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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.
The Medtronic Guardian Connect is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system that provides real-time glucose data on a compatible smartphone. The system offers optional low and high blood sugar notifications and can be inserted on the abdomen or back of the upper arm.
MARD of 9.6%
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.
Guardian Connect : Sensor
Sensor is inserted underneath the skin, either on the abdomen or arm. Push buttons applicator allows sensor to be placed on the body in one step.
Guardian Connect : Transmitter
Seashell-shaped with built-in Bluetooth capability that allows it to send glucose data directly to a smartphone every 5 minutes.
Guardian Connect : Receiver
Trends and alerts are viewed directly on a mobile device. Available for both iOS and Android devices.
Device Details
Overview
This is a discreet pump option without tubing but will require a controller to dose.
One of the larger sensors, may be cumbersome to wear on some parts of the body under clothes.
Affordability and Access
$$$$
Widely covered for insulin-dependent type 1 and 2. Pump can be provided by pharmacy or DME. Price range; 0-$200/month.
$$$$
Sometimes covered. The costs vary depending on individual insurance coverage and how insurance classifies CGMs. Price range $0-$600/month.
Data Monitoring Options
Yes
Pump data can be accessed by clinicians on Diasend by Glooko.
Yes
CGM data can be linked to a CareLink account and shared with the user's health care team.
Data View Options
No Options
Yes
The Guardian Connect mobile app allows users to view glucose levels, trends, create customizable alerts, and share blood glucose data with family and friends.
Duration and Storage
3 Days
Pod can be worn for up to 72 hours and work from 41ºF – 104ºF.
7 Days
Sensors last 7 days, and transmitter battery needs weekly charging and replacement once a year. Both can be stored between 36°F - 86°F.
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
Waterproof. Wear the Pod in the shower, in the pool, or in the ocean. The PDM is not waterproof and must be charged daily.
Waterproof transmitter when submerged in up to 2.5 meters of water for 30 minutes and must be within 20 feet of a connected mobile device.
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.
Measures sensor glucose 24/7 and sends alerts when a high or low is detected. Trend arrows show the direction glucose is heading, with the rate of change.
Comfort
Free of tubing. Pods do not have tubes like traditional insulin pumps, allowing for more freedom of movement.
More tape is needed for Medtronic sensors.
Easy Insulin Dosing
Customizable dosing. Basal and Bolus in 0.05 increments. No interruption in insulin delivery (pods stay on during bathing and swimming).
Sensor trends can be used for dose adjustment.
Easy to Use
Fewer parts. The PDM has button navigation. Pod has fewer parts than tubed pumps.
Rechargeable sensor transmitter but has the most steps to change sensor.
Fewer Fingersticks
Frequent finger-sticks are required.
2 daily finger-sticks are needed to calibrate the sensor.
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.
Somewhat discreet. Ability to see sugar on watch or phone. Sensor requires regular meter use.