Afrezza
Instinct sensor, made by Abbott, for MiniMed 780G
Summary
Inhalable regular human insulin. Cartridges come in three doses: 4, 8, and 12-unit doses.
This is a CGM sensor made by Abbott, exclusively designed for MiniMed 780G system. It will work with MiniMed 780G and related systems. Wear time is up to 15 days, and warm-up is ~1 hour. Fingersticks are not required in closed-loop mode.
FDA approved for ages 7+ for use on the upper arm (back of upper arm)
MARD of ~8.5%
Components
Inhaler
Small refillable inhaler contains a compartment for powdered insulin containing cartridges.
Cartridge
Cartridges come in three doses: 4, 8, and 12-unit doses. All color coded.
Sensor
Sensor uses a thin, flexible filament beneath the skin to continuously measure glucose every 5 minutes. Simple, one-step applicator makes insertion fast and easy.
Device Details
Overview
Nothing on the body when not in use. Visible when dosing.
Compact all-in-one sensor sensor, made by Abbott, exclusively designed for MiniMed 780G system.
Affordability and Access
$$$$
Widely covered. Price range; 0-$99/month, depending on insurance coverage. $35/month for medicare and commercial insurance plans.
$$$$
Coverage will depend on insurance policies and Medtronic’s rollout plan
Data Monitoring Options
No Options
Yes
Data streams directly to the pump; users and clinicians can view trends and logs via Medtronic’s platforms.
Data View Options
No Options
Yes
Data view directly on your connected pump or smart device.
Duration and Storage
10 Days
Open cartridges last up to 10 days. Sealed cartridges may be stored in a refrigerator at 36°F - 46°F until the expiration date.
15 Days
Sensors last up to 15 days and need about 1 hour to warm up. They work between 50ºF – 113ºF and should be stored between 36ºF – 82ºF. They are usually shipped in 1–3 month supplies, which is about 2–6 sensors at a time.
Vision / Auditory / Dexterity
NO text to speech
NO vibration alerts
LITTLE dexterity needed
YES text to speech
YES vibration alerts
Multiple sound sources
SOME dexterity needed
Patient Considerations
Active Lifestyle
Body free of devices. Does not remain attached to the body.
Long wear & water resistant. Longer wear reduces change burden; sensor design aims for robustness with movement. Water-resistant up to 3 feet (1 m) for 30 minutes (same standard as FreeStyle Libre family).
Avoiding Highs and Lows
Very short-acting. Absorbs quickly through the lungs to correct high blood sugar but requires attention to prevent lows.
Continuous closed-loop insulin adjustment helps maintain tighter control.
Comfort
Many components. Have to carry multiple cartridges that can be bulky.
Small & Discreet. Very small, discreet form factor, and minimal bulk.
Easy Insulin Dosing
Less precise but easy dosing. Dosing may be less precise due to the inhaled method of dosing, but color-coded cartridges make dosing easier. Dosing can also be done based on small, medium, or large meals and can be administered 1-2 hours post meals.
MiniMed 780G closed-loop algorithm: adjusts basal and delivers automatic correction boluses using sensor data. Longer wear (15 days) means fewer interruptions in automated dosing. In manual mode, it still requires fingerstick confirmation before dosing from sensor values.
Easy to Use
Simple design. Whistle-like device for inhaling insulin.
Longer sensor life and shorter warm-up (~1 hour) help with convenience.
Fewer Fingersticks
Frequent finger-sticks are required.
Factory-calibrated sensor. Finger sticks needed for backup only.
Privacy
Hideable. Small, discreet, and portable device that's not as noticeable as injections.
Small & Customizable. Extremely small (about the size of two stacked pennies), designed to be less noticeable under clothing. Upper arm site only; discreet but still visible with sleeveless clothing. Alerts can be customized on the connected pump for quieter use.