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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
Insulin pens make insulin delivery more convenient than traditional vial/syringe options. Pens are small, portable, and more discrete to use in public.
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
Insulin Pen : Bolus Insulin
Bolus (fast-acting) insulin pen for meal time or high blood sugar correction.
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
Disposable needle attaches to insulin pen for daily injections.
Medtronic 780G : Pump
Pump connects tubing to a small patch called an infusion set that attaches to the body.
Medtronic 780G : Sensor
Sensor is inserted underneath the skin, either on the abdomen or arm.
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
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. Noticeable when dosing.
This system is integrated and has a customizable settings. Many providers are familiar with Medtronic products.
Affordability and Access
$$$$
Widely covered for insulin-dependent type 1 and 2. Price range; 0-$1260/month depending on insurance coverage.
$$$$
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
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).
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
A LOT of dexterity needed
NO text to speech
YES vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed
Patient Considerations
Active Lifestyle
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.
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
Limited customizability. Pens require manual dose adjustment and limit the ability to adjust basal insulin throughout the day.
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 pen and pen needles but nothing attached to the body.
Somewhat comfortable. Medtronic sensors need more tape than other sensors. Largest pump option.
Easy Insulin Dosing
More precise than syringes. Ability to measure doses using a dial, increasing accuracy.
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 but many steps. Attach a new needle, dial the correct dose, inject, and dispose of needle.
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. Pens can be hidden when not in use but visible when in use. Frequent injections are unavoidable.
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.