What is Needed to Start
Pump
Pods come with reservoirs and directions for application. They can be applied anywhere on the body that is comfortable.
Reservoir
Fill reservoir is enclosed with the Pod and used to manually fill the Pod with insulin.
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.
Watch and Learn
Intro to the Omnipod DASH system
When to Change a Pod
Using the Omnipod Dash System
Device Details
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.
Data Monitoring Options
Yes
Omnipod data can be accessed by clinicians on Diasend by Glooko.
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)
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.
Vision / Auditory / Dexterity
NO text to speech
NO vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed
Patient Considerations
Comfort
Low profile & no tubing. Low profile sensor and Omnipod has no tubing but may require more adhesive on the body than other pumps.
Active Lifestyle
Waterproof. The pod is waterproof, tubeless, and can be worn for most exercises. The PDM is not waterproof and must be charged daily. Data monitoring allows others to track blood sugar remotely.
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.
Easy to Use
Fewer components. Pod has fewer components to deal with than other pumps and a touchscreen controller.
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.
Fewer Fingersticks
Frequent finger-sticks are required.
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.