Omnipod DASH Insulin Management System Personal Diabetes Manager PDM and Pod with the 1
Meter

Summary

A tubeless, waterproof pump loved by kids and all who don't want tubes. A touchscreen smartphone-like Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM) is used to give insulin doses to the pod, which remains attached to the body. This pump is one of few that is completely waterproof. 

Good to have. Tried and true. Backup or day to day. Fingersticks required.

Components

Omnipod DASHv2 : Pump

Omnipod DASHv2 : Pump

Pods come with reservoirs and directions for application. They can be applied anywhere on the body that is comfortable.

Omnipod Dash : Reservoir

Omnipod Dash : Reservoir

Fill reservoir is enclosed with the Pod and used to manually fill the Pod with insulin.

Omnipod Dash : Controller

Omnipod Dash : Controller

Separate Android-like is used for manual insulin delivery via a tubeless pod. Data and notifications from the PDM are viewable on a compatible smartphone.

Generic Meter : Lancets

Generic Meter : Lancets

Tiny needle called a lancet is used to poke the skin (on a finger or on your arm) to get a small sample of blood. The lancing device is packaged with the glucometer.

Generic Meter : Test Strips

Generic Meter : Test Strips

The strips work with the glucose meters to “read” blood sugar levels. One box of test trips usually contains between 25-50 single use strips.

Meter : Glucometer

Meter : Glucometer

The meter measures the amount of sugar in the small sample of blood that is placed on the disposable test strip. Most CGMs require testing blood sugar with a meter to calibrate the CGM device daily.

Device Details

Overview

This system includes a wearable, tubeless insulin Pod that's controlled by a smartphone-like Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM). 

Good to have. Tried and true. Backup or day to day. Finger-sticks required.

Affordability and Access

$$$$
Widely covered for insulin-dependent type 1 and 2. Supplies for Pump and Sensor provided by Pharmacy and/or DME suppliers. Price range; $5-$1260 to start and 0-$200/month. Touch-screen controller available in the starter kit at no additional cost.

$$$$
Most accessible. Available over the counter at all Pharmacies. Price range; $0-$200/month depending on insurance coverage.

Data Monitoring Options

Yes
Omnipod data can be accessed by clinicians on Diasend by Glooko.

Limited Options
Data is available directly on the device. Some meters may be compatible with the Tidepool data management system. 

Data View Options

Yes
The Omnipod DISPLAY app displays real-time data for the patient. The Omnipod VIEW app allows family and friends to view data for up to 12 Omnipod users. (iPhone compatible only)

Yes
Data may be viewed directly on the device. Some meters contain a built-in USB connection that allows information to be uploaded to a data management system. 

Duration and Storage

3-day pump 10-day sensor
Sensors last 10 days and transmitters last 90 and work at 50ºF – 108ºF. Pods can be used for up to 72 hrs and work from 41ºF – 104ºF.

Daily
Meters can last several years with battery changes/charging, they're used daily and work between 65ºF-86°F

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

Waterproof. Wear the Pod in the shower, in the pool, or in the ocean. The PDM is not waterproof and must be charged daily. Data monitoring allows others to track your data during physical activity. 

Must pause activity to check blood sugar.

Avoiding Highs and Lows

Personalized dosing. Pods can deliver personalized doses of rapid-acting insulin based on the rates programmed into the Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM) device to avoid highs and the ability to set zero basal rates to avoid lows. 

Less data. Meters don't give as much blood sugar data as sensors do and require a high level of engagement and effort to avoid highs and lows.

Comfort

Low profile & no tubing. Low profile sensor and Omnipod has no tubing but may require more adhesive on the body than other pumps.

Meter supplies carried and requires visible blood.

Easy Insulin Dosing

Manually adjusting dosing. Omnipod DASH System allows the user to manually input their blood glucose (BG) readings from any BGM or CGM device of their choice. Basal and bolus in 0.05 increments.

Limited features. No info on blood sugar trends.

Easy to Use

Fewer components. Pod has fewer components to deal with than other pumps and a touchscreen controller. 

Large display. Device typically has large display numbers for easier readouts, and it's very simple to operate.

Fewer Fingersticks

Frequent finger-sticks are required. 

Frequent fingersticks are unavoidable.

Privacy

Discreet. Sensor allows for checking blood glucose on phone/smartwatch. The pod is the most discreet pump option but requires a visible controller to bolus.

No attached device for blood glucose monitoring.