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.
- Abbott will make a specific CGM sensor for the Medtronic Minimed 780G. Medtronic also announced its new CGM sensor, the Simplera, has been approved by the FDA. The Simplera is half the size of the current sensor.
- The latest: Newly presented clinical evidence positions Medtronic to expand access to the 780G system to those with type 1 aged 2-6 as well as those with type 2 diabetes.
Medtronic’s MiniMed 780G automated insulin delivery system is currently only FDA-cleared for use in people with type 1 diabetes ages 7 and above.
Now additional real-world data from Medtronic has demonstrated that the Medtronic MiniMed 780G AID system is also safe for use among additional groups – among them, children under 7 as well as patients with type 2 diabetes on insulin therapy.
In a Medtronic symposium presented at EASD 2024, Dr. Pablo Mora of North Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology presented data from an analysis of 26,000 of individuals with type 2 diabetes on insulin treatment who uploaded at least 10 days of CGM data to Medtronic’s CareLink platform between January 2020 and April 2024. Data from the unpublished analysis showed that all population groups within the study were able to meet the international time in range target of 70% or above. Once Medtronic completes its in-home type 2 diabetes trial in February 2024, the company plans to file an FDA submission to expand the MiniMed 780G to use in type 2 diabetes as well.
At the same conference, Prof. Tadej Battelino of the University Medical Center in Ljubljana, Slovenia presented preliminary results from the pediatric study of the MiniMed 780G system in more than 100 children aged between 2 and 6 years old. The study, LENNY, is expected to complete in November, and Medtronic intends to submit data from the trial both to a peer-reviewed journal for publication as well as use it to expand the 780G AID system indication to include all with type 1 diabetes aged 2 and above.
Medtronic MiniMed 780G: an overview
The Medtronic MiniMed 780G was approved by the FDA in April 2023 for people with type 1 diabetes over age 7 after being approved in Canada in 2022 and Europe in 2020.
The automated insulin delivery (AID) system features SmartGuard technology that automatically adjusts the insulin pump's output based on CGM readings. As a hybrid closed-loop system, the MiniMed 780G syncs to Medtronic’s Guardian Connect CGM and uses the data to adjust insulin dosing.
The MiniMed 780G system is composed of three separate but connected devices:
- Continuous glucose monitor: The Guardian 4 sensor measures blood glucose every five minutes and sends these readings to the insulin pump. The CGM is designed to be replaced every seven days. In the future, Medtronic's AID system will work with the smaller Simplera Sync device as well as a new Libre-based CGM.
- 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.
Medtronic and Abbott recently announced that they’re partnering to bring FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring integration to the MiniMed 780G. The Medtronic 780G will work with a new CGM sensor that integrates Libre sensing technology.
tIn addition, Medtronic also announced that its new Simplera CGM has received FDA approval. It is part of a smart multiple daily insulin injection system, which combines the InPen with the CGM and works with Medtronic's AID system. The Simplera is half the size of Medtronic's current CGM sensor and has a flat, square shape. The sensor and transmitter are combined in a single disposable device.
Availability and pricing for the Simplera and the new Libre-based CGM have not yet been announced.
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.
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