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
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 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
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.
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
Automatic applicator inserts sensor just under the surface of the skin and can be applied to many places on the body.
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
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 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
$$$$
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.
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
Yes
Compatible with Tidepool - a web-based diabetes data management system.
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
Yes
Data can be viewed on an iPhone.
Yes
Dexcom sensors permit remote monitoring. Wireless data uploads directly into Glooko® to support both in-person and remote patient care
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.
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
YES vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed
NO text to speech
YES vibration alerts
SOME 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.
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
Automatically adjusts insulin delivery. Increases or decreases insulin delivery to meet glucose targets. Insulin delivery settings can be aggressive or conservative.
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
Low-profile but extra device. Low profile/low maintenance sensor. The RileyLink is an extra device that must be carried.
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
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 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
Difficult set-up but easy to use. Software makes most dosing decisions. Requires many parts. Can be difficult to set up.
Smartphone Integration. Pod has fewer components to deal with than other pumps and can be fully controlled using a compatible smartphone.
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).
Discreet. Sensor allows for checking blood glucose on phone/smartwatch. Most discreet pump option with no visible controller required if using an Android smartphone.