I Tried Smart Insulin Pen: Simplera Smart MDI Review (ft. InPen)

I tested the Simplera smart MDI system from Medtronic. It includes the InPen smart insulin pen to dose multiple daily injections using, the Simplera CGM to monitor glucose, and the InPen app as a primary diabetes therapy display.

Disclaimer & Disclosure: I am not allowed to give any medical advice, any opinions expressed by me are honest and reflect my actual experience using the Smart MDI system with InPen™ and the Simplera™ sensor and I am receiving monetary compensation/the product for free as a trial to participate in this campaign.

Compatibility lists:

I regularly release videos covering diabetes topics. Let me know if you have any questions or topics you would like me to cover. I really appreciate your input!

#typeonetalks

[cameron]

Good to see you. My son still has his sugar pixel on his desk and we literally use it all day long. You're videos are packed with great information. Thank you so much for all your hard work on making these videos.

[onyx]

I have been using the Inpen for about 2 years and love it

[julilla]

I've been using the Smartpen for about three years now and I love it. I think it's a perfect choice for people who don't want to use a pump. I especially like the insulin on board feature, it's so helpful.

[MaralinaDG]

Wow - I'm speechless. Been hard core MDI for my 50 years as a T1D. Resistant to a CGM with concerns being accurate and having something attached like that (I know - personal concern). HOWEVER, this would be perfect for those like myself. The only "issue" is based on the compatibility list, it supports the Lifescan One Touch Verio Flex on Apple only and I'm an Android user :: sigh :: BUT - this could be a game changer! THANK YOU SO MUCH for testing this and sharing your experience! REALLY WELL DONE!

[jeca_dolphins]

I’ve been using the smart insulin pen and I wouldn’t change it for anything, not even a pump. A1C is 5.3, can’t complain 😊

[TheVaryox]

This "Insulin on board" feature sounds really intriguing. Not only for corrections, but also for activity. It makes a difference if I still have 3 units of active insulin or just 1 when I start some unplanned physical stuff. Especially since I never remember the precise time I took the shot.

[matijajurajic]

As T1 diabetic for last 2 years, I still using Rapid pen and Tresiba pen insulin.

Cheers from Ireland🇮🇪

[bhaktichpressi]

T1D 56 years, T slim for 10 years and lost ability to absorb. Switchd to In Pen. Loved it . Switched to Omnipod 5 as I was offered a free trial. Learning curve was horrible. Liked the pump for 2 years and it started driving me insane with issues of absorption, scar tissue, etc. Back on In Pwn and love it! I know I am getting insulin and able to address highs quickly. Tom, you rock the T1 scene!

[bluesky]

No need for a pump with the InPen ..way better control and more precise.

[robertmontgomery]

I'm T1, 50+ years since diagnosis, relatively healthy. MDI+CGI and I'm
very interested in moving to the smart insulin pen.

[borogatovics]

I just got one for testing it’s really nice I like it . I remember that you had a video about it a year ago or something like that . I first saw it there thank you

[jacquelynnation]

Thanks for sharing your tips. I prefer the INPEN for the reasons you share, and the ability to dose 0.5 increments like for snacks. My pump leads to more drastic swings in my glucose, & I prefer shots to pump attachment. I'm grateful for all of the options though.

[ptrix]

This looks like an amazing system! I do have a few questions to ask - If I use a FreeStyle Libre and have a traditional insulin pen, could the InPen app's insulin calculator feature still be useful if current blood glucose and time/dose of insulin is inputted manually? And also, I'm in North America and the InPen app isn't available for download in my region anyway, BUT are there any other similar insulin calculator apps that you would recommend that include a feature for tracking active insulin on board? That would be a literal life changer! Thanks for uploading such a great video :D

[karri]

Great video. Thanks! Can you tell us how many needles a day you are taking to keep you glucose levels in target range?

[HunterChristianDarkman]

I was trying to micromanage my (type 2 diabetic) blood sugar with constant monitor readings, and was considering the SugarPixel, which you reviewed previously, as it would update in almost real time. However, the first issue was that my CGM was actually a Libre 2 FGM (Flash Glucose Monitor). Then I found that, in Canada, they are now performing almost identically to a CBM, despite the labeling, so I looked into it again. However, just as I was deciding whether or not to make the purchase, I realized that the reason I was using so much insulin was because I was caught up in the issues mentioned in feature 2 - Insulin wasn't working fast enough, so I'd keep on injecting, maybe several times, and then crash! Now I keep in mind the timing - insulin 15-20 minutes before a meal, and then if it does go high, not to interfere until at least 4 hours later. This works well for my 2 meals for each eating day, with occasional snacks. On my fasting days, it's never an issue. The difficult part is standardizing my meals, to make calculating how much insulin to take easier. While the Smart Pen may do a lot of calculations for you, you still have to figure out what to tell it so it can do so (for some things). Too much discipline for me! Nevertheless, I find the Smart Pen interesting, and may investigate it further in the future. However, I have to contend with things like Abbott's Compassionate Program, versus qualifying for government programs for low income, etc. For now, the SugarPixel is definitely not required, and the Smart Pen remains a curiosity, for now. (I only started fixing my overdosing 2 weeks ago, but I've already cut my daily dose about 60%, and started losing significant weight. I still have adjustments to my diet to make, as well as to my fasting, normally 3 periods of 36 hours, 3x/week.)

[nancyautumn]

I had issues with my 670g Medtronic pump, and started in the In Pen, but not the smart one as I’m still using Dexcom G7. I like being free from the tubing and all the occlusions and other issues with the pump. I need to get the Smart pen and Simplera now for the phone data.

[KoldGeneration]

Not available in Quebec :') I'm so done being so late in diabetes tech

[offside]

I use insulin pen, Novorapid - before meals, and Tresiba before sleep. My A1C is 6.4 😊

[mgronebe]

I have been using Insulin Pens for 25 years and Dexcom CGM for a few years. I like the freedom, but now I am seriously thinking about switching to a pump. However, this video makes me uncertain whether such a SMART PEN might be better. What are you using now? You also made videos where you clearly favored insulin pumps.

[FitVIISmartWatch]

Dear sir, would you consider cooperating with fitvii's new GT5 PRO MAX blood glucose watch?