In the upcoming year, Omnipod 5 users can look forward to controlling their Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) system through a free iPhone app. Previously, only Android users had this convenience, allowing them to bolus insulin, change pods, and more directly from their smartphones.
For iPhone users, managing their AID system requires an additional device known as a Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM). However, with the FDA’s recent approval in October 2023, the Omnipod 5 iPhone app will streamline and enhance diabetes management for iPhone users, expected to launch in 2024.
What is the Omnipod 5?
The Omnipod 5 AID system comprises three vital components:
Wearable Insulin Pump: This tubeless insulin pump can be worn for up to three days, holding 200 units of insulin. It comes equipped with the AID algorithm.
Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM): Please note that the Omnipod 5 system is currently only compatible with the Dexcom G6 CGM, not the Dexcom G7.
Omnipod 5 Mobile App: Available for both Android and iPhone users, this free app offers complete control over basal and bolus insulin rates directly from your smartphone. In addition to that, it is also possible to pre-download it onto a controller that Insulet supplies. Fill out this form to check if you or a friend qualify for CGMs and improve diabetes control.
Insulet is actively working on integrating the Omnipod 5 with the Dexcom G7 and making it compatible with Abbott Freestyle Libre CGMs.
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iPhone App with Custom Foods Feature
The Omnipod 5 iPhone app, much like its Android counterpart, enables users to perform essential tasks like bolusing insulin, pod changes, and configuring settings. What’s more, a new custom foods feature will simplify mealtime dosing by allowing users to save carbohydrate counts for their favorite foods and snacks. The app is expected to see a full market release in 2024.
Setting up Omnipod 5
Embracing the technological features of a new system can be daunting, especially if you’re transitioning from a different form of insulin delivery. Insulet provides a series of short training modules to assist with the initial setup, pod activation, CGM connection, programming alarms, and more.
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Cost of Omnipod 5
The AID system is available through retail and mail-order pharmacies, provided you have insurance coverage and a prescription from your healthcare provider. Co-pay costs vary depending on your insurance type. To check your coverage, consult your healthcare provider and have them send prescriptions for the Omnipod 5 G6 intro kit and the Omnipod 5 G6 pods to ASPN Pharmacies. ASPN will verify your coverage, determine your co-pay, and direct your prescription to your chosen pharmacy. The mobile app can be downloaded at no extra cost from the Google Play Store or comes pre-programmed on the controller provided by Insulet.
If you prefer to purchase the system out of pocket, it’s available at retail pharmacies or through Costco for members. Insulet’s OmnipodPromise program offers existing users of the Omnipod DASH system a free upgrade to the new Omnipod 5.
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Effectiveness of Omnipod 5
Clinical trial results published in 2021 revealed that the Omnipod 5 system significantly increased Time in Range by 2.3 hours per day for people aged 14-70. For children aged 6-13, the improvement was even more remarkable, with an extended Time in Range of 3.5 hours per day. Additionally, the data suggested that the Omnipod 5 system can enhance the overall quality of life for people with type 1 diabetes.
In 2022, the FDA cleared the Omnipod system for children as young as 2-5. In a recent study within this age group, the Omnipod 5 system boosted Time in Range by 2.6 hours per day. Remarkably, throughout the 13-week trial, there was not a single instance of severe hypoglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in children using the Omnipod 5 system.
