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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
NovoPen 6 & NovoPen Echo Plus provides the smart addition of a personal injection log. Both pens are compatible with Novo Nordisk insulins in Penfill 3 ml cartridges and work with NovoFine single-use disposable needles. You can transfer your insulin dosing information from your smart pen to your device using the app.
The OmniPod is the only tubeless pump option. A Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM) is used to give insulin doses to the pod, which remains attached to the body. This pump is one of few that is completely waterproof.
Components
NovoPen 6/NovoPen Echo : Sensor
Sensor uses a thin, flexible filament inserted just under the skin to measure glucose levels every 5 minutes. Push-button applicator allows sensor to be placed on the body in one step.
NovoPen 6/NovoPen Echo : Controller
Smart pen records daily injections and sends them to the compatible app by tapping the device with a compatible smartphone.
NovoPen 6/NovoPen Echo : Receiver
Smart pen and sensor readings displays dosage information directly on smart mobile device.
Omnipod : Pump
Pods come with reservoirs and directions for application. They can be applied anywhere on the body that is comfortable.
Omnipod : Reservoir
Fill reservoir is enclosed with the Pod and used to manually fill the Pod with insulin.
Omnipod : Controller
Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM) is used to give insulin doses to the pod.
Device Details
Overview
Discreet and modern option for people using multiple daily injections.
This is a discreet pump option without tubing but will require a controller to dose.
Affordability and Access
$$$$
Sometimes covered. NovoPens are covered by some commercial insurance companies; typically, users pay $21 out-of-pocket copays for the eight-month device. Prices range from $0- $78. For those without any insurance coverage, a single pen price is $78.
$$$$
Widely covered for insulin-dependent type 1 and 2. Pump can be provided by pharmacy or DME. Price range; 0-$200/month.
Data Monitoring Options
Yes
Hold the dose memory of the pen straight against the Near Field Communication (NFC) spot on your device. Wait while your injection details are automatically transferred to a compatible app on your device. Compatible with multiple data monitoring platforms, including Glooko, MySugr, and Dose Check.
Yes
Pump data can be accessed by clinicians on Diasend by Glooko.
Data View Options
Yes
Dose-related data can be viewed on the NovoPen 6 & NovoPen Echo apps.
No Options
Duration and Storage
28-day pen (Compatible with 10-day or 14-day sensor)
Sensor lasts for 10-14 days depending on the brand, insulin pen lasts for up to 28 days. Pen has 800-injection dose memory and a five-year battery life. Sensor works between 50ºF - 113ºF and pens can be kept at room temperature for up to 28 days.
3 Days
Pod can be worn for up to 72 hours and work from 41ºF – 104ºF.
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
Light on body. Pens are easy to use and do not remain attached to the body, senor is light on the body.
Waterproof. Wear the Pod in the shower, in the pool, or in the ocean. The PDM is not waterproof and must be charged daily.
Avoiding Highs and Lows
Limited customizability. System integrates the Dexcom G6/G7 or Libre CGM for high or low alerts but requires manual dose adjustment and limits the ability to adjust insulin levels throughout the day.
Personalized dosing. Pods can deliver personalized doses of rapid-acting insulin based on the rates programmed into the Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM) device. The ability to set zero basal rates is not available.
Comfort
Many components. Have to carry pens and pen needles. CGM is attached to the body.
Free of tubing. Pods do not have tubes like traditional insulin pumps, allowing for more freedom of movement.
Easy Insulin Dosing
NovoPen 6: The maximum dose is 60 units, and doses increase in 1-unit increments. NovoPen Echo Plus: The maximum dose is 30 units, and doses increase in 0.5-unit increments
Customizable dosing. Basal and Bolus in 0.05 increments. No interruption in insulin delivery (pods stay on during bathing and swimming).
Easy to Use
Simple design. Replaces regular insulin pen. No additional devices to add on.
Fewer parts. The PDM has button navigation. Pod has fewer parts than tubed pumps.
Fewer Fingersticks
Factory-calibrated sensor. Finger sticks needed for backup only.
Frequent finger-sticks are required.
Privacy
Hideable. Pens are portable but visible when in use. Frequent injections are unavoidable. View recommendations and data on a smartphone.
Somewhat discreet. The pod attaches directly to the body with no tubing, but the pod is bigger than an infusion set. Pod does not have vibrate option.