Are you a healthcare professional who takes care of people with diabetes? Visit Pro.DiabetesWise.org

Return to previous step

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.

Print
Download

Overview

Sensor & Pump

Dexcom G6 & Omnipod

DexcomOmnipod

Omnipod is the only tubeless pump option. This paired with the G6 is a common choice for active people.

Sensor & Smart Pump

Omnipod 5 Smart System

illo AID OmnipodDash v2

The Omnipod 5 closed-loop system adjusts your basal insulin levels up and down based on predicted glucose levels. 

  • Omnipod + Dexcom Sensor 

Sensor & Pump

Dexcom G7 & Omnipod

DexcomG7Omnipod

These devices do not connect but they each have their merits. Omnipod is the only tubeless pump option. The Dexcom G7 sensor alerts you when you are high or low and can be connected to your smartphone. 

Priority: Overall

Overall
Tubeless data and dosing.

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

Dexcom G6 & Omnipod

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.

Omnipod 5 Smart System

How does a smart system work?

Automated insulin delivery systems usually have three parts: a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), an insulin pump, and an algorithm, which is the brain. It makes many dosing decisions for you with less button pushing. The system senses your blood sugar level and adjusts insulin delivery automatically.

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 & Omnipod

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

Dexcom G6

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

1-888-738 3646 Dexcom Website

Omnipod

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

1-800-591-3455 Omnipod Website

Dexcom G6

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

1-888-738 3646 Dexcom Website

Omnipod

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

1-800-591-3455 Omnipod 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

Omnipod

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

1-800-591-3455 Omnipod Website

Additional Resources

By Priorities

Active Lifestyle Active Lifestyle

Sensor Share feature allows someone else to keep an eye on your blood sugar from the sidelines
Don't need to find a place for pump in active wear
Can increase blood sugar target during activity
System responds to blood sugar changes during activity automatically
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
Continuous numbers, less gear.
Sensor Share feature allows someone else to keep an eye on your blood sugar from the sidelines
Don't need to find a place for pump in active wear

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
Pods stay on when showering and swimming so there are no gaps in insulin delivery
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
Pods stay on when showering and swimming so there are no gaps in insulin delivery
Custom alerts can be set for highs, lows, and rapidly rising or falling glucose levels
Pods stay on when showering and swimming so there are no gaps in insulin delivery
Pumps allow different amounts of basal insulin at different times of day and very precise dosing

Comfort Comfort

Low profile/low maintenance sensor
No tubing
Pods need more tape than other infusion sets
Low profile/low maintenance sensor
No tubing
Low profile/low maintenance sensor
Few steps to change sensor
Fewer parts than tubed pumps

Easy Insulin Dosing Easy Insulin Dosing

Can use sensor trends for dose adjustment
No interruption in insulin delivery (pods stay on when you shower and swim)
More customizable dosing than pens or syringes
Automatically adjusts insulin to reach targets you set
Will automatically revert to manual mode in certain situations
Can use sensor trends for dose adjustment
No interruption in insulin delivery (pods stay on when you shower and swim)
More customizable dosing than pens or syringes

Easy to Use Easy to Use

Sensor integrated with multiple devices in case you change up what you're using
Fewer parts than tubed pumps
Fewer parts than tubed pumps
Pods need more tape than other infusion sets
Fewer parts than tubed pumps
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
Factory-calibrated sensor: fingersticks needed for backup only

Privacy Privacy

Ability to check sugar on phone or watch
Alerts
Most hideable pump option
Requires visible controller to bolus
Alerts
Ability to see blood sugar on phone
Most hideable pump option
Ability to check sugar on phone or watch
Alerts
Most hideable pump option
Requires visible controller to bolus
Small sensor

Cost & Coverage

Dexcom G6

Dexcom G6

Dexcom G6

Dexcom G6

Dexcom G7

Dexcom G7

Glucose Testing Supplies

Sensors

Transmitter

Receiver (1 time purchase)

Sensors

Transmitter

Receiver (1 time purchase)

Sensors

Receiver (1-time purchase) - not required 

Glucose Testing Cost Estimate

Startup $80 to $239

Monthly $35 to $105

These prices vary by Insurance. Many insurers support the G6 Dexcom. It may be covered under durable medical goods or a pharmacy benefit.

Startup $80 to $239

Monthly $35 to $105

These prices vary by Insurance. Many insurers support the G6 Dexcom. It may be covered under durable medical goods or a pharmacy benefit.

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.

Omnipod

Omnipod

Omnipod

Omnipod

Omnipod

Omnipod

Insulin Dosing Supplies

Pods

Reader

Insulin

Pods

Reader

Insulin

Pods

Reader

Insulin

Insulin Dosing Cost Estimate

Startup $5 to $1260 Monthly

Omnipod is now covered by Medicare and Medicaid as well as most private insurers.

Startup $5 to $1260 Monthly

Omnipod is now covered by Medicare and Medicaid as well as most private insurers.

Startup $5 to $1260 Monthly

Omnipod is now covered by Medicare and Medicaid as well as most private insurers.