Omnipod
Instinct sensor, made by Abbott, for MiniMed 780G
Summary
The OmniPod is the only tubeless pump option. A Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM) is used to give insulin doses to the pod, which remains attached to the body. This pump is one of few that is completely waterproof.
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
Controller
Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM) is used to give insulin doses to the pod.
Reservoir
Fill reservoir is enclosed with the Pod and used to manually fill the Pod with insulin.
Pump
Pods come with reservoirs and directions for application. They can be applied anywhere on the body that is comfortable.
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
This is a discreet pump option without tubing but will require a controller to dose.
Compact all-in-one sensor sensor, made by Abbott, exclusively designed for MiniMed 780G system.
Affordability and Access
$$$$
Widely covered for insulin-dependent type 1 and 2. Pump can be provided by pharmacy or DME. Price range; 0-$200/month.
$$$$
Coverage will depend on insurance policies and Medtronic’s rollout plan
Data Monitoring Options
Yes
Pump data can be accessed by clinicians on Diasend by Glooko.
Yes
Data streams directly to the pump; users and clinicians can view trends and logs via Medtronic’s platforms.
Data View Options
No Options
Yes
Data view directly on your connected pump or smart device.
Duration and Storage
3 Days
Pod can be worn for up to 72 hours and work from 41ºF – 104ºF.
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
Waterproof. Wear the Pod in the shower, in the pool, or in the ocean. The PDM is not waterproof and must be charged daily.
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
Personalized dosing. Pods can deliver personalized doses of rapid-acting insulin based on the rates programmed into the Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM) device. The ability to set zero basal rates is not available.
Continuous closed-loop insulin adjustment helps maintain tighter control.
Comfort
Free of tubing. Pods do not have tubes like traditional insulin pumps, allowing for more freedom of movement.
Small & Discreet. Very small, discreet form factor, and minimal bulk.
Easy Insulin Dosing
Customizable dosing. Basal and Bolus in 0.05 increments. No interruption in insulin delivery (pods stay on during bathing and swimming).
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
Fewer parts. The PDM has button navigation. Pod has fewer parts than tubed pumps.
Longer sensor life and shorter warm-up (~1 hour) help with convenience.
Fewer Fingersticks
Frequent finger-sticks are required.
Factory-calibrated sensor. Finger sticks needed for backup only.
Privacy
Somewhat discreet. The pod attaches directly to the body with no tubing, but the pod is bigger than an infusion set. Pod does not have vibrate option.
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.