After a long time and demonstrations of 3D pump models only to selected individuals, the wider public has finally had the opportunity to see and learn what’s new cooking in Medtronic’s kitchen. 😊
Let’s not forget that last year’s news that Medtronic would connect its pumps with the popular Libre sensors already made waves. This is something that could happen within the next 3 to 5 years.
It is less known that Medtronic’s attempt to acquire the tubeless insulin pump EoFlow has failed. According to unofficial but well-informed sources from Medtronic, the transaction collapsed after competitor OmniPod confronted them with evidence that the pump unlawfully used patented OmniPod technology. This unfortunate development has somewhat delayed the arrival of Medtronic’s first tubeless pump, but as you will see from this report, they are still on the right track. 😊
Medtronic’s first tubeless pump!
✅ This modular pump has a reservoir capacity of up to 300 units of insulin and lasts 7 days.
✅ It integrates an extended-use infusion set (approximately 7 days), which Medtronic introduced a few years ago.
✅ A response to the increasing demand for tubeless pumps.
Although the timeline is not yet confirmed, this model will excite all tubeless pump enthusiasts, offering greater discretion and freedom. 😊
MiniMed - 8th generation with tubing
A new generation of insulin pumps with an infusion set has been announced, which is almost half the size of the current MiniMed 780G!
✅ A key study is planned for 2025.
✅ Supports reservoirs and infusion sets for 7-day use.
✅ Control via Android and iPhone with a brand-new app and Medtronic’s SmartGuard algorithm in a more compact and intuitive design.
From the provided images, it is clear that the pump has no display—it is equipped only with a button and a light indicator.
This design allows the pump to be extremely small, unlike today’s models, which are the largest on the market. Since a significant part of the device is not disposable (unlike tubeless pumps), usage costs may be significantly lower. Additionally, the absence of a screen further reduces costs, dimensions, and energy consumption, resulting in longer battery life.
Why is this important?
Of course, both pumps will be connected to continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensors. These modern systems, which automatically adjust insulin delivery, are the key reason for the huge rise in insulin pump popularity!
Competition in the tubeless pump market is strong. Currently available options include Medtrum Nano, which automatically adjusts insulin for high and low glucose levels, as well as OmniPod Dash and Wellion, which do not yet have this capability.
Medtronic has also developed its new Simplera sensor, which is extremely practical and lasts 7 days. You can read more about it in our previous article. Simplera is already available in Serbia as a standalone product, while Slovenia has a version that connects to the Medtronic 780G insulin pump (Simplera Sync). Croatia remains on hold for now…
Conclusion
Back in Napoleon’s time, when I was diagnosed with diabetes, blood glucose meters were slow and inaccurate, we mixed cloudy and clear insulin in syringes, and in the hospital, we fought over the smallest needles, which were not always available. Today, we all have sensors and smart insulin pumps that automatically adjust insulin, with more to come.
📷 Sources: JP Morgan 43rd Annual Global Healthcare Conference & DiabetoTech LinkedIn Profile.
