This information is to help you consider which insulin pump would be best for you. It is for people new to pumps and for those who are due a pump upgrade. The information is true as of date of publication (July 2024).
Choosing an insulin pump is a big decision
Take your time choosing your pump and fully research what is on offer. You will be offered the chance to come and see the pumps at a pump demo session which we strongly encourage you to attend, especially if this is your first pump. This will give you the opportunity to speak to the company representatives and the pump team who can answer your questions.
We often get asked “what pump do you think I should have?” Nobody else can make that decision for you. All the pumps have their own unique characteristics, and everyone chooses their pump for very different reasons. You are the only person who will be wearing the pump so it’s important that you make that final decision.
Pump choice
We offer a wide range of pumps. If you are unable to attend a pump demo session, it is worth spending the time contacting the pump companies you are interested in for specific questions you might have.
Please take the time to consider what is important to you so that you make the right choice. Once you receive your new insulin pump, you will not be able to change your mind. After a period of four years, should you continue to meet the upgrade requirements, you will be able to choose a new pump.
Insulin pumps we currently offer
* There may be additional criteria for who can be offered an Omnipod, please speak with your diabetes educator for more information if you are interested in an Omnipod.
Considerations when choosing an insulin pump
- Insulin reservoir/cartridge size
- Work out your current total daily dose. Will the insulin cartridge/reservoir hold enough insulin for 3 days? Or you may need to change the cartridge more frequently which may not be convenient.
- For example, pre-filled 1.6ml Novorapid carts are only used in the Ypsopump. Omnipods take 200 units which have to last three days. If you require more than 60 units of insulin per day, you will not be suitable for the Omnipod.
- Cannula choice
- If you are new to pumps, cannulas come in different lengths e.g. 6mm or 9mm, angles e.g. variable/30 or 90 degree and materials such as steel or Teflon.
- If you are already on a pump; are you currently using steel or angled cannulas? Does the new pump offer the same choice?
- Insulin
- If you use Fiasp or Lyumjev insulin, make sure it is suitable for use in the new pump. If it is not, you may need to switch the type of insulin you use.
- You may wish to use pumpcarts (prefilled insulin reservoirs) – if this is the case, only the Ypsopump is compatible. Pumpcarts are currently only available in Novorapid.
- Method of charging.
- The only pumps that use batteries are: Medtronic 780G (AA) and the Ypsopump (AAA)
- The Tandem T:Slim/Omnipod handsets use rechargeable batteries.
- Mobile phone compatibility.
- Do you want to be able to control your pump via a mobile phone? As of 2023, there is only one system where you can control the pump with a phone app (CAMAPS FX – with the YpsoPump)
- Always double check your smartphone is compatible with the insulin pump.
- Other considerations:
- Screen size
- Touch screen vs physical buttons
- Hybrid closed loop (HCL)/automated insulin delivery (AID) compatibility
- Sensor compatibility: at the time of writing, only Dexcom G6, Medtronic Guardian 4 and Libre 3 connect to insulin pumps.
Insulin pump specifications
Below is the list of insulin pumps available in alphabetical order:
Please note, if you wish to choose the Omnipod (DASH or 5): additional criteria needs to be met. Please discuss with your educator if you are eligible.
Hybrid Closed Loop / Automated Insulin Delivery pumps
Hybrid closed loop pumps can deliver variable (automated) basal insulin by using an algorithm and real-time CGM sensor glucose trends. Some systems are also able to give automatic corrections.
Below is information regarding hybrid closed loop insulin pumps. This is only an option for those who have specific glucose sensors. No pumps can communicate with the Libre 2 or the Dexcom One. See above** for compatible CGM devices for the pumps.
Hybrid Closed Loop / Automated Insulin Delivery Pump Specifications
Useful links: Demo pump apps and simulators
Medtronic 780g
Tandem T-Slim
MyLife YpsoPump – if using the pump non-HCL
CAMAPS FX
- Android only via the Amazon app store (opens in a new tab)
- App (opens in a new tab)
Within the app, ensure you connect the CAMAPS FX app with the “Virtual” pump and CGM.
Omnipod DASH (Non-HCL)
Omnipod 5 (HCL)
The Wolfson Diabetes and Endocrine Clinic contacts
Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm
Diabetes specialist nurse
01223 348790
Diabetes specialist dietitian
01223 348769
Pump administrator
01223 349471
Privacy and dignity
Same sex bays and bathrooms are offered in all wards except critical care and theatre recovery areas where the use of high-tech equipment and/or specialist one to one care is required.
We are smoke-free
Smoking is not allowed anywhere on the hospital campus. For advice and support in quitting, contact your GP or the free NHS stop smoking helpline on 0800 169 0 169.
Other formats
Help accessing this information in other formats is available. To find out more about the services we provide, please visit our patient information help page (see link below) or telephone 01223 256998. www.cuh.nhs.uk/contact-us/accessible-information/
Contact us
Cambridge University Hospitals
NHS Foundation Trust
Hills Road, Cambridge
CB2 0QQ
Telephone +44 (0)1223 245151
https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/contact-us/contact-enquiries/