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Insulin pumps are advanced medical devices that have revolutionized diabetes management for millions of people worldwide. These sophisticated systems deliver insulin continuously throughout the day and night, offering a level of precision and flexibility that traditional injection methods cannot match. For individuals living with diabetes, understanding how insulin pumps work and their potential benefits can be transformative in achieving better blood sugar control and improving overall quality of life.
What Is an Insulin Pump?
An insulin pump is a wearable medical device that supplies a continuous flow of insulin underneath your skin. Unlike traditional insulin delivery methods that require multiple daily injections, it delivers continuous and customized doses of rapid-acting insulin 24 hours a day to match your body’s needs.
The device itself is typically small and computerized, roughly the size of a smartphone or smaller, depending on the model. Insulin pumps deliver insulin in two ways: in a steady measured and continuous dose (the “basal” insulin), or as a surge (“bolus”) dose, at your direction, around mealtime. Doses are delivered through a flexible plastic tube called a catheter. With the aid of a small needle, the catheter is inserted through the skin into the fatty tissue and is taped in place.
Modern insulin pumps have evolved significantly from their early predecessors. The technology for insulin pumps is rapidly evolving. All pumps available in the United States today integrate with CGM (continuous glucose monitoring) technology and offer the ability to automatically adjust your insulin needs based on your current glucose levels. This integration represents a major advancement in diabetes care, moving toward more automated and intelligent insulin delivery systems.
How Does an Insulin Pump Work?
An insulin pump mimics how your pancreas would naturally release insulin. Understanding the two primary modes of insulin delivery is essential for anyone considering pump therapy.
Basal Insulin Delivery
Small and continuous insulin doses are called basal insulin. You’ll likely have multiple basal rates in certain hour increments throughout the day. This is because your body requires different amounts of background insulin throughout a 24-hour period. For example, most people tend to require more background insulin in the morning hours than the evening hours due to natural morning surges in cortisol, which raises your blood sugar.
Background (basal) insulin consists of small amounts of insulin that are released continuously throughout the day. The pump is programmed with personalized basal rates that can be adjusted based on individual needs, activity levels, and time of day. This customization allows for much more precise insulin delivery compared to long-acting insulin injections, which provide a relatively fixed amount of background insulin.
Bolus Insulin Delivery
Mealtime (bolus) insulin consists of additional insulin that can be delivered on demand to match food intake or to correct high blood sugar. Users input information about their carbohydrate intake or current blood glucose levels, and the pump calculates and delivers the appropriate insulin dose. Many modern pumps include bolus calculators that take into account factors such as insulin-to-carbohydrate ratios, correction factors, and insulin on board (active insulin still working in the body) to prevent insulin stacking and reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.
A pump delivers insulin to the body through a thin, flexible tube called an infusion set. Several pieces work together to deliver continuous doses of insulin. The infusion set typically needs to be changed every two to three days to prevent insulin absorption issues and reduce the risk of infection or skin irritation at the insertion site.
Types of Insulin Pumps Available in 2026
The insulin pump market has expanded significantly, offering various options to suit different lifestyles and preferences. The best insulin pumps of 2026 offer more automation, more CGM options, and more lifestyle flexibility than ever before — and for the first time, automated insulin delivery (AID) is now the recommended standard of care for people with type 1 diabetes and for those with type 2 diabetes on multiple daily injections. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or a long-time pump user, this guide compares every major insulin pump available in the U.S. today. The good news: there are more options than ever, and newer systems are truly easier to use.
Tubed Insulin Pumps
Traditional tubed pumps consist of a pump device connected to an infusion set via flexible tubing. These pumps can be worn in various locations—clipped to a belt, carried in a pocket, or secured with specialized clothing or accessories. There are many ways a pump can be worn. It can be comfortably worn during work, exercise, formal occasions, and everyday life.
The t:slim X2 is a mainstream AID system with a color touchscreen, rechargeable battery (often lasting up to ~7 days depending on use), and predictive Control-IQ+ technology that helps prevent highs and lows. Mobi is a smaller, more streamlined variant aimed at users who want a more compact pump with similar integration. The pump is so small that it can be worn almost anywhere, giving you greater discretion, comfort, and options for how you manage your diabetes.
MiniMed 780G uses Medtronic’s SmartGuard™ algorithm, including advanced features like Meal Detection and frequent (every ~5 minutes) adjustments based on CGM readings. Medtronic continues to innovate with two new insulin pumps: MiniMed Flex, a small, screenless tubed pump, has already been submitted to the FDA, and MiniMed Fit, a tubeless patch pump, will likely be submitted in late summer/early fall.
Tubeless Patch Pumps
Tubeless patch pumps, also known as pod pumps, represent a significant advancement in pump design. These devices eliminate the need for external tubing by integrating the insulin reservoir and infusion set into a single unit that adheres directly to the skin.
Omnipod 5 brings hybrid closed-loop automation without tubes, meaning a pump pod sits directly on your body and delivers insulin continuously. SmartAdjust™ technology updates insulin delivery every ~5 minutes based on CGM data. Its small, waterproof pods and optional smartphone (iPhone/Android) control make it popular for people who prefer a less obtrusive setup.
The Omnipod 5 Automated Insulin Delivery System is indicated for use by individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus in persons 2 years of age and older. The Omnipod 5 System is intended for single patient, home use and requires a prescription. The Omnipod 5 System is compatible with the following U-100 insulins: NovoLog®, Humalog®, Admelog®, and Kirsty®.
Advanced Automated Insulin Delivery Systems
Automated Insulin Delivery systems combine a CGM, an insulin pump, and an algorithm to automatically fine-tune insulin delivery throughout the day and night. They’re sometimes called “hybrid closed-loop” systems because they still require manual input for meals, but they reduce the mental load of background insulin adjustments.
iLet is designed to be even more “hands-off” than traditional AID systems — it adapts insulin delivery based on body weight and CGM data without requiring preset basal rates or complex settings. Some versions emphasize minimal manual correction and learning insulin patterns automatically, making it a promising choice for people who want more automation and less micromanagement.
Control-IQ+ technology is intended for use with compatible integrated continuous glucose monitors (iCGM, sold separately) and alternate controller enabled (ACE) pumps to automatically increase, decrease, and suspend delivery of basal insulin based on iCGM readings and predicted glucose values. It can also deliver correction boluses when the glucose value is predicted to exceed a predefined threshold.
Emerging Technologies and Future Innovations
The insulin pump landscape continues to evolve with exciting new technologies on the horizon. Portal Diabetes’s Portal Pump, an investigational implantable insulin pump system, received Breakthrough Device Designation from the US Food and Drug Administration. Clinical trials are expected to begin in Q4 2027.
Unlike subcutaneous pumps, which require infusion site changes every few days and depend on pre-meal bolusing to mitigate delayed absorption, the implantable system would deliver insulin directly into the peritoneal space, allowing rapid entry into the bloodstream. The hosts underscore that insulin delivered via this route has a markedly faster onset and offset—on the order of minutes—more closely approximating endogenous pancreatic insulin secretion.
Comprehensive Benefits of Using an Insulin Pump
Insulin pump therapy offers numerous advantages over traditional multiple daily injection regimens. Understanding these benefits can help individuals make informed decisions about their diabetes management approach.
Improved Blood Sugar Control
Studies of adults and children show that those who use long-term pump therapy maintain significantly better blood sugar management than MDI users. Many people who switch from MDI to an insulin pump note an improvement in their quality of life. Studies have shown that pump therapy, when paired with proper training and support, may result in better blood sugar control than daily injections. Additional benefits may include decreased duration of high blood sugar with no increase in severe low blood sugar, fewer large swings in blood sugar, and lower total daily insulin use.
At 1 year, the baseline mean glycated hemoglobin level (8.3% in the two study groups) had decreased to 7.5% in the pump-therapy group, as compared with 8.1% in the injection-therapy group (P<0.001). The proportion of patients who reached the glycated hemoglobin target (<7%) was greater in the pump-therapy group than in the injection-therapy group.
Enhanced Flexibility and Lifestyle Freedom
Anyone with diabetes knows that blood sugar varies from hour-to-hour and day-to-day depending on many factors. Using pump features like temporary basal rates, extended boluses, and personal profiles, you can easily change insulin delivery for different situations. This flexibility is particularly valuable for individuals with unpredictable schedules, varying activity levels, or irregular eating patterns.
Insulin pumps allow users to adjust their insulin delivery on the fly without needing to carry multiple types of insulin or injection devices. Whether exercising, traveling across time zones, or dealing with illness, pump users can make real-time adjustments to their insulin delivery to maintain optimal blood sugar control.
Reduced Injection Burden
Fewer insulin injections represent one of the most immediately noticeable benefits of pump therapy. Instead of requiring four or more daily injections, pump users only need to change their infusion set every two to three days. When you’re taking multiple daily injections, you have to pull out your pen or vial and syringe in public. Delivering insulin with just a few button presses on a pump can be so discreet, others around you won’t even notice.
Precise Insulin Dosing
Insulin pumps can deliver insulin in very small increments, often as little as 0.025 units, which is particularly beneficial for insulin-sensitive individuals, young children, or those requiring very precise dosing. This level of precision is impossible to achieve with traditional insulin pens or syringes, which typically deliver insulin in 0.5 or 1-unit increments.
The ability to program multiple basal rates throughout the day allows for customized insulin delivery that matches the body’s natural insulin requirements, which can vary significantly based on time of day, hormonal fluctuations, and individual physiology.
Comprehensive Data Tracking and Analysis
Modern insulin pumps store extensive data about insulin delivery, including basal rates, bolus doses, carbohydrate intake, and blood glucose readings. This information can be downloaded and analyzed by healthcare providers to identify patterns, optimize settings, and make informed adjustments to therapy. Many pumps now offer smartphone connectivity and cloud-based data sharing, making it easier for patients and their care teams to collaborate on diabetes management.
A continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system measures glucose levels throughout the day and night. People who combine CGM with insulin pump therapy have the best overall glucose control when compared to injections alone.
Reduced Hypoglycemia Risk
Pumps can often reduce severe hypoglycemic episodes by shutting off delivery when the blood sugar drops. This feature, available in sensor-augmented pumps and automated insulin delivery systems, provides an important safety net by automatically suspending insulin delivery when glucose levels fall below a predetermined threshold or are predicted to go low.
Who Can Benefit from Insulin Pump Therapy?
While insulin pumps can benefit many people with diabetes, certain individuals may experience particularly significant improvements in their diabetes management and quality of life.
Ideal Candidates for Insulin Pump Therapy
Recent clinical guidelines from diabetes organizations worldwide, including the American Diabetes Association, the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes, the Endocrine Society, and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists/American College of Endocrinology state that insulin pump therapy may be beneficial for all individuals with type 1 diabetes, regardless of age.
You may want to use an insulin pump if you (or your child): find it challenging to reach your target blood sugar range with multiple daily injections (MDI), want more flexibility and precision in dosing insulin, have unpredictable schedules and/or eating habits, require small doses of insulin (this typically applies to toddlers and children with diabetes), have gastroparesis (experience delays in food absorption), experience dawn phenomenon, or are preparing for pregnancy.
Individuals with type 1 diabetes who are not meeting glycemic targets or have high rates of hypoglycemia or hypoglycemic unawareness may benefit the most from pump therapy. Active people, who benefit from changes in basal rates or suspending the pump when exercising, people who have frequent low blood sugar reactions, anyone who has delays in absorption of food from the stomach (gastroparesis), women planning pregnancy, and people who want to use the pump’s bolus calculator functions to determine insulin doses are all excellent candidates for pump therapy.
Insulin Pumps for Type 2 Diabetes
Insulin pump therapy was originally developed for use in type 1 diabetes. However, it may also benefit those with type 2 diabetes who require insulin therapy. Several studies have demonstrated improved glycemic control for individuals with suboptimally controlled type 2 diabetes treated with multiple oral diabetes medications or an MDI insulin regimen who discontinue all oral medications other than metformin and initiate insulin pump therapy. These studies have reported a reduction in A1C of 1.0% or more with lower total daily insulin requirements, reduced risk of hypoglycemia, and higher treatment satisfaction compared to MDI.
AID is now the preferred method for insulin delivery among people with type 1 diabetes and for those with type 2 diabetes on multiple daily injections who are not achieving their blood sugar goals. Coverage for type 2 diabetes has expanded following FDA clearances for Omnipod 5 and Medtronic 780G in people with T2D on insulin.
Important Considerations and Requirements
The one requirement for using a pump is that you and/or your caregivers are ready and willing to do what it takes to use the pump safely. Checking blood glucose is important because it will warn you if your pump stops working right or your infusion set stops working. This can cause high blood glucose levels and cause diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is very serious and dangerous.
Insulin pumps aren’t the best option for everyone — for a variety of reasons. Some things that may not make you or your child an ideal candidate for an insulin pump include issues with manual dexterity: you’ll need to use your hands and fingers to load or fill an insulin reservoir and press buttons on the pump.
Clinicians should assess their patients’ expectations of the therapy, including why they desire to use a particular insulin pump, what they expect the system to be like, and what type of self-care they think is required of the user for the device to operate properly. A balanced discussion of the potential benefits and drawbacks of the preferred system should occur. Unrealistic expectations of any diabetes technology increase the risk for dissatisfaction, suboptimal glycemic control, and discontinuation of device use.
Understanding Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) Systems
Automated insulin delivery represents the cutting edge of insulin pump technology, offering unprecedented levels of automation and glucose control. The American Diabetes Association’s Standards of Care 2026 (Section 7: Diabetes Technology) includes several important updates that affect how and when pumps are prescribed. AID is now the preferred method for insulin delivery among people with type 1 diabetes and for those with type 2 diabetes on multiple daily injections who are not achieving their blood sugar goals. No gatekeeping: There is no minimum C-peptide level, auto-antibody test, or specific time on insulin required before starting an AID system. AID can be offered at or shortly after diagnosis.
How AID Systems Work
AID systems integrate three key components: a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), an insulin pump, and a sophisticated algorithm that makes real-time decisions about insulin delivery. The CGM continuously measures glucose levels and transmits this data to the pump. The algorithm analyzes current glucose levels, trends, and predictions to automatically adjust basal insulin delivery and, in some systems, deliver correction boluses.
The Tandem Mobi system is powered by Control‑IQ+ technology, which uses CGM sensor values to predict glucose levels 30 minutes ahead and automatically adjust insulin as needed. Only Tandem pumps have AutoBolus, which helps prevent hyperglycemia.
Target Glucose Ranges in AID Systems
Most AID systems have a target range of approximately 100–180 mg/dL (5.6–10.0 mmol/L). The twiist offers the widest range — from as low as 87 mg/dL (4.8 mmol/L) to 180 mg/dL (10.0 mmol/L). The Medtronic 780G aims for around 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) during active AID. The Omnipod 5’s upcoming 2026 algorithm update is expected to lower its available target to 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L).
Benefits of AID Technology
SAP systems and automated insulin delivery systems will benefit individuals who can manage CGM and those who are willing to relinquish some control of insulin dosing to the automated pump system. The primary advantage of AID systems is the reduction in diabetes management burden. By automating basal insulin adjustments and, in some cases, correction doses, these systems significantly reduce the number of decisions users need to make throughout the day and night.
Combining CSII and CGM in a sensor-augmented pump (SAP) therapy provides the pump with current glucose information that can be used for insulin adjustments. A study with hospitalized patients with T2DM demonstrated a significant reduction in the time to achieve glucose targets and to decrease exposures to hypo-/hyperglycemia using a SAP compared with MDI therapy.
Potential Challenges and Considerations
While insulin pumps offer numerous benefits, it’s important to understand the potential challenges and responsibilities that come with pump therapy.
Technical Challenges and Device Management
The insulin pump doesn’t take away the need to check blood glucose. There are technical aspects to using a pump—setting it up, putting it in, interacting with it—that are more complicated in some ways than using injections. If it breaks or falls off, the person wearing it needs to be ready to give insulin by injection any time it is needed.
While insulin pumps offer many benefits, they also come with some responsibilities: requires training and familiarity with the device, frequent blood sugar monitoring is still necessary, you must only use short-acting insulin—if the pump stops working, backup insulin is needed, and some users may find wearing the device 24/7 an adjustment.
Insulin Delivery Issues
A significant disadvantage of insulin pumps — compared to multiple daily injections — is insulin delivery issues. These can happen for a variety of reasons, including: bent or kinked cannulas (body tissue under your skin, force or pressure can bend or kink a cannula, which can block the flow of insulin into your body), and insulin crystallization (after two to three days, insulin can crystallize — or form fibrils — in the cannula or tubing, which can prevent you from getting the full amount of insulin).
Individuals with diabetes and their caregivers must understand the limitations of insulin pump technologies and the potential problems they may encounter, such as infusion set failure, pump malfunction, skin irritation, and alarm fatigue. Use of CGM requires responding to alarms and managing difficulties such as lost sensor signals or errors in calibration.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
It can be expensive, so find out which pumps are covered by your insurance and if those pumps meet your needs. Most major insurance plans and Medicare Part B cover insulin pumps for people with type 1 diabetes who meet clinical criteria. Coverage for type 2 diabetes has expanded following FDA clearances for Omnipod 5 and Medtronic 780G in people with T2D on insulin. The twiist is designed to be dispensed through retail pharmacies, which may simplify access and lower upfront costs. Always verify your specific plan’s coverage before choosing a pump.
Most private insurance companies cover insulin pumps under the durable medical equipment portion of your policy. Depending on your insurance coverage, you might have to pay a deductible and/or percent of the cost (co-insurance). If your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum has been met, the insulin pump might be covered at 100% by your insurance. Government insurances such as Medicare and Medicaid may cover insulin pumps depending on the state and other requirements.
Physical and Lifestyle Adjustments
All pumps are an extra piece of hardware attached to your body, either with tubing or attached to your skin. Some individuals may find it challenging to adjust to wearing a device continuously. However, insulin pumps can be easily worn on or under your clothes very securely. The pump can also be detached for activities like swimming, showering, and exercise so you can continue to live your life.
Getting Started with Insulin Pump Therapy
Transitioning to insulin pump therapy requires careful planning, education, and support from a knowledgeable healthcare team.
Choosing the Right Pump
There are a number of pumps on the market, and it’s important to research what is best for you/your child. Look at the individual pump company sites and read reviews from those who have experience using the pumps. Speak with your diabetes care team about your options.
When selecting an insulin pump, consider factors such as:
- Tubed vs. tubeless design: Personal preference regarding wearing a device with external tubing versus a pod that adheres directly to the skin
- CGM compatibility: Which continuous glucose monitors integrate with the pump system
- Automation features: Level of automated insulin delivery and algorithm sophistication
- Reservoir capacity: How much insulin the pump holds and how frequently it needs to be refilled
- Waterproof rating: Whether the pump can be worn during swimming or water activities
- Screen and controls: Touchscreen vs. buttons, smartphone control options
- Battery type: Rechargeable vs. replaceable batteries
- Insurance coverage: Which pumps are covered by your insurance plan
- Customer support and training: Quality of manufacturer support and educational resources
Training and Education
Before randomization, all patients received training in intensive diabetes management, including carbohydrate counting and the administration of correction doses of insulin. Patients were first placed on insulin-pump therapy for 2 weeks, and then glucose sensors were introduced. During the 5 weeks after randomization, patients in the pump-therapy group completed online insulin-pump training and attended additional visits for insulin-pump and sensor training.
Comprehensive training is essential for successful pump therapy. Most pump manufacturers and diabetes clinics offer extensive training programs that cover:
- Device operation: How to fill reservoirs, change infusion sets, navigate menus, and program settings
- Carbohydrate counting: Accurately estimating carbohydrate content of meals
- Insulin dosing calculations: Understanding insulin-to-carbohydrate ratios, correction factors, and insulin sensitivity
- Basal rate programming: Setting appropriate background insulin delivery rates
- Troubleshooting: Identifying and resolving common problems like high blood sugars, occlusions, or device errors
- Site management: Proper insertion technique, site rotation, and skin care
- Emergency procedures: What to do if the pump malfunctions or needs to be removed
Ongoing Support and Optimization
Starting pump therapy is just the beginning of an ongoing process of optimization and adjustment. Regular follow-up with your healthcare team is essential to review pump data, adjust settings, and address any challenges. Many insulin pumps are warranty-protected for a period of time. Medtronic insulin pumps have a standard warranty of 4 years to help ensure customers have peace of mind.
Diabetes technology evolves at a rapid pace. Tandem insulin pumps are capable of remote feature updates allowing you to keep your pump up-to-date with the latest technology. The Tandem Source platform was created to give you access to all things Tandem Diabetes Care in one convenient platform. See all of your therapy data and easily reorder supplies for your pump.
Integration with Continuous Glucose Monitoring
The integration of insulin pumps with continuous glucose monitoring systems represents one of the most significant advances in diabetes technology. This combination provides a more complete picture of glucose management and enables automated insulin delivery.
CGM Compatibility Options
The Tandem Mobi system integrates with Dexcom G6 and standard Dexcom G7 (10-Day) sensors. Different pump systems are compatible with different CGM devices, which is an important consideration when choosing a pump. twiist is designed for use with popular CGMs (Dexcom, others; see approvals per region and clinician guidance).
The insulin pump may integrate with your continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to help understand how your blood glucose is being affected and change the amount of insulin in some cases. This integration allows the pump to respond dynamically to changing glucose levels, providing a level of responsiveness that manual insulin dosing cannot match.
Benefits of Pump-CGM Integration
The combination of pump therapy with CGM offers several advantages:
- Real-time glucose visibility: Continuous awareness of current glucose levels and trends
- Predictive alerts: Warnings before glucose levels become too high or too low
- Automated insulin adjustments: The pump can increase, decrease, or suspend insulin delivery based on CGM data
- Improved overnight control: Automated management during sleep reduces the risk of nocturnal hypoglycemia
- Data integration: Combined insulin and glucose data provides comprehensive insights for therapy optimization
- Reduced diabetes burden: Less need for manual intervention and decision-making
Special Populations and Considerations
Children and Adolescents
Insulin pump therapy can be particularly beneficial for children and adolescents with diabetes. The ability to deliver very small, precise insulin doses makes pumps ideal for young children who require minimal amounts of insulin. The flexibility in meal timing can also reduce mealtime battles and accommodate unpredictable eating patterns common in young children.
Omnipod 5 is indicated for people with type 1 diabetes, ages 2+, and for adults with type 2 diabetes, ages 18+. Many modern pumps are approved for use in very young children, with some systems approved for children as young as two years old.
Pregnancy and Preconception
Women with diabetes who are planning pregnancy or are pregnant often benefit significantly from insulin pump therapy. The tight glucose control required during pregnancy is easier to achieve with the precision and flexibility of pump therapy. The ability to quickly adjust insulin delivery in response to the rapidly changing insulin requirements throughout pregnancy makes pumps an excellent choice for this population.
Older Adults
Many patients with T2DM are elderly and around 90% of people with T2DM are associated with multiple comorbidities, complicating the effective use of an insulin pump. Simple insulin pumps designed for patients with T2DM as reported above intend to simplify pump use compared with advanced pumps, thus reducing the level of technical skills and cognitive abilities required by the user.
For older adults, considerations include manual dexterity for device operation, vision for reading screens, cognitive ability to manage the technology, and the presence of caregivers who can assist with pump management if needed.
Athletes and Active Individuals
Athletes and physically active individuals often find insulin pumps particularly beneficial. The ability to temporarily reduce or suspend insulin delivery during exercise helps prevent exercise-induced hypoglycemia. Temporary basal rates can be programmed in advance of planned activities, and the pump can be disconnected for contact sports or water activities where wearing the device might be impractical.
The Future of Insulin Pump Technology
The field of insulin pump technology continues to advance rapidly, with exciting developments on the horizon that promise to make diabetes management even more effective and less burdensome.
Next-Generation Algorithms
Vivera = Novel Medtronic Experimental Automated Insulin Delivery (NMX-AID) = 3rd generation full closed-loop algorithm: Optional meal bolusing allows the system to bolus each meal automatically or users may choose to bolus using a simple meal announcement or a traditional carb announcement. Revolutionized hourly adaptation and personalization of insulin deliveries.
The new algorithm, internally called Evolution, has already shown early promise in clinical testing. In trials, users with type 1 diabetes who did not deliver insulin before meals saw their time-in-range improve from 37% to 57%. Type 2 participants saw similar gains.
Emerging Pump Designs
Sigi already has FDA Breakthrough Device status and is waterproof. A standout feature is its cartridge system — you won’t have to draw insulin manually since the cartridges can be inserted straight into the pump. Some reports even suggest users will receive two Sigi pumps, so one can charge while the other is in use. It’s built with compatibility in mind for Tandem’s Control-IQ+ and could set a new bar for reusable patch pumps.
Beta Bionics is best known for its iLet pump, which simplifies diabetes management by using meal size entries such as small, medium, or large instead of requiring precise carbohydrate counting. Now, the company is bringing that philosophy to a tubeless device called Mint, short for “Mini Insulin Therapy.” The new pump was unveiled at ADA 2025 and is set to launch by the end of 2027. The Mint system has two parts — a reusable “brain” and a disposable patch that includes the batteries that power the device.
Extended Wear Technology
The infusion site will last up to 7 days with its incorporation of the SteadiSet extended infusion set. Extended wear infusion sets represent a significant advancement, reducing the frequency of site changes and potentially improving user convenience and comfort.
Continuous Ketone Monitoring
Abbott’s new combined continuous ketone monitor (CKM) and CGM is going to be a big deal because it will notify you of elevated ketones before an emergency situation like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) occurs. The ketone monitor function will also allow people with type 1 diabetes to take an SGLT inhibitor (like Jardiance, Farxiga, or Zynquista) safely, which could pave the way for FDA approval of these medications in T1D.
Fully Closed-Loop Systems
A central point of differentiation from prior implantable systems is Portal’s plan to pursue a fully closed-loop model integrated with continuous glucose monitoring. Earlier devices required meal announcements and user input, whereas this next-generation approach aims to automate insulin delivery entirely. The hosts note that while current “artificial pancreas” systems reduce workload, they remain hybrid systems; a fully automated implantable platform could meaningfully shift the paradigm toward true physiologic replacement and burden reduction.
Making the Decision: Is an Insulin Pump Right for You?
Whether or not to use a pump is a personal decision. You can manage your diabetes equally well with pumps or multiple injections, so it really comes down to your preference. Remember that a pump is just a tool—you can reach your blood glucose goals with a pump or injections. Choosing one method over the other is not a lifelong commitment.
When considering insulin pump therapy, reflect on the following questions:
- Are you struggling to achieve your blood sugar targets with your current insulin regimen?
- Do you experience frequent episodes of hypoglycemia or hypoglycemia unawareness?
- Would you benefit from more flexibility in your meal timing and activity levels?
- Are you comfortable with technology and willing to learn a new device?
- Do you have the support of a knowledgeable healthcare team?
- Is your insurance likely to cover pump therapy?
- Are you motivated to actively participate in your diabetes management?
- Would you be comfortable wearing a device on your body continuously?
Most endocrinologists and diabetes specialists encourage the use of insulin pumps due to their evidence-based benefits. However, the decision should be made collaboratively with your healthcare team, taking into account your individual circumstances, preferences, and goals.
Resources and Support
Numerous resources are available to help individuals learn about and successfully use insulin pump therapy:
- Pump manufacturer websites: Comprehensive information about specific pump models, features, and support services
- Diabetes organizations: The American Diabetes Association, JDRF, and other organizations offer educational materials and support programs
- Online communities: Forums and social media groups where pump users share experiences and advice
- Diabetes educators: Certified diabetes care and education specialists who provide personalized training and support
- Endocrinologists and diabetes specialists: Medical professionals who can prescribe pumps and optimize therapy
- Insurance coordinators: Representatives who can help navigate coverage and reimbursement
Many people find that an insulin pump is a convenient way to manage diabetes. For those who struggle using technology, product training and technical support can help ensure that wearing the insulin pump is not difficult.
Conclusion
Insulin pump therapy represents a powerful tool for diabetes management, offering improved glucose control, enhanced flexibility, and reduced treatment burden for many individuals. With the rapid advancement of technology, particularly in the areas of automated insulin delivery and continuous glucose monitoring integration, pumps are becoming increasingly sophisticated and user-friendly.
CGM at diagnosis is recommended, not postponed. Early access to CGM and AID is linked to improved long-term outcomes. The evolving landscape of diabetes technology continues to expand options and improve outcomes for people living with diabetes.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing diabetes for years, insulin pump therapy may offer benefits worth exploring. By working closely with your healthcare team, carefully considering your individual needs and preferences, and taking advantage of available training and support resources, you can make an informed decision about whether pump therapy is right for you. The goal is not just better numbers, but a better quality of life—and for many people, insulin pumps help achieve both.
For more information about diabetes management and technology options, visit the American Diabetes Association, JDRF, or consult with your healthcare provider to discuss whether insulin pump therapy might be appropriate for your diabetes management plan.