OmniPod Insulin Management System

People with Type 1 diabetes typically have two treatment options for maintaining proper blood sugar levels: self-administer six to nine daily insulin injections or wear a small insulin pump, usually on the abdomen, that delivers continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion. Insulin pump delivery creates a more consistent blood sugar level. But the procedure for inserting the cannula is intimidating and painful, and users find the tubeset annoying and the need to wear an external pump a violation of their person privacy. Despite the superior results of insulin infusion therapy (including the fewest long-term complications), it remains underutilized because conventional insulin pumps fail to address the needs of patients and clinicians.

By providing an intuitive, nearly invisible solution, the OmniPod Insulin Management System has made living with diabetes a simpler, easier and nearly pain-free experience. It has given people with diabetes a better quality of life and increased independence from the regimen of insulin therapy. The absence of any tubes or wiring makes the OmniPod system very discrete. Users often find themselves forgetting that they are even wearing it and are free to engage in any activity they wish, including swimming, thanks to a watertight design.

The OmniPod has been of particular benefit to children. Because children are so active, conventional insulin pumps haven’t always been a viable option. The cannula insertion process is scary, the tubesets get caught on things and the pump interface can be difficult to operate. In addition, children hate to be seen as being different, and wearing a conventional pump that broadcasts they have diabetes can create social stigma and stress. Kids love the Omnipod because they can wear it in places on their bodies where it’s invisible and out of the way, and the handheld OmniPod controller looks like a common cell phone. Their condition is effectively invisible, so they feel less self-conscious and much more independent.

Credit: Continuum, Insulet, Sarnoff Corporation and The Parthenon Group

Contact: Amy Quigley: aquigley@dcontinuum.com