Tidepool Loop
NovoPen 6/NovoPen Echo
Summary
Tidepool Loop is the first fully interoperable automated insulin dosing app that originated as a patient-led initiative.
Background: A diabetes non-profit called Tidepool decided in 2018 to officially support Loop and shepherd it through the FDA process. Tidepool Loop was cleared by the FDA in January 2023 with plans to launch with Dexcom and other alternate controller-enabled (ACE) pump partners (RileyLink will no longer be necessary).
2023 Updates from Tidepool:
- Medtronic and Tidepool have decided to discontinue the development of a Medtronic insulin pump system compatible with Tidepool Loop.
- As Omnipod 5 is now commercially available, Insulet is devoting all available resources to their Omnipod products, including the global launch and further development of Omnipod 5.
- Future ACE Pumps that will be commercially compatible with Tidepool Loop will need to be FDA-cleared for use with third-party interoperable automated glycemic (iAGC) controllers.
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
Smartphone or smartwatch receives CGM readings and automatically adjusts insulin delivery via insulin pump.
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
Tidepool Loop is the first fully interoperable automated insulin dosing app that originated as a patient-led initiative.
Discreet and modern option for people using multiple daily injections.
Affordability and Access
$$$$
Pump and CGM supply information is not yet available. iPhone is not covered and must be set up independently.
$$$$
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
Compatible with Tidepool - a web-based diabetes data management system.
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 can be viewed on an iPhone.
Yes
Dose-related data can be viewed on the NovoPen 6 & NovoPen Echo apps.
Duration and Storage
Pump and CGM information not yet available.
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
Automatic responses. Can set custom blood sugar targets and insulin and carb sensitivities based on type of activity. App automatically responds to blood sugar changes during activity.
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
Automatically adjusts insulin delivery. Increases or decreases insulin delivery to meet glucose targets. Insulin delivery settings can be aggressive or conservative.
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
Low-profile mobile app. Dosing and other adjustments can be done directly on the mobile app.
Many components. Have to carry pens and pen needles. CGM is attached to the body.
Easy Insulin Dosing
Customizable. Can bolus from phone or smartwatch and all settings are expected to be customizable. More information on modifications to insulin delivery will be available soon.
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
Easy dosing. Software makes most dosing decisions easy to do on the fly.
Simple design. Replaces regular insulin pen. No additional devices to add on.
Fewer Fingersticks
Factory-calibrated sensor. Fingersticks needed for backup only.
Factory-calibrated sensor. Finger sticks needed for backup only.
Privacy
Discreet. Ability to give insulin via watch or phone. Ability to check sugar on phone or watch. Alerts available.
Hideable. Pens are portable but visible when in use. Frequent injections are unavoidable. View recommendations and data on a smartphone.