Instinct sensor, made by Abbott, for MiniMed 780G
Insulin Pen
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%
Insulin pens make insulin delivery more convenient than traditional vial/syringe options. Pens are small, portable, and more discrete to use in public.
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.
Needles
Disposable needle attaches to insulin pen for daily injections.
Long-acting insulin
Basal (long-acting) insulin pen for steady release of insulin that helps control blood sugar between meals, and overnight.
Rapid-acting insulin
Bolus (fast-acting) insulin pen for meal time or high blood sugar correction.
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. Noticeable when dosing.
Affordability and Access
$$$$
Coverage will depend on insurance policies and Medtronic’s rollout plan
$$$$
Widely covered for insulin-dependent type 1 and 2. Price range; 0-$1260/month depending on insurance coverage.
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.
28 Days
Can be kept at room temperature (not above 80º F) when in use for 28 days. Unopened insulin pens should be stored in the refrigerator (36ºF - 46ºF).
Vision / Auditory / Dexterity
YES text to speech
YES vibration alerts
Multiple sound sources
SOME dexterity needed
NO text to speech
NO 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 attachments to the body. Insulin pens are easy to use and do not remain attached to the body, allowing for a flexible and active lifestyle.
Avoiding Highs and Lows
Continuous closed-loop insulin adjustment helps maintain tighter control.
Limited customizability. Pens require manual dose adjustment and limit the ability to adjust basal insulin throughout the day.
Comfort
Small & Discreet. Very small, discreet form factor, and minimal bulk.
Many components. Have to carry pen and pen needles but nothing attached to the body.
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.
More precise than syringes. Ability to measure doses using a dial, increasing accuracy.
Easy to Use
Longer sensor life and shorter warm-up (~1 hour) help with convenience.
Simple but many steps. Attach a new needle, dial the correct dose, inject, and dispose of needle.
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. Pens can be hidden when not in use but visible when in use. Frequent injections are unavoidable.