Syringe and Vial
Omnipod Dash
Summary
Traditional syringe and needle. The most affordable insulin delivery option.
A tubeless, waterproof pump loved by kids and all who don't want tubes. A touchscreen smartphone-like 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.
Components
Needles
Classic syringes with plunger used to fill insulin for injection
Long-acting insulin
Basal (long-acting) insulin vial for steady release of insulin that helps control blood sugar between meals, and overnight.
Rapid-acting insulin
Bolus (fast-acting) insulin vial for meal time or high blood sugar correction.
Controller
Separate Android-like is used for manual insulin delivery via a tubeless pod. Data and notifications from the PDM are viewable on a compatible smartphone.
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.
Device Details
Overview
Nothing on the body when not in use but very visible when dosing.
This system includes a wearable, tubeless insulin Pod that's controlled by a smartphone-like Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM).
Affordability and Access
$$$$
Syringes are available worldwide in pharmacies or DME without prescription. Price Range: $0-$300/month depending on insurance coverage.
$$$$
Widely covered for insulin-dependent type 1 and 2. Supplies for Pump and Sensor provided by Pharmacy and/or DME suppliers. Price range; $5-$1260 to start and 0-$200/month. Touch-screen controller available in the starter kit at no additional cost.
Data Monitoring Options
No Options
Yes
Omnipod data can be accessed by clinicians on Diasend by Glooko.
Data View Options
No Options
Yes
The Omnipod DISPLAY app displays real-time data for the patient. The Omnipod VIEW app allows family and friends to view data for up to 12 Omnipod users. (iPhone compatible only)
Duration and Storage
28 Days
Open vials can be stored at room temperature (not above 80º F) for up to 28 days. Unopened vials should be stored in the refrigerator (36ºF - 86ºF.)
3-day pump 10-day sensor
Sensors last 10 days and transmitters last 90 and work at 50ºF – 108ºF. Pods can be used for up to 72 hrs and work from 41ºF – 104ºF.
Vision / Auditory / Dexterity
NO text to speech
NO vibration alerts
A LOT dexterity for insertion
NO text to speech
NO vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed
Patient Considerations
Active Lifestyle
Limited Adjustability. No way to adjust long-acting insulin for higher activity on the fly.
Waterproof. Wear the Pod in the shower, in the pool, or in the ocean. The PDM is not waterproof and must be charged daily. Data monitoring allows others to track your data during physical activity.
Avoiding Highs and Lows
Limited customizability. Requires a high level of engagement and effort to avoid highs and lows but can be paired with a CGM for improved blood sugar control.
Personalized dosing. Pods can deliver personalized doses of rapid-acting insulin based on the rates programmed into the Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM) device to avoid highs and the ability to set zero basal rates to avoid lows.
Comfort
Many components. Must carry insulin vials and large syringes but nothing attached to the body.
Low profile & no tubing. Low profile sensor and Omnipod has no tubing but may require more adhesive on the body than other pumps.
Easy Insulin Dosing
Requires attention. You have to do the math to figure out your dose. Unable to adjust basal in real-time.
Manually adjusting dosing. Omnipod DASH System allows the user to manually input their blood glucose (BG) readings from any BGM or CGM device of their choice. Basal and bolus in 0.05 increments.
Easy to Use
Many steps. Requires effort to figure out doses and deliver insulin every single time you need it.
Fewer components. Pod has fewer components to deal with than other pumps and a touchscreen controller.
Fewer Fingersticks
Frequent finger-sticks are required.
Frequent finger-sticks are required.
Privacy
Hideable. Vials and syringes can be hidden when not in use but very visible when in use. Frequent injections are unavoidable.
Discreet. Sensor allows for checking blood glucose on phone/smartwatch. The pod is the most discreet pump option but requires a visible controller to bolus.