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The Medtronic Mini Med Insulin Pump 780G is a hybrid closed-loop system designed to assist individuals with type 1 diabetes between 7 – 80 years of age. This automatic insulin delivery (AID) system is compatible with Guardian 4 Sensor and Guardian 3 Sensors. Equipped with SmartGuard technology, the system delivers correction boluses, and with meal detection technology, it reduces the hassle of manual carb counting. Thus, minimising adverse events, improving glycemic control and enhancing the quality of life for users. Let’s have a closer look at the features and how they may help people with type 1 diabetes, but before we dive, just have a glance at what insulin pumps are and how they work.
What Is an Insulin Pump?
An insulin pump is a medical device used to administer insulin continuously throughout the day and night. Unlike multiple daily injections, a pump delivers rapid-acting insulin via a small catheter placed under the skin. This method provides more precise and flexible insulin delivery, closely mimicking the body’s natural insulin release. Some insulin pumps only give you your bolus when you instruct from your phone or the AID system controller, while some offer the smart technology that automatically detects your blood sugar levels, based on which they will give you the required bolus doses or correction dose.
The 780g insulin pump belongs to the second type. However, as it is a hybrid closed-loop system, you are still required to input meal boluses.
Who Is It Suitable For?
As highlighted by the medtronicdiabetes, the MiniMed 780G system is primarily intended for individuals with type 1 diabetes aged 7 and above. It is particularly beneficial for those who:
- Experience frequent fluctuations in blood glucose levels.
- Have difficulty achieving target glucose levels with multiple daily injections.
- Desire to minimise the bolus counting and enjoy an automated approach to insulin delivery.
In short, any type 1 diabetic aged 7 plus and fed up of manually calculating carbs or who tends to forget taking insulin boluses may find it useful to opt for a waterproof insulin pump like Medtronic Mini Med.
Key Features and Sensor Compatibility
The MiniMed 780G system boasts several advanced features:
- Hybrid Closed-Loop System: Based on continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data, it automatically provides correction boluses every 5 minutes. The best part, new systems allow you to set target blood sugar levels as low as 100 mg/dL.
- Meal Detection Technology: Identifies meals and provides automatic corrections for missed or underestimated carbohydrate intake.
- Water Resistance: The pump is waterproof up to 12 feet for 24 hours, making it suitable for swimming and other water activities.
Looking to get an Insulin Pump?
Get a benefits check at no cost from CGMMonitors and receive pump supplies at your door. And do not worry, depending on what you require, we have a range of other automatic insulin delivery (AID) systems as well.
Hybrid vs. Full Closed-Loop Systems
| Feature | Hybrid Closed-Loop (MiniMed 780G) | Full Closed-Loop (iLet Bionic Pancreas) |
| Basal Insulin Adjustment | Automatic every 5 minutes | Automatic, based on CGM data |
| Bolus Delivery | User-initiated | Fully automated |
| Meal Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Fingerstick Calibration | Not required in SmartGuard mode | Not required |
In a full closed-loop system, both basal and bolus insulin delivery are automated, whereas in a hybrid system like the MiniMed 780G, users still need to initiate bolus doses for meals.
Automatic Correction Boluses
The MiniMed 780G system includes an automatic correction bolus feature that adjusts insulin delivery to correct high blood glucose levels. This function operates in the background, providing real-time corrections without requiring user input, thereby helping people with diabetes achieve and maintain their target glucose levels.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Size | 3.81 x 2.18 x 1.01 inches (9.68 x 5.36 x 2.49 cm) |
| Weight | 106 grams |
| Reservoir Capacity | Up to 300 units of insulin |
| Bolus Range | 0.05 to 25 units |
| Transmitter Range | Approximately 6 feet |
Insurance Coverage and Cost For Medtronic Mini Med Insulin Pump
Insurance coverage for the MiniMed 780G system varies by provider and plan. In general, Medicaid may cover insulin pumps for individuals who:
- Have type 1 diabetes.
- Are insulin-treated with multiple daily injections or a continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion pump.
- Require frequent adjustments to their insulin regimen.
Consult with your healthcare provider and insurance company to determine specific coverage details. Or simply fill out this insurance eligibility form and let us do the rest for you.
User Feedback
Users have reported high satisfaction with the MiniMed 780G system, particularly appreciating its automatic adjustments and meal detection capabilities. And as it works with both the Guardian 4 Sensor and the Guardian 3 Sensors, some users do not seem satisfied with one of its compatible CGM sensors, the Guardian 4 Sensor. However, none seem to be reporting Guardian 3 Sensors.
Final Thoughts
Medtronic Mini Med Insulin Pump is suitable for individuals between 7 – 80 years of age living with type 1 diabetes. The Medtronic MiniMed 780G insulin pump is compatible with the Guardian 4 Sensor and Guardian 3 Sensors. Representing a hybrid closed-loop system combined with automatic correction boluses and meal detection, this insulin pump provides support in managing blood glucose levels easily and effectively.
Individuals looking for an AID system compatible with both Dexcom and Freestyle Libre CGM sensors may consider the Omnipod 5 pump here.
Disclaimer: This blog is only for informational purposes. Always consult your doctor before taking any medical action.
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