If you're like me, you’re always on the lookout for ways to make managing diabetes a bit easier. Well, hold on to your infusion sets because Insulet Australia has something that could make make your life with type 1 just a bit easier.
At the recent Australasian Diabetes Congress (ADC), The Life in Beta panel and I sat down with Jo Sader, the General Manager of Insulet Australia. Jo shared some updates about the upcoming Omnipod 5. If you’re familiar with the OmniPod DASH, you know that the big pros are that it's tubeless and waterproof. But the Omnipod 5? It's those things, plus an algorithm that will automatically adjust your background insulin to try and keep your blood glucose in range.
The Headline Feautres of Omnipod 5
1. Automated Insulin Delivery with SmartAdjust™ Algorithm
The OmniPod 5 introduces the SmartAdjust™ algorithm, a major upgrade from the OmniPod DASH. This algorithm lives directly on the pod and works in real-time. It communicates continuously with a compatible Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), predicting your glucose levels 60 minutes ahead. Based on this data, it adjusts insulin delivery automatically—either increasing, decreasing, or pausing it to try and keep you in your target range. In theory, this should mean less high and lows to worry about... and a better night's sleep!
2. Flexible Glucose Targets
With the Omnipod 5, you can set different glucose targets for different times of the day - between 6.1 and 8.3 mmol/L. So you might choose a higher target during the day when you’re more active, or maybe a lower one at night if you're worried about going low - whatever you decide works for you and your lifestyle.
3. Cloud Connectivity
Also new with the release of Omnipod 5 will be its cloud capability. Unlike the Omnipod DASH, which doesn’t upload data to any online logbook, the Omnipod 5 will automatically upload your data to the cloud. This not only simplifies data sharing with your healthcare team but also provides you with valuable insights into your diabetes management. No more hunting for that specific cable the night before your appointment to upload your data.
4. Hands-Free Operation
Although you still adjust the settings of Omnipod 5 through a proprietary controller, (no phone app yet!) the controller doesn’t have to be within reach all the time. The algorithm runs on the pod itself, and operates independently, meaning you can enjoy activities like swimming without needing to carry the controller. The pod continues to receive CGM updates directly, staying in “auto mode” and working to keep you in range even when the controller is out of range - in another room, stuffed in your bag back on the beach etc. For those that love a long day on the beach, this means you don't have to get out of the water every hour to reconnect and deliver more insulin.
When Can You Get Your Hands on It?
Insulet Australia expects to launch the Omnipod 5 to consumers by early 2025, but there are still some details to be finalised, such as the exact sensors it will work with and the access pathways through private health insurers and the NDSS.
Transitioning to Omnipod 5
If you’re currently using the Omnipod DASH, you might be wondering how to switch to the Omnipod 5. If you're currently using Omnipod DASH with private health insurance (and still within your four-year warranty period,) for a one-time payment of $249 you can switch to Omnipod 5. It's not free, but it is possible.
Can You Trial Omnipod 5 BEFORE committing for four years?
Because every pod is essentially a new pump, podding does have the advantange of being able to buy a small supply (say 1 or 2 months' worth) to see if you like it before you commit your hard-earned private health insurance. We haven't received pricing for Omnipod 5 yet, but a one-month supply of DASH pods (with the NDSS subsidy) is about $200. Hopefully Omnipod 5 pods won't be too far from this price.
Insulet have previously had promotions of $90 for a 90-day supply of pods. Hopefully we see promotions like that return.
The Big Unknown: CGM Compatibility
At the Australasian Diabetes Congress last week, it was hard not to look at both the Omnipod 5 booth and the Dexcom G7 booth and wonder whether the two products would work together. Unfortunately, the approval process through the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) requires each device to be approved and that the devices be approved to work together. Insulet were tight-lipped on which CGMs Omnipod 5 would launch with, but they did say that, globally, Insulet have partnered with Dexcom and Abott (makers of the Freestyle Libre). Overseas, we know that Omnipod 5 works with Dexcom G6, G7 and Freestyle Libre 3.
Given that some people seem to run into issues with particular CGMs but not others, having the option of multiple CGMs would be ideal. Fingers crossed...
We'll keep you posted with updates as we approach the 2025 launch. If you have questions, feel free to call the Family Centre and we'll do our best to answer them (08 9446 6446). Our online communities are another great resource - full of helpful and supportive people who can give you the lived experience of using all the different types of tech.
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