensor transmitter is rechargeable
Most steps to change sensor
Supplies for this pump are the most widely available
Fewer parts than tubed pumps
Pods need more tape than other infusion sets

Fewer Fingersticks Fewer Fingersticks

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

Privacy Privacy

Sensor requires regular meter use
Pump has tubing
Ability to see blood sugar on phone and smartwatch
Alerts
Ability to see blood sugar on phone
Most hideable pump option

Cost & Coverage

Guardian Connect

Guardian Connect

Dexcom G6

Dexcom G6

Glucose Testing Supplies

Sensors

Transmitter

Sensors

Transmitter

Receiver (1 time purchase)

Glucose Testing Cost Estimate

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.

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.

Medtronic 630G

Medtronic 630G

Omnipod

Omnipod

Insulin Dosing Supplies

Pump

Insulin Cartridges

Infusion Sets

Pods

Reader

Insulin

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 $1260 Monthly

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