The Omnipod DASH™ is a tubeless insulin pump from Insulet. While Omnipod has been around since 2000, this version has some new features that will make many podders excited.
What is new?
The Omnipod DASH™ has
- New pods with Bluetooth™ capability
- Bluetooth™ connectivity
- New touch screen, colour PDM
- Now uses rechargeable batteries.
- Comes with Pod site tracker
- More basal and temporary basal preset options
- 1/10 carb ratio options for boluses
New Pods
The new pods have Bluetooth™ Low Energy wireless capability built in. This allows it to communicate with the new touch screen PDM. The new pods are the same size and weight as the previous pods.
You must use all your old pods before switching to the DASH™ however because the current model pods are not compatible with the new system.
New Touchscreen PDM
The new touchscreen PDM is approximately the same size and weight as the previous PDM, but has a four-inch colour screen. The new PDM is also “locked down”, meaning that it will not allow other apps or cell phone use.
Other features of the new PDM include
- Wi-fi connectivity for remote software updates
- Improved food database from Calorie King
- The ability to manually enter blood glucose and other data as well as personalize meal entries.
- Site tracker option to keep track of where you have placed pods previously
- Stores 90 days of data
- Can be locked to prevent accidental bolusing.
New Glucometer
Instead of the built in Freestyle meter, the Omnipod DASH™ system comes with a Contour Next One stand-alone blood glucose meter. You are also free to use any glucometer or CGM of your choice.
New Batteries
Another change in the DASH™ is the batteries. This system requires the use of lithium ion rechargeable batteries.
What else is coming
The Omnipod DASH™ will also have Apple and Andriod apps. The Display app will allow users to monitor their system from their smart phone without taking out their PDM. This app will include a “Find my PDM” feature to help users to track down its whereabouts.
The Omnipod View app will further allow parents and caregivers to monitor their loved ones’ blood glucose levels on a continuous basis. This app will allow sharing for up to 12 people.
Does it work with a CGM?
The Omnipod DASH™ does not work with a continuous glucose monitor. The newer Omnipod 5 does does offer this feature. Omnipod 5 is now available to all markets in the US, but has not received Health Canada approval.
You can read what is new in the Omnipod 5 here
Can you remote bolus with the Omnipod DASH™?
Remote bolusing is not an option on the DASH™ system but can be used with specific cellphones and the Omnipod5.
What age is the Omnipod DASH™ approved for use in?
In both the US and Canada, the new DASH system is approved for use in all age groups.
What are the features of the Omnipod DASH™?
The Omnipod DASH™ as many of the same features as the previous model Omnipod as well as a few new ones.
- Pods contain 200 units or up to 3 days of insulin.
- It is lightweight.
- Tubeless.
- Has a waterproof rating of waterproof IP28 rating for up to 7.6 metres for 60 minutes. The PDM is not waterproof.
- Automatic, push button, 90 degree cannula insertion.
- Integrated Bolus Calculator, Presets & CalorieKing® food lists.
- iOS compatibility with 2 mobile apps that will allow others to remotely access and monitor insulin data.
- Omnipod DISPLAY™ widget allows access to combined view of Omnipod DASH® System5 and a CGM status.
- Ability to set a zero basal rate.
- The Omnipod DISPLAY™ mobile app shares insulin data information remotely on iOS smartphones.
- The Omnipod VIEW™ mobile app enables nurses and caregivers to monitor up to 12 Omnipod users from an iOS smartphone.
- Comes with a CONTOUR NEXT ONE blood glucose meter instead of Freestyle integrated system.
- iOS Today app allows users to view Omnipod data alongside Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) data.
- 0.1g carb/unit insulin to carb ratio for tighter control.
- In the US, when connected to Wi-Fi, the PDM will automatically upload data to a user’s corresponding Glooko® account that will be displayed every 24 hours at midnight. Cable upload also available. This system will continue to work with DiaSend in Canada.
Contact your Omnipod rep to discuss a trial run on this system and learn what purchase options are in place in your area.
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Oh I so wish it held more insulin. I could get by with 250, but I would be scared to death to use it with 200U.
I understand. I just asked a rep if they are looking at increasing the size but sadly they have other priorities first. She states that podders do tend to use a bit less insulin than those using a traditional pump which makes sense as there is nothing left in the tubing. Overall, it does look like a great pump for those who are okay with less insulin or more site changes.
Look at your diet – if you are eating so much high carb food that you need 250u in 3 days – I would be concerned about possible complications as a result of the high carb diet and massive insulin. I weight nearly 200lbs and still have 50u left in pod after 3 days…On a lower carb diet. I have had type 1 for 33 years.
Thanks for the tip. As always remember that “Your Diabetes May Vary”. In some cases, people have higher insulin to carb ratios and just need more insulin. Congratulations on 33 years of thriving with diabetes!!
While it is not “authorized”, you and your doctor can agree to switch to U200 Humalog. You will have to mentally remember this and adjust all your ratios. I have done so for the past couple years. It helped management immensely since changing infusion sites causes erratic excursions for me (and probably a lot of others).
I used 200 for awhile with my doctor’s suggestion and it worked fine. They changed settings to accommodate for the difference. Once I started using ozempic and reducing my carbs and eating better I was able to revert to 100 insulin.
Need more insulin or change every 2 days!
That seems to be the one big complaint 🙁
does it come with its on CGM ? my son has a dexcom ? would he still need this or does this unit do that reading as well ?
Right now he would require two devices. The plan is to eventually have the Omnipod work with the Dexcom but it is not there quite yet.
My son (24) has used Omnipods for years with Freestyle Libre 14 day sensor (much better than Dexcom). Very happy with it in general, but one or two pods per month seem to either quit working or come loose before 3 days and he has to resort to syringe injections to make up the difference because insurance only pays for 10 pods per month. Is this common?
I can’t say if it is common or not but make sure to report every failed pod to Insulet. It is important for quality control for them and they should be replacing the pods for you. Contact your rep or the customer care line next time it happens for help.
Hi I am interested to hear what you find better about the Freestyle Libre over the Decom, I have used both and I personally find the constant monitoring without having to scan feature of the Dexcom much better especially at night where the automatic high and low alarms alert me to any problems. But I am always interested to learn how other people use these modern marvelous devices.
Hi Russell. These two systems definitely seem to have their pros and cons! I did some investigating and this is what we found https://www.diabetesadvocacy.com/dexcomg6-or-libre2/ Like you mentioned, scanning can be a hassle for many and sensors not working on both systems can be a challenge. Dexcom seems to win out for accuracy and Libre for cost. Personally, choice is always the most important thing!
Has anyone used a pod in a hot tub?
It is not advisable. The pods are not heat resistant and the insulin will spoil in the heat of the hot tub.
I have used my pod in the hot tub, when it is on my arm.
My son was so excited when the our insurance approved the dash system. Then we found out that they would cover the device but not the pods
Any advice ?
I asked around and was told by another user that the issue is with Omnipod. This person said that after talking to OminPod she was told that they are only allowing the Dash and their new closed loop system to be covered by Pharmacy benefits. I would suggest taking it up with your rep and seeing if they have someone who can work on your behalf.