Device Finder - Freestyle Libre 14 Day vs Beta Bionics iLet Pancreas

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Summary

The FreeStyle Libre 14-day is an all-in-one glucose sensor/transmitter that lasts for 14 days and only needs fingersticks as backup. . This sensor is a flash glucose monitor that requires scanning using a compatible smartphone app or a handheld reader.

FDA approved for insertion on the back of the upper arm (ages 4 years and older).

MARD of 9.4%

The iLet Bionic Pancreas is the first and only commercially-available, automated insulin delivery system that determines 100% of insulin doses without carb counting - offering better results with less work.

The iLet only needs a user's weight to get started. It then learns and adapts to the user's insulin needs based on their meal announcements and CGM data (Dexcom CGM or FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor).

Components

Freestyle Libre 14 Day : Sensor

Sensor uses a thin, flexible filament inserted just under the skin to measure glucose levels every minute. Push-button applicator allows sensor to be placed on the body in one step.

Freestyle Libre 14 Day : Receiver

Conveniently access glucose readings using a reader, smartphone, or both. Available for both iOS and Android devices.

Beta Bionics iLet Pancreas : Pump

Pump connects tubing to a small patch called an infusion set that attaches to the body.

Beta Bionics iLet Pancreas : Sensor

Sensor is inserted underneath the skin, either on the abdomen or arm.

Beta Bionics iLet Pancreas : Controller

Pump receives CGM readings and automatically adjusts insulin delivery. Data from the pump and CGM viewable on compatible smartphones (iOS and Android)

Beta Bionics iLet Pancreas : Infusion Set

An infusion set contains the thin plastic tubing that delivers insulin from the pump to the body.

Device Details

Overview

All-in-one glucose sensor/transmitter can be worn on the upper arm.

This system requires very little input from the physician or user. It only requires the user to input their weight to get started (glucose targets can be adjusted). Instead of carb counting,* the iLet just needs an estimate of the carbs in your meal – Usual for me, More or Less. The iLet is paired with either a Dexcom CGM or the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor.

*User must be carb aware.

Affordability and Access

$$$$
Widely covered. Provided by pharmacies. Price range; $0-$100/month. Often the cheapest and easier to access sensor.

$$$$
iLet and sensors are widely covered and provided by DME and pharmacy. Sensor price range $0-$550/month. iLet cost dependant on your insurance for DME or Pharmacy.

Data Monitoring Options

Yes
Automatic data transfer to LibreView each time Freestyle Libre 2 sensor is scanned. LibreView gives clinicians and users relevant glucose reports. Glooko and Tidepool can also be used to view data.

Yes
iLet Mobile App provides the ability to pull data from an iLet device to share with the Beta Bionics Cloud.

Data View Options

Yes
Freestyle LibreLink app displays glucose readings directly on the patient's compatible smart device.

Yes
Users can view their iLet data directly on the pump or by using the iLet Mobile App. iLet users can share their data with friends, family, and caregivers through the Bionic Circle App.

Duration and Storage

14 Days
Sensors last 14 days and work between 50ºF - 113ºF. They are shipped in orders of 1-3 months at a time - which is 2-6 boxes at a time.

3-day pump up to 15 day sensor
Sensors last 10 or 15 days and transmitters last 90 and work at 50ºF – 108ºF. Pump can be used for up to 72 hrs, fully charged iLet will last for 4-5 days, and work between 36°F (2°C) to 86°F (30°C).

Vision / Auditory / Dexterity

YES text to speech
YES vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed

NO text to speech
YES vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed

Patient Considerations

Active Lifestyle

Water-resistant for up to 3 feet deep for 30 minutes and light on the body, does not get in the way of activity. The reader must be within 1.5 inches of the sensor to scan it.

No exercise mode. Pump will continue to increase or decrease insulin dosing in response to changing CGM glucose levels as usual. However, insulin can be stopped at user's discretion. Pump is water resistant for up to 12 feet for 30 minutes.

Avoiding Highs and Lows

Alerts are not available. High or low glucose alarms are not available. Trend arrows show the direction glucose is heading, with the rate of change.

Auto basal and bolus insulin. The iLet makes the corrections for you. If you’re trending high, it will automatically give you more insulin to bring you back in range. If you’re trending low, it will reduce your current insulin dosage.

Comfort

Lowest profile sensor and smallest adhesive.

Somewhat comfortable. Low maintenance sensor. Larger pump option.

Easy Insulin Dosing

Scanned sensor readings can be used for dose adjustment.

Meal announcement controller. User must be carb aware. The iLet calculates and doses 100% of the insulin throughout the day and night, allowing the user to focus on other things in their lives. Please note: even when you use the "Meal Announcement." your blood glucose levels could rise above 250 mg/dL for a few hours. You'll need to be comfortable letting the iLet regulate your blood glucose.

Easy to Use

Requires scanning. Self-application and manual scanning every 8-hours are required. Easy self-application.

Easiest to Use. User weight is the only input required to start using the insulin pump. No carb counting *, correction factors, carb ratios, or pre-set basal rates required.