OmniPod Profile: How Pod Therapy Is Changing the Game in Insulin Delivery
Less than two decades ago, the OmniPod system by Insulet became the first tubeless, wearable, and disposable insulin delivery method ever introduced to the diabetes community. Today, this pioneering diabetes solution, commonly known as “pod therapy” is helping individuals and families in 24 countries around the world manage diabetes with greater ease, comfort, and control.
In this post, we’ll look at OmniPod and how it continues to change the game in diabetes management by revolutionizing insulin delivery. If you’re curious about an insulin delivery solution that replaces the need for daily injections using insulin syringes and insulin pens, and eliminates the tubes and devices associated with conventional insulin pumps, OmniPod just might be for you.
The Roots of OmniPod
More than 20 years ago, a father in Massachusetts who also happened to be an entrepreneur was struck by the lack of options his diabetic young son had in terms of insulin delivery. So, he got to work creating a new one.
The truth is the first inklings of OmniPod were sketched on a paper napkin – a moment that would pave the way for a technology that would forever change the diabetes treatment landscape.
OmniPod received FDA clearance in 2003 and introduced the first FDA-approved OmniPod insulin delivery management system to the marketplace in 2005. The rest, as they say, is history with new and more innovative OmniPod generations being introduced over the years since. Today, the company shows no signs of slowing down with the latest two versions of the OmniPod system now available.
How Pod Therapy Works
Pod therapy essentially performs the same function as an insulin pump. However, unlike pumps which require infusion sets that include both a cannula to deliver insulin to the body, a tube to carry the insulin from the pump to the cannula, and a cartridge or reservoir to store the insulin, the OmniPod system is self-contained.
Insulin is placed inside a waterproof pod, which is already equipped with a cannula that delivers the medication to the body. The pod itself affixes securely to the injection site, much like an infusion set only there are no tubes or external devices to wear. Instead, the pod and the insulin dosage it delivers are controlled by a wireless remote device or a smartphone app.
Being that there are no tubes to get tangled or external digital devices to carry on the body, either in a pouch or clipped to a belt, OmniPod solutions provide users with far more freedom of movement and are far more discreet than conventional insulin pumps, making them ideal for kids or anyone who leads an active lifestyle.
How much of a difference can OmniPod make? According to a recent satisfaction survey, 97% of patients who use an OmniPod solution would recommend it to a friend. That’s a pretty telling result.
The Latest OmniPod Solutions
The two latest OmniPod products available with a prescription from a diabetes physician are the OmniPod Dash and the OmniPod 5 series. Both are “pod therapy” solutions that eliminate the cumbersome tubes and bulky devices associated with conventional insulin pumps. What’s more, OmniPod makes it easy for current users to upgrade from an older generation OmniPod solution to one of these newer systems through their “Podder Central” user portal. You can learn more at Omnipod.com.
OmniPod Dash
The OmniPod Dash simplifies insulin delivery with a two-part system. A wearable, tubeless pod attaches to the body and is controlled by a pocket-sized Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM). Each pod can hold up to a 3-day supply of insulin and wireless connection with the PDM gives the user real-time control over insulin dosage. Simply enter a blood glucose test reading and the OmniPod Dash system takes care of the rest, including built-in dosage calculations at mealtime. making insulin delivery as easy as sending a text! If you’re interested in learning more about the OmniPod Dash, click here.
OmniPod 5
The OmniPod 5 is the first wearable, tubeless insulin delivery system that is able to fully integrate with the Dexcom G6 continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system. Just introduced in 2022, the OmniPod 5 marks a huge milestone as each applied pod remains in constant contact with the Dexcom G6 via a downloadable smart phone application and automatically adjusts insulin dosage based upon real-time blood sugar readings for reliable protection against highs and lows.
In other words, the OmniPod 5 provides the best of both worlds – real-time glucose monitoring and automated insulin delivery without the need to carry a pump device. The OmniPod 5 has proven to provide users with more time in their targeted blood sugar range and help lower A1C scores thanks to insulin delivery that adapts to user needs in real-time. To learn more about the OmniPod 5, click here.
Takeaways
There are more than 37 million Americans living with diabetes and the number of diagnosed cases is growing nationwide and around the world. On the plus side, advancements in testing and treatment technology are making it easier for individuals with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes to live healthier lives and lower their risk of experiencing serious diabetes-related complications, including heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, and nerve damage.
OmniPod solutions are certainly among these breakthroughs changing the game in diabetes management. If you think you might benefit from the added control and convenience an OmniPod system can deliver, speak with your diabetes specialist. If you’re looking to save on OmniPod Dash and OmniPod 5 products, explore a complete selection and enjoy free delivery with every order at Diabetic Warehouse.
We hope you found this post informative and insightful. At Diabetic Warehouse, we’re committed to helping those with diabetes manage blood sugar with a complete selection of testing and treatment supplies at prices up to 65% less than those found at most pharmacies and suppliers.
Diabetic Warehouse is a trusted supplier of diabetes care products and accessories. For more information and to explore a complete range of products, including glucose meters and test strips, insulin syringes, pen needles, continuous glucose monitoring systems, and more, visit www.diabeticwarehouse.org.
