pen Device
twiist AID systempng

Summary

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

The twiist AID system was cleared by the FDA for use with CGMs that have received FDA designation as integrated continuous glucose monitors (iCGMs). As the twiist AID system gets closer to commercial availability, Sequel Med Tech will publicize the list of compatible CGM

*Recently FDA approved for people with type 1 diabetes ages 6 and up.

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.

twiist  : Pump

twiist : Pump

Pump can be worn with a pump clip, adhesive patch or in a pocket.

twiist  : Controller

twiist : Controller

Pump is controlled by the twiist app on an iPhone. Data from both the pump and CGM are viewable on the twiist app Home Screen.

Twiist  : Infusion Set

Twiist : Infusion Set

An infusion set contains the thin plastic tubing that delivers insulin from the pump to the body.

Device Details

Overview

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

This system automatically adjusts insulin delivery according to continuous glucose monitor (CGM) readings and predicted blood sugar levels. It is the first FDA-approved AID system with Apple Watch compatibility.

Affordability and Access

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

$$$$
No insurance coverage data. Anticipated to be provided through Pharmacy.  

Data Monitoring Options

No Options

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

Data View Options

No Options

Yes
Data is stored and can be viewed directly from the twiist app on the mobile device (iPhone), and can be linked to an Apple Watch for viewing data as well.

 

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. The reservoir holds 300 units and is disposable, and the pump can be used for up to 3 years.

Vision / Auditory / Dexterity

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

YES 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. 

Waterproof. The pump, when connected to the cassette, has a rating of IP28, indicating protection from continuous immersion in water. The pump can tolerate immersion to depths of up to 12 feet (3.7 m) for 1 hour.

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. Low profile with an adhesive design that prevents the pump from catching on other objects. 

Easy Insulin Dosing

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

Customizable. Can bolus from phone, smartwatch, or directly from the device without needing to be attached to your phone. The device also directly measures the volume (amount) and flow (speed) of insulin delivered with every micro-dose

Easy to Use

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

Watch compatible. The twiist AID system is the first FDA-approved AID system that can be directly controlled from an Apple Watch.

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. The pump is in two pieces - the top (algorithm and battery) and the bottom (insulin chamber and AVS technology)