Instinct sensor, made by Abbott, for MiniMed 780G
Beta Bionics iLet Pancreas
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%
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).
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.
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.
Device Details
Overview
Compact all-in-one sensor sensor, made by Abbott, exclusively designed for MiniMed 780G system.
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.
Affordability and Access
$$$$
Coverage will depend on insurance policies and Medtronic’s rollout plan
$$$$
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.
Data Monitoring Options
Yes
Data streams directly to the pump; users and clinicians can view trends and logs via Medtronic’s platforms.
Yes
iLet Mobile App provides the ability to pull data from an iLet device to share with the Beta Bionics Cloud.
Data View Options
Yes
Data view directly on your connected pump or smart device.
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.
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.
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).
Vision / Auditory / Dexterity
YES text to speech
YES vibration alerts
Multiple sound sources
SOME dexterity needed
NO text to speech
YES vibration alerts
A LOT of 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).
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.
Avoiding Highs and Lows
Continuous closed-loop insulin adjustment helps maintain tighter control.
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.
Comfort
Small & Discreet. Very small, discreet form factor, and minimal bulk.
Somewhat comfortable. Low maintenance sensor. Larger pump option.
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.
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.
Easy to Use
Longer sensor life and shorter warm-up (~1 hour) help with convenience.
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.
Fewer Fingersticks
Factory-calibrated sensor. Finger sticks needed for backup only.
Factory-calibrated sensor. Fingersticks needed for backup only.
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.
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.