This month Insulet, manufacturer of Omnipod, have announced that the latest model of their tubeless insulin pump, the Omnipod 5, is available in the UK.
We should point out that this doesn’t mean it’s available on the NHS in England & Wales – yet, as pricing agreements and acceptance onto the NHS tariffs and formulary etc have not yet taken place.
So for now, it's probably too early to be asking a GP or your diabetes team to prescribe the Omnipod 5.
It’s likely to take until at least October 2023, but in the meantime we’re giving you an overview of the main features of this exciting medtech and if you read below there are 3 actions you can take now to see if the Omnipod is the medtech for you!
Note: Omnipod 5 is already available in the USA and can be bought direct from pharmacies.
What is the Omnipod 5 system?
The first thing to say is that it is not the same as a traditional insulin pump. It is commonly classified as a patch pump.
The Omnipod 5 is the first tubeless hybrid closed loop system (also known as automated insulin delivery, or AID) that integrates with the Dexcom G6 to automatically adjust insulin delivery.
Basal rates adjust every 5 minutes based on levels received from a Dexcom G6 CGM.
Omnipod 5 has its own Omnipod Controller ie PDA, or users can use the app on a compatible smartphone (assuming this option is available in the UK).
Omnipod 5 - At a Glance
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Omnipod® 5 |
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Components |
Pod style capsule that you insert compatible insulin into with a needle, from a vial Omnipod Controller, or compatible smartphone Also, needs Dexcom G6 with transmitter. |
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Pump technology
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Uses Smart Adjust technology to adjust basal insulin to individual needs |
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Use of CGM |
Real-time CGM using Dexcom G6 |
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Duration of wear
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Up to 3 days, with 8 hours grace period |
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Frequency of updates |
Every 5 minutes |
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Start-up/stabilisation |
Goes through a priming process and pushes out excess air
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Water resistance rating
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IP68, up to 60 minutes in depth up to 7.6m |
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Site location
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Need to record site of pump on app (based on diagram)
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Watch integration
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No |
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Data sharing
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Sharing with a healthcare professional is possible using Glooko, in real-time. |
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Active insulin time |
Adjustable |
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Alerts |
No predictive low alert |
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Separate reader |
Yes - Omnipod Controller (rechargeable) |
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Approved insulins |
NovoRapid, Humalog & Admelog |
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Approved for ages |
From 2 years old |
Note, if you haven’t previously used a Dexcom G6, the transmitter is separate and these need to be paired to initiate the start of the system.
See the future!
The smart adjust algorithm inside the pod works by predicting glucose levels 60 minutes ahead of levels it receives directly from the Dexcom G6.
The algorithm is located inside the pod and it learns and adapts to your individual needs – learning from current and previous pods. It takes time to do this initially but improves over time as it builds up a history of data.
The user also needs time to learn too and there are several ways in which the user may need to make adjustments to fine tune the algorithm.
You set the target and the smart adjust algorithm adjusts to try to keep your levels at this target. The effect of this is that you spend more time in range which should transpose into a lower HbA1c. Targets are customisable and there is the option for up to 8 different targets depending on the time of day.
Delivery pauses if the algorithm predicts low levels and will increase if the prediction determines the levels are likely to be too high.
Copyrighted images used with permission. © 2022 Insulet Corporation. All rights reserved.
Activity feature
A special feature of the Smart Adjust algorithm is the Activity Feature for exercising which reduces insulin delivery before an activity so that glucose levels don't drop too low.
Modes of use
There are automatic and manual modes for using the app. The automatic mode will personalise insulin dose using machine learning. The manual mode allows the user to adjust settings and ratios etc.
Smart Bolus Calculator feature
The Smart Bolus Calculator adjusts insulin delivery depending on the trend of glucose as well as amount of carbs, carb ratio and insulin on board.
What are users saying about the Omnipod 5?
Some of the comments - from YouTube:
“Less time thinking about diabetes.”
“I have better sleep now, so cool.”
It’s so important to prebolus.
“it does a really good job of preventing lows”
“easy to forget about [when compared to t:slim]”
What are the advantages and disadvantages?
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Advantages |
Disadvantages |
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No tubes. |
There is a learning curve – be prepared to make adjustments and be patient! |
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More time in range, although targets a value rather than range, but this should lead to lower HbA1c. |
It takes time to set it up – this is especially noticeable if new to using a pump. |
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More accurate delivery – works out rates for you so insulin works more efficiently. |
Dexterity – could be tricky if limited movement in hands. |
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Proactive at reducing number of hypos. |
Users are likely to need to change their medication, type of insulin and regime. |
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Ability to adjust for activities e.g. exercise. |
If using in a sauna or similar hot/humid conditions, insulin can become affected i.e. denatured. |
How to know if it's right for you
If you're interested in trying out the Omnipod 5, there are several options on the Omnipod website which could help you to decide if this is a suitable option - these may be useful in advance of hybrid closed loops being rolled out (in the UK).
1. Apply for a sample pod (Omnipod Experience Kit) to be sent to you. This is just the plastic pod, but is the real size and weight so enables you to see the size and form of the pod and you can start to think about how and where you would wear it.
2. Download the simulation app.
3. Join a live product demonstration or talk to an Omnipod specialist.
These options are available on the website: https://www.omnipod.com/en-gb/is-omnipod-right-for-me
Alternatives to Omnipod 5
The current alternative options available are the Medtronic MiniMed 780 G or Tandem’s t:slim X2, but there are new patch pumps under development and it is very likely other products will become available in the near future.
It's also worth bearing in mind that although Omnipod 5 only currently works with Dexcom G6 CGM, there are plans for it to integrate with the Dexcom G7 soon and also, FreeStyle Libre 3.
Will Omnipod 5 be available on the NHS?
Insulet state that they are "working in partnership with the National Health Service (NHS) at all levels to ensure access to Omnipod 5 for people with type 1 diabetes.”
When will Omnnipod 5 be available in other countries?
Insulet state “We are committed to making Omnipod 5 an option for as many people as possible, as quickly as we can, and working hard to secure broad access globally.”
Insulet plans to release Omnipod 5 in Germany in the autumn of 2023.
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Thank you for reading. Please do submit comments below if you have any useful feedback on the use of this product.
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Disclaimer:
Blogs and publications on this website are independent of any involvement by medtech companies or diabetes related charities. To ensure there is no bias, we do not accept any products, freebies or other material from any medtech provider. All materials are copyright ©️Love My Libre Ltd.
Love My Libre is not associated or affiliated with Abbott or FreeStyle Libre. Content here and on our website www.lovemylibre.com does not constitute medical advice or replace the relationship between you and healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
The author of this blog has type 1 diabetes and uses the FreeStyle Libre 2 which is provided on NHS prescription.
FreeStyle Libre, Dexcom G6 and Omnipod 5 are registered trademarks of Abbott Diabetes Care Inc, Dexcom Inc and Insulet Corporation respectively.
