Beta Bionics iLet Pancreas
Eversense
Summary
The iLet Bionic Pancreas is the first and only commercially-available, automated insulin delivery system that determines 100% of insulin doses without carb counting - offering better results with less work.
The iLet only needs a user's weight to get started. It then learns and adapts to the user's insulin needs based on their meal announcements and CGM data (Dexcom CGM or FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor).
This sensor lasts the longest - 365 days. It has to be placed under the skin by a healthcare provider. It has two parts, the implantable sensor and a transmitter that sends data to a mobile device.
MARD: 8.5-9.1%
*Recently FDA approved for use with insulin pumps.
Components
Infusion Set
An infusion set contains the thin plastic tubing that delivers insulin from the pump to the body.
Controller
Pump receives CGM readings and automatically adjusts insulin delivery. Data from the pump and CGM viewable on compatible smartphones (iOS and Android)
Sensor
Sensor is inserted underneath the skin, either on the abdomen or arm.
Pump
Pump connects tubing to a small patch called an infusion set that attaches to the body.
Receiver
Real-time glucose measurements sent to a compatible mobile-device or smart watch. No need for a separate receiver. Available for both iOS and Android devices.
Transmitter
Transmitter sits outside of the body and is held on by an adhesive. Sends data every 5 minutes to a connected mobile device.
Sensor
Professionally inserted by a physician during a medical visit. Minor procedure.
Device Details
Overview
This system requires very little input from the physician or user. It only requires the user to input their weight to get started (glucose targets can be adjusted). Instead of carb counting,* the iLet just needs an estimate of the carbs in your meal – Usual for me, More or Less. The iLet is paired with either a Dexcom CGM or the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor.
*User must be carb aware.
Very small implantable sensor but large transmitter must be worn on top of the skin.
Affordability and Access
$$$$
iLet and sensors are widely covered and provided by DME and pharmacy. Sensor price range $0-$550/month. iLet cost dependant on your insurance for DME or Pharmacy.
$$$$
Sometimes covered. Insertion and removal require a Health Care Provider. Insertion costs $100-$300, and removal costs $100-$400. Sensor and transmitter cost $800-$1400.
Data Monitoring Options
Yes
iLet Mobile App provides the ability to pull data from an iLet device to share with the Beta Bionics Cloud.
Yes
CGM data can upload automatically to the web-based Eversense data management system (EDMS) from the Eversense mobile app.
Data View Options
Yes
Users can view their iLet data directly on the pump or by using the iLet Mobile App. iLet users can share their data with friends, family, and caregivers through the Bionic Circle App.
Yes
Eversense mobile app receives and displays data in easy-to-read charts and graphs that can be shared with family and friends through the Eversense NOW app.
Duration and Storage
3-day pump up to 15 day sensor
Sensors last 10 or 15 days and transmitters last 90 and work at 50ºF – 108ºF. Pump can be used for up to 72 hrs, fully charged iLet will last for 4-5 days, and work between 36°F (2°C) to 86°F (30°C).
365 Days
Sensor lasts 365 days, but a physician must implant it. Transmitter must be charged daily.
Vision / Auditory / Dexterity
NO text to speech
YES vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed
YES text to speech
YES vibration alerts
SOME dexterity needed
Patient Considerations
Active Lifestyle
No exercise mode. Pump will continue to increase or decrease insulin dosing in response to changing CGM glucose levels as usual. However, insulin can be stopped at user's discretion. Pump is water resistant for up to 12 feet for 30 minutes.
Water-resistant transmitter when submerged in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes and must be within 25 feet of the connected smart device.
Avoiding Highs and Lows
Auto basal and bolus insulin. The iLet makes the corrections for you. If you’re trending high, it will automatically give you more insulin to bring you back in range. If you’re trending low, it will reduce your current insulin dosage.
On-body vibration alerts when blood glucose levels are higher or lower than the set range. Trend arrows show the direction glucose is heading, with the rate of change.
Comfort
Somewhat comfortable. Low maintenance sensor. Larger pump option.
Longest-lasting sensor fits comfortably under the skin. Minor procedure is required. Least likely to have compression lows.
Easy Insulin Dosing
Meal announcement controller. User must be carb aware. The iLet calculates and doses 100% of the insulin throughout the day and night, allowing the user to focus on other things in their lives. Please note: even when you use the "Meal Announcement." your blood glucose levels could rise above 250 mg/dL for a few hours. You'll need to be comfortable letting the iLet regulate your blood glucose.
Predictive alerts make insulin dosing easier by tracking high and low trends.
Easy to Use
Easiest to Use. User weight is the only input required to start using the insulin pump. No carb counting *, correction factors, carb ratios, or pre-set basal rates required.
*User must be carb aware.
Minor procedure. Requires insertion by a physician during a medical visit.
Fewer Fingersticks
Factory-calibrated sensor. Fingersticks needed for backup only.
2 daily finger-sticks are needed to calibrate the sensor.
Privacy
Discreet. Ability to check blood sugar on phone. Minimal pump interaction is required. Pump has tubing but can be clipped to clothing or placed in a pocket to be discreet when needed.
Somewhat discreet. Tiny sensor is implanted under the skin, so the user can be discreet when needed. Ability to see sugar on watch or phone. Sensor not movable on body and requires regular meter use.