pen Device
loop device v4

Summary

Insulin pens make insulin delivery more convenient than traditional vial/syringe options. Pens are small, portable, and more discrete to use in public. 

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.

Components

Insulin Pen : Bolus Insulin

Insulin Pen : Bolus Insulin

Bolus (fast-acting) insulin pen for meal time or high blood sugar correction.

Insulin Pen : Basal Insulin

Insulin Pen : Basal Insulin

Basal (long-acting) insulin pen for steady release of insulin that helps control blood sugar between meals, and overnight.

Insulin Pen : Needles

Insulin Pen : Needles

Disposable needle attaches to insulin pen for daily injections.

Loop : Pump

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

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

DIY Loop : Transmitter

RileyLink allows the pump and sensor to communicate. It is only required if a Medtronic pump is used.

Loop : Controller

Loop : Controller

Smartphone or smartwatch receives CGM readings and automatically adjusts insulin delivery via an Omnipod or Medtronic pump.

Device Details

Overview

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

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. 

Affordability and Access

$$$$
Widely covered for insulin-dependent type 1 and 2. Price range; 0-$1260/month depending on insurance coverage. 

$$$$
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.

Data Monitoring Options

No Options

Yes
Compatible with Tidepool - a web-based diabetes data management system. 

Data View Options

No Options

Yes
Data can be viewed on an iPhone. 

Duration and Storage

28 Days 
Can be kept at room temperature (not above 80º F) when in use for 28 days. Unopened insulin pens should be stored in the refrigerator (36ºF - 46ºF).

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.

Vision / Auditory / Dexterity

NO text to speech
NO 
vibration alerts
A LOT
of dexterity needed

NO text to speech
YES 
vibration alerts
A LOT
of dexterity needed

Patient Considerations

Active Lifestyle

No attachments to the body. Insulin pens are easy to use and do not remain attached to the body, allowing for a flexible and 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. 

Avoiding Highs and Lows

Limited customizability. Pens require manual dose adjustment and limit the ability to adjust basal insulin throughout the day. 

Automatically adjusts insulin delivery. Increases or decreases insulin delivery to meet glucose targets. Insulin delivery settings can be aggressive or conservative.

Comfort

Many components. Have to carry pen and pen needles but nothing attached to the body. 

Low-profile but extra device. Low profile/low maintenance sensor. The RileyLink is an extra device that must be carried.

Easy Insulin Dosing

More precise than syringes. Ability to measure doses using a dial, increasing accuracy. 

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.

Easy to Use

Simple but many steps. Attach a new needle, dial the correct dose, inject, and dispose of needle. 

Difficult set-up but easy to use. Software makes most dosing decisions. Requires many parts. Can be difficult to set up. 

Fewer Fingersticks

Frequent finger-sticks are required. 

Factory-calibrated sensor. Fingersticks needed for backup only.

Privacy

Hideable. Pens can be hidden when not in use but visible when in use. Frequent injections are unavoidable. 

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).