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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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Overview

Sensor & Pump

Freestyle Libre 14 day & Medtronic Pump

FreestyleMedtronic

These devices do not connect, but they each have their merits. The Freestyle Libre 14 days can be scanned for blood glucose readings with a reader or smartphone. You get data only when you want it. The Medtronic pump is sturdy and efficient.

Sensor & Pump

Dexcom G7 & Medtronic Pump

DexcomG7Medtronic v3 FitMaxWzkzMCwzMzZd

The Dexcom G7 sensor alerts you when you are high or low, and can be connected to your smart phone. The Medtronic pump is a sturdy and reliable device.

Priority: Overall

Overall

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/en/resources/getting-treatment/qualify-for-insurance/ for more resources.

Questions for your Doctor

Freestyle Libre 14 day & Medtronic Pump

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 & Medtronic Pump

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.

More on how to Talk to your Doctor

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.

Get the Guide for Talking to your Insurance

Talk to the device companies

Freestyle Libre 14 Day

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

1-855-632 8658 Freestyle Libre Website

Medtronic 630G

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

1-888-350-5440 Medtronic 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

Medtronic 630G

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

1-888-350-5440 Medtronic Website

Additional Resources

By Priorities

Active Lifestyle Active Lifestyle

Flat sensor transmitter fits easily under active wear and sports gear
Optional settings for exercise to adjust treatment ranges for activity with the press of a button
Sensor Share feature allows someone else to keep an eye on your blood sugar from the sidelines

Avoiding Highs and Lows Avoiding Highs and Lows

Faster and easier to check your glucose with this sensor versus with a meter
Pumps allow different amounts of basal insulin at different times of day and very precise dosing
No sensor alerts
Custom alerts can be set for highs, lows, and rapidly rising or falling glucose levels
Pumps allow different amounts of basal insulin at different times of day and very precise dosing

Comfort Comfort

Lowest profile sensor
Largest pump
Tubed pumps have the most infusion sets to pick from
Low profile/low maintenance sensor
Largest pump
Tubed pumps have the most infusion sets to pick from
Few steps to change sensor

Easy Insulin Dosing Easy Insulin Dosing

Can use sensor trends for dose adjustment
More precise dosing than pens or syringes
Can use sensor trends for dose adjustment
More customizable dosing than pens or syringes

Easy to Use Easy to Use

Sensor and transmitter are one piece
Few steps to change sensor
Supplies for this pump are the most widely available
Supplies for this pump are the most widely available
Sensor and transmitter are one piece
Shortest sensor warm-up time
12-hour grace period allows you to swap sensors when convenient for you

Fewer Fingersticks Fewer Fingersticks

Factory-calibrated sensor: fingersticks needed for backup only
Factory-calibrated sensor: fingersticks needed for backup only

Privacy Privacy

Needs scan from phone or controller to get blood sugar
Sensor is the smallest
Pump has tubing
Ability to check sugar on phone or watch
Alerts
Pump has tubing

Cost & Coverage

Freestyle Libre 14 Day

Freestyle Libre 14 Day

Dexcom G7

Dexcom G7

Glucose Testing Supplies

Sensors

Reader (1 time purchase)

Sensors

Receiver (1-time purchase) - not required 

Glucose Testing Cost Estimate

Widely covered. Provided by pharmacies. Price range; $0-$100/month. Often the cheapest and easier to access sensor.

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.

Medtronic 630G

Medtronic 630G

Medtronic 630G

Medtronic 630G

Insulin Dosing Supplies

Pump

Insulin Cartridges

Infusion Sets

Pump

Insulin Cartridges

Infusion Sets

Insulin Dosing Cost Estimate

Widely covered for insulin-dependent type 1 and type 2. Pump can be provided by pharmacy, DME, or directly through Medtronic Diabetes. Price range; $0-$8,574 to start and $0-$300/Month. Price range varies depending on insurance coverage.

Widely covered for insulin-dependent type 1 and type 2. Pump can be provided by pharmacy, DME, or directly through Medtronic Diabetes. Price range; $0-$8,574 to start and $0-$300/Month. Price range varies depending on insurance coverage.