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Diabetes Device Choices

This is a personalized report of your diabetes device recommendations and choices. This report is a guide not a clinical recommendation. It's a guide based on your input, the best advice from Standford and the first hand knowledge of the T1 Community at DiabetesWise.org.

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Disclaimer: All prices are in USD and are estimates only.

Overview

Sensor & Pump

Eversense & Tandem

EversenseTandem 1

The Eversense sensor is implanted under the skin, so you can be discrete when needed. Paired with the Tandem pump, you have the ability to easily dose your insulin as needed. The Tandem pump also allows you to bolus directly from a compatible iOS or Android smartphone.

*You will need an iPhone to use the Eversense sensor.

 

Sensor & Injections

Dexcom G7 & Syringe

Dexcom7Syringe v3

The Dexcom G7 is low maintenance and low profile.

Priority: Overall

Overall
Data and dosing on the fly.

Next Steps Next Steps

You're going to do great on the devices you choose

1.
Talk to your provider

Talk to your provider to get a prescription. Advocate for yourself with a list of reasons why you believe it is best for your lifestyle.

2.
Call the device companies

Talk to the device companies about the device you want and if your insurance will cover it. They can help with this.

3.
Call your insurance

Many insurance companies require documentation of different qualifications before approving diabetes device coverage. every insurance company is different but some common qualifications include checking your blood sugar 4-6 times per day or having frequent low blood sugars. Understanding what qualifications are necessary for device coverage before starting the approval process can make things a lot easier.

Visit https://diabeteswise.org/resources/getting-treatment/qualify-for-insurance/ for more resources.

Questions for your Doctor

Eversense & Tandem

Can I try this before I commit to it?

A lot of provider offices have sample devices you can touch and feel to get a sense of how they work. Some offices even have a trial device you can use for week to see how it works for you.

Dexcom G7 & Syringe

Can I try this before I commit to it?

A lot of provider offices have sample devices you can touch and feel to get a sense of how they work. Some offices even have a trial device you can use for week to see how it works for you.

Questions for your insurance

Many insurance companies require documentation of different qualifications before approving diabetes device coverage. Every insurance company is different, but some common qualifications include checking your blood sugar 4-6 times per day or having frequent low blood sugars. Understanding what qualifications are necessary for device coverage before starting the approval process can make things a lot easier.

Talk to the device companies

Eversense

Either call the phone number here to ask about getting started or fill out the form that is linked here to get started.

1-844-736 7348 Eversense Website

Tandem t:slim X2

Call Tandem and ask them about your coverage. Talk to your Doctor to get a prescription.

1-877-801-6901 Tandem Website

Dexcom G7

Call Dexcom and ask them about your coverage. Talk to your Doctor to get a prescription.

1-888-738 3646 Dexcom Website

Syringe and Vial

Understand your cost at your local pharmacy.

Insulin Cost Overview

Additional Resources

By Priorities

Active Lifestyle Active Lifestyle

Because the sensor is under your skin, it won't get dislodged if it gets bumped
Optional settings for exercise to adjust treatment ranges for activity with the press of a button
Don't need to find a place for pump in active wear
Sensor Share feature allows someone else to keep an eye on your blood sugar from the sidelines
Can use sensor trends for dose adjustment

Avoiding Highs and Lows Avoiding Highs and Lows

Only sensor that vibrates on your skin to alert for high or low blood sugars; alerts work even when smart phone isn't close by
Pumps allow different amounts of basal insulin at different times of day and very precise dosing
Custom alerts can be set for highs, lows, and rapidly rising or falling glucose levels
Syringes and pens limit your ability to adjust insulin throughout the day

Comfort Comfort

Longest lasting sensor
Sensor needs to be changed by your doctor
Smallest tubed pump
Tubed pumps have the most infusion sets to pick from
Low profile/low maintenance sensor
Have to carry syringes and insulin
Shortest sensor warm-up time
Sensor and transmitter are one piece

Easy Insulin Dosing Easy Insulin Dosing

Can use sensor trends for dose adjustment
More customizable dosing than pens or syringes
Can use sensor trends for dose adjustment
You have to do the math to figure out your dose

Easy to Use Easy to Use

Sensor transmitter must be charged every day
Sensor changes far less often than other types, but your doctor must do it
Rechargeable pump battery
Pump has touchscreen
Many steps to figure out doses and deliver insulin every single time you need it
12-hour grace period allows you to swap sensors when convenient for you

Fewer Fingersticks Fewer Fingersticks

Daily fingersticks needed to calibrate sensor
Factory-calibrated sensor: fingersticks needed for backup only

Privacy Privacy

Ability to see sugar on watch or phone
Sensor not movable on body
Sensor requires regular meter use
Touchscreen of pump looks like normal tech device
Ability to bolus directly on compatible smartphone
Ability to check sugar on phone or watch
Alerts
Syringes are hideable when not in use but very visible when in use
Small sensor

Cost & Coverage

Eversense

Eversense

Dexcom G7

Dexcom G7

Glucose Testing Supplies

Sensors
Transmitter (1 time purchase & Rechargeable)

Sensors

Receiver (1-time purchase) - not required 

Glucose Testing Cost Estimate

Startup Bridge Program $99.

This is a trial program and there are eligibility requirements that should be considered prior.

Eversense is covered by select insurers, including Cigna and Medicare.

Startup $80 to $239

Monthly less than $40

These prices vary by Insurance. It may be covered under durable medical goods or a pharmacy benefit.

Tandem t:slim X2

Tandem t:slim X2

Syringe and Vial

Syringe and Vial

Insulin Dosing Supplies

Pump

Charger

Insulin Cartridges

Infusion Sites

Syringe ~$30 (Monthly)

Insulin $5 to $500 (Monthly)

Insulin Dosing Cost Estimate

Startup $5 to $6,995

Monthly $20 to $200

The total amount depends hugely on how much insulin you use and what your insurance covers.