Automated Insulin Delivery Systems 2025: Prices, Innovations & What You Must Know

If you follow diabetes technology updates, terms like "Artificial Pancreas," "closed loop system," or "bionic pancreas" have become common in recent years. For those living with diabetes, friends and family might even ask if you’re using one of these groundbreaking devices yet.

Known officially as Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) systems, this cutting-edge technology is revolutionizing insulin-dependent diabetes care by automating blood sugar management.

As of 2024, the FDA has approved four major commercial AID systems:

• Medtronic MiniMed 670G (2016)
• Tandem Diabetes Care’s Control-IQ (2020)
• Medtronic MiniMed 770G (2020)
• Insulet Corp’s Omnipod 5 (January 2022)

Additional innovative models are in development, promising even more personalized and effective diabetes management soon.

Parallel to commercial efforts, a vibrant global DIY community has crafted open-source AID solutions widely adopted by tech-savvy users seeking faster access to automated glucose control.

Understanding Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) Systems

Contrary to the idea of a single plug-and-play device, AID systems are complex integrations of multiple components designed to mimic a healthy pancreas. Years of research have connected insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) using advanced algorithms to automatically regulate insulin delivery.

Typically, an AID system pairs an insulin pump with a CGM sensor. The CGM continuously measures blood glucose levels, while the pump administers insulin through a small cannula. A controller—either a dedicated handheld device or a smartphone app—runs sophisticated software algorithms that adjust insulin dosing in real-time.

The goal is to reduce manual fingerstick testing and insulin calculations by automating blood sugar management. Some systems can suspend insulin delivery during low glucose episodes, and experimental models are exploring adding glucagon delivery to prevent hypoglycemia.

Current AID system components include:

• Insulin pump delivering insulin continuously via a subcutaneous infusion site.
• Continuous glucose monitor (CGM) sensor worn on the skin, providing real-time glucose readings.
• Controller device or mobile app displaying glucose data and managing insulin dosing.
• Algorithm software acting as the system’s “brain,” predicting glucose trends and adjusting insulin accordingly.

Key Terminology in AID Technology

Algorithms: Mathematical instructions that analyze glucose data to manage insulin dosing automatically.

Closed Loop: A system where insulin delivery is automatically regulated based on CGM feedback, effectively “closing the loop” on glucose control.

Dual Hormone: A system delivering both insulin and glucagon to manage blood sugar highs and lows, currently in development phases.

User Interface (UI): The design elements of the device or app that users interact with, crucial for usability and patient adherence.

Low-Glucose Suspend (LGS): A safety feature that halts insulin delivery when glucose falls below a set threshold to prevent hypoglycemia.

Leading Developers of AID Systems

Medtronic Diabetes

As a market leader, Medtronic manufactures both insulin pumps and CGMs. Their MiniMed 670G system, approved in 2016, was the first hybrid closed loop device to automatically adjust basal insulin. The 770G model, FDA-approved for children as young as 2, offers Bluetooth connectivity and enhanced features. Medtronic is advancing development of the 780G system with fully automated insulin delivery and personalized targets.

Tandem Diabetes Care

Tandem’s t:slim X2 pump with Control-IQ technology launched in 2020, offering automated basal insulin adjustments plus automatic correction and meal boluses. Compatible with Dexcom CGM, it delivers a user-friendly experience praised by many users.

Insulet Corp’s Omnipod 5

Omnipod 5, the first tubeless closed loop system, integrates with Dexcom CGM and received FDA approval in early 2022. Its wireless design offers freedom from tubing and promises widespread availability in the coming months.

Cost Overview of Closed Loop Systems

The Medtronic MiniMed 670G system retails between $7,000 and $8,000, but insurance typically reduces upfront costs to around $1,000. Ongoing expenses include CGM transmitters (~$699/year) and sensors ($50-$75 each). Medtronic provides financial assistance options.

Tandem’s Control-IQ upgrade is free for eligible in-warranty t:slim X2 users, with the pump priced around $4,000 outside of this offer. Insurance often covers approximately 80% of the cost. Dexcom G6 CGM supplies are sold separately.

Pricing for Omnipod 5 has not been officially announced but is expected to align with Omnipod DASH pricing, where a box of five pods ranges from $270 to $369 retail, with potential savings purchasing through pharmacies.

Note: All systems require separate purchase of CGM supplies, which adds to the overall cost.

Safety and Effectiveness of AID Systems

Research consistently supports the safety and efficacy of FDA-approved AID devices. However, users must remain vigilant as blood sugar variability can still occur. Non-FDA regulated DIY systems carry additional risks due to ongoing algorithm development. User testimonials across social media and diabetes communities highlight positive health outcomes with these technologies.

Emerging AID Innovations and Companies

Bigfoot Biomedical

Originating from the DIY movement, Bigfoot Biomedical combines advanced algorithms with Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre CGM and offers both smartpen and pump solutions. Their Bigfoot Unity pen system received FDA clearance in 2021.

Beta Bionics

Developed from Boston University research, Beta Bionics is advancing the iLet system, a dual hormone device delivering insulin and glucagon via prefilled cartridges. Insulin-only versions may arrive in 2023, with full dual hormone models expected by 2024.

Diabeloop

A French consortium developing hybrid patch-tubed pumps integrated with CGMs, focusing on European markets.

DreaMed Diabetes

An Israeli startup commercializing Glucositter algorithm technology, licensed by Medtronic for future closed loop systems.

EoFlow

South Korean company developing the EoPancreas system, integrating patch pumps with CGM sensors, currently under FDA breakthrough designation.

Lilly Diabetes

Pharmaceutical giant Lilly is developing connected insulin pens and plans to introduce new AID technologies in the coming years.

Tidepool Loop

Nonprofit initiative creating an FDA-regulated version of the popular DIY Loop app, aiming for commercial availability paired with Omnipod pumps.

DIY Automated Insulin Delivery Systems

The #WeAreNotWaiting movement has fostered open-source AID technologies like OpenAPS, AndroidAPS, and Loop, empowering users to customize their diabetes management. Devices like RileyLink enable communication between pumps and CGMs, bridging gaps in commercial offerings. Comprehensive resources such as LoopDocs support users adopting these systems.

Regulatory and Advocacy Efforts

Organizations like the FDA and JDRF have championed AID development for over a decade, facilitating clinical trials, issuing guidance, and granting breakthrough device designations to accelerate innovation. The terminology shifted from "Artificial Pancreas" to "Automated Insulin Delivery" to better reflect the technology’s capabilities.

Clinical Trials and Future Outlook

Hundreds of clinical trials worldwide continue to evaluate new AID systems, many conducted in outpatient settings. Despite ongoing research into noninvasive glucose monitoring, current devices still require subcutaneous sensors and infusion sites. However, over 50 companies globally are actively pursuing noninvasive solutions.

Automated Insulin Delivery systems represent a transformative leap forward in diabetes care, offering improved glucose control, reduced burden, and enhanced quality of life. As technology advances and costs decrease, wider accessibility is expected in the near future.

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