Over the past several years Insulet has been developing their closed-loop insulin delivery system (also known as an “artificial pancreas”). The system is known as the Omnipod Horizon or Omnipod 5.

For those that aren’t too familiar with what an “artificial pancreas” does, basically it is a system that tries to mimic what the human pancreas naturally does by using real time continuous glucose monitor data to automatically adjust the insulin pump’s basal insulin delivery as well as bolus insulin delivery.

The goal is to automatically maintain blood sugar levels in the right range without a user’s input. This has long been the goal to remove the constant burden for those living with Type 1 diabetes, and allow them to live a more normal life without constantly having to worry about their blood sugar levels.

What do we know about the Omnipod Horizon – Closed Loop Insulin Pump

Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) compatibility:

It will be compatible with the two leading CGM’s on the market

• Dexcom G6 and G7 CGM – Check out this article to learn more about the upcoming Dexcom G7
• Abbots’ Libre CGM

Current Status:

The Omnipod Horizon Closed Loop Insulin pump is finished undergoing pivotal clinical trials to determine the efficacy of the system. This is a necessary step before submitting the results to the FDA to gain approval to launch the system.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the Omnipod Horizon Closed Loop Insulin pump pivotal clinical trial:

• Time in range: 73%
• Time in Hypoglycemia: 0.7%
• Episodes of severe hypo or diabetic Ketoacidosis: 0
• Remained in closed loop mode (Automatically regulate blood sugars with no user input): 97% of the time

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Current Launch Status:

In the third quarter investor update, Insulet disclosed that after finishing the pivotal clinical trial, it is now working to launch the Omnipod Horizon in the first half of 2021 in the United States.

We are currently living in very exciting times, and are in the final stretch before widespread commercial launch of a fully automated artificial pancreas becomes available. This technological breakthrough will lead to a massive improvement in the quality of life for those living with Type 1 Diabetes, and allow them to live a more normal life, without constantly worrying and thinking about their blood sugar levels.

If you are currently using an Omnipod, we want to recommend some accessories that really help with using it. Our favorite are adhesives with cool designs to add some spark, as well as a Gel case for the Omnipod PDM.

As difficult as 2020 and 2021 have been, there is light in the end of the tunnel and positive things for all of us to look forward to.

Do you want to keep on Omnipod secure when you go out and about? We love these adhesives to keep things locked in place, check them out!

Onwards and Upwards! 🙂