bigfootunity new
pen Device

Summary

Connected smart caps that recommend insulin doses for people using multiple daily injections. This system combines the FreeStyle Libre 2 CGM with insulin pen smart caps to provide daily dose recommendations.

Participating in the Bigfoot Unity program requires an agreement between Bigfoot Biomedical and the health care provider. After establishing a contract, the prescribed Bigfoot supplies are delivered in a "one-stop-shop" directly to the patient's door each month. Information about the Bigfoot Unity program can be found on the Bigfoot Biomedical website. 

Insulin pens make insulin delivery more convenient than traditional vial/syringe options. Pens are small, portable, and more discrete to use in public. 

Components

Bigfoot Unity  : Sensor

Bigfoot Unity : Sensor

Sensor uses a thin, flexible filament inserted just under the skin to measure glucose levels every minute.

Bigfoot Unity  : Controller

Bigfoot Unity : Controller

Smart cap displays dosing recommendations for manual insulin delivery through multiple daily injections.

Bigfoot Unity  : Receiver

Bigfoot Unity : Receiver

Smartcap is used to scan the sensor and displays dosage information directly on the screen and smart mobile device.

Insulin Pen : Bolus Insulin

Insulin Pen : Bolus Insulin

Bolus (fast-acting) insulin pen for meal time or high blood sugar correction.

Insulin Pen : Basal Insulin

Insulin Pen : Basal Insulin

Basal (long-acting) insulin pen for steady release of insulin that helps control blood sugar between meals, and overnight.

Insulin Pen : Needles

Insulin Pen : Needles

Disposable needle attaches to insulin pen for daily injections.

Device Details

Overview

Smart cap used for most disposable insulin pens with CGM integration. 

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

Affordability and Access

$$$$
Monthly mail-order package includes all the supplies needed, for a regular subscription price or insurance-covered copay with no upfront costs. 

$$$$
Widely covered for insulin-dependent type 1 and 2. Price range; 0-$1260/month depending on insurance coverage. 

Data Monitoring Options

Yes
Data from the iCGM and time-of-dose data from the smart caps are automatically uploaded to the cloud.

No Options

Data View Options

Yes
Data can be viewed on the Bigfoot Unity mobile app but dosage recommendations, glucose readings, and glucose trends will display directly on the smart cap.

No Options

Duration and Storage

28-day pen 14-day sensor 
Sensor lasts for 14 days, insulin pen lasts for up to 28 days, smart cap is rechargeable. Sensor works between 50ºF - 113ºF and pens can be kept at room temperature for up to 28 days. 

28 Days 
Can be kept at room temperature (not above 80º F) when in use for 28 days. Unopened insulin pens should be stored in the refrigerator (36ºF - 46ºF).

Vision / Auditory / Dexterity

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

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

Patient Considerations

Active Lifestyle

Light on body. Pens are easy to use and do not remain attached to the body, senor is light on the body.

No attachments to the body. Insulin pens are easy to use and do not remain attached to the body, allowing for a flexible and active lifestyle. 

Avoiding Highs and Lows

Limited customizability. System integrates the FreeStyle Libre 2 CGM for high/low alerts but requires manual dose adjustment and limits the ability to adjust basal insulin throughout the day. 

Limited customizability. Pens require manual dose adjustment and limit the ability to adjust basal insulin throughout the day. 

Comfort

Many components. Have to carry pens, smart caps, pen needles, and CGM is attached to the body. 

Many components. Have to carry pen and pen needles but nothing attached to the body. 

Easy Insulin Dosing

Dosing recommendations. Displays dosing recommendations and reminders for long-acting insulin. 

More precise than syringes. Ability to measure doses using a dial, increasing accuracy. 

Easy to Use

Simple design. One-button device with easy to read display.

Simple but many steps. Attach a new needle, dial the correct dose, inject, and dispose of needle. 

Fewer Fingersticks

Factory-calibrated sensor. Finger sticks needed for backup only. 

Frequent finger-sticks are required. 

Privacy

Hideable. Pens are portable but visible when in use. Frequent injections are unavoidable. Sensor is the smallest option available. 

Hideable. Pens can be hidden when not in use but visible when in use. Frequent injections are unavoidable.