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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
The Medtronic Guardian Connect is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system that provides real-time glucose data on a compatible smartphone. The system offers optional low and high blood sugar notifications and can be inserted on the abdomen or back of the upper arm.
MARD of 9.6%
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
Guardian Connect : Sensor
Sensor is inserted underneath the skin, either on the abdomen or arm. Push buttons applicator allows sensor to be placed on the body in one step.
Guardian Connect : Transmitter
Seashell-shaped with built-in Bluetooth capability that allows it to send glucose data directly to a smartphone every 5 minutes.
Guardian Connect : Receiver
Trends and alerts are viewed directly on a mobile device. Available for both iOS and Android devices.
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
One of the larger sensors, may be cumbersome to wear on some parts of the body under clothes.
This system is integrated and has a customizable settings. Many providers are familiar with Medtronic products.
Affordability and Access
$$$$
Sometimes covered. The costs vary depending on individual insurance coverage and how insurance classifies CGMs. Price range $0-$600/month.
$$$$
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
CGM data can be linked to a CareLink account and shared with the user's health care team.
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
The Guardian Connect mobile app allows users to view glucose levels, trends, create customizable alerts, and share blood glucose data with family and friends.
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
7 Days
Sensors last 7 days, and transmitter battery needs weekly charging and replacement once a year. Both can be stored between 36°F - 86°F.
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
YES 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
Waterproof transmitter when submerged in up to 2.5 meters of water for 30 minutes and must be within 20 feet of a connected mobile device.
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
Measures sensor glucose 24/7 and sends alerts when a high or low is detected. Trend arrows show the direction glucose is heading, with the rate of change.
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
More tape is needed for Medtronic sensors.
Somewhat comfortable. Medtronic sensors need more tape than other sensors. Largest pump option.
Easy Insulin Dosing
Sensor trends can be used for dose adjustment.
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
Rechargeable sensor transmitter but has the most steps to change sensor.
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
2 daily finger-sticks are needed to calibrate the sensor.
Factory-calibrated sensor. Fingersticks needed for backup only.
Privacy
Somewhat discreet. Ability to see sugar on watch or phone. Sensor requires regular meter use.
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.