afrezza device
device OmniDash5 copy

Summary

Inhalable regular human insulin. Cartridges come in three doses: 4, 8, and 12-unit doses.

The first FDA-approved tubeless, waterproof pump that can be controlled entirely from a compatible Android smartphone. The system combines the Omnipod patch pump with the Dexcom continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to automatically adjust insulin delivery in response to glucose trends. It's easy to use and allows bolus dosing directly from a compatible smartphone.

Components

Afrezza : Inhaler

Afrezza : Inhaler

Small refillable inhaler contains a compartment for powdered insulin containing cartridges.

Afrezza : Cartridge

Afrezza : Cartridge

Cartridges come in three doses: 4, 8, and 12-unit doses. All color coded.

Omnipod 5 : Pump

Omnipod 5 : Pump

Pods come with reservoirs and directions for application. They can be applied anywhere on the body that is comfortable.

Omnipod 5 : Sensor

Omnipod 5 : Sensor

Automatic applicator inserts sensor just under the surface of the skin and can be applied to many places on the body.

Omnipod 5 : Controller

Omnipod 5 : Controller

The Controller or a compatible smartphone allows the user to control the Pod using the Omnipod 5 App. Compatible smartphone can be used to view and administer boluses via the Omnipod 5 app.

Device Details

Overview

Nothing on the body when not in use. Visible when dosing. 

This system includes a wearable, tubeless insulin Pod controlled by the Omnipod App on a compatible smartphone or a smartphone-like Insulet-provided Controller.

Affordability and Access

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

$$$$
Widely covered for insulin-dependent type 1 and 2. Supplies for Pump and Sensor provided by Pharmacy and/or DME suppliers. Projected price range; $5-$1260 to start and 0-$200/month.

Data Monitoring Options

No Options

Yes
Insulet Provided Glooko® is a data management platform that provides clear, actionable insights. Wireless data uploads directly into Glooko® to support both in-person and remote patient care.

Data View Options

No Options

Yes
Dexcom sensors permit remote monitoring. Wireless data uploads directly into Glooko® to support both in-person and remote patient care

Duration and Storage

10 Days
Open cartridges last up to 10 days. Sealed cartridges may be stored in a refrigerator at 36°F - 46°F until the expiration date.

3-day pump 10-day sensor
Sensors last 10 days and transmitters last 90 and work at 50ºF – 108ºF. Under normal circumstances, your body temperature keeps the Pod within a range of 73°F and 98.6°F

Vision / Auditory / Dexterity

NO text to speech
NO 
vibration alerts
LITTLE
 dexterity needed

NO text to speech
YES vibration alerts
SOME dexterity needed

Patient Considerations

Active Lifestyle

Body free of devices. Does not remain attached to the body.

Activity. Target glucose is set to 150 mg/dl. Automated insulin delivery is decreased ~50%. The maximum insulin delivery is deceased. Activity mode can be run for 1-24 hours. Wear the Pod in the shower, in the pool, or in the ocean. The Controller is not waterproof and must be charged daily.

Avoiding Highs and Lows

Very short-acting. Absorbs quickly through the lungs to correct high blood sugar but requires attention to prevent lows. 

Automated Mode uses insulin delivery history and sensor glucose value and trend to automatically increase, decrease, and pause insulin delivery based on current and predicted glucose values using a customizable glucose target.

Comfort

Many components. Have to carry multiple cartridges that can be bulky. 

Low profile & no tubing. Low profile sensor and Omnipod has no tubing but may require more adhesive on the body than other pumps.

Easy Insulin Dosing

Less precise but easy dosing. Dosing may be less precise due to the inhaled method of dosing, but color-coded cartridges make dosing easier. Dosing can also be done based on small, medium, or large meals and can be administered 1-2 hours post meals. 

Automatically adjusts dosing. Sensor trends feed into Pods' customizable dose adjustments and there are no interruptions in insulin delivery. You can set a target between 110 mg/dL – 150 mg/dL in 10 mg/dL increments. Basal and bolus in 0.05 increments. Extended bolus unavailable when using automated insulin delivery mode. 

Easy to Use

Simple design. Whistle-like device for inhaling insulin.

Smartphone Integration. Pod has fewer components to deal with than other pumps and can be fully controlled using a compatible smartphone. 

Fewer Fingersticks

Frequent finger-sticks are required. 

Factory-calibrated sensor. Fingersticks needed for backup only.

Privacy

Hideable. Small, discreet, and portable device that's not as noticeable as injections. 

Discreet. Sensor allows for checking blood glucose on phone/smartwatch. Most discreet pump option with no visible controller required if using an Android smartphone.