Artificial Pancreas Systems: Are They Right for You?

Learn what artificial pancreas systems are, how they work, the potential benefits of using one, and what to consider before you get one.

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- Also known as automated insulin delivery systems, hybrid closed-loop systems, or smart pumps and sensors
- An artificial pancreas system has three main components, two of which you have to wear at all times: an insulin pump, a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), and an algorithm (the “brain” that determines the best insulin dose to help keep you in range”)
- Measures glucose and adjusts insulin automatically; gives less insulin when blood sugar is low and more insulin when blood sugar is high
- Requires fewer decisions/calculations as the system does much of it for you
- More time in range with fewer highs and lows
- Fewer finger sticks and injections
- Has been shown to improve time-in-range, even during sleep
- Requires wearing two devices at all times
- Daily T1D management still required (count carbs, boluses, adjust for exercise, etc.)
- More alerts and alarms, can cause “alarm fatigue” for some

Artificial Pancreas/ Automated Insulin Delivery Systems Available in the U.S.*

	Beta Bionics iLet	Insulet Omnipod® 5	Medtronic MiniMed™ 630G System	Medtronic MiniMed™ 770G System	Medtronic MiniMed™ 780G System	Tandem Diabetes Mobi with Control-IQ Technology	Tandem Diabetes t:slim X2™ with Basal-IQ/Control-IQ Technology	DIY
FDA Approved?	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Ages	6+	2+	14+ when used with Guardian™ Sensor 3, 16+ with Enlite™ sensor	2+	7+	6+	6+	n/a
CGM Pairing	Dexcom® G6	Dexcom® G6	Medtronic Guardian™ 3	Medtronic Guardian™ 3	Medtronic Guardian™ 4	Dexcom® G6	Dexcom® G6	n/a
Basal automation?	Yes	Automated basal insulin delivery calculated from total daily insulin, which is updated with each pod change	Automated basal suspension to respond to hypoglycemia	Automated basal insulin delivery calculated based on total daily insulin from past 2-6 days (“auto basal”)	Automated adjustment of basal insulin delivery.	Automated basal insulin delivery that increases or decreases programmed basal rates	Automated basal insulin delivery that increases or decreases programmed basal rates	Yes (OpenAPS and Loop)
Bolus automation?	Yes	No (adaptive basal only to respond to hyperglycemia)	No	No (adaptive basal only to respond to hyperglycemia). When a BG over 150 mg/dL is entered, Auto Mode may recommend a correction bolus.	Yes, auto-correction bolus	Yes, auto-correction bolus	Yes, auto-correction bolus (Control-IQ only)	n/a
High/Low Blood Glucose Alerts	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	n/a
Smartphone Enabled?	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes (OpenAPS and Loop)
Software Updates?	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	n/a
More Information	Beta Bionics iLet website	Omnipod 5 website	Medtronic MiniMed 630G website	Medtronic MiniMed 770G website	Medtronic MiniMed 780G website	Tandem Mobi website	Tandem t:Slim X2 website	n/a

*Updated July 2023

Getting an artificial pancreas system

If you think an artificial pancreas system might be right for you, consult with your physician.

Consult JDRF’s Health Insurance Guide to learn about insurance coverage of artificial pancreas systems.

Resources for Healthcare Professionals

View JDRF’s T1D resources for healthcare professionals.

Original content developed by Med-IQ in collaboration with JDRF.