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

Overview

Sensor & Pump

Freestyle Libre 2 & Medtronic Pump

FreestyleMedtronic

These devices do not connect but they each have their merits. The Freestyle Libre 2 can alert you when you are high and low. You get data only when you want it. The Medtronic pump is a sturdy and efficient pump.

Sensor & Pump

Eversense & Medtronic Pump

EversenseMedtronic 1

The Eversense sensor is implanted under the skin, so you can be discrete when needed. Paired with the Medtronic pump, you have the ability to easily dose your insulin as needed.

Priority: Overall

Overall
Data and dosing when and how you want.
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

Freestyle Libre 2 & Medtronic Pump

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.

Eversense & Medtronic Pump

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.

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.

Talk to the device companies

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

Medtronic 630G

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

1-888-350-5440 Medtronic Website

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

Medtronic 630G

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

1-888-350-5440 Medtronic Website

Additional Resources

By Priorities

Active Lifestyle Active Lifestyle

Flat sensor transmitter fits easily under active wear and sports gear
Optional settings for exercise to adjust treatment ranges for activity with the press of a button
Because the sensor is under your skin, it won't get dislodged if it gets bumped
Optional settings for exercise to adjust treatment ranges for activity with the press of a button

Avoiding Highs and Lows Avoiding Highs and Lows

Faster and easier to check your glucose with this sensor versus with a meter
Pumps allow different amounts of basal insulin at different times of day and very precise dosing
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
Pumps allow different amounts of basal insulin at different times of day and very precise dosing

Comfort Comfort

Lowest profile sensor
Largest pump
Tubed pumps have the most infusion sets to pick from
Longest lasting sensor
Sensor needs to be changed by your doctor
Largest pump
Tubed pumps have the most infusion sets to pick from

Easy Insulin Dosing Easy Insulin Dosing

Can use sensor trends for dose adjustment
More precise dosing than pens or syringes
Can use sensor trends for dose adjustment
More customizable dosing than pens or syringes

Easy to Use Easy to Use

Sensor and transmitter are one piece
Few steps to change sensor
Supplies for this pump are the most widely available
Sensor transmitter must be charged every day
Sensor changes far less often than other types, but your doctor must do it
Supplies for this pump are the most widely available

Fewer Fingersticks Fewer Fingersticks

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

Privacy Privacy

Needs scan from phone or controller to get blood sugar
Pump has tubing
Ability to see sugar on watch or phone
Sensor not movable on body
Sensor requires regular meter use
Pump has tubing

Cost & Coverage

Freestyle Libre 2

Freestyle Libre 2

Eversense

Eversense

Glucose Testing Supplies

Sensors

Receiver (1 time purchase)

Sensors
Transmitter (1 time purchase & Rechargeable)

Glucose Testing Cost Estimate

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.

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.

Medtronic 630G

Medtronic 630G

Medtronic 630G

Medtronic 630G

Insulin Dosing Supplies

Pump

Insulin Cartridges

Infusion Sets

Pump

Insulin Cartridges

Infusion Sets

Insulin Dosing Cost Estimate

Widely covered for insulin-dependent type 1 and type 2. Pump can be provided by pharmacy, DME, or directly through Medtronic Diabetes. Price range; $0-$8,574 to start and $0-$300/Month. Price range varies depending on insurance coverage.

Widely covered for insulin-dependent type 1 and type 2. Pump can be provided by pharmacy, DME, or directly through Medtronic Diabetes. Price range; $0-$8,574 to start and $0-$300/Month. Price range varies depending on insurance coverage.