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Summary

The OmniPod is the only tubeless pump option. A 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. 

Connected smart caps that recommend insulin doses for people using multiple daily injections. This system combines the FreeStyle Libre 2 CGM with insulin pen smart caps to provide daily dose recommendations.

Participating in the Bigfoot Unity program requires an agreement between Bigfoot Biomedical and the health care provider. After establishing a contract, the prescribed Bigfoot supplies are delivered in a "one-stop-shop" directly to the patient's door each month. Information about the Bigfoot Unity program can be found on the Bigfoot Biomedical website. 

Components

Omnipod : Pump

Omnipod : Pump

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

Omnipod : Reservoir

Omnipod : Reservoir

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

Omnipod : Controller

Omnipod : Controller

Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM) is used to give insulin doses to the pod.

Bigfoot Unity  : Sensor

Bigfoot Unity : Sensor

Sensor uses a thin, flexible filament inserted just under the skin to measure glucose levels every minute.

Bigfoot Unity  : Controller

Bigfoot Unity : Controller

Smart cap displays dosing recommendations for manual insulin delivery through multiple daily injections.

Bigfoot Unity  : Receiver

Bigfoot Unity : Receiver

Smartcap is used to scan the sensor and displays dosage information directly on the screen and smart mobile device.

Device Details

Overview

This is a discreet pump option without tubing but will require a controller to dose. 

Smart cap used for most disposable insulin pens with CGM integration. 

Affordability and Access

$$$$
Widely covered for insulin-dependent type 1 and 2. Pump can be provided by pharmacy or DME. Price range; 0-$200/month.

$$$$
Monthly mail-order package includes all the supplies needed, for a regular subscription price or insurance-covered copay with no upfront costs. 

Data Monitoring Options

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

Yes
Data from the iCGM and time-of-dose data from the smart caps are automatically uploaded to the cloud.

Data View Options

No Options 

Yes
Data can be viewed on the Bigfoot Unity mobile app but dosage recommendations, glucose readings, and glucose trends will display directly on the smart cap.

Duration and Storage

3 Days
Pod can be worn for up to 72 hours and work from 41ºF – 104ºF.

28-day pen 14-day sensor 
Sensor lasts for 14 days, insulin pen lasts for up to 28 days, smart cap is rechargeable. Sensor works between 50ºF - 113ºF and pens can be kept at room temperature for up to 28 days. 

Vision / Auditory / Dexterity

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

NO text to speech
NO vibration alerts
A LOT of 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. 

Light on body. Pens are easy to use and do not remain attached to the body, senor is light on 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. The ability to set zero basal rates is not available. 

Limited customizability. System integrates the FreeStyle Libre 2 CGM for high/low alerts but requires manual dose adjustment and limits the ability to adjust basal insulin throughout the day. 

Comfort

Free of tubing. Pods do not have tubes like traditional insulin pumps, allowing for more freedom of movement.

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

Easy Insulin Dosing

Customizable dosing. Basal and Bolus in 0.05 increments. No interruption in insulin delivery (pods stay on during bathing and swimming). 

Dosing recommendations. Displays dosing recommendations and reminders for long-acting insulin. 

Easy to Use

Fewer parts. The PDM has button navigation. Pod has fewer parts than tubed pumps.

Simple design. One-button device with easy to read display.

Fewer Fingersticks

Frequent finger-sticks are required. 

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

Privacy

Somewhat discreet. The pod attaches directly to the body with no tubing, but the pod is bigger than an infusion set. Pod does not have vibrate option.

Hideable. Pens are portable but visible when in use. Frequent injections are unavoidable. Sensor is the smallest option available.