afrezza device
twiist AID systempng

Summary

Inhalable regular human insulin. Cartridges come in three doses: 4, 8, and 12-unit doses.

The twiist AID system was cleared by the FDA for use with CGMs that have received FDA designation as integrated continuous glucose monitors (iCGMs). As the twiist AID system gets closer to commercial availability, Sequel Med Tech will publicize the list of compatible CGM

*Recently FDA approved for people with type 1 diabetes ages 6 and up.

Components

Afrezza : Inhaler

Afrezza : Inhaler

Small refillable inhaler contains a compartment for powdered insulin containing cartridges.

Afrezza : Cartridge

Afrezza : Cartridge

Cartridges come in three doses: 4, 8, and 12-unit doses. All color coded.

twiist  : Pump

twiist : Pump

Pump can be worn with a pump clip, adhesive patch or in a pocket.

twiist  : Controller

twiist : Controller

Pump is controlled by the twiist app on an iPhone. Data from both the pump and CGM are viewable on the twiist app Home Screen.

Twiist  : Infusion Set

Twiist : Infusion Set

An infusion set contains the thin plastic tubing that delivers insulin from the pump to the body.

Device Details

Overview

Nothing on the body when not in use. Visible when dosing. 

This system automatically adjusts insulin delivery according to continuous glucose monitor (CGM) readings and predicted blood sugar levels. It is the first FDA-approved AID system with Apple Watch compatibility.

Affordability and Access

$$$$
Widely covered. Price range; 0-$99/month, depending on insurance coverage. $35/month for medicare and commercial insurance plans. 

$$$$
No insurance coverage data. Anticipated to be provided through Pharmacy.  

Data Monitoring Options

No Options

Yes
Compatible with Tidepool - a web-based diabetes data management system. 

Data View Options

No Options

Yes
Data is stored and can be viewed directly from the twiist app on the mobile device (iPhone), and can be linked to an Apple Watch for viewing data as well.

 

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.

3-day pump 10-day sensor
Sensors last 10 days, and transmitters last 90 and work at 50ºF – 108ºF. The reservoir holds 300 units and is disposable, and the pump can be used for up to 3 years.

Vision / Auditory / Dexterity

NO text to speech
NO 
vibration alerts
LITTLE
 dexterity needed

YES text to speech
YES vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed

Patient Considerations

Active Lifestyle

Body free of devices. Does not remain attached to the body.

Waterproof. The pump, when connected to the cassette, has a rating of IP28, indicating protection from continuous immersion in water. The pump can tolerate immersion to depths of up to 12 feet (3.7 m) for 1 hour.

Avoiding Highs and Lows

Very short-acting. Absorbs quickly through the lungs to correct high blood sugar but requires attention to prevent lows. 

Automatically adjusts insulin delivery. Increases or decreases insulin delivery to meet glucose targets. Insulin delivery settings can be aggressive or conservative.

Comfort

Many components. Have to carry multiple cartridges that can be bulky. 

Low-profile. Low profile with an adhesive design that prevents the pump from catching on other objects. 

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. 

Customizable. Can bolus from phone, smartwatch, or directly from the device without needing to be attached to your phone. The device also directly measures the volume (amount) and flow (speed) of insulin delivered with every micro-dose

Easy to Use

Simple design. Whistle-like device for inhaling insulin.

Watch compatible. The twiist AID system is the first FDA-approved AID system that can be directly controlled from an Apple Watch.

Fewer Fingersticks

Frequent finger-sticks are required. 

Factory-calibrated sensor. Fingersticks needed for backup only.

Privacy

Hideable. Small, discreet, and portable device that's not as noticeable as injections. 

Discreet. The pump is in two pieces - the top (algorithm and battery) and the bottom (insulin chamber and AVS technology)