logo
Please be advised that the site search and results are exclusively available in English only.
Disclaimer: We are working on translating our site into other languages. If you encounter any issues with the translations, please email us at [email protected].

Return to previous step

Diabetes Device Choices

This is a personalized report of your diabetes device recommendations and choices. This report is a guide not a clinical recommendation. It's a guide based on your input, the best advice from Standford and the first hand knowledge of the T1 Community at DiabetesWise.org.

Print

Share your device finder report

Share your top 3 device combos with your friends, family, or diabetes care providers to get their advice or support. Or, send it to yourself for future reference!

Download
Disclaimer: All prices are in USD and are estimates only.

Overview

Sensor & Pump

Eversense & Omnipod

EversenseOmnipod v3

The Eversense sensor is implanted under the skin, so you can be discrete when needed. Having a sensor and Omnipod pump, you have good info for how to make dosing decisions.

*You will need an iPhone to use the Eversense sensor.

Sensor & Injections

FreeStyle Libre 2 & Bigfoot Unity

illo bigfoot unity v2

Bigfoot Unity is a smart insulin dosing system comprised of Bigfoot smartpen caps (for short- and long-acting insulin pens), Abbott's FreeStyle Libre 2 CGM, a mobile app, and a blood glucose meter made by AgaMatrix.

Unity provides recommendations for both short- and rapid-acting insulin doses. Both pen caps have screens that display slightly different information, including blood glucose level (you can scan your Libre 2 with the pen cap to see your mg/dl!), timing of last dose, and recommended doses.

Priority: Overall

Overall
Data and dosing on the fly.

Next Steps Next Steps

You're going to do great on the devices you choose

1.
Talk to your provider

Talk to your provider to get a prescription. Advocate for yourself with a list of reasons why you believe it is best for your lifestyle.

2.
Call the device companies

Talk to the device companies about the device you want and if your insurance will cover it. They can help with this.

3.
Call your insurance

Many insurance companies require documentation of different qualifications before approving diabetes device coverage. every insurance company is different but some common qualifications include checking your blood sugar 4-6 times per day or having frequent low blood sugars. Understanding what qualifications are necessary for device coverage before starting the approval process can make things a lot easier.

Visit https://study.diabeteswise.org/resources/getting-treatment/qualify-for-insurance/ for more resources.

Questions for your Doctor

Eversense & Omnipod

Can I try this before I commit to it?

A lot of provider offices have sample devices you can touch and feel to get a sense of how they work. Some offices even have a trial device you can use for week to see how it works for you.

FreeStyle Libre 2 & Bigfoot Unity

Is the Freestyle Libre waterproof?

Sensor is water-resistant in up to 1 metre (3 feet) of water for a maximum of 30 minutes.

How do I order supplies?

Participating in the Bigfoot Unity program requires an agreement between Bigfoot Biomedical and your health care provider. Ask your doctor if they are contracted with Bigfoot Unity!

More on how to Talk to your Doctor

Questions for your insurance

Many insurance companies require documentation of different qualifications before approving diabetes device coverage. Every insurance company is different, but some common qualifications include checking your blood sugar 4-6 times per day or having frequent low blood sugars. Understanding what qualifications are necessary for device coverage before starting the approval process can make things a lot easier.

Get the Guide for Talking to your Insurance

Talk to the device companies

Eversense

Either call the phone number here to ask about getting started or fill out the form that is linked here to get started.

1-844-736 7348 Eversense Website

Omnipod

Call Omnipod and ask them about your coverage. Talk to your Doctor to get a prescription.

1-800-591-3455 Omnipod Website

Freestyle Libre 2

Call Freestyle Libre and ask them about your coverage. Talk to your Doctor to get a prescription.

1-855-632 8658 Freestyle Libre Website

Bigfoot Unity

Call Bigfoot Unity and ask them about your coverage. Talk to your Doctor to get a prescription.

551-244-3668 Bigfoot Unity Website

Additional Resources

By Priorities

Active Lifestyle Active Lifestyle

Because the sensor is under your skin, it won't get dislodged if it gets bumped
Don't need to find a place for pump in active wear
Flat sensor transmitter fits easily under active wear and sports gear
No way to adjust long acting insulin for higher activity on the fly

Avoiding Highs and Lows Avoiding Highs and Lows

Only sensor that vibrates on your skin to alert for high or low blood sugars; alerts work even when smart phone isn't close by
Pods stay on when showering and swimming so there are no gaps in insulin delivery
Pumps allow different amounts of basal insulin at different times of day and very precise dosing
Faster and easier to check your glucose with this sensor versus with a meter
Syringes and pens limit your ability to adjust insulin throughout the day

Comfort Comfort

Longest lasting sensor
Sensor needs to be changed by your doctor
No tubing
Pods need more tape than other infusion sets
Lowest profile sensor
Have to carry pens and pen needles

Easy Insulin Dosing Easy Insulin Dosing

Can use sensor trends for dose adjustment
No interruption in insulin delivery (pods stay on when you shower and swim)
More customizable dosing than pens or syringes
Can use sensor trends for dose adjustment
More precise dosing than syringes
Can use sensor trends for dose adjustment
More precise dosing than syringes

Easy to Use Easy to Use

Sensor transmitter must be charged every day
Sensor changes far less often than other types, but your doctor must do it
Fewer parts than tubed pumps
Sensor and transmitter are one piece
Few steps to change sensor
Pens are faster and easier to use than syringes

Fewer Fingersticks Fewer Fingersticks

Daily fingersticks needed to calibrate sensor
Factory-calibrated sensor: fingersticks needed for backup only

Privacy Privacy

Ability to see sugar on watch or phone
Sensor not movable on body
Sensor requires regular meter use
Most hideable pump option
Requires visible controller to bolus
Needs scan from phone or controller to get blood sugar
Pens are low profile

Cost & Coverage

Eversense

Eversense

Freestyle Libre 2

Freestyle Libre 2

Glucose Testing Supplies

Sensors
Transmitter (1 time purchase & Rechargeable)

Sensors

Receiver (1 time purchase)

Glucose Testing Cost Estimate

Startup Bridge Program $99.

This is a trial program and there are eligibility requirements that should be considered prior.

Eversense is covered by select insurers, including Cigna and Medicare.

Startup $200 to $404
Monthly $108 to $321
Libre 2 is covered by Medicare and most private insurers. Prices will vary based on coverage. If you don't have any coverage, this is the cheapest sensor.

Omnipod

Omnipod

Bigfoot Unity

Bigfoot Unity

Insulin Dosing Supplies

Pods

Reader

Insulin

Pen caps
Needles 
Sensors 
Test strips 
Lancets 
Alcohol swabs

Insulin Dosing Cost Estimate

Startup $5 to $1260 Monthly

Omnipod is now covered by Medicare and Medicaid as well as most private insurers.

Monthly mail-order package includes all the supplies needed, for a regular subscription price or insurance-covered copay with no upfront costs.