Ominpod® System FAQs | Insulin Pump Therapy

Common Questions about the Omnipod® Insulin Management System

There are many factors to consider when choosing an insulin management system. To make your life easier, we’ve compiled a list of questions that we often receive from prospective and current Podders™ about the Omnipod® System.

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Give us a call at 800-591-3455. Our Customer Care team will be happy to help you.

Getting Started on the Omnipod® Insulin Management System

How does the Omnipod® System compare to traditional insulin pumps?

Like traditional insulin pumps, the Omnipod® System features personalized, continuous insulin delivery with basal rate and bolus delivery options as well as safety checks and alarm features. The difference lies in the innovative design. Its two parts communicate wirelessly*, which eliminates the tubing, and the Pod's automated insertion is virtually pain-free. The PDM has a fully integrated FreeStyle blood glucose meter, so there is nothing extra to carry, and no manual entry is required. This makes the Omnipod® System simple to learn and live with.

*The Personal Diabetes Manager needs to be within 5 feet of the Pod to deliver a programmed bolus. It does not need to be in your proximity to deliver basal throughout the day.

What does continuous insulin delivery mean?

Insulin pumps deliver a basal rate of insulin all throughout the day. People who wear traditional insulin pumps often have to disconnect from them periodically throughout the day to bathe, swim, play contact sports or during intimate moments. This can disrupt basal insulin delivery, and studies confirm that even a 30-minute interruption of basal insulin delivery can result in elevated glucose levels. With the Omnipod® System, there's no need to disconnect*.

*The Personal Diabetes Manager needs to be within 5 feet of the Pod to deliver a programmed bolus. It does not need to be in your proximity to deliver basal throughout the day.

Can the Omnipod® System be used by children and teens?

Yes. The Omnipod® System can be used by people of all ages who require insulin to manage their diabetes—including children and teens. The Pod is especially beneficial for children and teens who participate in sports and other active hobbies. The Pod is both durable and waterproof^†, with nothing to tangle or get caught as you move around.

† The Pod has a waterproof IP28 rating for up to 25 feet for 60 minutes. The Personal Diabetes Manager is not waterproof.

Does the Omnipod® System have a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)?

The Omnipod® System does not integrate with CGM systems. However, the Omnipod® System may be used with all available CGMs allowing you to choose the CGM that best fits your health needs and lifestyle.

Additionally, with Insulet Provided Glooko you can download data from both your Personal Diabetes Manager and your CGM to the same easy-to-use online platform, allowing you to view your diabetes information in one place.

How small is the Omnipod® System?

Using the Omnipod® System

Can I swim or shower with the Omnipod® System?

The Pod has an IP28 waterproof rating. This international standard means that the Pod has been tested to function normally as deep as 25 feet below the water surface for up to 60 minutes. If you plan to be in water for a long time, we recommend as a precaution that you get out occasionally to make sure that the adhesive is still securely attached to your skin. Because insulin degrades at high temperatures, the temperature of most hot tubs can spoil insulin, making it ineffective, we do not recommend wearing the Pod in a hot tub unless you keep it out of the water. In all cases be sure to follow your insulin manufacturer’s instructions for use.

The Personal Diabetes Manager is not waterproof. Do not place it in or near water.

Can I travel while using the Omnipod® System?

Can I play sports while wearing a Pod?

Of course. The Pod is ideal for sports because it is both durable and waterproof^†, with nothing to tangle or get caught as you move around. Plus, there’s no reason to disconnect the Pod while playing sports. But be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about how to manage your insulin while playing sports.

† The Pod has a waterproof IP28 rating for up to 25 feet for 60 minutes. The Personal Diabetes Manager is not waterproof.

How close do the Pod and Personal Diabetes Manager need to be to each other?

The Pod and Personal Diabetes Manager communicate using wireless technology.

To activate, the Pod must be placed adjacent to and touching the Personal Diabetes Manager
To make changes in your basal program, deliver a bolus, or check Pod status, the Pod and Personal Diabetes Manager can be up to 5 feet apart
Once a Pod is activated, the Pod and Personal Diabetes Manager do not need to be near each other for basal insulin delivery.

What if someone near me also uses the Omnipod® System?

Is training available when I start on the Omnipod® System?

How the Pod Works

Does the Pod come prefilled with insulin?

What type of insulin should I use with the Pod?

How much insulin does the Pod hold?

What type of adhesive does the Pod use?

Where on my body can I wear the Pod?

We recommend that you consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best location to use when starting on the Omnipod® System. However, once you have mastered using the Pod, you can wear it on your abdomen, upper thigh, lower back, or the back of your upper arm - in fact, anywhere you would give yourself an injection. Of course, you should avoid wearing the Pod within 2 inches of your navel, and in other areas where belts, waistbands, or tight clothing may rub against, disturb, or dislodge it.

We do not recommend wearing the Pod over a tattoo, mole, or scar due to possible issues with insulin absorption.

See the Pod Placement Guide

How long do I wear each Pod?

How long is the Pod's cannula?

How the Personal Diabetes Manager Works

Does the Omnipod® System provide data download/management capability?

Yes. All of your insulin delivery, blood glucose, and carbohydrate information can be downloaded directly from your Personal Diabetes Manager to the Insulet Provided Glooko mobile app or website, as well as your fitness information and health data from your other devices. Available to Podders™ at no cost, this leading diabetes management platform gives you and your healthcare team access to reports, charts, and graphs of your records on the go.

Learn more about Insulet Provided Glooko

How long do the batteries last in the Personal Diabetes Manager?

The Personal Diabetes Manager’s batteries last approximately 3 weeks, depending on individual usage. Extensive use of the bright mode option may shorten this timeframe. Please note that the Personal Diabetes Manager requires AAA Alkaline Batteries, and you should not use any other type of batteries to power the PDM. Never use old or used batteries as this could prevent the Personal Diabetes Manager from working properly.

Ordering the Omnipod® System

What is the Omnipod® Demo Kit?

The kit contains a non-functioning Pod designed to give you a true sense of the Pod's comfort and flexibility. The demo Pod does not insert and will not deliver insulin. Just apply the demo Pod anywhere you would normally give an injection and wear it for up to 3 days^‡ to see how it feels. The kit also has a brochure that helps you understand how the Omnipod® System works.

Request Your Demo Kit

‡ Up to 72 hours of insulin delivery.

How do I order the Omnipod® System?

How much does the Omnipod® System cost?

Does my insurance cover the Omnipod® System?

The Omnipod® System has broad access nationwide including pharmacy availability. When you submit your insurance information to our team, we’ll contact your insurance provider(s) to determine your benefits. We will then contact you to review your benefits before fulfilling your order.

For individuals without coverage, rest assured that we continue to be as dedicated as ever to gaining affordable access for people with diabetes. One way that you can help advocate for access is by visiting advocacyforaccess.com. On this site you can (i) learn how to become an effective patient advocate and (ii) utilize our platform to send a personalized message directly to your insurance provider.

Check My Insurance Coverage

Customer Care and Common Questions

Will the Pod still deliver insulin if I forget my Personal Diabetes Manager at home or elsewhere?

What happens if I lose or break my Personal Diabetes Manager?

If your Personal Diabetes Manager breaks due to defects in materials and/or workmanship within the four years of the original date of purchase, we will replace your Personal Diabetes Manager at no charge to you, subject to the conditions and exclusions detailed in the User Guide.

Should anything happen to your Personal Diabetes Manager, please call our Customer Care team at 800-591-3455 immediately to purchase a replacement. In most cases you will receive your replacement within 24 hours. Of course, some people like to order a back-up Personal Diabetes Manager to have on hand just in case.

Do you offer 24/7 customer support?

Do you offer customer support in Spanish?

How do I order supplies?

Is there a money-back guarantee for the Omnipod® System?

Yes! If you decide that the Omnipod® System isn’t right for you, our Pod Promise money-back guarantee program allows new Podders™ to return the Omnipod® System and request a full refund within 45 days of the first shipment date. To learn more or initiate a return request, please call us at 800-591-3455.

Our Pod Promise Program Details, Terms and Conditions:

To request your money back, call our Customer Care Team at 800.591.3455 and they will send you a return kit, free of charge.
The request for money back must be made within 45 days of receipt of your ﬁrst shipment.
Only product from your ﬁrst shipment is eligible for money back.
You have 14 days from the request date to return your Starter Kit and any unused product. There is no need to return your used product.
Refunds will be issued to you and your health insurance provider.
Pod Promise is not available for product received through the pharmacy channel.

FreeStyle and related brand marks are trademarks of Abbott Diabetes Care Inc. in various jurisdictions and used with permission.

Select Region

Omnipod System Frequently Asked Questions