Insulin Pen
Omnipod
Summary
Insulin pens make insulin delivery more convenient than traditional vial/syringe options. Pens are small, portable, and more discrete to use in public.
The OmniPod is the only tubeless pump option. A Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM) is used to give insulin doses to the pod, which remains attached to the body. This pump is one of few that is completely waterproof.
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.
Controller
Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM) is used to give insulin doses to the pod.
Reservoir
Fill reservoir is enclosed with the Pod and used to manually fill the Pod with insulin.
Pump
Pods come with reservoirs and directions for application. They can be applied anywhere on the body that is comfortable.
Device Details
Overview
Nothing on the body when not in use. Noticeable when dosing.
This is a discreet pump option without tubing but will require a controller to dose.
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. Pump can be provided by pharmacy or DME. Price range; 0-$200/month.
Data Monitoring Options
No Options
Yes
Pump data can be accessed by clinicians on Diasend by Glooko.
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
Pod can be worn for up to 72 hours and work from 41ºF – 104ºF.
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.
Waterproof. Wear the Pod in the shower, in the pool, or in the ocean. The PDM is not waterproof and must be charged daily.
Avoiding Highs and Lows
Limited customizability. Pens require manual dose adjustment and limit the ability to adjust basal insulin throughout the day.
Personalized dosing. Pods can deliver personalized doses of rapid-acting insulin based on the rates programmed into the Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM) device. The ability to set zero basal rates is not available.
Comfort
Many components. Have to carry pen and pen needles but nothing attached to the body.
Free of tubing. Pods do not have tubes like traditional insulin pumps, allowing for more freedom of movement.
Easy Insulin Dosing
More precise than syringes. Ability to measure doses using a dial, increasing accuracy.
Customizable dosing. Basal and Bolus in 0.05 increments. No interruption in insulin delivery (pods stay on during bathing and swimming).
Easy to Use
Simple but many steps. Attach a new needle, dial the correct dose, inject, and dispose of needle.
Fewer parts. The PDM has button navigation. Pod has fewer parts than tubed pumps.
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.
Somewhat discreet. The pod attaches directly to the body with no tubing, but the pod is bigger than an infusion set. Pod does not have vibrate option.