afrezza device
MM780G full system transparent

Summary

Inhalable regular human insulin. Cartridges come in three doses: 4, 8, and 12-unit doses.

The Medtronic MiniMed™ 780G system is designed with SmartGuard™ technology, which can help with the occasionally missed meal or inexact carb counts. It provides automatic basal adjustments to manage glucose levels to a prespecified target (100 mg/dL [5.5 mmol/L], 110 mg/dL [6.1 mmol/L], or 120 mg/dL [6.7 mmol/L]) and auto correction bolus, every 5 minutes.  The advanced hybrid closed-loop system uses current and past glucose trends from the Guardian™ 4 sensor to detect a rapid rise (e.g., a missed meal) in sensor glucose.  No fingersticks required when the SmartGuard™ feature is active.

Components

Afrezza : Inhaler

Afrezza : Inhaler

Small refillable inhaler contains a compartment for powdered insulin containing cartridges.

Afrezza : Cartridge

Afrezza : Cartridge

Cartridges come in three doses: 4, 8, and 12-unit doses. All color coded.

Medtronic 780G : Pump

Medtronic 780G : Pump

Pump connects tubing to a small patch called an infusion set that attaches to the body.

Medtronic 780G : Sensor

Medtronic 780G : Sensor

Sensor is inserted underneath the skin, either on the abdomen or arm.

Medtronic 780G : Controller

Medtronic 780G : Controller

Pump receives CGM readings and automatically adjusts insulin delivery. Data from the pump and CGM viewable on compatible smartphones.

Medtronic 780G : Infusion Set

Medtronic 780G : Infusion Set

An infusion set contains the thin plastic tubing that delivers insulin from the pump to the body.

Device Details

Overview

Nothing on the body when not in use. Visible when dosing. 

This system is integrated and has a customizable settings. Many providers are familiar with Medtronic products. 

Affordability and Access

$$$$
Widely covered. Price range; 0-$99/month, depending on insurance coverage. $35/month for medicare and commercial insurance plans. 

$$$$
Coverage information is not yet available. Price range; $0-10,769 to start and $0-$300/Month. Price range varies depending on insurance coverage. 

 

Data Monitoring Options

No Options

Yes
CareLink connect is available for care partners with up to five people who can follow a pump user and receive high and low notifications to help keep everyone in the loop.

Data View Options

No Options

Yes
Data is viewed on compatible smart devices through the MiniMed Mobile App. You can download and view pump or CGM data on CareLink.

Duration and Storage

10 Days
Open cartridges last up to 10 days. Sealed cartridges may be stored in a refrigerator at 36°F - 46°F until the expiration date.

7-day pump 7-day sensor
Sensors last 7 days, transmitter needs weekly charging, store between 36 °F - 86 °F. Pump can be used for up to 7 days with the extended infusion set and works between 40ºF - 104ºF. 

Vision / Auditory / Dexterity

NO text to speech
NO 
vibration alerts
LITTLE
 dexterity needed

NO text to speech
YES 
vibration alerts
A LOT 
of dexterity needed

Patient Considerations

Active Lifestyle

Body free of devices. Does not remain attached to the body.

Temp Target. Manually increase blood sugar target range to 150 mg/dl during activity. Temp target can run 30 minutes to 24 hours in 30-minute increments. Auto corrections are disabled. The pump is not waterproof.

Avoiding Highs and Lows

Very short-acting. Absorbs quickly through the lungs to correct high blood sugar but requires attention to prevent lows. 

Customizable auto-bolus. Auto-correct bolus corrects highs if carb counts are miscalculated or bolus is occasionally missed. The system aims to maintain a target blood glucose level between 100 mg/dL and 120 mg/dL depending on personalized target glucose settings. Auto-bolus is available every 5 minutes to correct blood sugar between 100 mg/dL and 120 mg/dL (12 corrections per hour). Automatic insulin delivery settings are adjustable.

Comfort

Many components. Have to carry multiple cartridges that can be bulky. 

Somewhat comfortable. Medtronic sensors need more tape than other sensors. Largest pump option. 

Easy Insulin Dosing

Less precise but easy dosing. Dosing may be less precise due to the inhaled method of dosing, but color-coded cartridges make dosing easier. Dosing can also be done based on small, medium, or large meals and can be administered 1-2 hours post meals. 

Automatically adjusts settings. Automatically adjusts insulin to reach personalized target between 100 mg/dL and 120 mg/dL. Will automatically revert to manual mode in certain situations. Basal and bolus in 0.025 increments. Extended bolus unavailable when using automated insulin delivery mode. 

Easy to Use

Simple design. Whistle-like device for inhaling insulin.

Easy software. Software makes many dosing decisions. Can be difficult to keep automatic insulin dosing features working. Requires fewer parts than do-it-yourself systems.

Fewer Fingersticks

Frequent finger-sticks are required. 

Factory-calibrated sensor. Fingersticks needed for backup only.

Privacy

Hideable. Small, discreet, and portable device that's not as noticeable as injections. 

Somewhat discrete. Ability to check blood sugar on phone or watch. Pump has tubing but can be clipped to clothing or placed in a pocket to be discreet when needed.