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This is a personalized report of your diabetes device recommendations and choices. This report is a guide not a clinical recommendation. It's a guide based on your input, the best advice from Standford and the first hand knowledge of the T1 Community at DiabetesWise.org.
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Overview
Sensor & Pump
Dexcom G6 & Tandem
The Tandem and Dexcom G6 can be connected, so you have one less thing to carry. Also, Tandem has a program called Control IQ that works with the Dexcom G6 to reduce your basal when it expects a low or increase your basal when it expects a high blood sugar.Control IQ also gives automatic correction doses when needed.
The Tandem pump allows you tobolus directly from a compatible iOS or Android smartphone.
Sensor & Pump
Dexcom G6 & Medtronic Pump
The Dexcom G6 sensor alerts you when you are high or low, and can be connected to your smart phone. The Medtronic pump is a sturdy and reliable device.
Sensor & Pump
Dexcom G7 & Omnipod
These devices do not connect but they each have their merits. Omnipod is the only tubeless pump option. The Dexcom G7 sensor alerts you when you are high or low and can be connected to your smartphone.
Priority: Avoiding Highs and Lows
Combo will reduce or suspend insulin to prevent lows
Custom alerts can be set for highs, lows, and rapidly rising or falling glucose levels
Combo will increase insulin delivery to prevent high blood sugars
Custom alerts can be set for highs, lows, and rapidly rising or falling glucose levels
Pumps allow different amounts of basal insulin at different times of day and very precise dosing
Custom alerts can be set for highs, lows, and rapidly rising or falling glucose levels
Pods stay on when showering and swimming so there are no gaps in insulin delivery
Pumps allow different amounts of basal insulin at different times of day and very precise dosing
Next Steps 
You're going to do great on the devices you choose
1.
Talk to your provider
Talk to your provider to get a prescription. Advocate for yourself with a list of reasons why you believe it is best for your lifestyle.
2.
Call the device companies
Talk to the device companies about the device you want and if your insurance will cover it. They can help with this.
3.
Call your insurance
Many insurance companies require documentation of different qualifications before approving diabetes device coverage. every insurance company is different but some common qualifications include checking your blood sugar 4-6 times per day or having frequent low blood sugars. Understanding what qualifications are necessary for device coverage before starting the approval process can make things a lot easier.
Visit https://diabeteswise.org/en/resources/getting-treatment/qualify-for-insurance/ for more resources.
Questions for your Doctor
Dexcom G6 & Tandem
Can I try this before I commit to it?
A lot of provider offices have sample devices you can touch and feel to get a sense of how they work. Some offices even have a trial device you can use for week to see how it works for you.
Dexcom G6 & Medtronic Pump
Can I try this before I commit to it?
A lot of provider offices have sample devices you can touch and feel to get a sense of how they work. Some offices even have a trial device you can use for week to see how it works for you.
Dexcom G7 & Omnipod
Can I try this before I commit to it?
A lot of provider offices have sample devices you can touch and feel to get a sense of how they work. Some offices even have a trial device you can use for week to see how it works for you.
More on how to Talk to your Doctor
Questions for your insurance
Many insurance companies require documentation of different qualifications before approving diabetes device coverage. Every insurance company is different, but some common qualifications include checking your blood sugar 4-6 times per day or having frequent low blood sugars. Understanding what qualifications are necessary for device coverage before starting the approval process can make things a lot easier.
Get the Guide for Talking to your Insurance
Talk to the device companies
Dexcom G6
Call Dexcom and ask them about your coverage. Talk to your Doctor to get a prescription.
1-888-738 3646 Dexcom Website
Tandem t:slim X2
Call Tandem and ask them about your coverage. Talk to your Doctor to get a prescription.
1-877-801-6901 Tandem Website
Dexcom G6
Call Dexcom and ask them about your coverage. Talk to your Doctor to get a prescription.
1-888-738 3646 Dexcom Website
Medtronic 630G
Call Medtronic and ask them about your coverage. Talk to your Doctor to get a prescription.
1-888-350-5440 Medtronic Website
Dexcom G7
Call Dexcom and ask them about your coverage. Talk to your Doctor to get a prescription.
1-888-738 3646 Dexcom Website
Omnipod
Call Omnipod and ask them about your coverage. Talk to your Doctor to get a prescription.
1-800-591-3455 Omnipod Website
Additional Resources
By Priorities
Active Lifestyle
Active Lifestyle Sensor Share feature allows someone else to keep an eye on your blood sugar from the sidelines
Optional settings for exercise to adjust treatment ranges for activity with the press of a button
Pump is watertight
Sensor Share feature allows someone else to keep an eye on your blood sugar from the sidelines
Optional settings for exercise to adjust treatment ranges for activity with the press of a button
Sensor Share feature allows someone else to keep an eye on your blood sugar from the sidelines
Don't need to find a place for pump in active wear
Avoiding Highs and Lows
Combo will reduce or suspend insulin to prevent lows
Custom alerts can be set for highs, lows, and rapidly rising or falling glucose levels
Combo will increase insulin delivery to prevent high blood sugars
Custom alerts can be set for highs, lows, and rapidly rising or falling glucose levels
Pumps allow different amounts of basal insulin at different times of day and very precise dosing
Custom alerts can be set for highs, lows, and rapidly rising or falling glucose levels
Pods stay on when showering and swimming so there are no gaps in insulin delivery
Pumps allow different amounts of basal insulin at different times of day and very precise dosing
Comfort
Comfort Low profile/low maintenance sensor
Smallest tubed pump
Tubed pumps have the most infusion sets to pick from
Low profile/low maintenance sensor
Largest pump
Tubed pumps have the most infusion sets to pick from
Low profile/low maintenance sensor
Few steps to change sensor
Fewer parts than tubed pumps
Easy Insulin Dosing
Easy Insulin Dosing Can use sensor trends for dose adjustment
Combo will suspend insulin if it predicts you're going to go low
More customizable dosing than pens or syringes
Can use sensor trends for dose adjustment
More customizable dosing than pens or syringes
Can use sensor trends for dose adjustment
No interruption in insulin delivery (pods stay on when you shower and swim)
More customizable dosing than pens or syringes
Easy to Use
Easy to Use Sensor integrated with multiple devices in case you change up what you're using
Rechargeable pump battery
Pump has touchscreen
Sensor integrated with multiple devices in case you change up what you're using
Supplies for this pump are the most widely available
Fewer parts than tubed pumps
Sensor and transmitter are one piece
Shortest sensor warm-up time
12-hour grace period allows you to swap sensors when convenient for you
Fewer Fingersticks
Fewer Fingersticks Factory-calibrated sensor: fingersticks needed for backup only
Factory-calibrated sensor: fingersticks needed for backup only
Factory-calibrated sensor: fingersticks needed for backup only
Privacy
Privacy Ability to check sugar on phone or watch
Alerts
Touchscreen of pump looks like normal tech device
Ability to bolus directly on compatible smartphone
Ability to check sugar on phone or watch
Alerts
Pump has tubing
Ability to check sugar on phone or watch
Alerts
Most hideable pump option
Requires visible controller to bolus
Small sensor
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Wisdom
Control IQ is keeping an eye on whether my blood sugar is climbing or dropping and making smart adjustments to my insulin to keep me in range as much as possible.
I love it. I can see the fruits of my labor in my charts. I also see the story- maybe when I get stressed at work and didn’t realize I was at 225 or when I bolused too much for a lunch that wasn’t what I ordered. My line is not always straight but usually there is a story!
I do need to learn to not look at my number for 20 minutes after correcting a low because with the sensor I over correct due to seeing the number and arrow still down and not instant rebound back up! I’m learning though!
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Cost & Coverage
Dexcom G6
Dexcom G6
Dexcom G7
Glucose Testing Supplies
Sensors
Transmitter
Receiver (1 time purchase)
Sensors
Transmitter
Receiver (1 time purchase)
Sensors
Receiver (1-time purchase) - not required
Glucose Testing Cost Estimate
Startup $80 to $239
Monthly $35 to $105
These prices vary by Insurance. Many insurers support the G6 Dexcom. It may be covered under durable medical goods or a pharmacy benefit.
Startup $80 to $239
Monthly $35 to $105
These prices vary by Insurance. Many insurers support the G6 Dexcom. It may be covered under durable medical goods or a pharmacy benefit.
Startup $80 to $239
Monthly less than $40
These prices vary by Insurance. It may be covered under durable medical goods or a pharmacy benefit.
Tandem t:slim X2
Medtronic 630G
Omnipod
Insulin Dosing Supplies
Pump
Charger
Insulin Cartridges
Infusion Sites
Pump
Insulin Cartridges
Infusion Sets
Pods
Reader
Insulin
Insulin Dosing Cost Estimate
Startup $5 to $6,995
Monthly $20 to $200
Widely covered for insulin-dependent type 1 and type 2.Pump can be provided by pharmacy, DME, or directly throughMedtronic Diabetes. Price range; $0-$8,574 to start and $0-$300/Month.Price range varies depending on insurance coverage.
Startup $5 to $1260 Monthly
Omnipod is now covered by Medicare and Medicaid as well as most private insurers.
