Omnipod DASH Insulin Management System Personal Diabetes Manager PDM and Pod with the 1
afrezza device

Summary

A tubeless, waterproof pump loved by kids and all who don't want tubes. A touchscreen smartphone-like Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM) is used to give insulin doses to the pod, which remains attached to the body. This pump is one of few that is completely waterproof. 

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

Components

Omnipod DASHv2 : Pump

Omnipod DASHv2 : Pump

Pods come with reservoirs and directions for application. They can be applied anywhere on the body that is comfortable.

Omnipod Dash : Reservoir

Omnipod Dash : Reservoir

Fill reservoir is enclosed with the Pod and used to manually fill the Pod with insulin.

Omnipod Dash : Controller

Omnipod Dash : Controller

Separate Android-like is used for manual insulin delivery via a tubeless pod. Data and notifications from the PDM are viewable on a compatible smartphone.

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.

Device Details

Overview

This system includes a wearable, tubeless insulin Pod that's controlled by a smartphone-like Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM). 

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

Affordability and Access

$$$$
Widely covered for insulin-dependent type 1 and 2. Supplies for Pump and Sensor provided by Pharmacy and/or DME suppliers. Price range; $5-$1260 to start and 0-$200/month. Touch-screen controller available in the starter kit at no additional cost.

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

Data Monitoring Options

Yes
Omnipod data can be accessed by clinicians on Diasend by Glooko.

No Options

Data View Options

Yes
The Omnipod DISPLAY app displays real-time data for the patient. The Omnipod VIEW app allows family and friends to view data for up to 12 Omnipod users. (iPhone compatible only)

No Options

Duration and Storage

3-day pump 10-day sensor
Sensors last 10 days and transmitters last 90 and work at 50ºF – 108ºF. Pods can be used for up to 72 hrs and work from 41ºF – 104ºF.

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.

Vision / Auditory / Dexterity

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

NO text to speech
NO 
vibration alerts
LITTLE
 dexterity needed

Patient Considerations

Active Lifestyle

Waterproof. Wear the Pod in the shower, in the pool, or in the ocean. The PDM is not waterproof and must be charged daily. Data monitoring allows others to track your data during physical activity. 

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

Avoiding Highs and Lows

Personalized dosing. Pods can deliver personalized doses of rapid-acting insulin based on the rates programmed into the Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM) device to avoid highs and the ability to set zero basal rates to avoid lows. 

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

Comfort

Low profile & no tubing. Low profile sensor and Omnipod has no tubing but may require more adhesive on the body than other pumps.

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

Easy Insulin Dosing

Manually adjusting dosing. Omnipod DASH System allows the user to manually input their blood glucose (BG) readings from any BGM or CGM device of their choice. Basal and bolus in 0.05 increments.

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. 

Easy to Use

Fewer components. Pod has fewer components to deal with than other pumps and a touchscreen controller. 

Simple design. Whistle-like device for inhaling insulin.

Fewer Fingersticks

Frequent finger-sticks are required. 

Frequent finger-sticks are required. 

Privacy

Discreet. Sensor allows for checking blood glucose on phone/smartwatch. The pod is the most discreet pump option but requires a visible controller to bolus.

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