InPen (Insulin Smartpen) Review
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- čas přidán 28. 07. 2024
- In this video, I’ll talk you through why I've been using my InPen for the last two years, including why I think it can be a great tool for managing your diabetes if you use Multiple Daily Injections (MDI) like myself but also what some of the drawbacks are.
I’ll also show you how easy it is to pair your new InPen to your phone so that you can get started (if that’s all you need skip to 19:57 or click the timestamp below).
If you don't have an InPen you can still download and use the InPen app HOWEVER you will not have access to all of the functionalities, including the bolus calculator
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00:00 What’s great about the InPen
2:49 Durable pen size comparison
3:22 Rapid-acting insulin that works with InPen & What about Long-acting insulin
5:56 Considerations before you order your InPen
6:17 US InPen prices, with and without insurance (NOTE: A few have reached out and told me that the list price is $850 🤯 worth considering if you pay out-of-pocket and Medicare apparently also makes reimbursement difficult, but not impossible)
6:48 InPen Battery Life & Warranty
7:07 InPen dosing increments
7:40 App reminders
8:20 Monitors insulin temperature
9:10 Benefit of automatic dose recording
10:37 The InPen app - Bolus calculator, IOB & Logbooks
16:04 Pros and Cons of InPen
19:05 How to set up your new InPen
19:57 How to pair the InPen with the InPen app
21:38 How to load an InPen with insulin
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DISCLAIMER: I’m not a medical professional, never stop your current treatment without consulting with your doctor
Love u thank u for all the information u share
Certainly would love to see around the village. Lots of work ahead for you but that's nothing new really. Can't wait to see the progess in the garden as well.
I diluted my Humalog U-100 with sterile distilled water so that I could inject it in increments of 0.1 units Humalog instead of in half-unit increments. I still use a syringe for it, for treating a high postprandial blood sugar. Less likely to cause hypoglycemia later. Thanks for showing me the paperless method.
Thanks so much. Great video and clear explanation. We r still waiting for release on this in Australia and it’s aug 2022 :( far out!
Thank you and fingers crossed! I hope the InPen becomes available more widely so more people can benefit from it. I still find it to be brilliant
Thank you. Great video.
Thanks
My elderly mother used to use the quick acting insulin multiple times a day but the diabetes dr. put her onto Rizadeg, 12 hour long acting pen and only injects twice a day. I don't even like getting the flu jab and that's only once a year. Don't know how she does it, injecting urself multiple times a day PLUS the finger pricks as well. All the people with diabetes, you have my respect.
As a T1D - it ain’t fun! Sometimes the pricks don’t hurt & sometimes they hurt like the dickens!
@@danbev8542 you have my FULL respect! I've seen little black spots on mums fingers from years of finger pricks. Breaks my heart when I see kids with diabetes and they on the insulin injections. Now mum doesn't do finger pricks anymore since she's has the Libre 2 sensor. I was thinking of switching to the Dexcom one, it has features that the Libre2 doesn't.
Very helpful. ❤
I'm so glad!
I hope I am able to get the inpen. I use the novo pen echo and I want the pump features without the pump.
I have to say I’m really happy seeing your video. I was an Australian nurse that moved to US and found out I had diabetes after going into a coma over here, so I can assure you, even as a nurse, I’m terrified that I’m now diabetic. My endocrinologist recommended a insulin pump and CGM, but I’m not 100% positive on having an insulin pump on me all the time, I’m only 40. So the Inpen was recommended, can I use it with a dexcom CGM? I’m worried about having a low while sleeping or not noticing, I’m told the Dexcom is best for alerting, so I’m wondering if Inpen and Dexcom G6 are compatible
Thank you, I'm so glad this is helpful to you.
InPen does integrate with Dexcom, however, it's not real-time. So you'll still have to check your Dexcom and type in the reading to get dosing recommendations. Dexcom will work just as effectively with this system, and I like that I can see a direct overlay of how different doses impacts blood sugars in the reporting function
I was diagnosed 7 months ago at 40 as well. Happy to connect if you’d like! Currently on Dexcom and just started on InPen.
@@sharewithnicole well I’m on a Tandem Pump and Dexcom now with InPen as a backup, I like the pump, it is definitely making a large improvement in my life, I do find that it is annoying being on a pump because it does limit actions. My mobility improved after coma and I am nearly back to normal, I still struggle with changes, I sometimes find I tend to be ‘cloudy’ and have difficulty concentrating. But my sugars are fine and maintained very well.
Nice job
Thank you
UPDATE: If you don't have an InPen you can still download and use the InPen app HOWEVER you will not have access to all of the functionalities, including the bolus calculator
Great video and thx for sharing. I also wear a Dexcom G6 so my question is how do you pair your Dexcom to the InPen app? Also, once paired with a Dexcom G6 does the app show your trends real time like my Dexcom receiver or is there a delay? Seems like that functionality is more for reports over time rather than to see your real time glucose readings, correct? Thx again.
You're welcome. I don't have a tutorial on how to link the two but you should be able to find that on the InPen website. You're right, it's for retrospective analysis primarily as there is a 2-hour time lag in seeing the Dexcom data since it pulls it in through the Health app
Interesting video on smart pens, Thanks! Still I find the problem with many of the new diabetic devices is they presuppose a level of predictability/repeatability that is hard to come by for many diabetics. A carb is not always a carb, for instance. There are carbs that are rapidly absorbed, and there are carbs that absorb slowly. Meals containing a lot of fat tend to absorb slowly, low fat meals absorb more rapidly. The speed at which fast acting insulin act also varies wildly depending upon the amount of background basal insulin as well as activity levels both before and after injecting. Even vigorous exercise the day before can have a pronounced effect upon the speed and duration of your fast acting insulin. So, in my own case at least, many algorithms not only don't return reliable results they really throw things out of control! With 50 years of diabetic experience under my belt my own brain does pretty well in managing my Type 1 diabetes although it too screws up more than I would like. Nonetheless I'd give my own brain greater odds of hitting the bullseye than any of the medical devices I've tried.
Yeah, you definitely still have to think. I'm not sure there will ever be a diabetes management tool that completely takes us thinking out of the equation. But I do find that tools such as CGM and smartpens can help
Diabetes Strong I have only been using CGM for about six months but I totally agree that it a very useful tool! I have suffered endlessly from low blood sugar for nearly fifty years and probably averaged around 300 bGs below 70 a year for all that time. Since adding a Libre 2 CGM monitor to my tool set I have averaged only about 2-3 bGs below 70 md/dl an month and go for weeks at a time low bG free!
@@boatman222345 awesome! That's a solid success story. Congrats
Congratulations boatman222345. Could not agree more as a 53 year T1D. Add in emotional state, temp of day, general health, other health issues and associated medications, re your exercise comments agree absolutely and add in anticipated exercise in what type of weather conditions. Einstein said insanity is repeating the identical thing and expecting a different result. T1D insanity is repeating the identical thing and expecting the same result.
Well said!
This is great. What is the maximum for the cartridge? and what is the maximum dosage? THanks I use Humolog 200 pens and I am not sure if that would work.
I believe the pens currently only work with U-100 insulin :-(
Thank you for your Video on this InPen. I too use Humolog and Tresiba. I also wear a Dexcom G6 CGM. This sounds like a good option for me. I have not wanted to go to a pump. I became a TYPE 1, 4 years ago and still have difficulties with calculating my dosing. I’m going to ask my Endocrinologist about this. He has never mentioned it to me and it sounds like a good option. You mentioned the battery wears out after a year. Do you then order another Pen?
I think it's a brilliant option for us who don't want to use a pump. If your doctor doesn't know about it you can also reach out directly to companion medical (the manufacturer) and get them to start the process. You can still use the pen after the battery wears out, it just won't Bluetooth your doses to the app. But yes, once the battery dies you can order a new one
I just received my son's today. Thanks for the video. Can you refrigerate or "keep cold" the entire pen, or do you need to remove the cartridge for example at the beach? Thanks!
I put the whole pen in my Frio cooling pouch. I haven't put it in the fridge but I guess you could. I hope you and your son will love this device as much as I do
I'm loving this InPen!! I have never heard of it here in P.R or at my Endocrinologist office. I suppose I should call the company and verify if they have those vials available here, correct? We are part of the US, so l don't understand why these situations of things you have available over there and we still don't have it. It would be perfect for my son who is in college and sometimes with so many things on his brain he doesn't remember how much he took earlier. Thanks for sharing!!
I don't know if you can get it in Puerto Rico, but it should be approved there as it’s FDA-cleared. I would reach out to Companion Medical through their website
I will do that this week. Thanks!
@@gricelmuniz6304 if it's ok with you, please let me know how it goes
I am a new user to the inpen and it will be here Friday. I'm excited and nervous about getting started with it so hopefully I can get away from the prefilled pens. With all the calculations on the app does the inpen help lower A1c and help your doctor like you again? 🤣🤣
I think it's brilliant! Still using it and still super happy about the choice to switch away from pre-filled pens. Don't know if it will make you like your doctor again ;-) but I know mine loves the Inpen reports
Thanks for the in-depth review of the Inpen. I want to note that I’ve downloaded the app however the calculator functionality and insulin on board logs cannot be accessed unless an inpen has been paired to it, at least initially. I have spoken with Medtronic and it appears that I need to buy a pen to use the app for other than dose logging. I’ve used Rapidcalc for the past 12+ years in the US; however, since its acquisition by Menarini Pharmaceutical it is only available in the UK. I’m about to loose it on the next Apple IOS release. I’m really disappointed 😩. Perhaps the InPen app can fill the gap albeit not as well as RapidCalc 🤔
To my knowledge, it’s the best option in the US right now, but hopefully, you won’t lose access to RapidCalc 🤞🏽
@@DiabetesStrong Same for me. Is there a way to get the Calculator and IOB without purchasing and activating an InPen? I just switched from Medtronics CGM/Pump and miss the IOB functionality the most. Is there another App that has IOB?
@@chrisperkins3620 The app is free to download immediately, but it is only functional after being paired with the Bluetooth-enabled InPen. So it won't be super helpful. Before I had an Inpen or RapidCalc I had purchased an old Medtronic pump and just used its bolus calculator and to keep track of IOB. It's not the most sophisticated solution but if you still have your pump it might be the easiest solution
I think I'm sold. I was considering a pump, but I'm hesitant because I'm a total klutz. This seems like a way to add more tech to my diabetes without some of the downsides of a pump.
I’m such a fan of the InPen, so I still recommend it to anyone who will listen to me 🙂
I use the libre 2 to monitor highs and lows,can i use this along with that?
InPen currently only syncs with Dexcom
What is your take on lantus vs tresiba? I'm very interested in trying tresiba I'm currently on lantus.
I think you might find this video interesting. I use Levemir, not Lantus, but think a lot of the points would be valid for both products czcams.com/video/zrpkP3Ktm2E/video.html
Great video! I am currently a minimed medtronic insulin pump user. I just received my inpen and was going to use it mainly as a back up but I’ve been having a lot of scarring around my belly area due to the many years of using the pump. I was thinking about using this until my belly heals. I’m not sure if I can give up the pump yet and go back to multiple injections. Any recommendations on how I could transition myself off the pump? Unfortunately I get a horrible allergic reaction with the adhesives on the Dexcom G6 and the freestyle libre 2. Do you know if this works with the medtronic sensors?
Since Medtronic bought InPen it's integrated with the Medtronic sensor, so you can actually get the readings live in the InPen app, and not with a 2 hour delay as with Dexcom.
I would work with your endo to find a long-acting insulin, the doctor can most likely just use the basal levels from your pump to calculate your dose. Once that's done you can just transfer your pump bolus settings to the InPen app and you're ready to go. That doesn't mean your giving up the pump, just taking a pump vacation
@@DiabetesStrong haha!! My poor belly has a lot of battle wounds!! Yes, I was told that all I have to do is transfer my pump settings to my Inpen app but I’m glad to hear you say that they work seamlessly together. I’ll have my Endo put in the order for the Medtronic sensors and transmitter. I moved over to the Dexcom G6 because it was so much easier to insert but then the allergic reaction happened. I don’t recall ever having an allergic reaction with the Medtronic. Hopefully they didn’t change anything. I had to go back to finger testing. The allergic reaction was horrible!!
allergic reactions are brutal! There are some different tapes and meds you can apply under the tape to alleviate the reaction. But I guess that's only relevant if you really want to stick with Dexcom and sounds like Medtronic works well for you
Thank you for this review. Does the app show a report of how many units of insulin you used? I also have a Dexcom and don't like that it doesn't add up how much insulin I am using. My doctor always asks me how much for the purpose of my prescription.
Yes, the reporting function allows you to see your total doses, as well as bolus/basal breakdown
@@DiabetesStrong OK, that's a game changer for me. Thank you so much for this information.
@@jrunke6776, you're welcome. You can start by downloading the app and just check it out. It won't have all the functionalities until you have an actual InPen but you can get an idea of the look and feel and potential
Why does the company not make the battery replaceable? I have just a insulin pen and I have been using it for years and it is like brand new.
Agreed, that would be nice
So if the battery dies after a year can it be replaced or do you have to buy a whole new inpen?
Also would the app work with a Libre 3 or Dexcom cgm?
After a year the battery expires and you won’t have any of the smart pen functionalities, you can still dose insulin though. If you want the smart pen functionalities you’ll have to buy a new pen every year
Can the inpen app be used just to track insulin in board/active insulin if i sont have an inpen yet? I searched for RapidCalc you mentioned in the video, but couldn't find that app..
You’ll need to have an active InPen to use the IOB feature. If you’re in the US you have to use the workaround I mention in the video description to get the RapidCalc app (they took it off the US App Store after I made the video)
Well, thank you kindly for this review. Nowadays, I don't reckon on buyin' any devices 'til I've seen what you have to say about 'em. I'm right smitten with the G7 so far. Here I am, an old-timer who takes things slow, and can you believe it? I'm gettin' the hang of these newfangled gizmos, all thanks to your helpful insights. Much obliged for keepin' me up to speed! This here InPen, a smart insulin pen, it don't sync up directly to show what's happening in real-time with our Dexcom G7 glucose readings. So, I'm ponderin' here - does this lack of live glucose data feed from the Dexcom G7 to the InPen make a lick of difference in how useful this smart pen is? I mean, the pen's smart as a whip, but without them immediate sugar levels from the G7, does it lose a bit of its shine in helpin' manage them sugars?
It's only real-time with the Medtronic CGM as you point out. I think "real-time" is a nice to have, not a need to have. For analytics, it's there. And when I use the calculator I just type in the blood sugar manually.
In my opinion, the real value is in it automatically recording the doses, keeping track of IOB, doing the math for me, and the reporting. But I know for some the lack of real-time CGM input is a dealbreaker
@@DiabetesStrong Thanks a million! That ain't no deal breaker for me, no sirree! I reckon I can just punch in them sugar numbers by hand, and that sounds just dandy for me. Now, when you say "reporting," does that mean it gathers and mixes G7's Clarity numbers or InPen's own reports and analytics.
@@HeyYall398 if you connect the two you'll see the Dexcom readings in the InPen reports
@@DiabetesStrong 🙏
Hi, come across ure channel and thanks for the great video on the inpen. Unfortunately in the uk it’s still not available.
What is the app called? Can I download that and use it without the pen?
Thanks
It's such a bummer that it's only available in the U.S. for now. They got bought up by Medtronic so hopefully, they'll go international soon. The app is just called "InPen" unfortunately I don't think you can download it outside the U.S. Another option would be to check out the other app I mention, RapidCalc
@@DiabetesStrong shame. I’m sure there’s a Medtronic uk. Might drop them a line. Yes so that video I posted about the app. Just looking into it and if I will use it.
In the UK you pay to get the insulin or it is free? When I was working there my family send me there it, so idk, but in Germany is free, same in Portugal, Italy too is all free.. Just curious.. Thanks in advance.
Can you keep the needle on when you close the cap?
You can keep the inner cap (the colored one) on but not the outer cap
Can you use the InPen without a CGM or do you have to be using a CGM to get the benefits of tracking how much insulin you have.
You don't need to use a CGM. The pen will automatically track the insulin, you'll just have to manually enter your blood sugar data if you want that to be a part of the reporting
You have really nice toys🥰
LOL, indeed!
I am new to using insulin cartridge how to buy pen
I’ve just contested the InPen manufacture through their website www.companion medical.com
We used to call IOB, stacking. Also consider type of food when making decisions, AKA ( also know as ) glycemic index. Thanks for posting. Biggest benefit seems to be tracking, sometimes I forgot I gave myself a shot and then how much. usually track it manually on my Libre app.
Can you replace the battery or do you need to purchase a new one each year?
You have to get a new pen every year
Becky here - first of all …thank you for all your videos. I am going to Orlando in the Fall and will be using the Frio cooling pouches for my Tresiba pens, and storing extras in the mini fridge in the room. My question is about the inpen….how can I keep the insulin cool in the pen? Am I able to use the Frio pouch for the Inpen of will it cause damage to the pens system. I tried calling Medtronic and was told I would receive a call back. Still waiting.
I've had my Inpen in my Frio case and that hasn't been a problem. If the pen won't be in direct sunlight you might not need it though. And the cool thing about the Inpen is that it will alert you if it's getting too hot
@@DiabetesStrong thank you!
I have a new pen
It says I’m connnected to my Dexcom but there’s no graph or reading!??… is there something wrong
Congrats!
If you have Dexcom G6 you connect directly through the InPen app
If you have Dexcom G7, you do not want to connect to Dexcom through the InPen app but have to connect through the Health app.
Medtronic has a more detailed guide on its website. It took me a few tries to get connected through the (iPhone) health app
Hi! Do you know if this now available worldwide, especially in France ? I've been T1 for about as long as you but i can't see myself wearing an insulin pump all day long. I'm still on traditionnal pens, and this smartpen looks like a suitable option for me. Also, Is it compatible with all CGM? I'm using librelink. Thanks.
As far as I know, it is only in the US, but I believe it has also been approved for Canada. But not for mainland Europe 😕
@@DiabetesStrong Oh that's too Bad.. ☹️ I'll ask my doctor if there is any alternative available in Europe next time i see him.
@@asm_canucks Novo Nordisk makes a pen with some level of memory. It’s not as comprehensive as InPen, but might work for you
@@DiabetesStrong Thanks! I'm gonna check this out.
Does it have to be really close to you all the time? 🤔 How hot or cold can it get before it gives an alert?
No, you don’t have to carry around the pen all the time. As for the temperature, I’m actually not sure exactly when that alarm goes off. This is what the manual says:
“Insulin Temperature - This icon will appear
when the InPen detects a very high or very low temperature. Based on the temperature of the InPen, you may want to consider replacing your insulin cartridge. The icon will clear automatically when a new insulin cartridge is installed.”
@@DiabetesStrong thanks so much! 👍🏻😊
Thank you for the review, i started using the Inpen 3 months ago, but i am not sure why am not able to understand the active insulin and i freak out.
I used to take humalog pen and inject 1:7 and having my lantus for 28 unit. After setting up my therapy in inpen i started having a lot of lows. And i would freak out since i will take my dose and i eat my meal and in like an hour or so my glucose is at target glucose but there is active units that if i end up calculating it i would say say i will go low.
I do not understand if lets say i ate a large meal of 80 g carbs and recommended to take 13.5 unit and i do take 13.5 and in like an hour my glucose is 120 and my active is 7.0 unit whats should i do in this case?
Thank you
When I look at my diabetes information I try to look at the broader picture. Active insulin (IOB) is an important component but it doesn’t make sense in isolation. If you just ate within the last hour, depending on the meal, that food can be released into the bloodstream over hours. So active insulin might be just what I need to level out my blood sugars when that food hits my bloodstream.
I mainly look at IOB when I calculate a new insulin dose, before exercise, and if I’m having a low blood sugar.
All that being said. If you have a lot of lows after meals, you might want to discuss adjusting your settings with your doctor
Thank you so much, I will have to discuss it with doctor since i had this issue like an hour ago i used to eat same meal an take around 18 units humalog pen, now i used the Inpen and took 13 but in an hour the IOB was 11 and my blood glucose was 80 going down oblique. So i had to take carbs in order to have it up but now it went up with two arrows down.
Just wondering does losing weight or diet would affect my insulin doses.
Thank you so much.
@@marwanaldoleymi9324 yes, your insulin needs a very closely linked to both your weight and your activity level
Just wanted to say that I tried to order a inpen talked to the people who make it and just waiting for the information on how much I need to pay to get one through my insurance
I hope it works out for you
So you prefer the IPEN vs. an insulin pump?
Yes, pens works better for me than a pump. There's a bit more to the story than just the device, so if you want the full download you can find it here: czcams.com/video/3dFRDTi4FvE/video.html
What about the long term insulin?
InPen is just for rapid-acting (mealtime) insulin at this time. I use a long-acting insulin that comes in a prefilled pen
Do u have to prime a unit before each shot?
Ideally you’d do a prime before every injection
Thanks
Please after one year u change whole pen or battery only?! Thanks❤
The pen will be able to deliver insulin but it won’t be a smartpen anymore. You have to buy a new pen every year
@@DiabetesStrong thank u❤️
I have on insulin for the frist time lantus does that work with the InPen
InPen works with Novolog, Humalog, and Fiasp. So rapid-acting (meal time) insulin and not the long-acting such as Lantus or Levemir
@@DiabetesStrong thank you so much
@@DiabetesStrong I’m getting homalog but syringe any tips
Ooh I want one here in aus problem is stuff you talk about generally we can’t get 😭😭
They just recently got bought by Medtronic so hopefully, they'll go global soon
Why don’t you use the cgm that comes from Medtronic’s?
I’ve worn the Medtronic sensor (a long time ago though). I find the form factor of the Medtronic sensor really nice as, for me, it doesn’t get snagged on clothing. However, for me, Dexcom is more accurate and I like the reporting better
@@DiabetesStrong thank you. I’m enjoying your videos. I have been t1 for over 40 years and I’m learning new things , so bravo.
@@jowalt1 that’s great, thank you
Is it compatible with g7 cgm
No, unfortunately it’s not
I have an update 😀 You can now pull Dexcom G7 data into the Inpen if you have an iPhone through iHealth. It's not real-time but it's great for retrospective analysis
How can i order this pen?
I went directly through the manufactures website: www.companionmedical.com/ You can also go through your doctor and ask for a prescription
Are these available in the UK?
Currently it's only available in the US
@@DiabetesStrong thanks - I thought so. Looks great; hopefully some day
@@murielmccullins3541 yes, I believe it's part of their strategy but let's see how long it will take
The nest generation should be a rechargeable pen.!!!!!
3 units ? I take as much as 75 units
Seriously 😳 what are you covering. Also more than 7 units at a time is not recommended. Just curious.
In my opinion is a way to get even more money from us, if I have to pay every year for that, I like to stay with what, I have right now. I hate the fact that they try all to get even much more money. Put the removal battery, is not so complicate.. But not.. We have to pay even more.. No thanks, fortunately in Europe we don't pey insulin, doctors and pen or pump.. Is interesting but at this condition I don't think is interesting.. Pay pay and pay.. While is not chargble the pen via c port for example? Because big Pharma want even more.. My pen I just press a bit and the motor inject me more easier than press to get it.. I use fiasp use and throw away.. Very comfortable.. A small press and do all, before I have to press strong and was less comfortable using that method.. Like 15 years ago.. I think that my way is still better of that, my point of view.
You’re right, it would be nice if it was free. But that’s not the reality in the US. I’ve been fortunate to only have a copay of $30 for a pen and even if it had been higher I would have paid it. Could I manage without it, yes, do I want to, not really.
But that doesn’t mean it’s for everyone, so I’m happy to hear you like your prefilled pens (my long-acting is a prefilled pen as well)