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Select Device Freestyle Lingo Freestyle Libre 3 Freestyle Libre 2 Freestyle Libre 14 Day Dexcom G7 Dexcom G6 Dexcom Stelo Guardian Connect Medtronic Simplera Eversense Meter Omnipod Omnipod Dash Medtronic 780G Medtronic 630G Tandem t:slim X2 Bigfoot Unity Medtronic InPen Tempo Pen NovoPen 6/NovoPen Echo Insulin Pen Afrezza CeQur Simplicity Patch V-Go Patch Omnipod GO Patch Syringe and Vial Beta Bionics iLet Pancreas Control IQ with Dexcom Control IQ with Freestyle Libre Medtronic 780G with Smart Guard Omnipod 5 Tandem Mobi Tidepool Loop twiist DIY Loop Apple Series 6/7/8/9/10/SE (2nd Generation) Garmin vívosmart 5™ Garmin Venu Sq 2 Garmin Venu 3 Garmin vivoactive 5 Garmin Fenix 8 Garmin vivofit jr 3 Garmin Forerunner 165/265/965 Garmin epix (Gen 2) Garmin Enduro 3 Fitbit Ace LTE Fitbit Charge 6 Fitbit Inspire 3 Fitbit Versa/Versa 2/4/Versa Lite Fitbit Sense 2 Fitbit Luxe Google Pixel 2/3 Samsung Galaxy 4/5 Xiaomi Mi Band 9 Oura Ring Whoop 4.0 Withings ScanWatch 2 Withings ScanWatch Lite Pedometer 3D Pedometer
Summary
Inhalable regular human insulin. Cartridges come in three doses: 4, 8, and 12-unit doses.
Traditional syringe and needle. The most affordable insulin delivery option.
Components
Afrezza : Inhaler
Small refillable inhaler contains a compartment for powdered insulin containing cartridges.
Afrezza : Cartridge
Cartridges come in three doses: 4, 8, and 12-unit doses. All color coded.
Syringe and Vial : Bolus Insulin
Bolus (fast-acting) insulin vial for meal time or high blood sugar correction.
Syringe and Vial : Basal Insulin
Basal (long-acting) insulin vial for steady release of insulin that helps control blood sugar between meals, and overnight.
Syringe and Vial : Needles
Classic syringes with plunger used to fill insulin for injection
Device Details
Overview
Nothing on the body when not in use. Visible when dosing.
Nothing on the body when not in use but very visible when dosing.
Affordability and Access
$$$$
Widely covered. Price range; 0-$99/month, depending on insurance coverage. $35/month for medicare and commercial insurance plans.
$$$$
Syringes are available worldwide in pharmacies or DME without prescription. Price Range: $0-$300/month depending on insurance coverage.
Data Monitoring Options
No Options
No Options
Data View Options
No Options
No Options
Duration and Storage
10 Days
Open cartridges last up to 10 days. Sealed cartridges may be stored in a refrigerator at 36°F - 46°F until the expiration date.
28 Days
Open vials can be stored at room temperature (not above 80º F) for up to 28 days. Unopened vials should be stored in the refrigerator (36ºF - 86ºF.)
Vision / Auditory / Dexterity
NO text to speech
NO vibration alerts
LITTLE dexterity needed
NO text to speech
NO vibration alerts
A LOT dexterity for insertion
Patient Considerations
Active Lifestyle
Body free of devices. Does not remain attached to the body.
Limited Adjustability. No way to adjust long-acting insulin for higher activity on the fly.
Avoiding Highs and Lows
Very short-acting. Absorbs quickly through the lungs to correct high blood sugar but requires attention to prevent lows.
Limited customizability. Requires a high level of engagement and effort to avoid highs and lows but can be paired with a CGM for improved blood sugar control.
Comfort
Many components. Have to carry multiple cartridges that can be bulky.
Many components. Must carry insulin vials and large syringes but nothing attached to the body.
Easy Insulin Dosing
Less precise but easy dosing. Dosing may be less precise due to the inhaled method of dosing, but color-coded cartridges make dosing easier. Dosing can also be done based on small, medium, or large meals and can be administered 1-2 hours post meals.
Requires attention. You have to do the math to figure out your dose. Unable to adjust basal in real-time.
Easy to Use
Simple design. Whistle-like device for inhaling insulin.
Many steps. Requires effort to figure out doses and deliver insulin every single time you need it.
Fewer Fingersticks
Frequent finger-sticks are required.
Frequent finger-sticks are required.
Privacy
Hideable. Small, discreet, and portable device that's not as noticeable as injections.
Hideable. Vials and syringes can be hidden when not in use but very visible when in use. Frequent injections are unavoidable.