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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.

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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!

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

Overview

Sensor & Injections

Freestyle Libre 2 & Syringe

FreestyleSyringe v3

If you don't like having stuff on your body but want glucose data at a glance, the Freestyle Libre is the smallest sensor option.

Sensor & Pump

Dexcom G6 & Omnipod

DexcomOmnipod

Omnipod is the only tubeless pump option. This paired with the G6 is a common choice for active people.

Priority: Overall

Overall
Small and mighty.
Tubeless data and dosing.

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 & Syringe

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.

Dexcom G6 & 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.

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

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

Syringe and Vial

Understand your cost at your local pharmacy.

Insulin Cost Overview

Dexcom G6

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

1-888-738 3646 Dexcom Website

Omnipod

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

1-800-591-3455 Omnipod Website

Additional Resources

By Priorities

Active Lifestyle Active Lifestyle

Flat sensor transmitter fits easily under active wear and sports gear
No way to adjust long acting insulin for higher activity on the fly
Sensor Share feature allows someone else to keep an eye on your blood sugar from the sidelines
Don't need to find a place for pump in active wear

Avoiding Highs and Lows Avoiding Highs and Lows

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
Custom alerts can be set for highs, lows, and rapidly rising or falling glucose levels
Pumps allow different amounts of basal insulin at different times of day and very precise dosing
Pods stay on when showering and swimming so there are no gaps in insulin delivery

Comfort Comfort

Lowest profile sensor
Have to carry syringes and insulin
Low profile/low maintenance sensor
No tubing
Pods need more tape than other infusion sets

Easy Insulin Dosing Easy Insulin Dosing

Can use sensor trends for dose adjustment
You have to do the math to figure out your dose
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

Easy to Use Easy to Use

Sensor and transmitter are one piece
Few steps to change sensor
Many steps to figure out doses and deliver insulin every single time you need it
Sensor integrated with multiple devices in case you change up what you're using
Fewer parts than tubed pumps

Fewer Fingersticks Fewer Fingersticks

Factory-calibrated sensor: fingersticks needed for backup only
Factory-calibrated sensor: fingersticks needed for backup only

Privacy Privacy

Needs scan from phone or controller to get blood sugar
Syringes are hideable when not in use but very visible when in use
Ability to check sugar on phone or watch
Alerts
Most hideable pump option
Requires visible controller to bolus

Cost & Coverage

Freestyle Libre 2

Freestyle Libre 2

Dexcom G6

Dexcom G6

Glucose Testing Supplies

Sensors

Receiver (1 time purchase)

Sensors

Transmitter

Receiver (1 time purchase)

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 $80 to $239

Monthly $35 to $105

These prices vary by Insurance. Many insurers support the G6 Dexcom. It may be covered under durable medical goods or a pharmacy benefit.

Syringe and Vial

Syringe and Vial

Omnipod

Omnipod

Insulin Dosing Supplies

Syringe ~$30 (Monthly)

Insulin $5 to $500 (Monthly)

Pods

Reader

Insulin

Insulin Dosing Cost Estimate

The total amount depends hugely on how much insulin you use and what your insurance covers.

Startup $5 to $1260 Monthly

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