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Loop is a DIY (do-it-yourself) system. It takes some work to set up, but allows you to think about diabetes less by automating basal insulin delivery based on predicted glucose levels.

*You will need an iPhone to use Loop. Loop requires a third device called a ‘RileyLink’ which allows the pump and sensor to talk to each other. Information about RileyLinks can be found at www.loopdocs.org and www.getrileylink.org

Background: A diabetes non-profit called Tidepool decided in 2018 to officially support Loop and shepherd it through the FDA process. Tidepool Loop was cleared by the FDA in January 2023 with plans to launch with Dexcom and other alternate controller-enabled (ACE) pump partners (RileyLink will no longer be necessary). 

2023 Updates from Tidepool:

  • Medtronic and Tidepool have decided to discontinue the development of a Medtronic insulin pump system compatible with Tidepool Loop.
  • As Omnipod 5 is now commercially available, Insulet is devoting all available resources to their Omnipod products, including the global launch and further development of Omnipod 5.
  • Future ACE Pumps that will be commercially compatible with Tidepool Loop will need to be FDA-cleared for use with third-party iAGC controllers.

Next Steps

Dexcom G6

Dexcom G6

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

Contact

1-888-738 3646

Mon-Fri 6:00am - 5:00pm PST and Sat 8:00am - 2:00pm

Dexcom Website

Omnipod

Omnipod

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

Contact

1-800-591-3455

Mon-Sat, 9:00am - 7:00pm PST

Omnipod Website

Priorities

Comfort

  • Low profile/low maintenance sensor
  • The RileyLink is an extra device you must carry
  • No tubing

    • Active Lifestyle

  • Can set custom blood sugar targets and insulin and carb sensitivities based on type of activity
  • App responds to blood sugar changes during activity automatically
  • Don't need to find a place for pump in active wear

    • Avoiding Highs and Lows

  • Combo automatically increases or decreases insulin delivery to meet a glucose target that you choose
  • You can make automatic insulin delivery settings as aggressive or as conservative as you want

    • Easy to Use

  • Software makes most dosing decisions for you
  • Requires many parts
  • Can be difficult to set up

    • Easy Insulin Dosing

  • Automatically adjusts insulin to reach targets you set
  • All settings are completely customizable
  • Can bolus from phone or smart watch
  • No interruption in insulin delivery (pods stay on when you shower and swim)

    • Fewer Fingersticks

  • Factory-calibrated sensor: fingersticks needed for backup only

    • Privacy

  • Ability to give insulin via watch or phone
  • Most hideable pump option (no tubes or separate controller needed)
  • Ability to check sugar on phone or watch
  • Alerts

    • Wisdom

    Hear what others who use this device combo have to say

    After inserting the CGM, I'll compare it to my finger sticks and be able to tell if it's calibrated well. We must remember that finger stick meters have error ranges, too, depending on the brand. And my human error exists too! I think of myself and the CGM as co-pilots with different information working together.

    While driving, exercising, multi-tasking, I can glance down and know where my blood sugar is at. The CGM gives me another level of anxiety reduction.

    It's not a perfect system, but it's better than what is available out there currently. Systems will only continue to get better. It does require work, but it's different work than the work I did before I had a closed loop system and it's worth it to me.

    Cost

    Dexcom G6

    Dexcom G6

    Sensors

    Transmitter

    Receiver (1 time purchase)

    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.

    Omnipod

    Omnipod

    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.

    Questions for your Doctor

    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.