Insulin Pumps, Pens, and Syringes
Discover different options for insulin delivery, from insulin pumps to smart injection pens to syringes and vials.
All people with type 1 diabetes and some people with type 2 diabetes use insulin to manage their blood sugar levels. There are many different ways to deliver insulin – manual injections, smart injection pens, and even insulin pumps. Everyone has unique preferences, and it may require some trial and error to find the method that works best for you.
Insulin pumps
Insulin pumps are devices that deliver insulin without the need for manual injections. They are able to administer rapid-acting insulin in both basal (slow, baseline) and bolus (mealtime) capacities, once users program their dose into the device. Many pumps come with built-in bolus-calculators, which can reduce the hassle of manual insulin dose calculations.
Some Medtronic and Tandem systems combine data from a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) with an insulin pump to automatically adjust insulin based on your blood glucose levels in what is known as automated insulin delivery.
What supplies do I need?
In addition to the insulin itself, most insulin pumps require three main components, all worn close to the body:
- Pump.
- Cannula, which is inserted subcutaneously (beneath the skin) and delivers insulin. This is also called an infusion set.
- Tubing, which moves insulin from the pump to the cannula.
Exceptions:
- The Insulet OmniPod consists of a patch worn on the skin that administers insulin, plus a device that the user controls to manage insulin dosing.
- Roche’s Accu-Chek patch pump is used with a disposable insulin reservoir and a handheld controller. This device is currently only available in Europe and Australia.
- The Valeritas V-Go is a 24-hour, disposable patch pump for people with type 2 diabetes. The spring-driven patch pump is worn on the skin with a preset basal rate and can bolus at any given time.
Choosing an insulin pump:
With multiple pumps available, it raises the question: "What pump to choose?" There is NO perfect pump, since all devices have benefits and drawbacks depending on your preferences. The table below summarizes our team's experiences with a number of pumps common in the US.
Pump | Key Features | Key Draw-backs | Most Ideal For... |
Tubeless, discreet, and relatively painless insertion Easy setup and pod changes Waterproof Wireless controller Lower upfront cost | Must be thrown away every three days, or more frequently for people with high daily doses No integrated meter with OmniPod Dash Currently no AID availability | Those who are new to pumps, very young people, highly active people Those who prefer a discrete pump without tubing | |
| Makes use of SmartGuard technology to stop insulin delivery for two hours if glucose levels reach a low Waterproof | Sensor must be calibrated 3-4 times per day Only approved for children 14 and older | People who struggle with nighttime hypoglycemia |
| Hybrid closed-loop pump
Auto Mode automatically adjusts basal-insulin based CGM readings Makes use of SmartGuard technology to stop insulin delivery for two hours if glucose levels reach a low | Sensor must be calibrated 3-4 times per day Frequent system alerts are given while in Auto Mode The pump requires users to confirm mealtime and correct bolus recommendations | People who struggle with nighttime hypoglycemia
People who need help stabilizing glucose levels |
| Compatible with Basal-IQ and Control-IQ AID systems Utilizes a touchscreen, highly-intuitive interface Has a rechargeable battery Highly customizable “personal profiles” for insulin delivery | Infusion set changes take a long time | Control-IQ AID system shows excellent nighttime glucose numbers Those who desire a pump that doesn’t look like a medical device Those who are new to pumps |
Auto-mode can automatically adjust basal insulin rates every five minutes based on CGM readings Bluetooth-enabled to connect to smartphone and update software when available Share feature allows direct sharing of data from smartphone to healthcare providers and other caregivers FDA approved for children ages 2 and up | Requires finger stick calibration twice each day to inform insulin dosing decisions System alerts in auto-mode can be frequent and bothersome Basic programming and initial setup can be complicated | Young children ages 2 and up Sharing data remotely between user, caregiver, and healthcare providers |
Injection pens
Injection pens are used for injecting insulin in a way that is easier than using a syringe. In addition to insulin, other diabetes medications like glucagon injections (type 1 and type 2 diabetes) and GLP-1 receptor agonists (type 2 diabetes) come in injection pens.
Some examples of insulins that come in injection pens include:
- Lyumjev and Humalog Kwikpens, rapid-acting insulins made by Lilly
- Tresiba FlexTouch pen, a basal insulin made by Novo Nordisk
- Lantus SoloStar, a basal insulin made by Sanofi
Smart pens are injection pens that track information about insulin doses, timing, and temperature. Many are Bluetooth-enabled and connect to apps, where users can view insulin doses and set alarms and reminders. Another advantage of injection pens and smart pens is that you don’t need to wear anything on your body.
Choosing a smart pen:
Injection pen | Key Features | Key Draw-backs |
Medtronic InPen | Reusable, Bluetooth-enabled smart pen
Tracks insulin doses and timing, monitors insulin temperature
Bolus calculator
Integration with various CGMs
Compatible with Novolog, Humalog, and Fiasp insulin cartridges | Lasts one year |
Bigfoot Unity Diabetes Management System | Bluetooth-enabled reusable smart cap for disposable and durable insulin pens
Tracks insulin dose timing and temperature
Options for both basal and bolus insulin pens
Compatible with 17 different pre-filled insulin pens | Caps have average lifespan of two years
Rechargeable battery - not replaceable |
NovoPen 6 and NovoPen Echo Plus | Reusable pen with last insulin dose and time of injection on the end of the pen
Compatible with both basal and bolus insulin cartridges
| Memory limited to 800 doses
Battery lasts five years |
Mallya smart pen cap | Reusable smart cap compatible with all major pens
Sends dose, time, and date to app via Bluetooth
App offers reminders and alerts | Lasts two years |
Tempo Personalized Diabetes Management Platform | Tempo Smart Button attaches to the top of the Tempo Pen to allow data transfer via Bluetooth
Compatible app titrates basal, bolus, and basal+bolus insulin
Compatible with Tempo Pens for 100 units/mL Basaglar, Humalog, and Lyumjev
Compatible with Dexcom CGMs or BGM | Intended go be used as part of the entire system, consisting of Tempo Smart Button, Tempo Pen, and compatible app
Tempo Smart Button has eight month battery life; over the counter refill kit available |
Syringes and vials
This is the most affordable insulin delivery option, but it requires more effort and dexterity to properly dose and deliver insulin. Using syringes and vials also requires bringing a lot of supplies wherever you go. Once insulin vials are open, they can be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days.
One advantage of giving injections via syringe and vial is that you don’t need to wear anything on your body, so it’s less conspicuous. However, you must manually track your insulin doses and set your own reminders for when to give your injections.
What supplies do I need?
In addition to the insulin vial, you’ll need needles, syringes, alcohol wipes, and a container for used needles and syringes.