Screen Shot 2021 12 15 at 3.47.47 PM
AFL device image v2

Summary

The OmniPod is the only tubeless pump option. A 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. 

The FreeStyle Libre 14-day is an all-in-one glucose sensor/transmitter that lasts for 14 days and only needs fingersticks as backup. . This sensor is a flash glucose monitor that requires scanning using a compatible smartphone app or a handheld reader. 

FDA approved for insertion on the back of the upper arm (ages 4 years and older).

 

MARD of 9.4%

Components

Omnipod : Pump

Omnipod : Pump

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

Omnipod : Reservoir

Omnipod : Reservoir

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

Omnipod : Controller

Omnipod : Controller

Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM) is used to give insulin doses to the pod.

Freestyle Libre 14 Day : Sensor

Freestyle Libre 14 Day : Sensor

Sensor uses a thin, flexible filament inserted just under the skin to measure glucose levels every minute. Push-button applicator allows sensor to be placed on the body in one step.

Freestyle Libre 14 Day : Receiver

Freestyle Libre 14 Day : Receiver

Conveniently access glucose readings using a reader, smartphone, or both. Available for both iOS and Android devices.

Device Details

Overview

This is a discreet pump option without tubing but will require a controller to dose. 

All-in-one glucose sensor/transmitter can be worn on the upper arm. 

Affordability and Access

$$$$
Widely covered for insulin-dependent type 1 and 2. Pump can be provided by pharmacy or DME. Price range; 0-$200/month.

$$$$
Widely covered. Provided by pharmacies. Price range; $0-$100/month. Often the cheapest and easier to access sensor.

Data Monitoring Options

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

Yes
Automatic data transfer to LibreView each time Freestyle Libre 2 sensor is scanned. LibreView gives clinicians and users relevant glucose reports. Glooko and Tidepool can also be used to view data. 

Data View Options

No Options 

Yes
Freestyle LibreLink app displays glucose readings directly on the patient's compatible smart device. 

Duration and Storage

3 Days
Pod can be worn for up to 72 hours and work from 41ºF – 104ºF.

14 Days
Sensors last 14 days and work between 50ºF - 113ºF. They are shipped in orders of 1-3 months at a time - which is 2-6 boxes at a time.

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

Waterproof. Wear the Pod in the shower, in the pool, or in the ocean. The PDM is not waterproof and must be charged daily. 

Water-resistant for up to 3 feet deep for 30 minutes and light on the body, does not get in the way of activity. The reader must be within 1.5 inches of the sensor to scan it. 

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. The ability to set zero basal rates is not available. 

Alerts are not available. High or low glucose alarms are not available. Trend arrows show the direction glucose is heading, with the rate of change. 

Comfort

Free of tubing. Pods do not have tubes like traditional insulin pumps, allowing for more freedom of movement.

Lowest profile sensor and smallest adhesive.

Easy Insulin Dosing

Customizable dosing. Basal and Bolus in 0.05 increments. No interruption in insulin delivery (pods stay on during bathing and swimming). 

Scanned sensor readings can be used for dose adjustment.

Easy to Use

Fewer parts. The PDM has button navigation. Pod has fewer parts than tubed pumps.

Requires scanning. Self-application and manual scanning every 8-hours are required. Easy self-application.

Fewer Fingersticks

Frequent finger-sticks are required. 

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

Privacy

Somewhat discreet. The pod attaches directly to the body with no tubing, but the pod is bigger than an infusion set. Pod does not have vibrate option.

Somewhat discreet. Scanning feature makes it easy to monitor blood glucose levels discreetly.