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

Overview

Meter & Pump

Meter & Omnipod

MeterOmnipod v3

Omnipod is the only tubeless pump option. The Omnipod controller is also a glucose meter.

Sensor & Pump

Eversense & Omnipod

EversenseOmnipod v3

The Eversense sensor is implanted under the skin, so you can be discrete when needed. Having a sensor and Omnipod pump, you have good info for how to make dosing decisions.

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

Priority: Overall

Overall
Get rid of the tubing.
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

Meter & 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 & 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.

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

Meter

Because there are so many options, and they don't have huge differences - the best thing to do is see what options your insurance companies will cover. The best way to find that out is through your doctor.

Walgreens

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

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

Must pause activity to check blood sugar
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
Because the sensor is under your skin, it won't get dislodged if it gets bumped
Don't need to find a place for pump in active wear

Avoiding Highs and Lows Avoiding Highs and Lows

Meters don't give as much blood sugar data as sensors do
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
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
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

Comfort Comfort

Have to carry meter supplies
No tubing
Pods need more tape than other infusion sets
Longest lasting sensor
Sensor needs to be changed by your doctor
No tubing
Pods need more tape than other infusion sets

Easy Insulin Dosing Easy Insulin Dosing

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
No interruption in insulin delivery (pods stay on when you shower and swim)
More customizable dosing than pens or syringes

Easy to Use Easy to Use

No info on blood sugar trends
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
Fewer parts than tubed pumps

Fewer Fingersticks Fewer Fingersticks

Frequent fingersticks are unavoidable
Daily fingersticks needed to calibrate sensor

Privacy Privacy

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

Cost & Coverage

Meter

Meter

Eversense

Eversense

Glucose Testing Supplies

Meter & Fingerpricker (1 time purchase)

Strips & Supplies

Sensors
Transmitter (1 time purchase & Rechargeable)

Glucose Testing Cost Estimate

Startup $0 to $60

Monthly $100

There are lots of different meters out there. It's worth seeing which are covered by insurance - they will cover some of the cost of the strips. Often your doctor can give you a meter for free, worth asking.

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

Omnipod

Omnipod

Insulin Dosing Supplies

Pods

Reader

Insulin

Pods

Reader

Insulin

Insulin Dosing Cost Estimate

Startup $5 to $1260 Monthly

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

Startup $5 to $1260 Monthly

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