Insulet Corporation (Bedford, Mass.) has received FDA approval for its OmniPod Insulin Management System, a two-part system that combines continuous subcutaneous insulin delivery and blood glucose monitoring technology. According to the company, the device eliminates the need for daily insulin injections, yet it does not require that patients be attached to a conventional insulin pump via tubing.
The device consists of a continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion device (OmniPod) with an automatic inserter and insulin reservoir, and a wireless, handheld personal diabetes manager (PDM). The pod is worn on the skin beneath the clothing and delivers insulin according to preprogrammed instructions from the PDM. The PDM is programmable and features multiple basal rates and bolus options, as well as suggested bolus calculations, safety checks, and alarm features. After it is programmed, the device can be used to check blood glucose levels, give bolus doses of insulin, and adjust basal rates. The PDM has no tubing to connect it to the pod and thus can be carried separately in a backpack, briefcase, or handbag when the patient is not using it. Each pod is designed to be used for up to 3 days before it is removed and replaced with a new pod.
The OmniPod insulin management system is also able to store and review insulin delivery and blood glucose results, and contains a built-in food reference library.
For more information, visit http://www.insulet.com.