Medtronic MiniMed 780G: Overview, Features, and News
Key takeaways:
- The Medtronic MiniMed 780G AID system automatically adjusts insulin doses from an insulin pump every five minutes based on CGM readings
- Medtronic's Instinct, a CGM that uses Freestyle Libre technology, and a new CGM called the Simplera Sync are now available in the US.
- In September, the FDA approved the MiniMed 780G for use in people with type 2 diabetes.
Medtronic MiniMed 780G: an overview
Medtronic’s MiniMed 780G automated insulin delivery system is FDA-cleared for use in people with type 1 diabetes ages 7 and above and adults (ages 18 and older) with type 2.
The automated insulin delivery (AID) system features SmartGuard technology that automatically adjusts dosing based on CGM readings.
The MiniMed 780G system is composed of three separate but connected devices:
- Continuous glucose monitor: Medtronic now offers multiple CGM options: The Simplera Sync is a 6-day sensor; the Instinct (built on Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre technology) offers 15 days of wear; and the The Guardian 4 is a seven-day sensor.
- Infusion set: The MiniMed Mio Advance infusion set is a pre-loaded insertion device with a 90-degree soft cannula and automatic needle retraction. It can be inserted with one hand. The Mio Advance infusion set needs to be changed every 2-3 days. The newer extended infusion set can be worn for up to seven days.
- Insulin pump: The 780G pump is waterproof and makes automatic adjustments and corrections to insulin delivery. It will release more insulin if blood glucose is trending high and less when it’s trending low.
The Simplera is half the size of the Guardian 4 and has a flat, square shape. The sensor and transmitter are combined in a single disposable device.
MiniMed 780G key features
The MiniMed 780G is Medtronic’s most advanced insulin pump system and includes the following features:
- SmartGuard: This protective technology, which anticipates and corrects highs as well as prevents lows, automatically adjusts insulin delivery every five minutes up to 288 times per day. It's the most significant improvement to the existing MiniMed 670G system. SmartGuard autocorrections can help compensate for inaccurate carb counts, and a recent study showed the system also assists with nighttime hypoglycemia and the dawn phenomenon. Over 70% of study participants reported putting in less effort to avoid highs and 70% reported less effort to avoid lows.
- Automatic correction boluses: Unlike Medtronic’s previous 770G pump, the 780G includes automatic correction boluses.
- MiniMed mobile app: Glucose levels can be viewed using Apple or Android smartphones. The app allows users to track blood sugar levels and provides alerts for trending highs or lows.
- Adjustable diabetes goals: While the default target glucose range is set at 120 mg/dL, it can be adjusted to 110 or 100 mg/dL.
- CareLink connect app: This app allows for sharing real-time diabetes data in the CareLink support network. Having access to glucose levels and insulin pump information remotely, as many as five CareLink partners can be included.
MiniMed 780G cost and how to upgrade
Current MiniMed 770G users can upgrade to the 780G at no additional cost through a remote software update.
MiniMed insulin pump users who are not currently using the 770G may qualify for Medtronic’s standard four-year replacement warranty. Medtronic pump users with more than six months of warranty remaining can upgrade to the 780G for $400.
Medtronic MiniMed users whose insulin pumps fall outside the four-year warranty period can still exchange devices for a $500 credit toward the 780G. People using an in-warranty pump from another company also qualify for the $500 trade-in credit. The final cost of the Medtronic MiniMed 780G may vary based on insurance (find current pricing here).
Eligible users who are interested in upgrading to the MiniMed 780G should contact Medtronic for help purchasing, shipping, and scheduling in-person training sessions; a request to order can be submitted through Medtronic.
Speak with your healthcare provider about the options available for upgrading to the newest MiniMed system.
Read more about automated insulin delivery here: