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
Traditional syringe and needle. The most affordable insulin delivery option.
The Tempo system enhances management with multiple daily injections because it tracks data in real-time and offers personalized dosing recommendations. This system combines the Dexcom G6/G7 CGM with smart insulin pens for more time in range.
Components
Syringe and Vial : Bolus Insulin
Bolus (fast-acting) insulin vial for meal time or high blood sugar correction.
Syringe and Vial : Basal Insulin
Basal (long-acting) insulin vial for steady release of insulin that helps control blood sugar between meals, and overnight.
Syringe and Vial : Needles
Classic syringes with plunger used to fill insulin for injection
Tempo Pen : Sensor
Sensor uses a thin, flexible filament inserted just under the skin to measure glucose levels every 5 minutes. Push-button applicator allows sensor to be placed on the body in one step.
Tempo Pen : Controller
Smart button records daily injections and sends them to the compatible app.
Tempo Pen : Receiver
Smart button and sensor readings displays dosage information directly on smart mobile device.
Device Details
Overview
Nothing on the body when not in use but very visible when dosing.
Discreet and modern option for people using multiple daily injections.
Affordability and Access
$$$$
Syringes are available worldwide in pharmacies or DME without prescription. Price Range: $0-$300/month depending on insurance coverage.
$$$$
Sometimes covered. Tempo is covered by some commercial insurance companies; typically, users pay $35 out-of-pocket copays for the eight-month device. Prices range from $35- $165. For those without any insurance coverage, the button's full price is $165.
Data Monitoring Options
No Options
Yes
Data can be easily shared with a healthcare provider through the SMART Visit Report.
Data View Options
No Options
Yes
Dose-related data can be viewed on the TempoSmart mobile app.
Duration and Storage
28 Days
Open vials can be stored at room temperature (not above 80º F) for up to 28 days. Unopened vials should be stored in the refrigerator (36ºF - 86ºF.)
8-month button 10-day sensor
Sensor lasts for 10 days, pen button lasts for up to 8 months. Sensors can be stored between 36°F - 86°F, and pens can be kept at room temperature.
Vision / Auditory / Dexterity
NO text to speech
NO vibration alerts
A LOT dexterity for insertion
NO text to speech
NO vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed
Patient Considerations
Active Lifestyle
Limited Adjustability. No way to adjust long-acting insulin for higher activity on the fly.
Light on body. Pens are easy to use and do not remain attached to the body, senor is light on the body.
Avoiding Highs and Lows
Limited customizability. Requires a high level of engagement and effort to avoid highs and lows but can be paired with a CGM for improved blood sugar control.
Limited customizability. System integrates the Dexcom G6/G7 CGM for high or low alerts but requires manual dose adjustment and limits the ability to adjust insulin levels throughout the day.
Comfort
Many components. Must carry insulin vials and large syringes but nothing attached to the body.
Many components. Have to carry pens and pen needles. CGM is attached to the body.
Easy Insulin Dosing
Requires attention. You have to do the math to figure out your dose. Unable to adjust basal in real-time.
Dosing recommendations. Displays personalized mealtime dosing recommendations.
Easy to Use
Many steps. Requires effort to figure out doses and deliver insulin every single time you need it.
Simple design. Replaces regular insulin pen. No additional devices to add on.
Fewer Fingersticks
Frequent finger-sticks are required.
Factory-calibrated sensor. Finger sticks needed for backup only.
Privacy
Hideable. Vials and syringes can be hidden when not in use but very visible when in use. Frequent injections are unavoidable.
Hideable. Pens are portable but visible when in use. Frequent injections are unavoidable. View recommendations and data on a smartphone.