Combo Types - Sensor & Smart Pump

Wouldnt it be great to have more in-range numbers and worry a bit less about correcting your blood sugar? You can with an an automated insulin delivery system. 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. This means less math and fewer decisions for you! You still have to enter carbs when you eat, but adjustments arent as big of a deal since the system will correct automatically.

Get a Sensor Guide

Wisdom from others using a Sensor & Smart Pump

When people ask me about my devices, I tell them. They're really cool!

Kristina

Mom, teacher, performer

As I began to trust the system more, I gave it more and more range to have control managing my diabetes, which has worked really well.

Dan

Motorcyclist, Outdoorsman, Software Nerd

I Didn't Decide To Get A Pump Until My Doctor Said To Me, "You Are Giving Yourself The Best Care Possible While On Injections. If You Want Your Numbers To Get Better, The Type Of Technology You're Using Has To Change.

Chelsea

Dance Teacher, Outdoorswoman

Routine

I carry an extra meter and supplies along with insulin and batteries everywhere I go.

Anne, 46

Daily

Check blood sugar with a meter to calibrate the sensor or use it to verify that a sensor reading is correct. Look at the sensor value if you feel low or high, or if your pump or CGM alert.
Count and enter carbs into pump at meals.

Weekly

Change sensor, infusion set, and insulin cartridge. CGM sensors can be worn for seven days, but some people extend it longer. The sensor values are usually best after the first 24 hours, once the sensor has adjusted.
Pump infusion sets usually last two to three days. Insulin cartridge changes should be done when you are running low on insulin in your pump. The frequency of how often you will change your cartridge depends on how much insulin you use, but most cartridges hold to 200-300 units of insulin.

3 Months

Order new sensors and pump supplies. Pump companies make it easy to re-order a 3-month supply online or over the phone, which get shipped to your door. Some suppliers are able to include sensor reorders in the same shipment Other sensors are able to be picked up at your local pharmacy. It's rare, but if a sensor or infusion set rips off or gets damaged - you can call to get a free replacement.

6 Months

Some types of CGM transmitters run out of battery after a certain amount of time, so you'll need to order a replacement.

4 Years

Order new pump. The warranty on an insulin pump typically ends after four years. This is when you can get a new version of your insulin pump or consider changing to a different brand.

Costs

I found my control has improved and it has seemed 'easier' to manage my diabetes

Daniel, 42

CGMs and pumps are expensive no matter what insurance you have, but there are different ways to qualify to make it less expensive. The pros outweigh the costs for a lot of people.

Insurance

Dealing with insurance is tough, but you can do it! Check out our How To Get It Guide to get the basics straight and understand what youll need to get approved.

Pros

More Time in Range

Spend more time with your blood sugar in range. Sleep better. Prevent lows and highs before they happen.

Think Less

Get back to your life! Let the system do some of the work to keep your blood sugar in range.

Fewer Pricks and Needles

Compared to multiple daily injections, a pump only requires you to insert the infusion set once every two to three days. Compared to a meter, some CGMs only needs one to two finger sticks a day, some don't require finger sticks at all.

Cons

Alerts and Alarms

Some people get overwhelmed with too many alerts from their devices and sometimes it can seem like they are more annoying than helpful. But you can silence or turn many of them off.

Not Perfect

Smart systems are a step toward an "artificial pancreas," but theyre not there yet. You still have to put in work to manage diabetes and there are a lot of parts to keep track of. Some people feel like they dont have enough control or customization with smart systems.