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Select Device Freestyle Lingo Freestyle Libre 3 Freestyle Libre 2 Freestyle Libre 14 Day Dexcom G7 Dexcom G6 Dexcom Stelo Guardian Connect Medtronic Simplera Eversense Meter Omnipod Omnipod Dash Medtronic 780G Medtronic 630G Tandem t:slim X2 Bigfoot Unity Medtronic InPen Tempo Pen NovoPen 6/NovoPen Echo Insulin Pen Afrezza CeQur Simplicity Patch V-Go Patch Omnipod GO Patch Syringe and Vial Beta Bionics iLet Pancreas Control IQ with Dexcom Control IQ with Freestyle Libre Medtronic 780G with Smart Guard Omnipod 5 Tandem Mobi Tidepool Loop twiist DIY Loop Apple Series 6/7/8/9/10/SE (2nd Generation) Garmin vívosmart 5™ Garmin Venu Sq 2 Garmin Venu 3 Garmin vivoactive 5 Garmin Fenix 8 Garmin vivofit jr 3 Garmin Forerunner 165/265/965 Garmin epix (Gen 2) Garmin Enduro 3 Fitbit Ace LTE Fitbit Charge 6 Fitbit Inspire 3 Fitbit Versa/Versa 2/4/Versa Lite Fitbit Sense 2 Fitbit Luxe Google Pixel 2/3 Samsung Galaxy 4/5 Xiaomi Mi Band 9 Oura Ring Whoop 4.0 Withings ScanWatch 2 Withings ScanWatch Lite Pedometer 3D Pedometer
Summary
The Medtronic Guardian Connect is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system that provides real-time glucose data on a compatible smartphone. The system offers optional low and high blood sugar notifications and can be inserted on the abdomen or back of the upper arm.
MARD of 9.6%
The first FDA-approved tubeless, waterproof pump that can be controlled entirely from a compatible Android smartphone. The system combines the Omnipod patch pump with the Dexcom continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to automatically adjust insulin delivery in response to glucose trends. It's easy to use and allows bolus dosing directly from a compatible smartphone.
Components
Guardian Connect : Sensor
Sensor is inserted underneath the skin, either on the abdomen or arm. Push buttons applicator allows sensor to be placed on the body in one step.
Guardian Connect : Transmitter
Seashell-shaped with built-in Bluetooth capability that allows it to send glucose data directly to a smartphone every 5 minutes.
Guardian Connect : Receiver
Trends and alerts are viewed directly on a mobile device. Available for both iOS and Android devices.
Omnipod 5 : Pump
Pods come with reservoirs and directions for application. They can be applied anywhere on the body that is comfortable.
Omnipod 5 : Sensor
Automatic applicator inserts sensor just under the surface of the skin and can be applied to many places on the body.
Omnipod 5 : Controller
The Controller or a compatible smartphone allows the user to control the Pod using the Omnipod 5 App. Compatible smartphone can be used to view and administer boluses via the Omnipod 5 app.
Device Details
Overview
One of the larger sensors, may be cumbersome to wear on some parts of the body under clothes.
This system includes a wearable, tubeless insulin Pod controlled by the Omnipod App on a compatible smartphone or a smartphone-like Insulet-provided Controller.
Affordability and Access
$$$$
Sometimes covered. The costs vary depending on individual insurance coverage and how insurance classifies CGMs. Price range $0-$600/month.
Widely covered for insulin-dependent type 1 and 2. Supplies for Pump and Sensor provided by Pharmacy and/or DME suppliers. Projected price range; $5-$1260 to start and 0-$200/month.
Data Monitoring Options
Yes
CGM data can be linked to a CareLink account and shared with the user's health care team.
Yes
Insulet Provided Glooko® is a data management platform that provides clear, actionable insights. Wireless data uploads directly into Glooko® to support both in-person and remote patient care.
Data View Options
Yes
The Guardian Connect mobile app allows users to view glucose levels, trends, create customizable alerts, and share blood glucose data with family and friends.
Yes
Dexcom sensors permit remote monitoring. Wireless data uploads directly into Glooko® to support both in-person and remote patient care
Duration and Storage
7 Days
Sensors last 7 days, and transmitter battery needs weekly charging and replacement once a year. Both can be stored between 36°F - 86°F.
3-day pump 10-day sensor
Sensors last 10 days and transmitters last 90 and work at 50ºF – 108ºF. Under normal circumstances, your body temperature keeps the Pod within a range of 73°F and 98.6°F
Vision / Auditory / Dexterity
YES text to speech
YES vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed
NO text to speech
YES vibration alerts
SOME dexterity needed
Patient Considerations
Active Lifestyle
Waterproof transmitter when submerged in up to 2.5 meters of water for 30 minutes and must be within 20 feet of a connected mobile device.
Activity. Target glucose is set to 150 mg/dl. Automated insulin delivery is decreased ~50%. The maximum insulin delivery is deceased. Activity mode can be run for 1-24 hours. Wear the Pod in the shower, in the pool, or in the ocean. The Controller is not waterproof and must be charged daily.
Avoiding Highs and Lows
Measures sensor glucose 24/7 and sends alerts when a high or low is detected. Trend arrows show the direction glucose is heading, with the rate of change.
Automated Mode uses insulin delivery history and sensor glucose value and trend to automatically increase, decrease, and pause insulin delivery based on current and predicted glucose values using a customizable glucose target.
Comfort
More tape is needed for Medtronic sensors.
Low profile & no tubing. Low profile sensor and Omnipod has no tubing but may require more adhesive on the body than other pumps.
Easy Insulin Dosing
Sensor trends can be used for dose adjustment.
Automatically adjusts dosing. Sensor trends feed into Pods' customizable dose adjustments and there are no interruptions in insulin delivery. You can set a target between 110 mg/dL – 150 mg/dL in 10 mg/dL increments. Basal and bolus in 0.05 increments. Extended bolus unavailable when using automated insulin delivery mode.
Easy to Use
Rechargeable sensor transmitter but has the most steps to change sensor.
Smartphone Integration. Pod has fewer components to deal with than other pumps and can be fully controlled using a compatible smartphone.
Fewer Fingersticks
2 daily finger-sticks are needed to calibrate the sensor.
Factory-calibrated sensor. Fingersticks needed for backup only.
Privacy
Somewhat discreet. Ability to see sugar on watch or phone. Sensor requires regular meter use.
Discreet. Sensor allows for checking blood glucose on phone/smartwatch. Most discreet pump option with no visible controller required if using an Android smartphone.