MiniMed Flex
NovoPen 6/NovoPen Echo
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.
NovoPen 6 & NovoPen Echo Plus provides the smart addition of a personal injection log. Both pens are compatible with Novo Nordisk insulins in Penfill 3 ml cartridges and work with NovoFine single-use disposable needles. You can transfer your insulin dosing information from your smart pen to your device using the app.
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.
Receiver
Smart pen and sensor readings displays dosage information directly on smart mobile device.
Controller
Smart pen records daily injections and sends them to the compatible app by tapping the device with a compatible smartphone.
Sensor
Sensor uses a thin, flexible filament inserted just under the skin to measure glucose levels every 5 minutes. Push-button applicator allows sensor to be placed on the body in one step.
Device Details
Overview
A tubed insulin pump system that works with the Simplera Sync sensor and SmartGuard™ technology to automatically adjust insulin delivery.
Discreet and modern option for people using multiple daily injections.
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.
$$$$
Sometimes covered. NovoPens are covered by some commercial insurance companies; typically, users pay $21 out-of-pocket copays for the eight-month device. Prices range from $0- $78. For those without any insurance coverage, a single pen price is $78.
Data Monitoring Options
Yes
Pump data can be viewed by your healthcare team on the CareLink therapy management software.
Yes
Hold the dose memory of the pen straight against the Near Field Communication (NFC) spot on your device. Wait while your injection details are automatically transferred to a compatible app on your device. Compatible with multiple data monitoring platforms, including Glooko, MySugr, and Dose Check.
Data View Options
Yes
Data is viewed on the phone app.
Yes
Dose-related data can be viewed on the NovoPen 6 & NovoPen Echo apps.
Duration and Storage
2-3 Days. Infusion site and pump reservoir last up to 72 hours and works between 41ºF - 93ºF.
28-day pen (Compatible with 10-day or 14-day sensor)
Sensor lasts for 10-14 days depending on the brand, insulin pen lasts for up to 28 days. Pen has 800-injection dose memory and a five-year battery life. Sensor works between 50ºF - 113ºF and pens can be kept at room temperature for up to 28 days.
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.
Light on body. Pens are easy to use and do not remain attached to the body, senor is light on the body.
Avoiding Highs and Lows
Precise dosing. Pumps allow different amounts of basal insulin at different times of day and very precise dosing.
Limited customizability. System integrates the Dexcom G6/G7 or Libre CGM for high or low alerts but requires manual dose adjustment and limits the ability to adjust insulin levels 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 pens and pen needles. CGM is attached to the body.
Easy Insulin Dosing
Customizable dosing. Bolus calculator available to help figure out doses. Basal and bolus in 0.05 increments.
NovoPen 6: The maximum dose is 60 units, and doses increase in 1-unit increments. NovoPen Echo Plus: The maximum dose is 30 units, and doses increase in 0.5-unit increments
Easy to Use
Pump has a rechargeable battery that takes 30 minutes to charge, and lasts about a week.
Simple design. Replaces regular insulin pen. No additional devices to add on.
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.
Hideable. Pens are portable but visible when in use. Frequent injections are unavoidable. View recommendations and data on a smartphone.