Afrezza
MiniMed Flex
Summary
Inhalable regular human insulin. Cartridges come in three doses: 4, 8, and 12-unit doses.
The MiniMed Flex is a tubed insulin pump system designed to automate insulin delivery using SmartGuard™ technology and the Simplera Sync sensor. Boluses can be delivered directly through the MiniMed app, while customizable settings help support glucose management throughout the day.
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.
Controller
Pump receives CGM readings and automatically adjusts insulin delivery. Data from the pump and CGM viewable on compatible smartphones.
Infusion Set
An infusion set contains the thin plastic tubing that delivers insulin from the pump to the body. Optional Medtronic Extended™ Infusion set (up to 7-day wear) available.
Reservoir
Tubed insulin pumps contain a plastic reservoir or cartridge that is manually filled with insulin and locked into the pump. ExtendedTM Reservoir MMT-342, 10PK. 3.0 ml (300 units).
Pump
Pump connects tubing to a small patch called an infusion set that attaches to the body.
Device Details
Overview
Nothing on the body when not in use. Visible when dosing.
A tubed insulin pump system that works with the Simplera Sync sensor and SmartGuard™ technology to automatically adjust insulin delivery.
Affordability and Access
$$$$
Widely covered. Price range; 0-$99/month, depending on insurance coverage. $35/month for medicare and commercial insurance plans.
Widely covered for insulin-dependent type 1 and type 2. Pump can be provided by pharmacy or DME. Price range; $0-$8,574 to start and $0-$300/Month. Price range varies depending on insurance coverage.
Data Monitoring Options
No Options
Yes
Pump data can be viewed by your healthcare team on the CareLink therapy management software.
Data View Options
No Options
Yes
Data is viewed on the phone app.
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.
2-3 Days. Infusion site and pump reservoir last up to 72 hours and works between 41ºF - 93ºF.
Vision / Auditory / Dexterity
NO text to speech
NO vibration alerts
LITTLE dexterity needed
NO text to speech
YES vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed
Patient Considerations
Active Lifestyle
Body free of devices. Does not remain attached to the body.
Exercise mode. Optional settings for exercise to adjust treatment ranges for activity with the press of a button. Pump is waterproof for up to 8 feet for 105 minutes.
Avoiding Highs and Lows
Very short-acting. Absorbs quickly through the lungs to correct high blood sugar but requires attention to prevent lows.
Precise dosing. Pumps allow different amounts of basal insulin at different times of day and very precise dosing.
Comfort
Many components. Have to carry multiple cartridges that can be bulky.
Small tubed pump. Small patch called an infusion set consists of a complete tubing system that attaches to the body. Tubed pumps have the most infusion sets to pick from.
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.
Customizable dosing. Bolus calculator available to help figure out doses. Basal and bolus in 0.05 increments.
Easy to Use
Simple design. Whistle-like device for inhaling insulin.
Pump has a rechargeable battery that takes 30 minutes to charge, and lasts about a week.
Fewer Fingersticks
Frequent finger-sticks are required.
Frequent fingersticks are still required.
Privacy
Hideable. Small, discreet, and portable device that's not as noticeable as injections.
Discrete. The MiniMed Flex is small with visible tubing. Can be clipped to clothing or placed in a pocket to be discrete when needed.