Meter
iLet device img

Summary

Good to have. Tried and true. Backup or day to day. Fingersticks required.

The iLet Bionic Pancreas is the first and only commercially-available, automated insulin delivery system that determines 100% of insulin doses without carb counting - offering better results with less work.

The iLet only needs a user's weight to get started. It then learns and adapts to the user's insulin needs based on their meal announcements and CGM data (Dexcom CGM or FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor).

Components

Generic Meter : Lancets

Generic Meter : Lancets

Tiny needle called a lancet is used to poke the skin (on a finger or on your arm) to get a small sample of blood. The lancing device is packaged with the glucometer.

Generic Meter : Test Strips

Generic Meter : Test Strips

The strips work with the glucose meters to “read” blood sugar levels. One box of test trips usually contains between 25-50 single use strips.

Meter : Glucometer

Meter : Glucometer

The meter measures the amount of sugar in the small sample of blood that is placed on the disposable test strip. Most CGMs require testing blood sugar with a meter to calibrate the CGM device daily.

Beta Bionics iLet Pancreas : Pump

Beta Bionics iLet Pancreas : Pump

Pump connects tubing to a small patch called an infusion set that attaches to the body.

Beta Bionics iLet Pancreas : Sensor

Beta Bionics iLet Pancreas : Sensor

Sensor is inserted underneath the skin, either on the abdomen or arm.

Beta Bionics iLet Pancreas : Controller

Beta Bionics iLet Pancreas : Controller

Pump receives CGM readings and automatically adjusts insulin delivery. Data from the pump and CGM viewable on compatible smartphones (iOS and Android)

Beta Bionics iLet Pancreas : Infusion Set

Beta Bionics iLet Pancreas : Infusion Set

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

Device Details

Overview

Good to have. Tried and true. Backup or day to day. Finger-sticks required.

This system requires very little input from the physician or user.  It only requires the user to input their weight to get started (glucose targets can be adjusted). Instead of carb counting,* the iLet just needs an estimate of the carbs in your meal – Usual for me, More or Less. The iLet is paired with either a Dexcom CGM or the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor. 

*User must be carb aware.

Affordability and Access

$$$$
Most accessible. Available over the counter at all Pharmacies. Price range; $0-$200/month depending on insurance coverage.

$$$$
iLet and sensors are widely covered and provided by DME and pharmacy.  Sensor price range $0-$550/month. iLet cost dependant on your insurance for DME or Pharmacy.

Data Monitoring Options

Limited Options
Data is available directly on the device. Some meters may be compatible with the Tidepool data management system. 

Yes
iLet
Mobile App provides the ability to pull data from an iLet device to share with the Beta Bionics Cloud.

Data View Options

Yes
Data may be viewed directly on the device. Some meters contain a built-in USB connection that allows information to be uploaded to a data management system. 

Yes
Users can view their iLet data directly on the pump or by using the iLet Mobile App. iLet users can share their data with friends, family, and caregivers through the Bionic Circle App.

Duration and Storage

Daily
Meters can last several years with battery changes/charging, they're used daily and work between 65ºF-86°F

3-day pump up to 15 day sensor
Sensors last 10 or 15 days and transmitters last 90 and work at 50ºF – 108ºF. Pump can be used for up to 72 hrs, fully charged iLet will last for 4-5 days, and work between 36°F (2°C) to 86°F (30°C).

Vision / Auditory / Dexterity

NO text to speech
NO 
vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed

NO text to speech
YES 
vibration alerts
A LOT 
of dexterity needed

Patient Considerations

Active Lifestyle

Must pause activity to check blood sugar.

No exercise mode. Pump will continue to increase or decrease insulin dosing in response to changing CGM glucose levels as usual. However, insulin can be stopped at user's discretion. Pump is water resistant for up to 12 feet for 30 minutes. 

Avoiding Highs and Lows

Less data. Meters don't give as much blood sugar data as sensors do and require a high level of engagement and effort to avoid highs and lows.

Auto basal and bolus insulin. The iLet makes the corrections for you. If you’re trending high, it will automatically give you more insulin to bring you back in range. If you’re trending low, it will reduce your current insulin dosage.

Comfort

Meter supplies carried and requires visible blood.

Somewhat comfortable. Low maintenance sensor. Larger pump option.

Easy Insulin Dosing

Limited features. No info on blood sugar trends.

Meal announcement controller. User must be carb aware. The iLet calculates and doses 100% of the insulin throughout the day and night, allowing the user to focus on other things in their lives. Please note: even when you use the "Meal Announcement." your blood glucose levels could rise above 250 mg/dL for a few hours. You'll need to be comfortable letting the iLet regulate your blood glucose.

Easy to Use

Large display. Device typically has large display numbers for easier readouts, and it's very simple to operate.

Easiest to Use. User weight is the only input required to start using the insulin pump. No carb counting *, correction factors, carb ratios, or pre-set basal rates required.

*User must be carb aware.

Fewer Fingersticks

Frequent fingersticks are unavoidable.

Factory-calibrated sensor. Fingersticks needed for backup only.

Privacy

No attached device for blood glucose monitoring. 

Discreet. Ability to check blood sugar on phone. Minimal pump interaction is required. Pump has tubing but can be clipped to clothing or placed in a pocket to be discreet when needed.