Omnipod 5 and Libre 2+ a few thoughts

[nonethewiser]

Hi everyone.
I have tried omnipod 5 and libre 2 plus sensors just recently. I was on it for 4 weeks and have just, in the last couple of days gone back to the Dash.
Loads of problems, connection issues between pod and sensor. Could only get decent connection when both worn on arm. If I was to put pod on stomach I would loose connection between them both, over an hour sometimes. After a period of time it ruins your skin wearing them in same place continuously, so didn't like that.
High sugars was another issue, the automatic delivery just wasn't quick enough to correct this or stop it before it got too high, especially in the mornings when getting up.
I had pods that had alarms going off in the night with that piercing alarm sound, so had to change them early (happened 3 times). Think just faulty but don't know for sure! Had a sensor that just stopped working so had to replace early. Phoned Abbotts and the girl couldn't understand why I didn't have it linked to my phone in an app. I told her that it's used through the Omnipod 5 pdm as its a closed loop system. She said she couldn't replace as she wouldn't be able to find out the issue like you can with a phone app (no error codes etc) I was told to take it up with omnipod as its their pdm!!! Not helpful!!
My DSN was very helpful as I kept contacting her but she said she would contact the rep who we got the initial training from at the hospital to discuss all my problems with me but never heard anything. Very disappointing.

The only positive was I had less lows during the night. Now I'm back on the Dash I feel I have less stress and a lot less problems.

I felt like I was the only person with all these problems and no one could really advise me. Shame really as wanted to stay on it but couldn't put up with it any more unfortunately.
Hope other people on it have more success.

Real shame you had such issues.

By sounds of things Libre is hopeless connecting to O5, certainly don't have that issue with Dex6.

Surprised O5 didn't sort your DP out as that is one good thing it's great at is holding bg levels nice & steady from bed to morning, if carb/insulin ratios are correct bg shouldn't raise that much unless you miscalculate contents of meal, example amount of protein/fat it contains.

Even in automatic mode you can still give a correction dose if bg is going high, system might not suggest a correction dose going by insulin on board but you can override it, do this myself sometimes.

Was using Dash before switching to O5 & it's a great pump, so if you feel more comfortable switching back then don't blame you.

 

[nonethewiser]

@KS76 I am sorry you had all these issues. It is still very new technology.
Abbot should have done better, I would raise a complaint in writing if I was you.
I do find insulet so poor at customer service so this is one of my worries about HCL. The quality of the pods now is worst than I realised and it’s not easy or quick to report the issues.
My appointment with the consultant isn’t until
Feb 2025 so I think I’m a while off this myself.
Lots to consider

Is problen with Insulet customer service just a recent problem @PhoebeC ?

Not reported a pod for some time but don't have any issues with pod ordering & delivery, have online account with them & get email when new order is being processed & despatched.

 

[PhoebeC]

Indeed, there are a number of perfectly valid reasons adult diabetics who are not vulnerable may want to share their glucose data in real time with loved ones/ trusted friends.

According to someone in the dedicated Omnipod 5 UK users Facebook group, even when Insulet (finally) release in the UK the Omnipod 5 apps for iPhones and Android smartphones (instead of having a separate controller), those apps won't fix the "no follower app" problem for the Omnipod 5/Freestyle Libre 2 Plus hybrid closed loop and allow Abbott's LibreLinkUp app to be used as a follower app. Reportedly this is because the Omnipod 5 smartphone apps are "closed" and won't share data with other apps on a person's mobile phone. This is ridiculous if it is correct.

As I posted on another post on here today must of us don’t mind sharing the data for a purpose, be it with others we choose, the manufacturers and researchers because we want the data to be used to make the technology, treatment, prevention and cure!
Take our data if we consent and use it to help fix us and protect others

 

[PhoebeC]

Is problen with Insulet customer service just a recent problem @PhoebeC ?

Not reported a pod for some time but don't have any issues with pod ordering & delivery, have online account with them & get email when new order is being processed & despatched.

I don’t have an online account as the hospital are invoiced, the new orders are sent out when I open my last box of ten. To report faults I have to phone up and it’s the Indian call centre which I really struggle with.
It’s all scripted and both me and them struggle to understand each other. I have spent hours on hold, been cut off often, never phoned back and over an hour (on more than one occasion) reporting faults.
When I got knocked over and my pdm broke they kept asking me for a police reference, but it wasn’t a crime it was an accident and that was so tricky to communicate with them.

 

[Mumpie_olgran]

Has anyone had any positive connection experiences with Omnipod 5 and freestyle libre +?

Just wondering in case there are some good experiences out there to counterbalance and because I need to weigh up whether I can tolerate the switch from dexcom g6!

 

[Mumpie_olgran]

And sorry one more

Any issues with o5 when in Greece or Switzerland?

 

[nonethewiser]

I don’t have an online account as the hospital are invoiced, the new orders are sent out when I open my last box of ten. To report faults I have to phone up and it’s the Indian call centre which I really struggle with.
It’s all scripted and both me and them struggle to understand each other. I have spent hours on hold, been cut off often, never phoned back and over an hour (on more than one occasion) reporting faults.
When I got knocked over and my pdm broke they kept asking me for a police reference, but it wasn’t a crime it was an accident and that was so tricky to communicate with them.

Oh dear that's not good then, sounds like you've had some dreadful experiences with customer service.

Wonder if they've outsourced contract or something, last time spoke with someone they sounded like they were Portuguese but spoke decent English enough to communicate.

 

[PattiEvans]

Actually I find it difficult to communicate with Insulet customer service. They mostly aren't Indian but my guess is that they are some sort of eastern European. English is definitely without doubt not their first language. Their pronunciation is often poor and they gabble. I have to keep on saying "I'm sorry I did not understand you, please will you speak clearly and slowly". I've also been cut off twice recently.

Has anyone had any positive connection experiences with Omnipod 5 and freestyle libre +?

I'm now on my 5th pod with a Libre 2 Plus and certainly overnight things are falling into place. This morning I was 6.0 with an almost completely flat line overnight. I kept on in the 6s until lunch, I never eat breakfast but I've just had lunch and BG is running at 9ish. Just taken a correction. We'll see what happens.

I did have a "lost connection" alarm around 2am, but that was hardly surprising....my sensor is just above my elbow, the pod is on the top of my buttock. I was sleeping with my arm raised above my head. I went to the bathroom and lo and behold the sensor and pod reconnected.

 

[Richard F]

I've been using omnipod 5 & Libre 2 plus for 12 days, 2 pod failures so far.

 

[PhoebeC]

Actually I find it difficult to communicate with Insulet customer service. They mostly aren't Indian but my guess is that they are some sort of eastern European. English is definitely without doubt not their first language. Their pronunciation is often poor and they gabble. I have to keep on saying "I'm sorry I did not understand you, please will you speak clearly and slowly". I've also been cut off twice recently.

I'm now on my 5th pod with a Libre 2 Plus and certainly overnight things are falling into place. This morning I was 6.0 with an almost completely flat line overnight. I kept on in the 6s until lunch, I never eat breakfast but I've just had lunch and BG is running at 9ish. Just taken a correction. We'll see what happens.

I did have a "lost connection" alarm around 2am, but that was hardly surprising....my sensor is just above my elbow, the pod is on the top of my buttock. I was sleeping with my arm raised above my head. I went to the bathroom and lo and behold the sensor and pod reconnected.

I really struggle with it, I do with any accent and I cannot help it at all. I try my best and it easier at work (we are a global company) because we use Teams and somehow being able to see the person helps with my understanding, and I do think people talk quicker verbal only.

@PattiEvans your experience sounds positive overall so far, I am very interested although i have been told I have until my next pump review in Feb 2025. Gives me time to learn and the pump still feels very new for me, and I am adjusting with my new contraceptive free body, so I have plenty of changes going on anyway.

 

[PattiEvans]

I've been using omnipod 5 & Libre 2 plus for 12 days, 2 pod failures so far.

Some people just do not get on with the Libres and have lots of failures. I have had 1 so far (also in 12 days), but usually Libres work well for me. I have been using the various varieties (1, 2 and 2+) since they first came out. Originally self funded but eventually prescribed.

I really struggle with it, I do with any accent and I cannot help it at all. I try my best and it easier at work (we are a global company) because we use Teams and somehow being able to see the person helps with my understanding, and I do think people talk quicker verbal only.

@PattiEvans your experience sounds positive overall so far, I am very interested although i have been told I have until my next pump review in Feb 2025. Gives me time to learn and the pump still feels very new for me, and I am adjusting with my new contraceptive free body, so I have plenty of changes going on anyway.

The software/technology is very different to the Dash - I have finally got my head round it! I found the Dash very good but not as good as my old Combo pumps (I had 2 of those). I'd half decided to go back to a tubed pump until I got offered the HCL version of it as I have some issues with where to stick it on my ancient 78 year old body which is far from perfect these days!

 

[nonethewiser]

Some people just do not get on with the Libres and have lots of failures. I have had 1 so far (also in 12 days), but usually Libres work well for me. I have been using the various varieties (1, 2 and 2+) since they first came out. Originally self funded but eventually prescribed.

The software/technology is very different to the Dash - I have finally got my head round it! I found the Dash very good but not as good as my old Combo pumps (I had 2 of those). I'd half decided to go back to a tubed pump until I got offered the HCL version of it as I have some issues with where to stick it on my ancient 78 year old body which is far from perfect these days!

It's while back maybe a year maybe 2 after libre was released here in UK, had some issues with mine that a software update resolved, took a while to find this info out.

Anyway at time mentioned it to consultant that libre was way out compared to bg readings, they warned me that some people just don't fair well with device & possibly I was one, as it happened I wasn't but some people just don't get reliable readings from libre, could be same for other devices such as dexcom, not sure why that is.

 

[BadaBing]

Has anyone had any positive connection experiences with Omnipod 5 and freestyle libre +?

Just wondering in case there are some good experiences out there to counterbalance and because I need to weigh up whether I can tolerate the switch from dexcom g6!

@Mumpie_olgan

May I ask please, do you actually  want to switch from the Dexcom G6 CGM to the Libre 2 Plus to continue using the Omnipod 5 as a hybrid closed loop?

If the answer is "no," and you live in England, it is possible that you may not have to do so.

In the last 24 hours NHS England's diabetes tech czar, Professor Partha Kar, has posted an X (previously known as a tweet) and posted on his Facebook page that the negotiations with the various tech companies NHS England is using to provide the insulin pumps and CGMs for hybrid closed looping have been "concluded."

Professor Kar implies in his X/Facebook that the price of the component parts have now been brought within the "cost effective" budget envelope that local health authorities (ICSs/ICBs) are expected to comply with the NICE technical appraisal document (TA943) regarding the roll out of hybrid closed loops.

If I've understood correctly what Professor Kar has said in his X/Facebook posts in the last 24 hours that should mean that if you are already using the Omnipod 5/Dexcom G6 hybrid closed loop, your local ICS/ICB should not be making you switch because the Libre 2 Plus CGM is less expensive for your ICS/ICB to fund than the Dexcom.

If you have access to X (formerly Twitter) or Facebook you may want to have a look at Partha Kar's posts in the last 24 hours.

If I have understood Professor Kar's posts correctly and you do want to stay with the Dexcom G6 but your local health authority still insist on switching you to the Libre 2 Plus, you may want to think about asking Professor Kar to contact your ICS/ICB on your behalf (he is very good at encouraging the powers that be to do the right thing).

Hope this helps.

 

[Mumpie_olgran]

May I ask please, do you actually  want to switch from the Dexcom G6 CGM to the Libre 2 Plus to continue using the Omnipod 5 as a hybrid closed loop?

Hi

Apparently if I switch then NHS will pay for the CGM. At the moment I'm self funding the G6 as I was told it would only be a month or so before I qualified for NHS funding. As it was compatible with the O5, I thought I'd do it for a bit

But I'm really in two minds about switching to get the funded version if it keeps losing connection as that's the biggest advantage for me (the fact that I can stop thinking about diabetes for much longer stretches)

What you have said gives me heart though, I think I will persevere in getting them to find my G6 soonish hopefully

Appreciate all the insights

 

[BadaBing]

Hi

Apparently if I switch then NHS will pay for the CGM. At the moment I'm self funding the G6 as I was told it would only be a month or so before I qualified for NHS funding. As it was compatible with the O5, I thought I'd do it for a bit

That is why I replied to you.

The funding situation in England for hybrid closed loops has changed this week (I think).

If I've understood Professor Kar's posts properly, (and assuming you are based in England) I think your health authority must allow you to continue to use the Dexcom G6 with the Omnipod 5 as a hybrid closed loop (IF the Dexcom G6 works for you and you want to continue using it with the Omnipod 5) and they must fund the Dexcom CGM.

That is why I urge you to contact Professor Kar and involve him IF you need to do so.

On the dedicated Omnipod 5 UK users Facebook group there is growing anecdotal evidence from contributors to that group of Bluetooth connection issues between the Omnipod 5 insulin pump and the Libre 2 Plus CGM. The prevailing theory in the Facebook group as to why connection keeps being lost between the pump and Libre 2 Plus sensor is that the Bluetooth chip used in the Libre 2 Plus isn't as good as the Bluetooth chip used in the Dexcom G6.

Quite apart from the fact that Bluetooth signal can be affected by all manner of things (Bluetooth interference from other devices, structures, such as walls, and even one's own body mass).

The Libre 2 Plus is a 15 day wear CGM. The Libre 2 Plus is only authorised officially to be worn on the underside of the tricep. Abbott reserve the right to refuse to replace any Libre sensor that isn't worn on that specific body part if the Libre CGM fails.

Up to 5 Omnopod pod changes must take place over the life of the Libre 2 Plus CGM. The pod changes must be done every 3 days to minimise the risk of infection at the site where the previous pod was worn.

The Omnipod pods can be worn on the arms, the abdomen, just above the upper part of the buttocks, or the thighs. However the pods must be in line of sight with the Libre 2 Plus CGM for Bluetooth connection to be maintained.

A number of users in the Facebook Omnipod 5 UK users group have reported no connection issues.

However, a significant number report losing connection between the Omnipod 5 and the Libre 2 Plus CGM, in a significant number of cases for in excess of an hour; in other cases between several minutes and one hour.

Some users in the Facebook group say the connection between the Omnipod 5 and Libre 2 Plus works best for them only when the pump and Libre 2 Plus CGM are close to each other. As in centimetres close.

A significant number of people simply won't have the level of room on their arms to place all 5 pod changes on the same arm where the Libre 2 Plus is placed over the 15 day wear time of the CGM without increasing the risk of site infection (unless they have arms the size of Arnold Schwarzenegger during his bodybuilding heyday).

 

[Mumpie_olgran]

That is why I replied to you.

The funding situation in England for hybrid closed loops has changed this week (I think).

If I've understood Professor Kar's posts properly, (and assuming you are based in England) I think your health authority must allow you to continue to use the Dexcom G6 with the Omnipod 5 as a hybrid closed loop (IF the Dexcom G6 works for you and you want to continue using it with the Omnipod 5) and they must fund the Dexcom CGM.

That is why I urge you to contact Professor Kar and involve him IF you need to do so.

You're a star. Thank you

I will

 

[PhoebeC]

The chart Dr Partha Kar shared yesterday with his post is this, chart last updated in May 2024

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/636e507501d1fa72da31dd2d/t/665e08a67c13eb75316a62ff/1717438630454/HCL+V4+310524.pdf

I think in my case as my hb1ac is under the requirements, my hospital team offered to upgrade my pump to the omnipod 5 as the libre plus 2 is covered under the GP surgery so it will not increase anyone's costs. But as I don't meet the requirements I won't have the choice. Which is fine, and I understand, but I have heard mixed things about the libre 2 plus

 

[BadaBing]

.....Which is fine, and I understand, but I have heard mixed things about the libre 2 plus

Abbott/Insulet should have integrated the upcoming Freestyle Libre 3 Plus CGM. The Libre 3 Plus is supposed to have stronger Bluetooth.

The integration with Libre 2 Plus was rushed out and seems to have been poorly executed.

That there is currently no follower app with Omnipod 5/Libre 2 Plus HCL is unforgivable. The UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency which licences these HCL products for use will have been aware that - up until Professor Kar's hopeful posts on 7 May 2024 - local health authorities have been reluctant to fund Dexcom CGMs because they are expensive. And using a Dexcom G6 with Omnipod 5 is currently the only way to have a follower capability with the Omnipod 5 pump.

 

[christopher.lord]

Are the new Omnipod’s essentially the same with a different software? The cannula material has pretty much ended the hope of a nice little closed loop number for us. We’ll, unless they are offering a different material!

Apparently there is a metal version. Which I need to follow up on as I am allergic to the ceramic ones

 

[christopher.lord]

I am glad you have put this because today I gave up with the closed loop with the 5 and libre. I have been wearing a plus and a 2. One connected to the 5 one to an iPhone with Shuggah. One has not lost connection is reliable alarms when having a hypo the other is the omnipod. My conclusion is this. In the US your meant to use your iPhone and an app. The eu decided that was no good so we need to have a pdm. The pdm for the Europe market is the cheapest bit of kit that never made it as a smart phone. The way they calculate BG never matched libre 2 and libre app. Constantly losing connection. I do want to try it with a Dexcom 6 so that is a question for the nurse and the money pinchers. Also Glooko is the app you have to use for your diabetic team. It is 1 hour delayed so not useful for any treatment decisions. You can’t get your own data out of omnipod so things like night scout are out. Only benefit I can see of the 5 will be metal canular as I am allergic to the ceramic stuff.