MiniMed Flex
Insulin Pen
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.
Insulin pens make insulin delivery more convenient than traditional vial/syringe options. Pens are small, portable, and more discrete to use in public.
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.
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.
Device Details
Overview
A tubed insulin pump system that works with the Simplera Sync sensor and SmartGuard™ technology to automatically adjust insulin delivery.
Nothing on the body when not in use. Noticeable when dosing.
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 for insulin-dependent type 1 and 2. Price range; 0-$1260/month depending on insurance coverage.
Data Monitoring Options
Yes
Pump data can be viewed by your healthcare team on the CareLink therapy management software.
No Options
Data View Options
Yes
Data is viewed on the phone app.
No Options
Duration and Storage
2-3 Days. Infusion site and pump reservoir last up to 72 hours and works between 41ºF - 93ºF.
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).
Vision / Auditory / Dexterity
NO text to speech
YES vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed
NO text to speech
NO 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 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.
Avoiding Highs and Lows
Precise dosing. Pumps allow different amounts of basal insulin at different times of day and very precise dosing.
Limited customizability. Pens require manual dose adjustment and limit the ability to adjust basal insulin throughout the day.
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.
Many components. Have to carry pen and pen needles but nothing attached to the body.
Easy Insulin Dosing
Customizable dosing. Bolus calculator available to help figure out doses. Basal and bolus in 0.05 increments.
More precise than syringes. Ability to measure doses using a dial, increasing accuracy.
Easy to Use
Pump has a rechargeable battery that takes 30 minutes to charge, and lasts about a week.
Simple but many steps. Attach a new needle, dial the correct dose, inject, and dispose of needle.
Fewer Fingersticks
Frequent fingersticks are still required.
Frequent finger-sticks are required.
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.
Hideable. Pens can be hidden when not in use but visible when in use. Frequent injections are unavoidable.