Insulin Pen
CeQur Simplicity Patch
Summary
Insulin pens make insulin delivery more convenient than traditional vial/syringe options. Pens are small, portable, and more discrete to use in public.
Cequr Simplicity is a thin and simple insulin delivery patch for mealtime and correction insulin. The 3-day wearable patch doses two units of insulin with every squeeze of the buttons on either side of the device. Users can fill their CeQur Simplicity patch with 100-200 units of rapid-acting insulin. This device is a hybrid between injections and an insulin pump to allow for discreet dosing without the need for programming or multiple injections.
FDA-approved for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes in people 21 years of age and older.
Components
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.
Applicator
Patch uses a thin, flexible cannula inserted just under the skin to deliver insulin. Push-button applicator allows patch to be placed on the body in one step.
Reservoir
Fill reservoir is enclosed with the Patch and used to manually fill the Patch with insulin.
Patch
Wearable insulin patches come with reservoirs and directions for application. They can be applied on the abdomen.
Device Details
Overview
Nothing on the body when not in use. Noticeable when dosing.
Convenient, discreet, and simple to use.
Affordability and Access
$$$$
Widely covered for insulin-dependent type 1 and 2. Price range; 0-$1260/month depending on insurance coverage.
$$$$
Widely covered for insulin-dependent type 1 and 2. Supplies provided by DME or pharmacy. Price range; $0-$500/Month. When covered, most patients have a co-pay of $50 or less a month. Insurance plans and pharmacy benefits may vary.
Data Monitoring Options
No Options
No Options
Data View Options
No Options
No Options
Duration and Storage
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).
3 Days
Patch can be worn for up to 72 hours and works in most temperatures (not for use in hot tubs, saunas, or freezing conditions). Does not require batteries or recharging.
Vision / Auditory / Dexterity
NO text to speech
NO vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed
NO text to speech
NO vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed
Patient Considerations
Active Lifestyle
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.
Limited Adjustability. No way to adjust long-acting insulin for higher activity on the fly, but the device is water resistant.
Avoiding Highs and Lows
Limited customizability. Pens require manual dose adjustment and limit the ability to adjust basal insulin throughout the day.
Limited customizability. System requires manual dose adjustment and limits the ability to adjust insulin levels throughout the day. If you need basal (background) insulin, you’ll still need to take it in addition to wearing the CeQur Simplicity.
Comfort
Many components. Have to carry pen and pen needles but nothing attached to the body.
Free of tubing. Patches do not have tubing and they're less bulky than traditional insulin pumps but it must be worn in areas that are easy to reach for insulin dosing.
Easy Insulin Dosing
More precise than syringes. Ability to measure doses using a dial, increasing accuracy.
Easy to Use. Squeezing the buttons on either side of the device delivers insulin in two-unit increments for dosing insulin for meals and correction.
Easy to Use
Simple but many steps. Attach a new needle, dial the correct dose, inject, and dispose of needle.
Simple with few steps. Patch is replaced every 3 days with insulin administered at the click of a button.
Fewer Fingersticks
Frequent finger-sticks are required.
Frequent finger-sticks are required.
Privacy
Hideable. Pens can be hidden when not in use but visible when in use. Frequent injections are unavoidable.
Hideable. Thinnest and lightest patch pump that's not as noticeable as injections.