Medtronic Product Comparison

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Medtronic Diabetes is here for you throughout your insulin pumping journey.


We know that when you choose an insulin pump and continuous glucose monitoring you want it to fit your lifestyle. That's why we've been developing products for over 25 years with one thing in mind — you.

  • SYSTEM FEATURES

  • One Touch Ping(R)
  • Omnipod(R) Insulin Management System
    • Insulin Pump With Built-In CGM

      Why It's Important

      With CGM on your pump, you always know where your blood glucose is now and where it is going.

    • YES

      Insulin Pump with Built-In CGM

      The 2nd generation and only system to offer continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) right on your insulin pump. This means you can know your REAL-Time glucose levels at any time and prevent blood glucose lows and highs.

    • NO

      Insulin Pump with Built-In CGM

      A pump with built-in CGM is not available.

    • NO

      Insulin Pump with Built-In CGM

      A pump with built-in CGM is not available.

    • Safely Tracks
      Active Insulin

      Why It's Important

      In order to safely calculate your boluses, your pump should track all active insulin in your body.

    • YES

      Safely Tracks Active Insulin

      Tracks all active insulin from food and correction boluses, and retains active insulin during battery changes.

    • NO

      Safely Tracks Active Insulin

      Active insulin is lost after every battery change, which may cause you to overcorrect.

    • NO

      Safely Tracks Active Insulin

      Food boluses are not included in active insulin, which may cause you to overcorrect.

    • Simple Bolus Calculation

      Why It's Important

      Calculating a bolus with minimal button pushes makes your life easier and helps prevent errors.

    • YES

      Simple Bolus Calculation

      The Bolus Wizard® makes it easy to calculate a bolus. Minimal button pushes are required, and recommended bolus values are entered for you to help avoid mistakes.

    • LIMITED

      Simple Bolus Calculation

      Numerous button pushes are required for simple meals using CalorieKing®, and all recommended bolus values have to be re-entered manually.

    • YES

      Simple Bolus Calculation

      Bolus value is pre-populated.

    • Pediatric Friendly Features

      Why It's Important

      Ability to adapt the pump to fit the distinct needs of even the youngest users.

    • YES

      Pediatric Friendly Features

      The smallest basal rate (0.025 U/hr) and most precise bolus calculation (0.025 U) available for fine-tuned control. Hundreds of skins are offered to customize your pump.

    • LIMITED

      Pediatric Friendly Features

      A 0.025 basal rate is available. A 0.025 bolus calculation is not available.

    • NO

      Pediatric Friendly Features

      A 0.025 basal rate and 0.025 bolus calculation are not available.

    • Specialized Type II Features

      Why It's Important

      Unique pump elements allow individuals with Type II diabetes to adapt the pump to meet their individual needs and reach optimal control.

    • YES

      Specialized Type II Features

      A 300U reservoir and the lowest insulin-to-carbohydrate ratio (1:1) are offered to help you meet your daily insulin needs.

    • NO

      Specialized Type II Features

      Only a 200U reservoir and a higher insulin-to-carbohydrate ratio are available.

    • LIMITED

      Specialized Type II Features

      Only a 200U reservoir is offered. A 1:1 insulin-to-carbohydrate ratio is available.

    • Easy Task
      Completion

      Why It's Important

      Your pump should have easy to navigate menus and buttons, and require minimal button pushes.

    • YES

      Easy Task Completion

      The pump is easy to use with simple menus, a back button, alert directed navigation, and minimal button pushing for simple tasks.

    • LIMITED

      Easy Task Completion

      There is no back button, so more button pushes are needed for simple tasks.

    • LIMITED

      Easy Task Completion

      To set a basal rate, multiple steps are required including suspending your pump.

    • Active Lifestyle

      Why It's Important

      Your pump should fit into your lifestyle by having the ability to adapt to your activities.

    • YES

      Active Lifestyle

      The pump adapts to your lifestyle: set specific basal rates for your activities, or detach the pump for up to 2 hours for swimming or sports.

    • YES

      Active Lifestyle

      The pump can be detached for activities.

    • LIMITED

      Active Lifestyle

      You can set different basal rates for activities, but you can't detach the Pod without having to throw it away.

    • Convenient Software with Clinical Evidence

      Why It's Important

      A published independent study can show improved glucose control from software use. Software should link to your healthcare provider's office so they can manage your therapy remotely.

    • YES

      Convenient Software with Clinical Evidence

      CareLink™ Software use has been shown in a published independent study to lower A1C.**** CareLink links from your home to your healthcare provider's office, allowing them to review your information remotely and help you make needed therapy adjustments.

    • NO

      Convenient Software with Clinical Evidence

      EZManager® Max software use has not been shown to lower A1C in a published independent study, and does not link to your healthcare provider's office.

    • NO

      Convenient Software with Clinical Evidence

      Software use has not been shown to lower A1C in a published independent study, and does not link to your healthcare provider's office.

    • Diabetes Support
      Team

      Why It's Important

      Managing your diabetes can be challenging; having a solid support team will help you along the way.

    • YES

      Diabetes Support Team

      The most local field representatives (500+), educational events, certified product trainers (2800+), and highly trained professionals answering your calls 24/7.

    • LIMITED

      Diabetes Support Team

      Less than half as many field representatives, educational events, and certified product trainers, and an answering service for after hours calls.

    • LIMITED

      Diabetes Support Team

      Only one fifth as many field representatives, educational events, and certified product trainers.

    • Partner for Life

      Why It's Important

      A dependable company with a long history of developing revolutionary diabetes products will always be there to support you.

    • YES

      Partner for Life

      Medtronic has a 25+ year history of insulin pump therapy, 10+ years experience in CGM, and increases its investment in developing new therapies year after year.

    • NO

      Partner for Life

      The company launched its first pump in the year 2000.

    • NO

      Partner for Life

      The company launched its first product in 2005.

  • SYSTEM FEATURES

  • Medtronic REAL-Time CGM
  • DexCom(TM) SEVEN(R) PLUS
  • Abbott FreeStyle Navigator(R)
    • SAFETY
    • The MiniMed Paradigm® REAL-Time Revel System gives you the peace of mind you want.
    • Indicated for Use
      with Acetaminophen

      Why It's Important

      Over 100 pharmaceutical products contain acetaminophen, including Tylenol®.

    • YES

      OK to Use with Acetaminophen

      The system can be used if you take any medication containing acetaminophen, such as Tylenol®.

    • NO

      OK to Use with Acetaminophen

      This product should not be used if you take medication containing acetaminophen, for which it is contraindicated.

    • YES

      OK to Use with Acetaminophen

      This product can be used if you take medication containing acetaminophen.

    • Predictive Alerts

      Why It's Important

      These alerts help you to react sooner to high and low glucose levels.

    • YES

      Predictive Alerts

      Predictive alerts can be set to alert you up to 30 minutes before you reach your high or low glucose threshold level.

    • NO

      Predictive Alerts

      This product does not have predictive alerts.

    • YES

      Predictive Alerts

      Predictive alerts can be set to alert you up to 30 minutes before you reach your high or low glucose threshold level.

    • Indicated for Use by Children

      Why It's Important

      Using an FDA-approved system for children gives you peace of mind.

    • YES

      Indicated for Use by Children

      Medtronic has the only system that is FDA-approved for children who are 7 - 17 years old.

    • NO

      Indicated for Use by Children

      This product is not FDA-approved for use in adolescents and children under the age of 18.

    • NO

      Indicated for Use by Children

      This product is not FDA-approved for use in adolescents and children under the age of 18.

    • Stored Glucose Readings

      Why It's Important

      Lost information is minimized by storing data when the receiver and transmitter are not communicating.

    • YES, 40 minutes

      Stored Glucose Readings

      Your receiver will fill in 40 minutes of missed glucose readings if you leave it in another room.

    • NO

      Stored Glucose Readings

      No glucose readings are restored, which can result in missed lows and highs and gaps in your trend graphs.

    • YES, 30 minutes

      Stored Glucose Readings

      30 minutes of glucose readings are restored.

    • CONVENIENCE
    • The MiniMed Paradigm® REAL-Time Revel System gives you the freedom you deserve.
    • Insulin Pump with Built-in CGM

      Why It's Important

      Instant, up-to-the-moment information about your glucose control is right on your insulin pump.

    • YES

      Insulin Pump with Built-in CGM

      The 2nd generation and only system to offer the convenience of having CGM right on your insulin pump. You can know your REAL-Time glucose levels at any time and prevent blood glucose lows and highs after taking a confirmatory fingerstick.

    • NO

      Insulin Pump with Built-in CGM

      An insulin pump with built-in CGM is not available.

    • NO

      Insulin Pump with Built-in CGM

      An insulin pump with built-in CGM is not available.

    • Scroll Through Historical
      Data Graphs

      Why It's Important

      Past readings should be easily accessible to let you see the "big picture" of your glucose control.

    • YES

      Scroll Through Historical Data Graphs

      You can easily scroll back on the trend graphs to see exactly how high or low you were at a certain time.

    • NO

      Scroll Through Historical Data Graphs

      You can neither scroll nor look at any old statistics/information.

    • NO

      Scroll Through Historical Data Graphs

      Past readings are available in list form only.

    • Easy Access to
      Trend Graphs

      Why It's Important

      See your glucose levels at a glance.

    • 1 button push

      Easy Access to Trend Graphs

      A single button push gives you access to your glucose level trend graphs.

    • 1 button push

      Easy Access to Trend Graphs

      Access to trend graphs in one button push.

    • 7 button pushes

      Easy Access to Trend Graphs

      Several button pushes (7) are required to view trend graphs.

    • Watertight Rating

      Why It's Important

      With a watertight-rated product, you don't have to worry about getting splashed or caught in the rain.

    • Trans: IPX8*
      Pump: IPX7*

      Watertight Rating

      The CGM transmitter has the highest watertight rating available on the market today.*

    • Trans: IPX7*
      Receiver: N/A

      Watertight Rating

      Less water resistance.*

    • Trans: IPX7*
      Receiver: N/A

      Watertight Rating

      Less water resistance.*

    • AFFORDABILITY
    • Medtronic has over 90% CGM coverage for Type I patients.†
    • Avg. Sensor Out-of-Pocket (DME/Day)**

      Why It's Important

      A lower cost under the durable medical equipment benefit is very important if you have only DME coverage.

    • $2.33

      Avg. Sensor Out-of-Pocket (DME/Day)**

      Medtronic offers the lowest sensor out-of-pocket cost per day.

    • $2.85

      Avg. Sensor Out-of-Pocket (DME/Day)**

      The DexCom™ sensor out-of-pocket cost per day is 22% higher than Medtronic's.

    • $3.00

      Avg. Sensor Out-of-Pocket (DME/Day)**

      Abbott's sensor out-of-pocket cost per day is 24% higher than Medtronic's.

    • Avg. Sensor Out-of-Pocket (Rx/Day)***

      Why It's Important

      You may have a lower cost under the pharmacy benefit than you would under the DME benefit.

    • $0.86

      Avg. Sensor Out-of-Pocket (Rx/Day)***

      Medtronic is the only CGM provider that offers the opportunity to process claims under the pharmacy benefit.

    • N/A

      Avg. Sensor Out-of-Pocket (Rx/Day)***

      DexCom™ does not process CGM orders under the pharmacy benefit.

    • N/A

      Avg. Sensor Out-of-Pocket (Rx/Day)***

      Abbott does not process CGM orders under the pharmacy benefit

  • SYSTEM FEATURES

  • CareLink(R) Personal Therapy Management Software
  • eZManager Max(R) (Animas(R))
  • Data Manager(R) 3 (DexCom(TM))
    • Evidence of
      Improved
      Glucose Control

      Why It's Important

      A published independent clinical study shows improved glucose control from software use.

    • YES

      Evidence of Improved Glucose Control

      CareLink™ Software use has been shown in a published independent study to lower A1C.****

    • NO

      Evidence of Improved Glucose Control

      Software use has not been shown to lower A1C in a published independent study.

    • NO

      Evidence of Improved Glucose Control

      Software use has not been shown to lower A1C in a published independent study.

    • Remote Therapy Changes

      Why It's Important

      Software that links to your healthcare provider allows them to make changes in your therapy remotely.

    • YES

      Remote Therapy Changes

      Links from your computer to your healthcare provider, allowing them to review your information remotely and helping you to make needed therapy adjustments.

    • NO

      Remote Therapy Changes

      Does not link to your healthcare provider.

    • NO

      Remote Therapy Changes

      Does not link to your healthcare provider.

    • All-in-One Diabetes Management
      Software

      Why It's Important

      A single software source that uploads data from your insulin pump, CGM, and/or blood glucose meter helps simplify your diabetes management.

    • YES

      All-in-One Diabetes Management Software

      The only software needed to manage your insulin pump, CGM, and blood glucose meter data. Accessing data from all of your devices allows you to see a more complete picture of your glucose control.

    • NO

      All-in-One Diabetes Management Software

      Only uploads from insulin pump and blood glucose meter.

    • NO

      All-in-One Diabetes Management Software

      Only uploads from CGM.

    • Widely Adopted Software

      Why It's Important

      A program that is widely used by healthcare providers is more convenient for you and your healthcare provider.

    • YES

      Widely Adopted Software

      The most commonly used diabetes management software by patients and healthcare providers.

    • NO

      Widely Adopted Software

      Not as commonly used and your healthcare provider may not have accessed it before.

    • NO

      Widely Adopted Software

      Not as commonly used and your healthcare provider may not have accessed it before.

    • Blood Glucose Meter Compatibility

      Why It's Important

      Compatibility with a large number of blood glucose meters reduces the challenge of learning separate meter software.

    • YES

      Blood Glucose Meter Compatibility

      Supports 34 blood glucose meters including Roche, LifeScan, Abbott, Bayer, and BD.

    • NO

      Blood Glucose Meter Compatibility

      Only supports 14 blood glucose meters from LifeScan and Bayer.

    • NO

      Blood Glucose Meter Compatibility

      Not compatible with any blood glucose meters.

    • Easy Wireless
      Uploads

      Why It's Important

      Uploading data should be simple and easy.

    • YES

      Easy Wireless Uploads

      The CareLink USB provides a simple way to quickly upload your data without the use of cables.

    • YES

      Easy Wireless Uploads

      Data uploads do not require a cable.

    • LIMITED

      Easy Wireless Uploads

      Data uploads require a cable.

    • Convenient
      Data Access

      Why It's Important

      Web-based software allows you the freedom to access your data from anywhere life takes you.

    • YES

      Convenient Data Access

      Upload your data from anywhere, allowing you and your healthcare provider access to your data. All you need is a computer, internet access, and your CareLink USB.

    • NO

      Convenient Data Access

      Program requires you to install software on your own computer.

    • NO

      Convenient Data Access

      Program requires you to install software on your own computer.

    • 24-Hour Software Support

      Why It's Important

      Around-the-clock software support gives you access to help when it's most convenient for you.

    • YES

      24-Hour Software Support

      Trained professionals are available live 24/7/365 to help you when you need it.

    • NO

      24-Hour Software Support

      Software support is only available Monday through Friday from 8 AM - 7 PM EST.

    • NO

      24-Hour Software Support

      Software support is only available from 9 AM - 8 PM EST.

*Medtronic Sof-Sensor® and MiniLink® Transmitter are rated IPX8: can submerge in 8 feet of water for 30 minutes; DexCom™ and Abbott sensors and transmitters are rated IPX7: can submerge in 3 feet of water for 30 minutes.

**DME benefit per day assumes average 20% co-pay and is calculated by dividing average out-of-pocket expense for each sensor and dividing by sensor life.

***Data on file, Medtronic Diabetes; 2009. List prices used to determine out-of-pocket costs for the DexCom™ and Abbott products were taken from Lund, K. Get the facts on continuous glucose monitoring. Diabetes Health. 2009;18:24-28.

****EA Corriveau, "Effect of CareLink, an internet-based insulin pump monitoring system, on glycemic control in rural and urban children with type 1 diabetes mellitus," Pediatric Diabetes. 2008; 9(Part II) 360-366.

† Under commercial insurance when medical requirements are met.