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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 & 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 

Sensor & Inhaler

Dexcom G6 & Afrezza

afrezza and dexcom v3

If you don't like having stuff on your body but want glucose data at a glance, the Dexcom G6 comes factory-calibrated and requires no finger stick. Paired with the Afrezza inhaler, this is one of the more discreet combinations. 

Priority: Overall

Overall

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

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

Dexcom G6 & Afrezza

How can I get insurance approval for Afrezza?

If you have health insurance: visit Beyond Type 1 for more information on how your provider can send a prescription to the pharmacy that Mannkind works closely with, UBC Pharmacy: 

UBC Pharmacy LLC
4700 N Hanley Rd Ste B
Saint Louis, MO 63134
NPI: 1962978858
Fax: 866-750-9260
Phone: 844-323-7399

Anyone in the United States can use this pharmacy to fill an Afrezza prescription. 

If you don't have health insurance: visit Beyond Type 1 for more information on Mannkind's patient assistance program

For more information on cost: visit Mannkind - Paying for Your Afrezza.

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

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

Dexcom G6

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

1-888-738 3646 Dexcom Website

Afrezza

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

1-844-323-7399 Afrezza Website

Additional Resources

By Priorities

Active Lifestyle Active Lifestyle

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.
Sensor Share feature allows someone else to keep an eye on your blood sugar from the sidelines

Avoiding Highs and Lows Avoiding Highs and Lows

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
Custom alerts can be set for highs, lows, and rapidly rising or falling glucose levels
Inhalers are less precise than injections

Comfort Comfort

Low profile/low maintenance sensor
No tubing
Low profile/low maintenance sensor
Have to carry inhaler and cartridges

Easy Insulin Dosing Easy Insulin Dosing

Automatically adjusts insulin to reach targets you set
Will automatically revert to manual mode in certain situations
Can use sensor trends for dose adjustment

Easy to Use Easy to Use

Fewer parts than tubed pumps
Pods need more tape than other infusion sets
Sensor integrated with multiple devices in case you change up what you're using
Inhalers are faster and easier to use than injections

Fewer Fingersticks Fewer Fingersticks

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

Privacy Privacy

Alerts
Ability to see blood sugar on phone
Most hideable pump option
Ability to check sugar on phone or watch
Alerts
Inhalers are hideable when not in use

Cost & Coverage

Dexcom G6

Dexcom G6

Dexcom G6

Dexcom G6

Glucose Testing Supplies

Sensors

Transmitter

Receiver (1 time purchase)

Sensors

Transmitter

Receiver (1 time purchase)

Glucose Testing Cost Estimate

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.

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.

Omnipod

Omnipod

Afrezza

Afrezza

Insulin Dosing Supplies

Pods

Reader

Insulin

Inhaler & Cartridges (Monthly) 

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. Price range; 0-$99/month depending on insurance coverage. $35/month for medicare and commercial insurance plans.