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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
Insulin pens make insulin delivery more convenient than traditional vial/syringe options. Pens are small, portable, and more discrete to use in public.
V-Go is a convenient credit card-size patch pump that adheres to the skin and can be worn for 24 hours. This system is designed to be used with fast-acting insulin for people with type 2 diabetes who require 20, 30, or 40 units of insulin per day. Users can administer two units of insulin with every press of a button on the device. This device is a hybrid between injections and an insulin pump to allow for discreet dosing without the need for programming or multiple injections.
FDA-approved for people 21 years of age and older with type 2 diabetes.
Components
Insulin Pen : Bolus Insulin
Bolus (fast-acting) insulin pen for meal time or high blood sugar correction.
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
Disposable needle attaches to insulin pen for daily injections.
V-Go Patch : Patch
Wearable insulin patches come with reservoirs and directions for application. They can be applied on the abdomen.
Device Details
Overview
Nothing on the body when not in use. Noticeable when dosing.
Convenient, discreet, and simple use.
Affordability and Access
$$$$
Widely covered for insulin-dependent type 1 and 2. Price range; 0-$1260/month depending on insurance coverage.
$$$$
Widely covered for insulin-dependent type 2. Supplies provided by DME or pharmacy. Price range; $0-$250/Month.
Data Monitoring Options
No Options
No Options
Data View Options
No Options
No Options
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).
24-Hours
Patch can be worn for up to 24 hours and works in most temperatures (not for use in hot tubs, saunas, or freezing conditions). Does not require batteries or recharging.
Vision / Auditory / Dexterity
NO text to speech
NO vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed
NO text to speech
NO 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.
Limited Adjustability. No way to adjust long-acting insulin for higher activity on the fly, but the device is water-resistant.
Avoiding Highs and Lows
Limited customizability. Pens require manual dose adjustment and limit the ability to adjust basal insulin throughout the day.
Limited customizability. System requires manual dose adjustment and limits the ability to adjust insulin levels throughout the day.
Comfort
Many components. Have to carry pen and pen needles but nothing attached to the body.
Free of tubing. Patches do not have tubing, but it must be worn in areas that are easy to reach for insulin dosing.
Easy Insulin Dosing
More precise than syringes. Ability to measure doses using a dial, increasing accuracy.
Simple with few steps. 24-hour bolus range: up to 36 units per 24 hours, doses in 2-unit increments. Preset basal rate of 20, 30, or 40 units per 24 hours.
Easy to Use
Simple but many steps. Attach a new needle, dial the correct dose, inject, and dispose of needle.
Simple with few steps. Patch is replaced every 24-hours with insulin administered at the click of a button.
Fewer Fingersticks
Frequent finger-sticks are required.
Frequent finger-sticks are required.
Privacy
Hideable. Pens can be hidden when not in use but visible when in use. Frequent injections are unavoidable.
Hideable. Bulkier patch pump, but not as noticeable as injections. Bolus button can be used discreetly through clothing.