Instinct sensor, made by Abbott, for MiniMed 780G
Afrezza
Summary
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%
Inhalable regular human insulin. Cartridges come in three doses: 4, 8, and 12-unit doses.
Components
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.
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.
Device Details
Overview
Compact all-in-one sensor sensor, made by Abbott, exclusively designed for MiniMed 780G system.
Nothing on the body when not in use. Visible when dosing.
Affordability and Access
$$$$
Coverage will depend on insurance policies and Medtronic’s rollout plan
$$$$
Widely covered. Price range; 0-$99/month, depending on insurance coverage. $35/month for medicare and commercial insurance plans.
Data Monitoring Options
Yes
Data streams directly to the pump; users and clinicians can view trends and logs via Medtronic’s platforms.
No Options
Data View Options
Yes
Data view directly on your connected pump or smart device.
No Options
Duration and Storage
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.
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.
Vision / Auditory / Dexterity
YES text to speech
YES vibration alerts
Multiple sound sources
SOME dexterity needed
NO text to speech
NO vibration alerts
LITTLE dexterity needed
Patient Considerations
Active Lifestyle
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).
Body free of devices. Does not remain attached to the body.
Avoiding Highs and Lows
Continuous closed-loop insulin adjustment helps maintain tighter control.
Very short-acting. Absorbs quickly through the lungs to correct high blood sugar but requires attention to prevent lows.
Comfort
Small & Discreet. Very small, discreet form factor, and minimal bulk.
Many components. Have to carry multiple cartridges that can be bulky.
Easy Insulin Dosing
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.
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.
Easy to Use
Longer sensor life and shorter warm-up (~1 hour) help with convenience.
Simple design. Whistle-like device for inhaling insulin.
Fewer Fingersticks
Factory-calibrated sensor. Finger sticks needed for backup only.
Frequent finger-sticks are required.
Privacy
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.
Hideable. Small, discreet, and portable device that's not as noticeable as injections.