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.
Tags: diabetes care, help and support, infusion sets
I’ve been using the sure t infusion set for atleast 5 years but i was going about 4 days without changing my site and recently started changing it every 3 days. I know it’s supposed to be charged every 2 days but I have a problem with insulin absorption for about a year now, every time I change my site just on the 1st day my blood sugar goes up pretty fast and stays high for about 6-8 hours even when giving correction bolus a few times, then after about 8 hours the insulin finally starts working i even try moving my infusion site around and make sure there’s no lumps where im putting it. Don’t know why this happens every single time what can this be from? My doctor said it sounds like an insulin absorption issue. Also when i try using a infusion site with a cannula it ends up getting bent. What do you recommend me to try? don’t know if i should try a longer steel needle for the sure-t or should i try a longer cannula infusion site? I’ve been using sure t 6mm
Hi, Myranda. While your healthcare team will have the best recommendations for your individual needs, we encourage you to reach out to our 24-Hour Technical Support team a call at 800.646.4633, option 1 and we’ll see how we can help.
Hello I currently use the Sure T infusion but starting to find the metal cannula very uncomfortable plus I recently had a sever infection which my GP was quite shocked by. He recommended I seek advice on alternatives. Ive read mixed reviews on the MIO and dont yet have the confidence to ask to switch over. Is there any way of trying the new infusion set prior to committing to changing for a more comfortable solution?
Many Thanks
Martin
I’m so sorry to hear this, Martin. This is a good conversation to have with our 24-Hour HelpLine. They can discuss your options and see what we can do to help. You can reach them at 800.646.4633, option 1.
“Also keep in mind that the Sure-T is approved to be worn for 2 days instead of 3 days since it is a steel needle infusion set.”
Why do you say steel should be worn less days? A research doctor told me that testing has shown it lasts longer. Can you clarify with Medtronic why it is 2 and not 3 or more? Is it just because they happened to submit to the FDA for 2 days, but really it is longer than plastic?
The approved use of the Sure-T infusion set is to maintain a favorable insulin absorption as well to prevent the risk of infection and insertion site damage.
I have used the Sure-T sets for several years and have found through my own trials that my absorption becomes less effective after two days. On my own, I started changing them every 48 hours to make sure I didn’t get any interruptions in my blood sugar control. It’s interesting to see that this has already been established by Medtronic.
I was wondering if I should be using a 6mm or 9mm ouick set. Dont know what my BMI is, but I weight about 155 and i’m pretty active. Also I”m 68 years old and about5’6” tall. Also i was wondering why they dont offer a skin toned quickset for people that spend alot to time swimming. That goes to say about the sensors also. Thank You!
Thanks for reaching out Randea. This is a great conversation to have with our 24 HelpLine. I will have someone reach out to you.
My father in law is having problems with the quick sets. His fingers are to big to grab and twist it. Is there anything else that may work for him?? In a few months he will be getting a new pump any advice on what he should be looking at?? He has always had Medtronic MiniMed’s pump and would hate to switch.
Thanks for your help in this matter!!!
Tina
Hi Tina, please have your Father-in-Law give our 24-HelpLine a call to discuss the available infusion sets. The team can be reached at 800-646-4633 option 1.
I’d love to watch the insertion videos but they are all now marked as private
Hi Amber – I was able to click on all of the links in the videos and watch the insertion videos. If you’re having problems you may want to check our YouTube page at: http://www.youtube.com/medtronicdiabetes
We have switched from the silo’s to the mio. We have had many issues with a bent cannula and therefore high readings. Please advise. Thanks, Paul
Hi Paul, I’m sorry to hear this. I will have someone from the 24-Hour HelpLine reach out to you to discuss this.