Loop Insulin Pump Review and Resources

Discover the Unique Advantages & Possible Limitations of Loop (main)

Thinking About Using Loop for Diabetes Management?

Loop is a community-driven, DIY automated insulin delivery system that pairs compatible insulin pumps, CGMs, and an iPhone app to create a personalized closed-loop setup. It offers flexibility, real-time adjustments, and a level of customization not found in most commercial systems. However, because it’s not FDA-approved and requires some technical setup and ongoing maintenance, it comes with unique considerations and responsibilities. In this guide, we’ll break down the main advantages and possible limitations of using Loop so you can decide if it’s the right approach for your diabetes care.

Advantages

Advantages of Loop

Reduced up-front costs
Uses CGM trends, insulin action AND carb-on-board predictions to make automated adjustments.
Overrides provider flexibility for metabolic changes
Option to add multiple profiles
Can program through clothing from a few feet away
Discrete pump size
No tubing (minimizes wasted insulin, no tangling/snagging, less awkward, no siphon effects)
No disconnecting/reconnecting means no missed/lost insulin
Simple, automated cannula insertion (minimizes discomfort, reduces “human errors”, creates more site options)
Forced pod change reduces chances of lipodystrophy & absorption problems
Pump is fully watertight
No need to carry additional devices beyond personal cell phone
Wide range of customizable & patches & available for advanced users
Widest range of user-customizable settings
Remote capabilities (see IOB/COB, enable override presets, enter carbs, bolus) for advanced users
Multiple “follow” app options
Ability to read all of the coding and “recode” if desired
Ability to choose between dexcom g6, g7, or the libre 2

Disadvantages

Potential Disadvantages of Loop:

¾ Self-build may be out of reach for some users
Not FDA approved -User takes on a certain level of risk, no corporate customer support
User-based support community
Bolus entry based on time of food absorption learning curve.
¾ Phone must be charged daily
¾ Only one cannula orientation/length
¾ Max reservoir volume 200u; minimum fill amount 80u
¾ Pod stops working after 72 hours (plus 8hr grace period)
¾ Dislodged/clogged cannula or pod error requires complete pod replacement
¾ Pod does not have a vibrate option
¾ Loss (or malfunction) of
programmer renders pod non-
programmable (delivers basal only)
Must maintain builds or else the app will disappear
No “learning” algorithm, settings need to be dialed in

Who is a good fit for the Loop (main)?

Loop (main) is good for these users:

Users with a strong understanding of pump use who want hybrid closed loop with low targets and robust capabilities
Users who are comfortable with “off-label” use
Users with knowledge of dialing in pump settings
Users wanting more customization than current FDA-cleared systems offer

Loop (main) is NOT good for these users:

Not recommended for those with limited technical skills
Not recommended for patients with limited pump experience
Not recommended for patients struggling to gain blood sugar management stability (not a fix to gain good control, poor settings or misunderstood use may make stability worse)
If they cannot keep a phone on them

More Loop Resources

For more information on Loop, check out what our clinicians have shared:

Your Partner in DIABETES COACHING

Ready to take your child’s Diabetes care to the next level? Schedule a talk with our team. We offer remote Diabetes Management, or if you’re looking for an in-person diabetes educator near Philadelphia, visit our office in Wynnewood, PA.