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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
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.
Inhalable regular human insulin. Cartridges come in three doses: 4, 8, and 12-unit doses.
Components
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.
Afrezza : Inhaler
Small refillable inhaler contains a compartment for powdered insulin containing cartridges.
Afrezza : Cartridge
Cartridges come in three doses: 4, 8, and 12-unit doses. All color coded.
Device Details
Overview
This is a discreet pump option without tubing but will require a controller to dose.
Nothing on the body when not in use. Visible when dosing.
Affordability and Access
$$$$
Widely covered for insulin-dependent type 1 and 2. Pump can be provided by pharmacy or DME. Price range; 0-$200/month.
$$$$
Widely covered. Price range; 0-$99/month, depending on insurance coverage. $35/month for medicare and commercial insurance plans.
Data Monitoring Options
Yes
Pump data can be accessed by clinicians on Diasend by Glooko.
No Options
Data View Options
No Options
No Options
Duration and Storage
3 Days
Pod can be worn for up to 72 hours and work from 41ºF – 104ºF.
10 Days
Open cartridges last up to 10 days. Sealed cartridges may be stored in a refrigerator at 36°F - 46°F until the expiration date.
Vision / Auditory / Dexterity
NO text to speech
NO vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed
NO text to speech
NO vibration alerts
LITTLE dexterity needed
Patient Considerations
Active Lifestyle
Waterproof. Wear the Pod in the shower, in the pool, or in the ocean. The PDM is not waterproof and must be charged daily.
Body free of devices. Does not remain attached to the body.
Avoiding Highs and Lows
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.
Very short-acting. Absorbs quickly through the lungs to correct high blood sugar but requires attention to prevent lows.
Comfort
Free of tubing. Pods do not have tubes like traditional insulin pumps, allowing for more freedom of movement.
Many components. Have to carry multiple cartridges that can be bulky.
Easy Insulin Dosing
Customizable dosing. Basal and Bolus in 0.05 increments. No interruption in insulin delivery (pods stay on during bathing and swimming).
Less precise but easy dosing. Dosing may be less precise due to the inhaled method of dosing, but color-coded cartridges make dosing easier. Dosing can also be done based on small, medium, or large meals and can be administered 1-2 hours post meals.
Easy to Use
Fewer parts. The PDM has button navigation. Pod has fewer parts than tubed pumps.
Simple design. Whistle-like device for inhaling insulin.
Fewer Fingersticks
Frequent finger-sticks are required.
Frequent finger-sticks are required.
Privacy
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.
Hideable. Small, discreet, and portable device that's not as noticeable as injections.