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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 & Smart Pump

Medtronic 780G Smart System

Medtronic780G v4

The MiniMed™ 780G hybrid closed-loop system adjusts your basal insulin levels based on personalized glucose targets (as low as 100 mg/dL). This system automatically corrects highs if carb counts are miscalculated or bolus is occasionally missed.

  • MiniMed 780G pump + Guardian 4 Sensor with Guardian™ Link 4 transmitter (Guardian™ Sensor 3 with Guardian™ Link 3 transmitter)

Priority:

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

Medtronic 780G Smart System

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.

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.

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

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

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.
Can increase blood sugar target during activity
System responds to blood sugar changes during activity automatically
Pump is watertight

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
Automatically adjusts insulin to reach targets you set
Auto bolus feature automatically corrects high blood sugar
Pump delivers correction doses if carb counts entered are not exact

Comfort Comfort

Low profile/low maintenance sensor
No tubing
Medtronic sensors need more tape than other sensors
No extra device to carry (no RileyLink)
Largest pump
Longest wear infusion set available, up to 7 days

Easy Insulin Dosing Easy Insulin Dosing

Automatically adjusts insulin to reach targets you set
Will automatically revert to manual mode in certain situations
Automatically adjusts insulin to reach targets you set
Meal detection technology will automatically adjust and correct sugar levels every 5 minutes

Easy to Use Easy to Use

Fewer parts than tubed pumps
Pods need more tape than other infusion sets
Software makes many dosing decisions for you
Requires fewer parts than do-it-yourself systems
Easier to keep automatic insulin dosing features working

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
Pump has tubing
Alerts
Ability to see blood sugar on phone and smartwatch

Wisdom

Cost & Coverage

Dexcom G6

Dexcom G6

Guardian Connect

Guardian Connect

Glucose Testing Supplies

Sensors

Transmitter

Receiver (1 time purchase)

Sensors

Transmitter

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 $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.

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.