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Select Device Freestyle Lingo Freestyle Libre 3 Freestyle Libre 2 Freestyle Libre 14 Day Dexcom G7 Dexcom G6 Dexcom Stelo Guardian Connect Medtronic Simplera Eversense Meter Omnipod Omnipod Dash Medtronic 780G Medtronic 630G Tandem t:slim X2 Bigfoot Unity Medtronic InPen Tempo Pen NovoPen 6/NovoPen Echo Insulin Pen Afrezza CeQur Simplicity Patch V-Go Patch Omnipod GO Patch Syringe and Vial Beta Bionics iLet Pancreas Control IQ with Dexcom Control IQ with Freestyle Libre Medtronic 780G with Smart Guard Omnipod 5 Tandem Mobi Tidepool Loop twiist DIY Loop Apple Series 6/7/8/9/10/SE (2nd Generation) Garmin vívosmart 5™ Garmin Venu Sq 2 Garmin Venu 3 Garmin vivoactive 5 Garmin Fenix 8 Garmin vivofit jr 3 Garmin Forerunner 165/265/965 Garmin epix (Gen 2) Garmin Enduro 3 Fitbit Ace LTE Fitbit Charge 6 Fitbit Inspire 3 Fitbit Versa/Versa 2/4/Versa Lite Fitbit Sense 2 Fitbit Luxe Google Pixel 2/3 Samsung Galaxy 4/5 Xiaomi Mi Band 9 Oura Ring Whoop 4.0 Withings ScanWatch 2 Withings ScanWatch Lite Pedometer 3D Pedometer
Summary
V-Go is a convenient credit card-size patch pump that adheres to the skin and can be worn for 24 hours. This system is designed to be used with fast-acting insulin for people with type 2 diabetes who require 20, 30, or 40 units of insulin per day. Users can administer two units of insulin with every press of a button on the device. This device is a hybrid between injections and an insulin pump to allow for discreet dosing without the need for programming or multiple injections.
FDA-approved for people 21 years of age and older with type 2 diabetes.
Loop is a DIY (do-it-yourself) system. It takes some work to set up but allows people to think about diabetes less by automating basal insulin delivery based on predicted glucose levels. This system can be used with the Dexcom G6 and the Omnipod or Medtronic pumps. Information about DIY Loop can be found on the Loop or Riley Link websites.
Components
V-Go Patch : Patch
Wearable insulin patches come with reservoirs and directions for application. They can be applied on the abdomen.
Loop : Pump
The system is compatible with Omnipod (left) or Medtronic (right) pumps. Both options can be applied anywhere on the body that is comfortable.
Loop : Sensor
Automatic applicator inserts sensor just under the surface of the skin and can be applied to many places on the body.
DIY Loop : Transmitter
RileyLink allows the pump and sensor to communicate. It is only required if a Medtronic pump is used.
Loop : Controller
Smartphone or smartwatch receives CGM readings and automatically adjusts insulin delivery via an Omnipod or Medtronic pump.
Device Details
Overview
Convenient, discreet, and simple use.
This is a DIY (do-it-yourself) system that needs significant setup. It has the most flexibility in settings and device options. It also depends on a third device called a "Riley Link" to communicate between sensor, phone, and pump.
Affordability and Access
$$$$
Widely covered for insulin-dependent type 2. Supplies provided by DME or pharmacy. Price range; $0-$250/Month.
$$$$
Supplies can be covered for Omnipod or Medtronic pumps and Dexcom. Price range; $0-$8,574 to start and 0-$300/month. iPhone, app, and Riley link are not covered and must be set up independently. Riley link price range; $135-$165.
Data Monitoring Options
No Options
Yes
Compatible with Tidepool - a web-based diabetes data management system.
Data View Options
No Options
Yes
Data can be viewed on an iPhone.
Duration and Storage
24-Hours
Patch can be worn for up to 24 hours and works in most temperatures (not for use in hot tubs, saunas, or freezing conditions). Does not require batteries or recharging.
3-day pump 10-day sensor
Sensors last 10 days and transmitters last 90, and work at 50ºF – 108ºF. Pods or pump reservoirs last for up to 72 hrs and work from 40ºF – 104ºF.
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
Limited Adjustability. No way to adjust long-acting insulin for higher activity on the fly, but the device is water-resistant.
Automatic responses. Can set custom blood sugar targets and insulin and carb sensitivities based on type of activity. App automatically responds to blood sugar changes during activity. *Medtronic option is not waterproof. Omnipod option is fully waterproof.
Avoiding Highs and Lows
Limited customizability. System requires manual dose adjustment and limits the ability to adjust insulin levels throughout the day.
Automatically adjusts insulin delivery. Increases or decreases insulin delivery to meet glucose targets. Insulin delivery settings can be aggressive or conservative.
Comfort
Free of tubing. Patches do not have tubing, but it must be worn in areas that are easy to reach for insulin dosing.
Low-profile but extra device. Low profile/low maintenance sensor. The RileyLink is an extra device that must be carried.
Easy Insulin Dosing
Simple with few steps. 24-hour bolus range: up to 36 units per 24 hours, doses in 2-unit increments. Preset basal rate of 20, 30, or 40 units per 24 hours.
All settings are completely customizable. Can bolus from phone or smartwatch. Can operate “open-loop” where the user must enact insulin delivery based on recommendations or “closed-loop” where modifications to insulin delivery are automatically delivered.
Easy to Use
Simple with few steps. Patch is replaced every 24-hours with insulin administered at the click of a button.
Difficult set-up but easy to use. Software makes most dosing decisions. Requires many parts. Can be difficult to set up.
Fewer Fingersticks
Frequent finger-sticks are required.
Factory-calibrated sensor. Fingersticks needed for backup only.
Privacy
Hideable. Bulkier patch pump, but not as noticeable as injections. Bolus button can be used discreetly through clothing.
Discreet. Ability to give insulin via watch or phone. Ability to check sugar on phone or watch. Alerts available. *Medtronic pump has tubing. Omnipod is most hideable pump option (no tubes or separate controller needed).