Unique Advantages Potential Drawbacks Bright, full-color touch screen Modern, high-tech appearance Compact, thin dimensions Rapid numeric entry, fastest bolus entry Cartridges hold 300u (t:slim); 480u (t:flex) Can calculate boluses up to 50 units (60 on t:flex) Site-change reminder w/customizable day & time Graphic on-screen history display Carb counting calculator Temp basal up to 250%, 72 hrs Can set duration of insulin action in 1-minute increments IOB & time remaining displayed on home screen Missed bolus reminders customizable by day of week Alert for high temperatures which may spoil insulin Secondary basal programs linked with secondary bolus calculation parameters Web-based download software Compatible w/leur-lock infusion sets Minimal insulin movement with changes in altitude Small buttons can be difficult to activate; screen goes blank if buttons missed 3x Unlock procedure required to perform any programming No integrated clip (must put in a case that has a clip) Tubing connector looks “medical,” can snag on clothing Basal & bolus settings in same time slots; may take several steps to edit Extra confirmation steps with all programming Weak vibrate mechanism No meter link Manufacturer relatively new in pump industry Requires charging 1-2x/week No formal in-warranty upgrade policy
Roche Unique Advantages Potential Drawbacks Full pump programming via linked meter/remote via Bluetooth communication Boluses can be adjusted in percentages for events such as exercise, stress, illness Bright, full-color meter screen History displayed as graphic reports on meter screen Smart scrolling speeds Intelligent IOB adjustment based on expected effect of bolus insulin Choice of 3 programming modes based on user’s level of sophistication Can use alkaline, lithium or rechargeable batteries Basal increments of .01u/hr* Holds 315u insulin Sensitive occlusion detection Site change reminder at 48 or 72 hour Must use linked meter to perform bolus calculations Can only link 1 meter per pump Minimum basal rate .05u/hr* Must check BG on linked meter for bolus calculations (cannot enter BG manually) Must program 24 hourly basal segments Must enter cartridge fill amt. manually Alarms at conclusion of temp basal Need computer/software to change certain temp basal parameters All bolus calculation settings in same time slots; can be complex to set up Limit of 8 time slots for bolus settings Pump is somewhat bulky No integrated clip; must use a case Cartridges can be difficult to fill without bubbles Must stop pump to change cartridge
Insulet Unique Advantages Potential Drawbacks Reduced up-front costs Can program through clothing from a few feet away Discrete pump size (compared to other pumps) No tubing (minimizes wasted insulin, no tangling/snagging, less awkward, no air pockets, no siphoning effects) No disconnecting/reconnecting means no missed/lost insulin Simple, automated canula insertion minimizes pain, reduces “human errors”, creates more site options Forced pod change reduces chances for lipodystrophy & absorption problems Pump is fully watertight Temp basals and boluses can be customized/preset Freestyle meter built into handheld programmer Can customize programming text without PC linkup Large color screen w/full-sentence text and graphing capability Only 2 parts; convenient for travel Somewhat bulky programmer Pod creates a “bulge” on the skin Cannot enter boluses or make setting changes without programmer Cannot do programming or editing while bolus is delivering Only one canula orientation/length; may not work for all body types Max reservoir volume 200u; minimum fill amount 85u Pod stops working after 72 hours (plus grace period) Handheld will not calculate bolus if BG < 50 Dislodged/clogged canula requires complete pod replacement “Disconnection” requires complete pod replacement Pod does not have vibrate option Must suspend when changing basal settings Temp basal limited to 12 hours max Not covered by all 3rd party payors Insulin-to-carb ratios in whole-numbers increments only Loss (or malfunction) of remote/PDM renders pod non-programmable (delivers basal only)
Medtronic 530G with Enlite Unique Advantages Potential Drawbacks Large, secure, long-established company Industry leader in R & D Pump comes with integrated Enlite CGM system; data displayed on pump screen Automatic basal shutoff when low glucose detected by sensor (may help prevent severe hypos) Optional “Connect” feature for sharing CGM data with smartphones (pending) Quick/simple bolus programming Slim/streamlined attachable clip Optional remote control (@ addl. cost) Accepts radio communication from multiple blood glucose meters Easily downloadable to online Carelink program Can set I:C ratios in .1g increments Generates insulin/carb/BG statistics Not water-tight Must purchase Enlite CGM system along with pump Low-contrast LCD screen Must use proprietary infusion set tubing Must purchase CGM system along with the pump Slow bolus delivery No food database Must pay for loaner/backup pumps Customer service may not be prompt or friendly Holds 180 units; 300-unit version is slightly larger Insulin-on-board only deducted from correction boluses Duration of action set in whole-hour increments CGM system accuracy, longevity, transmission range, ease of use considered inferior to competitors CGM & pump alerts may not be loud enough for some to hear Data from pump/CGM not downloadable to any program other than Carelink & Carelink Pro
Animas Unique Advantages Potential Drawbacks Displays data from Dexcom G4 CGM 35-Unit maximum bolus Fully water-tight Very bright, full-color screen; easy to read Superior dosing accuracy (esp. at small doses) AA Lithium battery lasts 6-8 weeks User-defined timeout setting User-defined occlusion sensitivity User-defined bolus delivery rate Customizable tune for alerts Cartridges very easy to fill without air bubbles Pump and CGM data downloadable to Diasend web-based software Strong integrated metal clip Does not link with blood glucose meter Utilized older-generation Dexcom data algorithm Battery change requires re-priming Insulin-to-carb ratios in whole-number increments only Cannot see cartridge inside pump Extra button presses required with most standard programming No data averages or statistics generated on pump screen Cannot recall blood glucose or carb history on pump screen Insulin On-Board is not subtracted uniformly from boluses 200-Unit cartridge limit Cursor (scroll) speed difficult to master Bolus delivery may be too rapid for those taking large doses
Copyright Integrated Diabetes Services 2015. Data current as of January/1/2016.
