Omnipod System Frequently Asked Questions

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. 

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*. 

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 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. 

Designed so that it can be worn discretely, the Pod is 1.53 in x 2.05 in x 0.57 in (3.9 cm x 5.2 cm x 1.45 cm), about half the width of a credit card. The Personal Diabetes Manager is 2.5 in x 4.5 in x 1.0 in (6.4 cm x 11.4 cm x 2.5 cm). 

The Pod does not come pre-filled with insulin; you use the fill needle and syringe enclosed with each Pod to fill it with the amount of insulin you need. Please note that you will need to get a separate prescription for insulin from your healthcare provider.

The Pod is designed to be used with U-100 rapid-acting insulin. The following U-100 rapid-acting insulin analogs have been tested and found to be safe for use in the Pod: Novolog®, Humalog®, or Apidra®. Before using a different insulin with the Omnipod^® System, consult with your healthcare professional.

The Pod can hold up to 200 units of insulin; it requires a minimum of 85 units of insulin to begin operation. Simply fill the Pod with the amount of insulin you will need while wearing it, up to 200 units.

The Pod uses an adhesive that is latex-free, acrylic-based and ideal for keeping the Pod in place, even in the presence of moisture.

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.

The Pod can be worn for 3 days (up to 72 hours). Please follow your healthcare provider's directions concerning how frequently you should replace the Pod.

With the touch of a button, the Pod's automated insertion system automatically inserts the soft cannula below the skin to a depth of 6.5 mm and at an angle of less than 50 degrees to the skin.

See how to insert the cannula from the Pod using your Personal Diabetes Manager.

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.

You can get started by sending us your insurance information online or via fax. You can also call us anytime at 800-591-3455. Starting on the Omnipod^® System typically requires a prescription, so you will need to work with your healthcare provider.

While the actual cost of the Omnipod® System will vary based on your insurance coverage, Omnipod® has broad access nationwide. To get a sense of your out-of-pocket cost for Omnipod® give us a call at 800-591-3455.

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.