Watch BEFORE you buy, Omnipod 5 Review

[@corblom11]

I Started the Dash about 6 months ago and just started Medicare Nov. 1st so picked a plan that would cover as much as possible of the Omnipod 5. Be aware that these cost insurance a lot, so you will find the doughnut hole using them much faster than any other prescription. These should really be label short term durable medical devices as we have to load insulin (the drug into them). I experienced many of the same issues you had and after training got very little follow up or at least much less than I would have liked. I spent many days above glucose levels than I should and had to lie to my device to compensate. After I finally got more help things have leveled out. Never had any pod failures but also had connection issues. I have a lot of Bluetooth experience and was surprised that it works as well as it does. Even with my phone auto connecting to my car and Dexcom at the same time. It is truly amazing! My A1C has improved greatly. I just received the Omnipod 5 kit and will transition after I use up my Dashes. I don't know if these were your 1st pods but hang in there, it is new tech and we have to help work those bugs out for future hopefuls. Just need to verify with the manual blood test meter to make sure your on the right track. I hope my experience with the new ones is better than yours. Thanks for some pointers

[@typ3me]

It's working great now-a-days. I completely agree It's important to be patient and allow the stystem to learn you. Just think of how smart these devices are compared to 5 to 10 years ago. The future looks bright 🌞.

[@LeafyConversations]

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience! I have used Medtronics since 2003 and haven't entertained switching until OmniPod5; however, the reason I have waited is the customer service. Medtronics EXCELS in this and they even give you an advocate. I don't think I'll switch anytime soon although I really dislike Medtronics Guardian 3. Lucky for me I am an expert on my numbers and food intake, which has kept me at a better A1C without the need for the CGM. Its really sad that we live in a country so wonderful, but doesn't protect those that live in it. It doesn't make any sense at all why these companies can charge so much money for a life saving device! God speed and thank you again!

[@typ3me]

Thank you for the kind words and insight about your experience with Medtronic devices and customer care. Great job taking care of yourself and learning your body well enough that you do not completely rely on technology. As we all know these gizmos can sometimes be unpredictable. My hope is that these devices become so dependable that I might be able to live an entire day without having to think about the fact that I have diabetes. Who knows that may happen very soon.

[@4jdenten]

I'm on my second pod..and wow!! The way it adjusted was amazing if I'm being honest. Also the pics are extremely cute🤷‍♂️. I have to say for my first pump I'm loving it. Your videos are amazing!!

[@typ3me]

That's good to hear, Jared. Good luck and good health to you

[@danhogan-zd6yt]

Excellent Thank You. I am a 48 veteran of Type 1 and have made the omnipod progression from Dash to the 5 and it's been a little confusing lately still have my dash around with the replacement controller (PDM) and working out the communication errors with help. One thing I have noticed is a lot of failures happening while sunspots are happening or solar flares which will leave you with the option of deactivating your pod, don't do it power off reboot put it in manual mode

[@typ3me]

Your correct Dan. I skipped having to deactivate a few early pods by just restarting the PDM, or phone. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@thegreenhand9190]

I just set mine up today and so far no issues on the sugar readings but I feel like that’s because for some unknown reason my g6 won’t connect. I’ve been trying for hours and nothing. Left a voicemail for Omni CS to assist because it’s kind of a pain to open my g6 app, check the sugar, open the PDM, enter sugar etc. I’m glad I found you on YT! T1D for life!

[@typ3me]

Thanks for sharing!! If you're still having trouble connecting the transmitter follow the prompts to reconnect. You might have to delete the existing transmitter in the Omnipod app and then renter the transmitter number. I've had to do this several times and it has always worked.

[@Monkinator67]

This is awesome, for my personal needs this is amazing, I just got approved to start getting the new Omni pod and I can’t wait, does it suck to carry another phone around, yes it does but hey from what I can tell the people who have this disease try to push for what’s best for them, I can’t wait to start doing this, also thanks for taking the time to keep everyone updated, means a lot to ys

[@typ3me]

Your very welcome @BioGoji8. I will be switching back to using only my phone as the controller, this week since omni just rolled out another compatability update. I'm excited to go back to just one device. I hope it goes well, I'll keep you up to date. Congrats on becoming a podder, good luck.

[@sdobretz]

Thank you for the updates and I'm leaning so much before I switch. My starter kit came yesterday

[@typ3me]

Your very welcomed, 😉.

[@thehappydiabetic5380]

You can go online and request a customer service call. That seems to be the best option. I got called back the next day. Overall , customer service seems to be a nightmare across the board. I’m seeing lots of complaints for Tanden and Dexcom and d well. I’ve found the pod itself to be wonderful. From the start , I improved across the board upgrading from a non AID system. I’m 93% in range, slightly better A1C at 6.1 and lower daily insulin usage. I am going to have to switch to Tandem, though. Cost is the reason. With my insurance, omp5 will cost me more than $1000 a year than Tandem over the Tandem 5 year warranty period.

[@typ3me]

Thanks for the tip, I'll be sure to relay the info. To bad, you're having to switch out of the Omnipod 5 for financial reasons. It took awhile but Im actually now having success with the Omni5. To be honest it's quickly becoming my favorite device. I hope your insurance can make an exception for you. Either way good luck to you and stay healthy.

[@pbwi9756]

Thank you for sharing! I hope their customer service improves. Keep making these great videos.

[@typ3me]

Your very welcome. I'm finally at the 30 day mark and everything is starting to work as it should without any loss connection or pod failures.

[@MB-qp1pt]

Thank you for sharing this with us. I live in the UK so I would imagine that affordability and customer service would be different here. Currently omnipod 5 is not yet available here but could be soon. I recently ran out of my Medtronic 640 warranty and looked into changing the pump. I have been with Medtronic pumps since 2002 and initially they were the only choice but made such a difference, I never considered changing to another make, however the recent 640 pump was problematic, as it was constantly cracking and needed to be replaced 7 times during a 4 years contract. One of the pump replacement have delivered me higher dose of insulin (higher then instructed) and caused me to have violent hypos and medronics customer service had deteriorated so bad that I never considered them again for my next pump. Even though Omnipod 5 is not yet available in the UK I was hoping to start on Dash initially, but unfortunately I found that I had developed a skin irritation to the glue (thanks to a mock pod I was sent to) I was therefore left with one option which is Tandem t:slim X2. This pump offers a semi / hybrid close loop system called control IQ, which offer similar benefits to the omnipod 5, but it doesn't learn and evolve as omnipod 5. Unfortunately, this pump (in my experience) looses communication with the Dexcom G6 multiple times per day and revert back to manual mode regardless of the corrections to the basal delivery it did beforehand and therefore I constantly run between highs and violent lows. In the UK Tandem is distributed and managed by Air Liquide and their customer service is polite but has no training with diabetes and the complications that this issue can cause nor any knowledge with how to fix it. After 4 and a half months with this pump and 2 pump replacements (which took 12 days to complete a life threatening faulty pump replacement). Air Liquide has several different levels of sales managers but not technical or customer care managers that should have been able to deal with the matter. So unfortunately this golden age of diabetes Technology is faling desperately by the companies that promise much more than they can deliver. That invest in their sales departments but once a patient is locked in a contract with them they are left on their own. Something that I believe insulet have stopped with.

[@typ3me]

Hi MB, thank you for the very informative comment. I'm very sorry for all of the hassle you have had to endured using these various devices. However I am thankful that people like you and others that have been bold enough to try them. I agree that if these companies spent half the money they spend in marketing , into their customer service they would greatly benefit the. These customers that have placed there trust and have invested their hard earned dollars into them, and they should always be the priority.

[@JBishop25]

I’ve been considering the switch from T:Slim/G6 to O5. As an aging athlete, I could so without tubes. I’ve never had as much success as I’ve had now- the G6 is pretty awesome. I’ve tried omnipod before- maybe 10 years back. Customer service (based is Mass) are super friendly, but tbh back then were bound by poor policy and procedure. Question though- are calibrations required with this setup?

[@typ3me]

Hi Jody, congrats on staying active. To answer your question, the only calibrations I ever do are with the g6 two hours after insertion. The omni5 reads the g6 directly from the transmitter. For that reason the key to accurate readings remains with getting the g6 dailed in. If you get it, let me know how it goes.

[@newwestphoto76]

I contacted customer service after my daughter's controller would not connect and after a long wait, I left a message for them to call back. The message I got was that they would call back in 2 or 3 days, but I never heard from them. After trying a second time to get thru, I left a message again after the 2 or 3 days phone message, I never heard back. I had one reprensentative email me but nothing really happened. After my daughter went into DKA and ended up in the hospital, the reps at the hospital got me some help from Jennie Edwards. She made an appointment with me to do a Zoom meeting to help set up the equipment. The appointment is on November 30. I made that appointment on November 18! At least I have some interaction. Time will tell if we ever get the thing to work. Good luck with yours!

[@typ3me]

First I want to start by saying that I am sorry and a bit angry about what you have had to encounter because of a lack of better customer care from Omnipod 5. I empathize with your situation and hope your daughter is doing well. I just don't understand how corporations this large can do so well in their technology yet so poorly in simple communication and service. I've been on this device for about 3 months now and have really grown to love it. Yet it was rough and very disappointing initially; it has become quite useful. My barometer when measuring how well a medical device like this works is by measuring the amount of time I have to worry about its reliability. I can honestly say that lately I never think about it. I truly hope that @Omnipod calls you back soon and makes this right for you. In my opinion, if you can get this device dialed in, it will benefit your daughter immensely. Thank you for the comments and good luck.

[@INSIDEDALINES]

I just received the Omnipod 5 to go with my t-slim. I had an Omnipod back in 2017 and hated it. I only got one now because my insurance covered both my pumps. Received a couple of days ago let’s see how it goes

[@typ3me]

I'll be honest I hated the first week. You'll have to make a few adjustments over time to really get it working. But once it's dailed in, it's really a thing of beauty.

[@INSIDEDALINES]

@@typ3me the reason I stopped using the first one was that the thing you dial in your numbers died on me the day I was leaving to Spain. So I had to go back to my other pump. We will see how this one goes

[@typ3me]

Good luck. Let me know if you have any questions that I might be able to help with.

[@feliciaharding6131]

Thanks Ben- great summary! I am with you in supporting Insulet: come on guys and fix it so that it will be a brilliant product!! We know you can!

[@rorau9047]

Very important and helpful informations….and again a great video. Thank you. Greetings from germany. Roland

[@typ3me]

Thanks again Ro, greetings from the U.S.

[@winnielane]

This is 10 months ago. When I called today I had no wait at all.

[@typ3me]

Yes it's gotten SO much better.

[@bb_arnett3181]

I am used to alarms from my dexcom G6 and so far I haven't had any alarms when my blood sugar goes low or high. Not happy with that.

[@typ3me]

The Omnipod alarms only indicate pod alerts like changes in basal programs and warnings for pod expiration. The low glucose alerts only come from the Dexcom app or similar CGM apps you use.

[@kylebarnhart1998]

I've been using it with the provided PDM, it's been over a week now and it's been working very well. I had been annoyed that they didn't have an IOS app yet but now after seeing this maybe it's a good thing. Carrying basically two smartphones with me sucks but having no issues as of yet is nice. As much as these things cost per pod, having multiple failures over a single month isn't an option.

[@typ3me]

Glad to hear your having success. SInce going back to the PDM this thing has be AMAZING. I literally went 2 whole days 100 percent in range. That NEVER happens. I have a new goal, m working on going 30 days with a 95% in range, I'll let you know how it goes

[@LindaCruz-zz7zy]

I been using Omini Pod 5 for approximately two months and have yet to experience a pod failure.

[@typ3me]

Thats fantastic 😀. Do you love it?

[@torigore4325]

Lucky I got my Omni pod 5 for free thanks to medicaid

[@patrickhaman]

I think that maybe you just had a bad Dexcon 6. I have never lost the signal on my Omnipod. I think it is important to remember that you are using Bluetooth and the Dexcon 6 needs to be placed on your stomach. Which means that the Omnipod 5 needs to be on the same side of the body or placed on the stomach too. The other thing I suggest is to check the Dexcon 6 to a regular blood sugar meter. I have found that there can be 20 point differ and that can cause you to miss the amount of insulin you need to set the Omnipod 5 to get required insulin. The other thing is check the BOI if it's above 5 units. I would wait till the value is less that 2 before adding more insulin. Because you don't want to have BOI above 5 when you reach the value you are trying to reach. Because then your sugar level will continue to drop till the BOI reaches 0

[@typ3me]

Great advice Patrick thank you very much for those pearls of wisdom.

[@eugenesheehy9395]

Question. Rather than using the PDM, is it possible to use the app on an IOS device? Please advise.

[@typ3me]

Hi Eugene. Unfortunately, there is no IOS compatability yet. Here is a quote from their site. "Have an iPhone? We’re currently working on iOS compatibility, and we’ll let you know as soon as the Omnipod 5 App is available for your iPhone. Until then, you can use the wireless Omnipod 5 Controller that comes with your first prescription." www.omnipod.com/current-podders/resources/omnipod-5/device-compatibility

[@eugenesheehy9395]

@@typ3me Thank you for the guidance. Okay I may wait then until this becomes an option. I'm not too keen on starting with the PDM as this will be my first pump switching from pens. So probably prefer the option of moving to pump once the app is compatible with IOS. Thank you again

[@typ3me]

Your very welcome Eugene. Good luck and stay healthy.

[@lishtml]

Hello! Do you have to have a compatible phone to run in automated mode it does the pdm work without a phone? Thank you in advance!

[@typ3me]

Yes, I use a Samsung Galaxy S21 to run both.

[@lishtml]

Thank you for your quick response!

[@mcclennysports5005]

I am also a Type 1 Diabetic who is a firefighter and wanted to know if you have any issues with ripping it off when bunking out or after heavily sweating? Also is there a particular spot that works better for you? Thanks

[@typ3me]

Hey brother, thank you for your service. I normally wear the pod on my triceps and g6 on my belly. I've never ripped it off while bunking out but have definitely had issues with the adhesive post fireground ops. In fact I was on a house fire yesterday and discoverer it wanted to peel off a bid afterwards. By the next morning it peeled off completely and ended up having to change it out. Additionally I do my best to slow down a bit when throwing my jacket on. Hope this helps.

[@corblom11]

I had issues with my CGM and ripped a few off, then purchased a Amazon sold plastic guard that is taped on outside of the original adhesive. I used them for awhile and even bought one for my Dash pod. I ended up never using it yet but I am retired and have less activity. I tend to place the devices where they are less likely to be damaged and learn to avoid lifting things against them, just a change of habit. Good luck, hope they work well for a very important person.

[@typ3me]

Funny thing, no matter how hard you try you just can't escape some snags. Just before replying to your comment my son snagged my omnipod while moving a couch cushion. You would think sitting on the couch would be a safe place. BUT NO!

[@victorlozano6749]

What’s a good insurance that will cover it

[@typ3me]

Pricing will vary depending on insurance or government discount programs. What country are you in?

[@yuhtu6362]

hey i am a 15 year old type one, im switching from tslim and wondered how it does with sweating as I play soccer, and with my tslim the sites always got infected or fell off

[@typ3me]

Hey @Yuhtu6 as a firefighter part of my job is to be in tip top shape. For that reason I workout daily. I'm usually in the gym 40 to 60 minutes a day doing some type of strength and cardio exercise. The only time I have an issue with sweat causing adhesion problems is when I don't clean my site with alcohol properly before insertion or prolonged humid exercise usually over 2hrs in a wet sticky environment. The alcohol also helps you avoid infection. Use the pod pals if you got them on days you are playing soccer outside. Good luck buddy

[@yuhtu6362]

@@typ3me thank you for replying, just got my omnipod 5 about 30 minutes ago, going to try it tonight

[@thegreenhand9190]

You can ask for skin tac as well. I use it for my g6 & was previously on the t:slim (just switched to OP5). I’m also very active and skin tac has never failed me.

[@typ3me]

Good ol skin tac.

[@danyelleknapper4107]

For you all that have switched from Tslim w/CIQ to 05 are you happy? Pros & Cons please.

[@SK-pn1pe]

Great video man. I've used both G6 and Libre 3s for sensors and I've had far more issues with the G6s with the lost connections. I've heard Omnipod will work with Freestyle soon though. Also...android has always been garbage...so get yourself an iPhone.

[@typ3me]

Thanks for the advice. In my previous career, I worked for Verizon. I tried the iPhones at launch and hated them. But I'm really close to giving them another try.

[@ginoferiante7140]

A type 1 firefighter? What state allows that?

[@typ3me]

Every state allows it as long as the firefighter is able to pass a physical agility course and health screening.

[@ScottNipper-xs5zw]

50.00 for 90 day supply for omnipod 5

[@nosuscribers2885]

Hii

[@chrisdoukas1065]

Omnipod 5 isn’t that reliable. I spend more time manually correcting bc the algorithm just doesn’t do it. I’ve spent hours on the phone talking to omnipod reps and my doctor doesn’t even know what they’re doing. I think everyone is getting whiplashed with all of these releases and in the end there’s too much confusion on how to actually run these devices. I was doing keto and my sugars were still high!

[@typ3me]

I'm sad too hear that. You gotta find what works for you and stick to it . Which can be so hard to accomplish when new gizmos and gadgets keep coming out.

[@mad0uche]

Sounds like a user error, at some point in your life you will realize you're not good at managing your diabetes. You're like a mechanic smashing a car with a wrench expecting the bolt to be tightened, user error.

[@typ3me]

@mad0uche Thanks for the kind words and encouragement.

[@Paradroidx]

Yeah uf i had to rely on my my G6 to keep my sugar levels stable, i would be screwed. Everyone has different body chemistry, and some poor absorption rate issues. Receiver is rarely accurate. Hard pass for me. Tubeless delivery is appealing though coming from yhe T-slim. But those damn infusion sets were a nightmare. Put me in the ER once. Junk and just playing Russian Roulette with your life. MDI is the safest way to go in my opinion.

[@typ3me]

For sure. You definitely gotta do what's best for you regardless of how appealing the other options are. 💯

[@Paradroidx]

@@typ3me Absolutely

[@Katy-sh3ru]

What is MDI? Manual something injection?

[@typ3me]

Manual Dose Insulin

[@Katy-sh3ru]

@@typ3me ahh, of course. Thanks

[@dianarodriguez9783]

This is BS. This closed loop software assuming basal to bolus split is 50/50 of TDI. Since I eat low carb it messed me up big time. My split is 70/30 have A1C of 6,5. I use manual mode. Also corrections back out IOB and IOB includes basal rate. Totally illogical. I may move to tethered pump. Connection doesn’t work well. Dash was better.

[@dianarodriguez9783]

This was programmed to keep your BG at higher rate. So illogical.

[@typ3me]

I agree. I long for the days when Tidepool and Omnipid can be friends. That would give us total freedom to tune our pump settings specifically to our needs.

[@jayward7536]

Junk

[@csmith563]

Saw another video you put out...I DO Not like this one. The One touch test machine is ridiculous. Twice as many test strips used as tests; Too much blood or not enough. Asymptomatic, Can have 40mg btwn CGM rcvr and test machine result. 2 weeks in, 3 failures. No alarm when O.5 is on auto, per Omnipod CS, NOT comfortable. The whole IDEA I have to carry Test machine, pump, CGM rcvr OR cell?!! I'm well beyond happy faces and colors stating a 'permissible' Test result on the 1 Touch test machine. 🙄🙄 REALLY?? Non cell signal at my home, May get someone's older Apple iPhone. When O. 5 pods are gone, Likely back to ADULT level, Classic Omnipod. I appreciate your opinion, but for me....Great to hear diabetics are allowed as 1st responders.. I just gave away my age, didn't I? Oops! LOL

[@typ3me]

Thanks you for your honesty, and I hope you can find some therapeutic devices you feel comfortable with. I feel that peace of mind is one of the most important aspects of life diabetics need to recover.

[@Paradroidx]

Agree with you 100%