Omnipod’s Next-Gen Pump: Top 5 Upgrades I Want

Omnipod has been the leader in tubeless insulin pumps for over a decade. From the Eros to the DASH, and now the Omnipod 5 hybrid-closed loop system, it’s clear Omnipod has its foothold in the market. But more tubeless competition is on the horizon, with companies like Tandem and Medtronic working on their own tubeless pumps. A new version of Omnipod, perhaps Omnipod 6, is undoubtedly in the works to get ahead. As someone who uses open-source systems and knows how competitor pumps work, I’m diving into all the features I want to see Omnipod implement on future hardware and software to make its system truly feel next-level.

On-board bolus button for injections without a phone 

One of the things I love most about Omnipod 5 is that the pump connects directly to my Dexcom G7 continuous glucose monitor (CGM), meaning even if I step away from my phone, I don’t lose automated insulin delivery. Although I can leave my phone behind and get basal insulin delivery, I can’t bolus for snacks when I’m away from the device. 

An improvement I’d love to see is the capability for users to step away from their mobile device freely with the addition of a bolus button directly on the pod. With other systems, like the Tandem Mobi and t:slim X2, there is a bolus button to dose insulin right on-board in one, two, or three unit increments, which I think could be adopted by Omnipod. Imagine being able to dose directly from the pump—no phone required. It would feel so freeing!

I think a bolus button could resemble something similar to the Eversense 365 CGM. This device has a haptic, soft-touch, button used to silence alerts - perhaps a button like this on the pod could achieve something similar. This bolus button would make it easier for me to enjoy a vacation by the pool with spontaneous snacks without needing to find my phone. And, with my Dexcom G7 CGM connected directly to my Apple Watch, I can see my glucose levels on my wrist. This is a dream I think could easily be reality!

Larger insulin capacity and longer wear-time  

Currently, Omnipod 5 holds 200 units of insulin and is worn for three days. There is room for improvement here to make site changes less frequent with a larger reservoir.  First, I’d like to see a pod that holds up to 300-units of insulin. This would make a big difference for people with type 2 diabetes, 64% of which use an average of 96 units of insulin daily. These users could get the full 3-day wear with a larger chamber of insulin. More insulin could also mean longer wear-time beyond three days for those who require less daily insulin. For example, I use 42 units of insulin on average per day. A 300-unit pod could last me as long as one full week.

A fully-closed loop algorithm for full insulin automation

Right now, Omnipod is a hybrid closed-loop system, meaning it automatically adjusts insulin based on glucose values, but it still requires manual input for meal entries and workouts. I’d love to see a fully closed-loop system—where the pump makes all the decisions, from adjusting insulin delivery for meals to exercise, without needing to log anything manually or worry where my glucose levels are headed.

Omnipod is already working on its Evolution Algorithm, which could help push the system closer to a fully closed loop. Initial trials have shown promising time-in-range (TIR) results without the need for manual boluses, especially for users with type 2 diabetes. Currently, results with the Evolution Algorithm, without user interaction, are yielding 57% TIR–an improvement from 37% TIR when users did not interact on the current Omnipod 5 algorithm. While that’s a big improvement, it doesn’t meet the American Diabetes Association (ADA) standard of 70% time in range for a closed loop system, so a new algorithm may be further off than we hope.

For those living with type 2 diabetes, studies have shown that users averaged 52% time in range without any input which increased to nearly 65% with the Evolution Algorithm. 

I’m excited about the progress so far, but I hope they don’t make us wait too long for the final version. If the new algorithm is ready, I’d love to see it available on the current Omnipod system.

Even before fully-closed loop, there are a few more software updates I’d like to see:

• The ability to delete carb entries when you make an error, like logging 60g of carbs and only eating 20g. DIY systems, like Loop, have this super useful feature.

• Improved alert settings, especially when your phone and PDM are nearby. Right now, you get alerts on both devices, which can be annoying. If the system knows the PDM or phone is within range, it should mute alerts on one device to avoid duplication.

More CGM compatibility

Right now, Omnipod works with Dexcom G6, G7, and Libre 2 Plus, but there’s room for more! For one, I want to see Libre 3 Plus compatibility. It’s smaller, more accurate, and would be a great fit for Omnipod.

Another major upgrade would be support for the Eversense 365 implantable CGM. This device has a lot of potential, especially with future talk that the external transmitter could be removed – however it isn’t currently compatible with insulin pumps. If Omnipod could make this integration work, it would be a huge leap forward for those who prefer the implantable option. Check out my conversation with the makers of Eversense 365 to get a better idea of what’s ahead with the implantable, year-long CGM.

@diabe_tech

Eversense 365 is a one-year implantable CGM. I asked what innovations come next on my latest podcast episode - link in bio! #cgm #eversens... See more

Lastly, it’d be awesome to see Android app improvements and better integration with smartwatches. An updated Android app could help make the system more accessible for a larger group of users, and a dedicated smartwatch app could give us even more control over our insulin delivery on the go.

Smartwatch control for on-the-go users like me

Speaking of smartwatches, I would love to be able to control my Omnipod via a smartwatch. Being able to bolus, adjust targets, and log carbs and workouts directly from my wrist would be a great alternative to always having my phone nearby. It’s not for everyone, but it could be a fantastic option for those of us who are always on the move. Tidepool’s twiist automated insulin delivery (AID) system is ahead of the curve with this FDA-approved capability, however it isn’t yet commercially available - I’m told we can anticipate that this year.

Right now, Dexcom G7 allows integration with Apple Watches with their Direct-to-Watch feature, and I’d love to see Omnipod follow suit with something similar. Imagine being able to dose insulin, change basal rates, or adjust carb counts right from your wrist! I’ve been doing this for years with DIY Loop and it’s time the feature comes to more FDA cleared systems. Learn more about DIY Loop’s smartwatch control and more with the video below

Stay tuned for updates on the future of Omnipod and the latest in diabetes tech by following along on my Tik Tok, Instagram, Youtube and podcast. 

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