Meter
device OmniDash5 copy

Summary

Good to have. Tried and true. Backup or day to day. Fingersticks required.

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

Generic Meter : Lancets

Generic Meter : Lancets

Tiny needle called a lancet is used to poke the skin (on a finger or on your arm) to get a small sample of blood. The lancing device is packaged with the glucometer.

Generic Meter : Test Strips

Generic Meter : Test Strips

The strips work with the glucose meters to “read” blood sugar levels. One box of test trips usually contains between 25-50 single use strips.

Meter : Glucometer

Meter : Glucometer

The meter measures the amount of sugar in the small sample of blood that is placed on the disposable test strip. Most CGMs require testing blood sugar with a meter to calibrate the CGM device daily.

Omnipod 5 : 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

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

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

Good to have. Tried and true. Backup or day to day. Finger-sticks required.

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

$$$$
Most accessible. Available over the counter at all Pharmacies. Price range; $0-$200/month depending on insurance coverage.

$$$$
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

Limited Options
Data is available directly on the device. Some meters may be compatible with the Tidepool 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 may be viewed directly on the device. Some meters contain a built-in USB connection that allows information to be uploaded to a data management system. 

Yes
Dexcom sensors permit remote monitoring. Wireless data uploads directly into Glooko® to support both in-person and remote patient care

Duration and Storage

Daily
Meters can last several years with battery changes/charging, they're used daily and work between 65ºF-86°F

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
NO 
vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed

NO text to speech
YES vibration alerts
SOME dexterity needed

Patient Considerations

Active Lifestyle

Must pause activity to check blood sugar.

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

Less data. Meters don't give as much blood sugar data as sensors do and require a high level of engagement and effort to avoid highs and lows.

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

Meter supplies carried and requires visible blood.

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

Limited features. No info on blood sugar trends.

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

Large display. Device typically has large display numbers for easier readouts, and it's very simple to operate.

Smartphone Integration. Pod has fewer components to deal with than other pumps and can be fully controlled using a compatible smartphone. 

Fewer Fingersticks

Frequent fingersticks are unavoidable.

Factory-calibrated sensor. Fingersticks needed for backup only.

Privacy

No attached device for blood glucose monitoring. 

Discreet. Sensor allows for checking blood glucose on phone/smartwatch. Most discreet pump option with no visible controller required if using an Android smartphone.