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

Overview

Meter & Pump

Meter & Medtronic Pump

MeterMedtronic

The Medtronic pump is covered by most insurance and has the ability to communicate with a Contour meter.

Sensor & Pump

Dexcom G6 & Tandem

DexcomTandem v2

The Tandem and Dexcom G6 can be connected, so you have one less thing to carry. Also, Tandem has a program called Control IQ that works with the Dexcom G6 to reduce your basal when it expects a low or increase your basal when it expects a high blood sugar. Control IQ also gives automatic correction doses when needed. 

The Tandem pump allows you to bolus directly from a compatible iOS or Android smartphone.

Priority: Overall

Overall
Talk to me.
Keeps low blood sugar levels at bay.

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

Meter & 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.

Dexcom G6 & Tandem

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

Meter

Because there are so many options, and they don't have huge differences - the best thing to do is see what options your insurance companies will cover. The best way to find that out is through your doctor.

Walgreens

Medtronic 630G

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

1-888-350-5440 Medtronic Website

Dexcom G6

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

1-888-738 3646 Dexcom Website

Tandem t:slim X2

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

1-877-801-6901 Tandem Website

Additional Resources

By Priorities

Active Lifestyle Active Lifestyle

Must pause activity to check blood sugar
Optional settings for exercise to adjust treatment ranges for activity with the press of a button
Sensor Share feature allows someone else to keep an eye on your blood sugar from the sidelines
Optional settings for exercise to adjust treatment ranges for activity with the press of a button
Pump is watertight

Avoiding Highs and Lows Avoiding Highs and Lows

Meters don't give as much blood sugar data as sensors do
Pumps allow different amounts of basal insulin at different times of day and very precise dosing
Combo will reduce or suspend insulin to prevent lows
Custom alerts can be set for highs, lows, and rapidly rising or falling glucose levels
Combo will increase insulin delivery to prevent high blood sugars

Comfort Comfort

Have to carry meter supplies
Largest pump
Tubed pumps have the most infusion sets to pick from
Low profile/low maintenance sensor
Smallest tubed pump
Tubed pumps have the most infusion sets to pick from

Easy Insulin Dosing Easy Insulin Dosing

Bolus calculator available to help figure out doses
More customizable dosing than pens or syringes
Can use sensor trends for dose adjustment
Combo will suspend insulin if it predicts you're going to go low
More customizable dosing than pens or syringes

Easy to Use Easy to Use

No info on blood sugar trends
Supplies for this pump are the most widely available
Sensor integrated with multiple devices in case you change up what you're using
Rechargeable pump battery
Pump has touchscreen

Fewer Fingersticks Fewer Fingersticks

Frequent fingersticks are unavoidable
Factory-calibrated sensor: fingersticks needed for backup only

Privacy Privacy

Pump has tubing
Largest pump
Requires visible blood
Ability to check sugar on phone or watch
Alerts
Touchscreen of pump looks like normal tech device
Ability to bolus directly on compatible smartphone

Cost & Coverage

Meter

Meter

Dexcom G6

Dexcom G6

Glucose Testing Supplies

Meter & Fingerpricker (1 time purchase)

Strips & Supplies

Sensors

Transmitter

Receiver (1 time purchase)

Glucose Testing Cost Estimate

Startup $0 to $60

Monthly $100

There are lots of different meters out there. It's worth seeing which are covered by insurance - they will cover some of the cost of the strips. Often your doctor can give you a meter for free, worth asking.

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.

Medtronic 630G

Medtronic 630G

Tandem t:slim X2

Tandem t:slim X2

Insulin Dosing Supplies

Pump

Insulin Cartridges

Infusion Sets

Pump

Charger

Insulin Cartridges

Infusion Sites

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.

Startup $5 to $6,995

Monthly $20 to $200