Clinical Implementation of the Omnipod 5 Automated Insulin Delivery System: Key Considerations for Training and Onboarding People With Diabetes

Abstract

Automated insulin delivery (AID) systems, which connect an insulin pump, continuous glucose monitoring system, and software algorithm to automate insulin delivery based on real-time glycemic data, hold promise for improving outcomes and reducing therapeutic burden for people with diabetes. This article reviews the features of the Omnipod 5 Automated Insulin Delivery System and how it compares to other AID systems available on or currently under review for the U.S. market. It also provides practical guidance for clinicians on how to effectively train and onboard people with diabetes on the Omnipod 5 System, including how to personalize therapy and optimize glycemia. Many people with diabetes receive their diabetes care in primary care settings rather than in a diabetes specialty clinic. Therefore, it is important that primary care providers have access to resources to support the adoption of AID technologies such as the Omnipod 5 System.

FIGURE 1

Components of the Omnipod 5 AID system: (left) the tubeless Pod containing the AID algorithm; (center) the app, pictured running on a smartphone; and (right) the Dexcom G6 interoperable CGM sensor. The Pod is a lightweight, waterproof (IP28), self-adhesive insulin pump that delivers insulin via an automatically inserted cannula. The algorithm receives glucose measurements every 5 minutes from the on-body CGM sensor and engages the Pod to deliver microboluses every 5 minutes based on current and projected glucose levels, aiming for a set target glucose value in its calculations. Users interact with the system through the app, which communicates wirelessly with the Pod. Actions performed via the app include completing initial setup and programming pump settings, activating and deactivating Pods, starting automated mode, using the bolus calculator/delivering boluses, enabling the Activity feature, viewing insulin delivery and CGM history, responding to system alerts and alarms, checking Pod status, and adjusting pump parameters. The app home screen displays the current CGM value and trend, the amount of IOB, information about the most recent bolus, and a link to view a CGM history graph. The bolus calculator is accessed using the circular icon near the bottom of the screen. Because the algorithm runs on the Pod and the Pod and CGM are both worn on-body and communicate directly, AID can continue uninterrupted even if the handheld device containing the app is not nearby. Image used with permission. ©2020 Insulet Corp.