What is an Omnipod (insulin pump)?

From the Guidelines

The Omnipod is a tubeless insulin pump system used to manage diabetes by delivering insulin continuously without the need for multiple daily injections. It consists of two main components: a small, waterproof Pod that adheres directly to the body and contains insulin, and a separate handheld controller called the Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM) that wirelessly programs insulin delivery 1. The Pod is typically worn for up to 3 days before being replaced, and it delivers both basal (continuous background) insulin and bolus doses for meals or high blood sugar corrections. Unlike traditional insulin pumps, the Omnipod eliminates the need for tubing, making it more discreet and less prone to snagging or disconnection.

Key Features and Benefits

• The Omnipod system is beneficial for people with type 1 diabetes and some with type 2 diabetes who require intensive insulin therapy 1.
• Users should be aware that proper site rotation is important to prevent skin irritation, and they'll need to carry backup supplies including insulin pens or syringes in case of Pod failure.
• The Omnipod system helps improve diabetes management by providing more precise insulin dosing and flexibility compared to multiple daily injections.
• Automated insulin delivery systems, like the Omnipod, should be offered for diabetes management to youth and adults with type 1 diabetes who are capable of using the device safely 1.

Clinical Recommendations

• The choice of device should be made based on the individual’s circumstances, preferences, and needs 1.
• Insulin pump therapy, including the Omnipod, can be successfully started at the time of diagnosis, and access to these devices should be allowed or continued in older adults as it is in younger people 1.

From the Research

Overview of Omnipod

• The Omnipod is a tubeless, wearable insulin pump that holds up to 200 units of U-100 insulin and delivers therapy through customizable basal rates and bolus amounts 2.
• It consists of the insulin pump ("Pod"), which is worn on the body and delivers insulin, and the Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM), which is a handheld device used to wirelessly control and monitor the Pod functionality 2.

Key Features of Omnipod

• Novel pump delivery mechanism 2
• Waterproof (IP28) housing design 2
• Automated cannula insertion 2
• Touchscreen PDM interface 2
• Bluetooth wireless technology 2
• Wireless internet connectivity 2

Clinical Data and Studies

• The Omnipod Insulin Management System has been evaluated in several clinical studies, including a prospective trial of U500 insulin delivered by Omnipod in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and severe insulin resistance 3.
• A pilot randomised controlled parallel arm trial evaluated treatment satisfaction with the Omnipod DASH Insulin Management System compared with usual care in adults with type 1 diabetes in Australia 4.
• A nonblinded 1:1 randomized controlled trial compared treatment satisfaction with Omnipod DASH System to usual care (multiple daily injections or tubed IPT) in adults with type 1 diabetes 5.

Benefits and Outcomes

• Treatment satisfaction improved more in the Omnipod group vs the Usual Care group 5.
• Significantly greater improvements in other participant-reported outcomes (PROs) and glycated hemoglobin A1c were also observed 5.
• The Omnipod DASH System resulted in greater treatment satisfaction at 12 weeks in adults with type 1 diabetes using self-monitoring blood glucose that was sustained after 24 weeks of device use without compromising sleep quality and fear of hypoglycemia 5.