device syringe insulin
bigfootunity new

Summary

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

Connected smart caps that recommend insulin doses for people using multiple daily injections. This system combines the FreeStyle Libre 2 CGM with insulin pen smart caps to provide daily dose recommendations.

Participating in the Bigfoot Unity program requires an agreement between Bigfoot Biomedical and the health care provider. After establishing a contract, the prescribed Bigfoot supplies are delivered in a "one-stop-shop" directly to the patient's door each month. Information about the Bigfoot Unity program can be found on the Bigfoot Biomedical website. 

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

Bigfoot Unity  : Sensor

Bigfoot Unity : Sensor

Sensor uses a thin, flexible filament inserted just under the skin to measure glucose levels every minute.

Bigfoot Unity  : Controller

Bigfoot Unity : Controller

Smart cap displays dosing recommendations for manual insulin delivery through multiple daily injections.

Bigfoot Unity  : Receiver

Bigfoot Unity : Receiver

Smartcap is used to scan the sensor and displays dosage information directly on the screen and smart mobile device.

Device Details

Overview

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

Smart cap used for most disposable insulin pens with CGM integration. 

Affordability and Access

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

$$$$
Monthly mail-order package includes all the supplies needed, for a regular subscription price or insurance-covered copay with no upfront costs. 

Data Monitoring Options

No Options

Yes
Data from the iCGM and time-of-dose data from the smart caps are automatically uploaded to the cloud.

Data View Options

No Options

Yes
Data can be viewed on the Bigfoot Unity mobile app but dosage recommendations, glucose readings, and glucose trends will display directly on the smart cap.

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.) 

28-day pen 14-day sensor 
Sensor lasts for 14 days, insulin pen lasts for up to 28 days, smart cap is rechargeable. Sensor works between 50ºF - 113ºF and pens can be kept at room temperature for up to 28 days. 

Vision / Auditory / Dexterity

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

NO text to speech
NO 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.

Light on body. Pens are easy to use and do not remain attached to the body, senor is light on the body.

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. 

Limited customizability. System integrates the FreeStyle Libre 2 CGM for high/low alerts but requires manual dose adjustment and limits the ability to adjust basal insulin throughout the day. 

Comfort

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

Many components. Have to carry pens, smart caps, pen needles, and CGM is attached to the body. 

Easy Insulin Dosing

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

Dosing recommendations. Displays dosing recommendations and reminders for long-acting insulin. 

Easy to Use

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

Simple design. One-button device with easy to read display.

Fewer Fingersticks

Frequent finger-sticks are required. 

Factory-calibrated sensor. Finger sticks 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.

Hideable. Pens are portable but visible when in use. Frequent injections are unavoidable. Sensor is the smallest option available.