Diabetes Technology Update: Continuous Glucose Monitors and Insulin & Glucagon Delivery Devices
New insulin pumps, infusion devices, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), and smartphone apps continue to emerge on the market. The latest technology offers various options for individuals living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, tailored to their specific needs and preferences. The following information is provided for educational purposes only. The content does not represent endorsement of any vendor or product.
Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM)
“Continuous glucose monitors are constantly improving. The latest technology offers various options and benefits, including alarms for highs and lows. Many of our patients, with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, have experienced drastic improvements to their blood glucose control by starting to use a CGM.”
Cheryl Barry, RN, MS, CDCES, Diabetes Education Manager at the UMass Memorial Diabetes Center of Excellence.
Dexcom G7
The G7 is Dexcom’s most accurate sensor yet. The device is available for type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes. The sensor is 60% smaller than its predecessor, the G6. It’s worn on the upper arm, but children ages 2-6 should wear it on the upper buttocks. It delivers real-time glucose data to your smartphone or smart watch with no fingersticks required. It should be replaced every 10 days, although Dexcom has received approval for a 15-day G7 sensor, which they hope to launch by the end of the year. The all-in-one sensor and transmitter take 30 minutes to warm up. The sensor continuously measures blood sugar levels and transmits real-time data every five minutes, sounding an alarm when readings are too high or low. The G7 introduces Quiet Mode and a Delayed 1st Alert feature, and includes the Urgent Low Alert, which was also available on the G6. It has a 12-hour grace period (after 10 days) before it will stop working.
FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus
This 15-day sensor is approved for use in individuals aged two and older and provides blood sugar data every minute, eliminating the need for finger sticks. It’s smaller, easier to set up, and more accurate compared to past models. The Libre 3 Plus is worn on the upper arm and sends real-time readings to a smartphone app. It offers the option to turn on alerts for high and low glucose levels. The alarm for urgent lows (55) cannot be turned off. The Libre 3 Plus and 2 Plus are currently integrated with some insulin pumps. The smartphone app enables data sharing with family and/or care team members.
Eversense 3
This sensor gets implanted into the upper arm. It must be changed every year. The system includes an implantable sensor, a transmitter worn above the site of implantation, and a mobile app. The transmitter must be charged daily and calibrated with a fingerstick. It’s approved for individuals 18 years of age and older.
Insulin Pumps
Most insulin pumps automatically adjust background (basal) insulin based on sensor glucose readings to prevent both hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
t:slim X2 Insulin Pump with Control-IQ Technology
This touchscreen insulin pump integrates with Dexcom G6 & G7, Libre 2 Plus (and soon the 3 Plus) CGMs to predict and help prevent hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) without finger sticks. Free upgrades are available for download using a computer.
The Control-IQ closed-loop feature predicts glucose levels 30 minutes in advance (using sensor values) and automatically adjusts basal rates to prevent both hyper- and hypoglycemia. It can also give an automatic micro-correction bolus every hour. Tandem pumps are the only automated pumps that allow users to use an extended bolus and a temporary rate while in the automated mode.
Tandem's t: connect mobile app displays your insulin pump screen on your smartphone, showing your current glucose and insulin on board, and allows you to administer a bolus. Data automatically uploads to t-connect so your care team can access it during office visits or if you call with a question.
Tandem Mobi
The world’s smallest durable automated insulin delivery system for ages six and up. The Mobi insulin pump is fully controllable using an iPhone mobile app, with approval for Android phones coming soon. There is no screen to interact with on the pump. It utilizes Control-IQ technology, paired with the Dexcom G6 or G7, to predict blood sugar levels 30 minutes in advance. It then adjusts insulin delivery every five minutes to help prevent both high and low blood sugar levels. The system also delivers automatic correction boluses of insulin every hour to help control high blood sugars. The user can still bolus for snacks and meals using their smartphone. It contains a 200-unit insulin cartridge despite being less than half the size of the T:slim X2 pump. Detachable infusion sets are compatible with all existing Tandem infusion sets, allowing users to mix and match infusion sites and tubing length combinations for greater flexibility.
MiniMed 780G Hybrid Closed Loop System
This device is approved for individuals with type 1 diabetes who are seven years and older. The system delivers basal insulin every five minutes and constantly self-adjusts to help avoid highs and lows. Medtronic will soon be launching a smaller sensor that does not require a transmitter. The MiniMed 780G connects directly to compatible smartphones and the iWatch, allowing users to view blood sugar trends and insulin delivery status. Bolus delivery is not available using the smartphone app.
Omnipod 5
This tubeless, automated insulin delivery system is approved for individuals ages two and above with type 1 diabetes. The pump integrates with the Dexcom G6, G7, and Libre 2 plus sensors. A handheld Controller works the pump; however, some Samsung smartphones and iPhones have the Omnipod 5 app, so those users don't need to use a separate controller. If using the Libre 2 Plus sensor, you must use the Omnipod 5 Controller. The pump automatically adjusts insulin based on a predicted glucose level in 60 minutes, helping to protect against highs and lows.
Beta Bionics iLet
This insulin-delivery system fully automates 100% of insulin doses. It offers a choice of three insulins: Novolog, Humalog, and Fiasp. The iLet pairs with a Dexcom G6, G7, and Libre 3 Plus, and manages glucose levels with only a meal announcement (usual, less, or more than normal). All that is required for set-up is the user’s weight. Carb counting is not necessary. Bolusing, correction factors, insulin-to-carb ratios, and pre-set basal rates are also unnecessary.
twiist Automated Insulin Delivery System
This tubed pump is currently in limited release (as of Summer 2025). It allows for personalized glucose targets (87 to 180mg/dl). It features a food emoji library that allows users to select from options based on how the food affects their glucose level. It will enable the user to edit the carb intake post-meal (if more or less was consumed than planned). The twiist is controlled by an iPhone app and is integrated with the Libre 3 Plus or Eversense sensor.
Other Insulin Delivery Devices
InPen by Medtronic
This “smart insulin pen” is a reusable injector that interacts with smartphones. The ½ unit refillable pen helps to calculate doses and keeps track of injection data. Using information provided by the user, it calculates dosages based upon insulin-to-carb ratios, meal size, or number of servings.
This pen is an option for people who take multiple daily injections but don't want to wear an insulin pump. It can also be used as a pump backup or by people who want to take a pump break.
V-Go Insulin Delivery Device
A patch pump for people with type 2 diabetes who require multiple daily injections. It delivers automatic basal insulin, and the user clicks for meal-time insulin. It must be changed daily.
CeQur Simplicity Patch
A four-day wearable patch that delivers injection-free mealtime insulin. One click delivers two units of rapid-acting insulin for on-demand meal dosing and bolus correction. Users must still take basal insulin in addition.
Glucagon Delivery Devices
Glucagon is the standard of care for treating severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugars). Lilly’s standard mix kit was the only source of glucagon for decades, but is no longer available. It's been replaced by the following products.
Gvoke HypoPen or Zegalogue Glucagon Injection
Both are used to treat severe hypoglycemia but have different characteristics. Gvoke is an EpiPen-style glucagon injection available in a prefilled syringe or autoinjector, while Zegalogue is a glucagon receptor agonist available as a prefilled autoinjector or syringe. Gvoke can be used for patients aged two and older, while Zegalogue is for those six and older.
BAQSIMI Nasal Glucagon
This nasal glucagon by Lilly treat severe low blood sugar by spraying dry powder into the nose using a portable, single-use, ready-to-use device. It's approved for ages 4 and up.