device syringe insulin
iLet device img

Summary

Traditional syringe and needle. The most affordable insulin delivery option. 

The iLet Bionic Pancreas is the first and only commercially-available, automated insulin delivery system that determines 100% of insulin doses without carb counting - offering better results with less work.

The iLet only needs a user's weight to get started. It then learns and adapts to the user's insulin needs based on their meal announcements and CGM data (Dexcom CGM or FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor).

Components

Syringe and Vial : Bolus Insulin

Syringe and Vial : Bolus Insulin

Bolus (fast-acting) insulin vial for meal time or high blood sugar correction.

Syringe and Vial : Basal Insulin

Syringe and Vial : Basal Insulin

Basal (long-acting) insulin vial for steady release of insulin that helps control blood sugar between meals, and overnight.

Syringe and Vial : Needles

Syringe and Vial : Needles

Classic syringes with plunger used to fill insulin for injection

Beta Bionics iLet Pancreas : Pump

Beta Bionics iLet Pancreas : Pump

Pump connects tubing to a small patch called an infusion set that attaches to the body.

Beta Bionics iLet Pancreas : Sensor

Beta Bionics iLet Pancreas : Sensor

Sensor is inserted underneath the skin, either on the abdomen or arm.

Beta Bionics iLet Pancreas : Controller

Beta Bionics iLet Pancreas : Controller

Pump receives CGM readings and automatically adjusts insulin delivery. Data from the pump and CGM viewable on compatible smartphones (iOS and Android)

Beta Bionics iLet Pancreas : Infusion Set

Beta Bionics iLet Pancreas : Infusion Set

An infusion set contains the thin plastic tubing that delivers insulin from the pump to the body.

Device Details

Overview

Nothing on the body when not in use but very visible when dosing. 

This system requires very little input from the physician or user.  It only requires the user to input their weight to get started (glucose targets can be adjusted). Instead of carb counting,* the iLet just needs an estimate of the carbs in your meal – Usual for me, More or Less. The iLet is paired with either a Dexcom CGM or the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor. 

*User must be carb aware.

Affordability and Access

$$$$
Syringes are available worldwide in pharmacies or DME without prescription. Price Range: $0-$300/month depending on insurance coverage.

$$$$
iLet and sensors are widely covered and provided by DME and pharmacy.  Sensor price range $0-$550/month. iLet cost dependant on your insurance for DME or Pharmacy.

Data Monitoring Options

No Options

Yes
iLet
Mobile App provides the ability to pull data from an iLet device to share with the Beta Bionics Cloud.

Data View Options

No Options

Yes
Users can view their iLet data directly on the pump or by using the iLet Mobile App. iLet users can share their data with friends, family, and caregivers through the Bionic Circle App.

Duration and Storage

28 Days 
Open vials can be stored at room temperature (not above 80º F) for up to 28 days. Unopened vials should be stored in the refrigerator (36ºF - 86ºF.) 

3-day pump up to 15 day sensor
Sensors last 10 or 15 days and transmitters last 90 and work at 50ºF – 108ºF. Pump can be used for up to 72 hrs, fully charged iLet will last for 4-5 days, and work between 36°F (2°C) to 86°F (30°C).

Vision / Auditory / Dexterity

NO text to speech
NO 
vibration alerts
A LOT
 dexterity for insertion

NO text to speech
YES 
vibration alerts
A LOT 
of dexterity needed

Patient Considerations

Active Lifestyle

Limited Adjustability. No way to adjust long-acting insulin for higher activity on the fly.

No exercise mode. Pump will continue to increase or decrease insulin dosing in response to changing CGM glucose levels as usual. However, insulin can be stopped at user's discretion. Pump is water resistant for up to 12 feet for 30 minutes. 

Avoiding Highs and Lows

Limited customizability. Requires a high level of engagement and effort to avoid highs and lows but can be paired with a CGM for improved blood sugar control. 

Auto basal and bolus insulin. The iLet makes the corrections for you. If you’re trending high, it will automatically give you more insulin to bring you back in range. If you’re trending low, it will reduce your current insulin dosage.

Comfort

Many components. Must carry insulin vials and large syringes but nothing attached to the body. 

Somewhat comfortable. Low maintenance sensor. Larger pump option.

Easy Insulin Dosing

Requires attention. You have to do the math to figure out your dose. Unable to adjust basal in real-time.

Meal announcement controller. User must be carb aware. The iLet calculates and doses 100% of the insulin throughout the day and night, allowing the user to focus on other things in their lives. Please note: even when you use the "Meal Announcement." your blood glucose levels could rise above 250 mg/dL for a few hours. You'll need to be comfortable letting the iLet regulate your blood glucose.

Easy to Use

Many steps. Requires effort to figure out doses and deliver insulin every single time you need it.

Easiest to Use. User weight is the only input required to start using the insulin pump. No carb counting *, correction factors, carb ratios, or pre-set basal rates required.

*User must be carb aware.

Fewer Fingersticks

Frequent finger-sticks are required. 

Factory-calibrated sensor. Fingersticks needed for backup only.

Privacy

Hideable. Vials and syringes can be hidden when not in use but very visible when in use. Frequent injections are unavoidable.

Discreet. Ability to check blood sugar on phone. Minimal pump interaction is required. Pump has tubing but can be clipped to clothing or placed in a pocket to be discreet when needed.