Instinct sensor, made by Abbott, for MiniMed 780G
MiniMed Flex
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 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
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.
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
Compact all-in-one sensor sensor, made by Abbott, exclusively designed for MiniMed 780G system.
A tubed insulin pump system that works with the Simplera Sync sensor and SmartGuard™ technology to automatically adjust insulin delivery.
Affordability and Access
$$$$
Coverage will depend on insurance policies and Medtronic’s rollout plan
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
Yes
Data streams directly to the pump; users and clinicians can view trends and logs via Medtronic’s platforms.
Yes
Pump data can be viewed by your healthcare team on the CareLink therapy management software.
Data View Options
Yes
Data view directly on your connected pump or smart device.
Yes
Data is viewed on the phone 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.
2-3 Days. Infusion site and pump reservoir last up to 72 hours and works between 41ºF - 93ºF.
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).
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
Continuous closed-loop insulin adjustment helps maintain tighter control.
Precise dosing. Pumps allow different amounts of basal insulin at different times of day and very precise dosing.
Comfort
Small & Discreet. Very small, discreet form factor, and minimal bulk.
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
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.
Customizable dosing. Bolus calculator available to help figure out doses. Basal and bolus in 0.05 increments.
Easy to Use
Longer sensor life and shorter warm-up (~1 hour) help with convenience.
Pump has a rechargeable battery that takes 30 minutes to charge, and lasts about a week.
Fewer Fingersticks
Factory-calibrated sensor. Finger sticks needed for backup only.
Frequent fingersticks are still 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.
Discrete. The MiniMed Flex is small with visible tubing. Can be clipped to clothing or placed in a pocket to be discrete when needed.