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
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 InPen system enhances management with multiple daily injections because it tracks data in real-time and offers personalized dosing recommendations. This system combines the Guardian Connect CGM with smart insulin pens for more time in range.
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%
Components
Medtronic InPen : Sensor
Sensor is inserted underneath the skin, either on the abdomen or arm. InPen is compatible with the Medtronic Guardian Connect sensor (left) or the Dexcom G6 sensor (right).
Medtronic InPen : Cartridge
InPen is compatible with Humalog, Novolog, and Fiasp U-100 3.0 mL insulin cartridges.
Medtronic InPen : Controller
Inpen connects to a mobile app and displays dosage information directly on a smart mobile device.
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.
Device Details
Overview
Discreet and modern option for people using multiple daily injections.
One of the larger sensors, may be cumbersome to wear on some parts of the body under clothes.
Affordability and Access
$$$$
Widely covered. InPen is covered by many insurance companies, typically users pay $50-$60 out-of-pocket copays for the one-year device. Prices range from $0- $549. For those without any insurance coverage, the pen's full price is $549.
$$$$
Sometimes covered. The costs vary depending on individual insurance coverage and how insurance classifies CGMs. Price range $0-$600/month.
Data Monitoring Options
Yes
Data can be easily shared with a healthcare provider or family members directly through the InPen app.
Yes
CGM data can be linked to a CareLink account and shared with the user's health care team.
Data View Options
Yes
Data can be viewed on the InPen mobile app with dosage recommendations, glucose readings, and glucose trends.
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.
Duration and Storage
12-month pen 7-day sensor
Sensor lasts for 7 days, insulin pen lasts for up to 12 months with refillable cartridges, transmitter is rechargeable. Sensor can be stored between 36°F - 86°F and pens can be kept at room temperature.
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.
Vision / Auditory / Dexterity
NO text to speech
NO vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed
YES text to speech
YES 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, sensor is waterproof.
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.
Avoiding Highs and Lows
Limited customizability. System integrates the Guardian Connect CGM for high or low alerts but requires manual dose adjustment and limits the ability to adjust insulin levels throughout the day.
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.
Comfort
Many components. Have to carry InPen and pen needles. CGM is attached to the body and requires more tape than other sensors.
More tape is needed for Medtronic sensors.
Easy Insulin Dosing
Dosing recommendations. Displays dosing recommendations and reminders for long-acting insulin.
Sensor trends can be used for dose adjustment.
Easy to Use
Simple design. Replaces regular insulin pen. No additional devices to add on.
Rechargeable sensor transmitter but has the most steps to change sensor.
Fewer Fingersticks
2 daily finger-sticks are needed to calibrate the sensor.
2 daily finger-sticks are needed to calibrate the sensor.
Privacy
Hideable. Pens are portable but visible when in use. Frequent injections are unavoidable. View recommendations and data on a smartphone.
Somewhat discreet. Ability to see sugar on watch or phone. Sensor requires regular meter use.