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Select Device Freestyle Lingo Freestyle Libre 3 Freestyle Libre 2 Freestyle Libre 14 Day Dexcom G7 Dexcom G6 Dexcom Stelo Guardian Connect Medtronic Simplera Eversense Meter Omnipod Omnipod Dash Medtronic 780G Medtronic 630G Tandem t:slim X2 Bigfoot Unity Medtronic InPen Tempo Pen NovoPen 6/NovoPen Echo Insulin Pen Afrezza CeQur Simplicity Patch V-Go Patch Omnipod GO Patch Syringe and Vial Beta Bionics iLet Pancreas Control IQ with Dexcom Control IQ with Freestyle Libre Medtronic 780G with Smart Guard Omnipod 5 Tandem Mobi Tidepool Loop twiist DIY Loop Apple Series 6/7/8/9/10/SE (2nd Generation) Garmin vívosmart 5™ Garmin Venu Sq 2 Garmin Venu 3 Garmin vivoactive 5 Garmin Fenix 8 Garmin vivofit jr 3 Garmin Forerunner 165/265/965 Garmin epix (Gen 2) Garmin Enduro 3 Fitbit Ace LTE Fitbit Charge 6 Fitbit Inspire 3 Fitbit Versa/Versa 2/4/Versa Lite Fitbit Sense 2 Fitbit Luxe Google Pixel 2/3 Samsung Galaxy 4/5 Xiaomi Mi Band 9 Oura Ring Whoop 4.0 Withings ScanWatch 2 Withings ScanWatch Lite Pedometer 3D Pedometer
Summary
Loop is a DIY (do-it-yourself) system. It takes some work to set up but allows people to think about diabetes less by automating basal insulin delivery based on predicted glucose levels. This system can be used with the Dexcom G6 and the Omnipod or Medtronic pumps. Information about DIY Loop can be found on the Loop or Riley Link websites.
The Medtronic MiniMed™ 780G system is designed with SmartGuard™ technology, which can help with the occasionally missed meal or inexact carb counts. It provides automatic basal adjustments to manage glucose levels to a prespecified target (100 mg/dL [5.5 mmol/L], 110 mg/dL [6.1 mmol/L], or 120 mg/dL [6.7 mmol/L]) and auto correction bolus, every 5 minutes. The advanced hybrid closed-loop system uses current and past glucose trends from the Guardian™ 4 sensor to detect a rapid rise (e.g., a missed meal) in sensor glucose. No fingersticks required when the SmartGuard™ feature is active.
Components
Loop : Pump
The system is compatible with Omnipod (left) or Medtronic (right) pumps. Both options can be applied anywhere on the body that is comfortable.
Loop : Sensor
Automatic applicator inserts sensor just under the surface of the skin and can be applied to many places on the body.
DIY Loop : Transmitter
RileyLink allows the pump and sensor to communicate. It is only required if a Medtronic pump is used.
Loop : Controller
Smartphone or smartwatch receives CGM readings and automatically adjusts insulin delivery via an Omnipod or Medtronic pump.
Medtronic 780G : Pump
Pump connects tubing to a small patch called an infusion set that attaches to the body.
Medtronic 780G : Sensor
Sensor is inserted underneath the skin, either on the abdomen or arm.
Medtronic 780G : Controller
Pump receives CGM readings and automatically adjusts insulin delivery. Data from the pump and CGM viewable on compatible smartphones.
Medtronic 780G : Infusion Set
An infusion set contains the thin plastic tubing that delivers insulin from the pump to the body.
Device Details
Overview
This is a DIY (do-it-yourself) system that needs significant setup. It has the most flexibility in settings and device options. It also depends on a third device called a "Riley Link" to communicate between sensor, phone, and pump.
This system is integrated and has a customizable settings. Many providers are familiar with Medtronic products.
Affordability and Access
$$$$
Supplies can be covered for Omnipod or Medtronic pumps and Dexcom. Price range; $0-$8,574 to start and 0-$300/month. iPhone, app, and Riley link are not covered and must be set up independently. Riley link price range; $135-$165.
$$$$
Coverage information is not yet available. Price range; $0-10,769 to start and $0-$300/Month. Price range varies depending on insurance coverage.
Data Monitoring Options
Yes
Compatible with Tidepool - a web-based diabetes data management system.
Yes
CareLink connect is available for care partners with up to five people who can follow a pump user and receive high and low notifications to help keep everyone in the loop.
Data View Options
Yes
Data can be viewed on an iPhone.
Yes
Data is viewed on compatible smart devices through the MiniMed Mobile App. You can download and view pump or CGM data on CareLink.
Duration and Storage
3-day pump 10-day sensor
Sensors last 10 days and transmitters last 90, and work at 50ºF – 108ºF. Pods or pump reservoirs last for up to 72 hrs and work from 40ºF – 104ºF.
7-day pump 7-day sensor
Sensors last 7 days, transmitter needs weekly charging, store between 36 °F - 86 °F. Pump can be used for up to 7 days with the extended infusion set and works between 40ºF - 104ºF.
Vision / Auditory / Dexterity
NO text to speech
YES vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed
NO text to speech
YES vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed
Patient Considerations
Active Lifestyle
Automatic responses. Can set custom blood sugar targets and insulin and carb sensitivities based on type of activity. App automatically responds to blood sugar changes during activity. *Medtronic option is not waterproof. Omnipod option is fully waterproof.
Temp Target. Manually increase blood sugar target range to 150 mg/dl during activity. Temp target can run 30 minutes to 24 hours in 30-minute increments. Auto corrections are disabled. The pump is not waterproof.
Avoiding Highs and Lows
Automatically adjusts insulin delivery. Increases or decreases insulin delivery to meet glucose targets. Insulin delivery settings can be aggressive or conservative.
Customizable auto-bolus. Auto-correct bolus corrects highs if carb counts are miscalculated or bolus is occasionally missed. The system aims to maintain a target blood glucose level between 100 mg/dL and 120 mg/dL depending on personalized target glucose settings. Auto-bolus is available every 5 minutes to correct blood sugar between 100 mg/dL and 120 mg/dL (12 corrections per hour). Automatic insulin delivery settings are adjustable.
Comfort
Low-profile but extra device. Low profile/low maintenance sensor. The RileyLink is an extra device that must be carried.
Somewhat comfortable. Medtronic sensors need more tape than other sensors. Largest pump option.
Easy Insulin Dosing
All settings are completely customizable. Can bolus from phone or smartwatch. Can operate “open-loop” where the user must enact insulin delivery based on recommendations or “closed-loop” where modifications to insulin delivery are automatically delivered.
Automatically adjusts settings. Automatically adjusts insulin to reach personalized target between 100 mg/dL and 120 mg/dL. Will automatically revert to manual mode in certain situations. Basal and bolus in 0.025 increments. Extended bolus unavailable when using automated insulin delivery mode.
Easy to Use
Difficult set-up but easy to use. Software makes most dosing decisions. Requires many parts. Can be difficult to set up.
Easy software. Software makes many dosing decisions. Can be difficult to keep automatic insulin dosing features working. Requires fewer parts than do-it-yourself systems.
Fewer Fingersticks
Factory-calibrated sensor. Fingersticks needed for backup only.
Factory-calibrated sensor. Fingersticks needed for backup only.
Privacy
Discreet. Ability to give insulin via watch or phone. Ability to check sugar on phone or watch. Alerts available. *Medtronic pump has tubing. Omnipod is most hideable pump option (no tubes or separate controller needed).
Somewhat discrete. Ability to check blood sugar on phone or watch. Pump has tubing but can be clipped to clothing or placed in a pocket to be discreet when needed.