NovoPen 6/NovoPen Echo
Instinct sensor, made by Abbott, for MiniMed 780G
Summary
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.
This is a CGM sensor made by Abbott, exclusively designed for MiniMed 780G system. It will work with MiniMed 780G and related systems. Wear time is up to 15 days, and warm-up is ~1 hour. Fingersticks are not required in closed-loop mode.
FDA approved for ages 7+ for use on the upper arm (back of upper arm)
MARD of ~8.5%
Components
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.
Sensor
Sensor uses a thin, flexible filament beneath the skin to continuously measure glucose every 5 minutes. Simple, one-step applicator makes insertion fast and easy.
Device Details
Overview
Discreet and modern option for people using multiple daily injections.
Compact all-in-one sensor sensor, made by Abbott, exclusively designed for MiniMed 780G system.
Affordability and Access
$$$$
Sometimes covered. NovoPens are covered by some commercial insurance companies; typically, users pay $21 out-of-pocket copays for the eight-month device. Prices range from $0- $78. For those without any insurance coverage, a single pen price is $78.
$$$$
Coverage will depend on insurance policies and Medtronic’s rollout plan
Data Monitoring Options
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.
Yes
Data streams directly to the pump; users and clinicians can view trends and logs via Medtronic’s platforms.
Data View Options
Yes
Dose-related data can be viewed on the NovoPen 6 & NovoPen Echo apps.
Yes
Data view directly on your connected pump or smart device.
Duration and Storage
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.
15 Days
Sensors last up to 15 days and need about 1 hour to warm up. They work between 50ºF – 113ºF and should be stored between 36ºF – 82ºF. They are usually shipped in 1–3 month supplies, which is about 2–6 sensors at a time.
Vision / Auditory / Dexterity
NO text to speech
NO vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed
YES text to speech
YES vibration alerts
Multiple sound sources
SOME dexterity needed
Patient Considerations
Active Lifestyle
Light on body. Pens are easy to use and do not remain attached to the body, senor is light on the body.
Long wear & water resistant. Longer wear reduces change burden; sensor design aims for robustness with movement. Water-resistant up to 3 feet (1 m) for 30 minutes (same standard as FreeStyle Libre family).
Avoiding Highs and Lows
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.
Continuous closed-loop insulin adjustment helps maintain tighter control.
Comfort
Many components. Have to carry pens and pen needles. CGM is attached to the body.
Small & Discreet. Very small, discreet form factor, and minimal bulk.
Easy Insulin Dosing
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
MiniMed 780G closed-loop algorithm: adjusts basal and delivers automatic correction boluses using sensor data. Longer wear (15 days) means fewer interruptions in automated dosing. In manual mode, it still requires fingerstick confirmation before dosing from sensor values.
Easy to Use
Simple design. Replaces regular insulin pen. No additional devices to add on.
Longer sensor life and shorter warm-up (~1 hour) help with convenience.
Fewer Fingersticks
Factory-calibrated sensor. Finger sticks needed for backup only.
Factory-calibrated sensor. Finger sticks needed for backup only.
Privacy
Hideable. Pens are portable but visible when in use. Frequent injections are unavoidable. View recommendations and data on a smartphone.
Small & Customizable. Extremely small (about the size of two stacked pennies), designed to be less noticeable under clothing. Upper arm site only; discreet but still visible with sleeveless clothing. Alerts can be customized on the connected pump for quieter use.