MiniMed Flex
Beta Bionics iLet Pancreas
Summary
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.
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
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.
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
A tubed insulin pump system that works with the Simplera Sync sensor and SmartGuard™ technology to automatically adjust insulin delivery.
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
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.
$$$$
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
Pump data can be viewed by your healthcare team on the CareLink therapy management software.
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 is viewed on the phone app.
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
2-3 Days. Infusion site and pump reservoir last up to 72 hours and works between 41ºF - 93ºF.
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
NO text to speech
YES vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed
NO text to speech
YES vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed
Patient Considerations
Active Lifestyle
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.
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
Precise dosing. Pumps allow different amounts of basal insulin at different times of day and very precise dosing.
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 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.
Somewhat comfortable. Low maintenance sensor. Larger pump option.
Easy Insulin Dosing
Customizable dosing. Bolus calculator available to help figure out doses. Basal and bolus in 0.05 increments.
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
Pump has a rechargeable battery that takes 30 minutes to charge, and lasts about a week.
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
Frequent fingersticks are still required.
Factory-calibrated sensor. Fingersticks needed for backup only.
Privacy
Discrete. The MiniMed Flex is small with visible tubing. Can be clipped to clothing or placed in a pocket to be discrete when needed.
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.