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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

Dexcom G7 & Tandem

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These devices do not connect but they each have their merits. The Dexcom G7 sensor alerts you when you are high or low and can be connected to your smartphone. Paired with the Tandem pump, you have the ability to easily dose your insulin as needed. 

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

Questions for your Doctor

Dexcom G7 & Tandem

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

Dexcom G7

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

1-888-738 3646 Dexcom 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

Additional Resources

By Priorities

Active Lifestyle Active Lifestyle

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

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

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

Easy Insulin Dosing Easy Insulin Dosing

More customizable dosing than pens or syringes

Easy to Use Easy to Use

Sensor and transmitter are one piece
Pump has touchscreen
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

Privacy Privacy

Ability to check sugar on phone or watch
Alerts
Touchscreen of pump looks like normal tech device
Ability to bolus directly on compatible smartphone
Small sensor

Cost & Coverage

Dexcom G7

Dexcom G7

Glucose Testing Supplies

Sensors

Receiver (1-time purchase) - not required 

Glucose Testing Cost Estimate

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

Insulin Dosing Supplies

Pump

Charger

Insulin Cartridges

Infusion Sites

Insulin Dosing Cost Estimate

Startup $5 to $6,995

Monthly $20 to $200