The difference between the Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitor and the OmniPod Insulin Management System.

When you think of an insulin pump , the first thing that comes to mind for most people is the OmniPod Insulin Management System. This isn't surprising given that this was the first company to bring a tubeless insulin delivery device to market back in 2006. While newer pumps have been developed since then, the OmniPod remains a market leader for insulin pumpers that need the flexibility of being tube-free.

Dexcom, on the other hand, is known primarily as a company that makes continuous glucose monitors. The Dexcom G6 CGM has been shown to be an effective tool for people with diabetes who are trying to keep their blood glucose levels under control. For those of you out there wanting to try the Dexcom G6 CGM but don't have insurance coverage, Dexcom's Share2 app can give you continuous access to your glucose data using a Dexcom G5.

Does OmniPod and Dexcom work together?

Now that Dexcom's Share 2 app is available, it's easy to use Dexcom CGM data on with your OmniPod! Dexcom CGM users can access their glucose readings without having to carry around extra gear! Dexcom has also announced the upcoming launch of Dexcom SHARE 3 , an app that will allow you to bolus insulin and calibrate your Dexcom using the touch screen on your phone. Dexcom SHARE 3 is currently expected to come out before the end of this year (2018).

What is a continuous glucose monitor?

A continuous glucose monitor is an FDA-approved device that can be used to help manage diabetes. In order to use a CGM, you must have a prescription from your doctor. When you're using a Dexcom G6 CGM, it will draw blood from the interstitial fluid underneath the skin and measure glucose levels every 5 minutes for up to 7-days.

CGM data is different from the glucose value measured by a blood glucose meter because it can show you what your glucose levels are doing at that exact moment instead of the answer to the question "how high or low has my glucose been lately?" With Dexcom's Share 2 app, you can access all your Dexcom CGM data and send it to your friends and family over supported messaging apps. This can allow them to remotely monitor your glucose levels as well as see how different factors such as stress, sleep, and exercise affect the numbers you see on your Dexcom.

What is an insulin pump?

An insulin pump is a medical device that lets you deliver small amounts of fast-acting insulin throughout the day. An insulin pump is connected to an infusion set which you place underneath your skin and use it to deliver insulin throughout the day. You can also bolus for meals, if needed, using an insulin pump. While the Omnipod System does not come with a CGM (which would allow you to make real-time adjustments), some diabetes management companies are working on bringing CGM data to the Omnipod System.

What are the advantages of using Dexcom?

As a person with diabetes, you know that constant vigilance is required to keep your blood glucose levels under control. You always need to be aware of how any decisions you make throughout the day affect your glucose numbers. Dexcom's CGM will help you make those decisions without having to prick your finger every few hours.

What are the advantages of using an OmniPod?

The Omnipod System has some clear benefits over other insulin pump systems such as: (1) delivering insulin as a continuous infusion instead of bolus injections, and being able to leave the infusion set in the body for up to 3 days or place it on your arm like an adhesive bandage, (2) you don't need to carry around tubing and pump reservoirs which can make using other insulin pumps extremely inconvenient.