novopen
tandem mobi

Summary

NovoPen 6 & NovoPen Echo Plus provides the smart addition of a personal injection log. Both pens are compatible with Novo Nordisk insulins in Penfill 3 ml cartridges and work with NovoFine single-use disposable needles. You can transfer your insulin dosing information from your smart pen to your device using the app. 

The Tandem Mobi is the smallest durable automated insulin delivery system available in the U.S. that can be fully controlled by a mobile device. The pump is equipped with an on-pump button for users to bolus insulin directly from the pump if they don’t want to do it from their phone. This system is combined with the Dexcom continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to automatically adjust insulin delivery in response to glucose trends. 

*Compatiblilty with Dexcom G7 now available 

Components

NovoPen 6/NovoPen Echo : Sensor

NovoPen 6/NovoPen Echo : Sensor

Sensor uses a thin, flexible filament inserted just under the skin to measure glucose levels every 5 minutes. Push-button applicator allows sensor to be placed on the body in one step.

NovoPen 6/NovoPen Echo : Controller

NovoPen 6/NovoPen Echo : Controller

Smart pen records daily injections and sends them to the compatible app by tapping the device with a compatible smartphone.

NovoPen 6/NovoPen Echo : Receiver

NovoPen 6/NovoPen Echo : Receiver

Smart pen and sensor readings displays dosage information directly on smart mobile device.

Tandem Mobi : Pump

Tandem Mobi : Pump

Small pump connects tubing to a 5 inch tubing patch called an infusion set that attaches to the body.

Tandem Mobi : Sensor

Tandem Mobi : Sensor

Automatic applicator inserts sensor just under the surface of the skin and can be applied to many places on the body.

Tandem Mobi : Controller

Tandem Mobi : Controller

Mobi pump receives CGM readings to automatically adjust basal insulin delivery via an infusion set. Compatible smartphone can be used to view and control insulin delivery.

Tandem Mobi : Infusion Set

Tandem Mobi : Infusion Set

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

Device Details

Overview

Discreet and modern option for people using multiple daily injections.

Tandem Mobi is the smallest insulin delivery system to be fully controlled by a smartphone.

Affordability and Access

$$$$
Sometimes covered. NovoPens are covered by some commercial insurance companies; typically, users pay $21 out-of-pocket copays for the eight-month device. Prices range from $0- $78. For those without any insurance coverage, a single pen price is $78.

$$$$
Pump coverage is not yet available. Sensor is widely covered and provided by DME and/or Pharmacy. Sensor price range; $0-$500/month.

Data Monitoring Options

Yes
Hold the dose memory of the pen straight against the Near Field Communication (NFC) spot on your device. Wait while your injection details are automatically transferred to a compatible app on your device. Compatible with multiple data monitoring platforms, including Glooko, MySugr, and Dose Check

Yes
The t:connect mobile app for the t:slim X2 pump wirelessly uploads pump and CGM data to the cloud-based t:connect web application.

Data View Options

Yes
Dose-related data can be viewed on the NovoPen 6 & NovoPen Echo apps. 

Yes
Data can be viewed directly on the pump screen or on the t:connect mobile app (available for both iOS and Android devices).

Duration and Storage

28-day pen (Compatible with 10-day or 14-day sensor)
Sensor lasts for 10-14 days depending on the brand, insulin pen lasts for up to 28 days. Pen has 800-injection dose memory and a five-year battery life. Sensor works between 50ºF - 113ºF and pens can be kept at room temperature for up to 28 days. 

 

3-day pump 10-day sensor
Sensors last 10 days and transmitters last 90 and work at 50ºF – 108ºF. Pump can be used for up to 72 hrs, battery life lasts five days with the use of CGM, and work between 40°F - 99°F. Pump supports wireless charging.

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

Light on body. Pens are easy to use and do not remain attached to the body, senor is light on the body.

Waterproof. The pump and CGM are waterproof and can be worn for most exercises.

Avoiding Highs and Lows

Limited customizability. System integrates the Dexcom G6/G7 or Libre CGM for high or low alerts but requires manual dose adjustment and limits the ability to adjust insulin levels throughout the day. 

Auto basal and bolus insulin. Responds to CGM data by increasing or decreasing basal insulin delivery to prevent highs and lows and maintain a set blood glucose target. 

Comfort

Many components. Have to carry pens and pen needles. CGM is attached to the body.

Shorter tubing option. A shorter 5-inch tubing option for comfort on body. 

Easy Insulin Dosing

NovoPen 6The maximum dose is 60 units, and doses increase in 1-unit increments. NovoPen Echo PlusThe maximum dose is 30 units, and doses increase in 0.5-unit increments

Automatically adjusts dosing. Sensor integration allows the pump to automatically adjust insulin doses. More customizable dosing than pens or syringes. Manual bolus button is available for quick dosing without a phone. 

Easy to Use

Simple design. Replaces regular insulin pen. No additional devices to add on. 

Easy Dosing. Full control from a smartphone, with the option to manually bolus if needed.

Fewer Fingersticks

Factory-calibrated sensor. Finger sticks needed for backup only. 

Factory-calibrated sensor. Fingersticks needed for backup only.

Privacy

Hideable. Pens are portable but visible when in use. Frequent injections are unavoidable. View recommendations and data on a smartphone. 

Discreet. Ability to check blood sugar on phone or watch. Ability to bolus on a compatible smartphone. Pump has tubing but can be clipped to clothing or attached to local area with an armband or adhesive sleeve to be discreet when needed. Dexcom's built-in hypoglycemia safety alarm alerts users when glucose is below 55 mg/dl and is always on.