Which Infusion Set Is Right For You?

[Originally published January 30, 2013—Updated July 15, 2022.]

One of the most important parts of an insulin pump is the infusion set; this is the piece that connects the pump to your body to deliver the insulin. There are many kinds of infusion sets available, each with different tubing and cannula length options. Based on your lifestyle changes, body type, and fluctuations in individual needs, your healthcare team might recommend looking into other infusion sets. Since there are many options, this is a popular topic.

For example, did you know that we offer 4 types of infusion sets with over 20 different configurations to match your specific needs? That means we’ve got an infusion set for you! In general, sets are classified by the material of the cannula, angle of insertion, insertion device used (if needed), and the length of the tubing.

Plastic Cannula Infusion Sets 

MiniMed™ Mio™ Advance infusion set

One of our newest infusion sets! This set has a 90-degree, soft cannula and can be inserted with just 4 steps. The convenient “all-in-one” insertion design also means that no separate serter is needed.

You may consider using this infusion set if:

• You have a moderately active lifestyle
• You often use alternative infusion set sites (like the thigh)
• Are often “on-the-go” (serter and infusion set are combined for easy packing)

If you are inserting in an area with less body fat, consider using the 6mm cannula length, if you are inserting in an area with more body fat, the 9mm cannula length may be a better option. If you wear your insulin pump close to your infusion site, 18’’or 23’’ tubing may be a good fit for you. If you don’t, 32’’ tubing may work best.

Watch the MiniMed™ Mio™ Advance infusion set insertion video here. You can access additional resources that show how to insert the infusion set with your specific insulin pump.

And did you know? This design is similar to the Medtronic Extended infusion set, available later this year exclusively through Medtronic.  Start on the MiniMed™ Mio™ Advance infusion set today and get familiar with an insertion experience that will come with twice the wear. We’ll keep you updated on when the new infusion set is available.

“The ease and convenience of the new sets are fantastic.”
– Medtronic Ambassador, Kris L.

MiniMed™ Quick-Set™ infusion set

This set has a 90-degree soft cannula insertion, with an optional Quick-serter™ available for easy and comfortable insertion.

You may consider using this infusion set if:

• You have a moderately active lifestyle
• You often use alternate infusion set sites
• You have diminished dexterity

If you are inserting in an area with less body fat, consider using the 6mm cannula length, if you are inserting in an area with more body fat, the 9mm cannula length may be a better option. If you wear your insulin pump close to your infusion site, 18″ or 23″ tubing may be a good fit for you. If you don’t, 32″ or 43″ tubing may work best.

Watch the MiniMed™ Quick-set infusion set insertion video here or changing your Quick-set.

MiniMed™ Silhouette™ infusion set

This soft cannula infusion set can be inserted at certain flexible angles with a 20–45-degree insertion. The optional Sil-serter™ is available for quick and easy insertion.

You may consider using this infusion set if:

• You have a very active lifestyle
• You are lean or muscular

If you are inserting in an area with less body fat, consider using the 6mm cannula length, if you are inserting in an area with more body fat, the 9mm cannula length may be a better option. If you wear your insulin pump close to your infusion site, 18″ or 23″ tubing may be a good fit for you. If you don’t, 32″ or 43″ tubing may work best.

Watch the MiniMed™ Silhouette infusion set insertion videos here and visit our website for instruction on changing your Silhouette.

“I like that I can manually insert the Silhouette.” – Medtronic Customer*

Steel Needle Infusion Sets 

MiniMed™ Sure-T™ infusion set

This steel needle infusion set has an extra adhesive pad for a more secure connection and is inserted manually at 90 degrees.

You may consider using this infusion set if you:

• Have had reactions to infusion sets with plastic cannulas
• Have a history of bent cannulas with other infusion sets or a high level of scar tissue
• Prefer using a needle to infuse your insulin rather than a flexible cannula

If you are inserting in an area with less body fat, consider using the 6mm needle length, if you are inserting in an area with more body fat, the 8mm needle length may be a better option. If you wear your insulin pump close to your infusion site, 18″ or 23″ tubing may be a good fit for you. If you don’t, 32″ tubing may work best. You may also consider a 10mm needle length with 32″ tubing.

Keep in mind that the MiniMed™ Sure-T infusion set is approved for use for up to 2 days instead of 3 days.

Watch the MiniMed™ Sure-T infusion set insertion video here and check out how to change the Sure-T.

“The Sure-T is so easy and painless for me!” – Medtronic Ambassador, Maya

Visit our website for more information on all our infusion sets and make sure to discuss potential changes in your therapy with your healthcare team. Visit www.Diabetes.shop to place an order.

*Based on survey from Instagram stories/infusion set polls

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Medtronic Diabetes Insulin Infusion Pumps

Infusion sets require a prescription and are indicated for the subcutaneous infusion of insulin from an infusion pump. Infusion sets are not indicated for intravenous(IV) infusion or the infusion of blood or blood products. Inaccurate medication delivery, infection and/or site irritation may result from improper insertion and maintenance of the infusion site. Before insertion, clean the insertion site with isopropyl alcohol. Remove the needle guard before inserting the infusion set. If using this infusion set for the first time, do the first set-up in the presence of your healthcare professional. Do not leave air in the infusion set. Prime completely. Follow the instructions provided and replace as indicated in those instructions. For more details, see https://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/important-safety-information.

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