MiniMed Flex
Freestyle Lingo
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.
Freestyle Lingo is an over-the-counter low-profile, all-in-one glucose sensor/transmitter. This sensor lasts for up to 14 days and sends real-time glucose readings to a compatible smartphone app. No finger pricks or scanning is needed. FDA approved for people 18 and older who are not on insulin.
*DiabetesWise receives a commission and we use those funds to support free programs.
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.
Sensor
Sensor uses a thin, flexible filament inserted just under the skin to measure glucose levels every minute. Push-button applicator allows sensor to be placed on the body in one step.
Receiver
Conveniently access glucose readings using a reader, smartphone, or both. Available for both iOS and Android devices.
Device Details
Overview
A tubed insulin pump system that works with the Simplera Sync sensor and SmartGuard™ technology to automatically adjust insulin delivery.
Smallest, thinnest, all-in-one glucose sensor/transmitter with low and high blood glucose alarms can be worn on the upper arm.
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.
$$$$
Widely covered. Provided by pharmacies. Price range; $49 for one 14-day sensor, $89 for two sensors, or $249 for six sensors. Often, it is the cheapest and easiest-to-access sensor.
Data Monitoring Options
Yes
Pump data can be viewed by your healthcare team on the CareLink therapy management software.
Yes
Sensor automatically sends data to the user’s LibreLingo account which enables sharing with HCPs and caregivers via the LibreLink app.
Data View Options
Yes
Data is viewed on the phone app.
Yes
Freestyle Libre Lingo app provides glucose readings and alarms, multiple data views, the ability to share glucose data and real-time alarms with LibreLingo.
Duration and Storage
2-3 Days. Infusion site and pump reservoir last up to 72 hours and works between 41ºF - 93ºF.
14 Days
Sensors last 14 days and work between 50ºF - 113ºF. They are shipped in orders of 1-3 months at a time - which is 2-6 boxes at a time.
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.
Water-resistant for up to 3 feet deep for 30 minutes and light on the body, does not get in the way of activity.
Avoiding Highs and Lows
Precise dosing. Pumps allow different amounts of basal insulin at different times of day and very precise dosing.
Optional glucose alerts for low and high glucose levels. Trend arrows show the direction glucose is heading, with the rate of change.
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.
Lowest profile sensor and smallest adhesive (about the size of two stacked U.S pennies).
Easy Insulin Dosing
Customizable dosing. Bolus calculator available to help figure out doses. Basal and bolus in 0.05 increments.
Sensor trends can be used for dose adjustment.
Easy to Use
Pump has a rechargeable battery that takes 30 minutes to charge, and lasts about a week.
No scanning required. Minute-by-minute readings are sent directly to the mobile app.
Fewer Fingersticks
Frequent fingersticks are still required.
Factory-calibrated sensor. Finger-sticks 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.
Hypoglycemia safety alarm. Discreet size but built-in hypoglycemia safety alarm alerts users when glucose is below 55 mg/dl and is always on.