Insulet raises 2026 outlook as Omnipod growth continues

Insulet has upgraded its 2026 revenue forecast after a strong start to the year, driven by global demand for Omnipod systems. Alongside growth, new details from regulators, analysts and safety updates provide a fuller picture of where the company — and the wider hybrid-closed loop market — is heading.

Key points

• Insulet now expects 21%–23% revenue growth in 2026
• Q1 revenue reached $761.7 million, beating forecasts
• International growth, including Europe, is a major driver
• Analysts note weaker short-term US outlook despite strong results
• Omnipod 5 recall classified as serious by FDA
• Manufacturing issue linked to insulin under-delivery risk

Strong results — but markets react cautiously

Insulet reported $761.7 million in Q1 revenue, comfortably beating expectations, alongside adjusted earnings of $1.42 per share.

The company raised its full-year guidance to 21%–23% revenue growth, with Omnipod expected to grow even faster.

However, despite the strong performance, Insulet’s share price fell more than 6% following the announcement.

Analysts pointed to:

• softer guidance for US Omnipod sales in the next quarter
• ongoing recall-related concerns
• questions around new prescription growth in the US

This reflects a wider trend in diabetes tech: strong long-term growth, but increasing scrutiny on short-term performance.

International growth continues to lead

Outside the US, Insulet’s performance remains a standout.

International Omnipod sales reached $243 million in Q1, outperforming expectations and reinforcing the importance of expansion markets.

The company now sells Omnipod systems in around 19 countries, with continued rollout and uptake across Europe.

For UK readers, this aligns with:

• growing availability of hybrid-closed loop systems
• gradual adoption through NHS pathways
• increasing competition across pump and CGM-integrated systems

Recall: broader context and latest updates

Insulet’s Omnipod 5 recall remains a key part of the story — and additional reporting adds important detail.

What caused the issue

• A small tear in internal tubing inside some pods
• This can cause insulin to leak inside the device instead of being delivered

Potential impact

• High glucose levels due to under-delivery of insulin
• In severe cases, risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

Reported incidents

• At least 18 serious adverse events, including hospitalisation
• No deaths reported

Scale of the issue

• Affects roughly 1.5% of global Omnipod 5 production

Regulatory classification

• The FDA has now labelled this a “most serious” type of recall, meaning continued use could cause serious harm

What Insulet says

• Only specific lots are affected
• Replacement pods are being issued at no cost
• No expected disruption to supply or new patient starts

The company has also updated manufacturing and quality control processes following its investigation.

US vs international: two very different access stories

While international growth is accelerating, the US picture is more complex.

Insulet noted that:

• new patient starts were lower than late 2025 levels
• uptake was affected by insurance deductible resets early in the year

This highlights a key contrast:

• US access = insurance-driven, variable uptake
• UK access = NHS-driven, slower but structured rollout

For people with type 1 diabetes, access is still shaped more by system design than by technology availability.

Pipeline: what’s coming next

Insulet continues to invest in future systems, including:

• Omnipod 6, expected around 2027
• development of fully closed loop systems, including for type 2 diabetes

The Omnipod 5 itself has already expanded significantly, including:

• clearance for use in type 2 diabetes in the US
• integration with CGMs from Dexcom and Abbott

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What this means for people with type 1 diabetes

This update reinforces several key trends shaping day-to-day life with diabetes tech:

• Hybrid-closed loop systems are becoming standard across major brands
• Growth is increasingly driven by global access, not just the US
• Recalls and safety updates remain part of real-world device use
• The pace of innovation is accelerating — but rollout varies by country