This information is to help you consider which insulin pump would be best for you. It is for people new to pumps and for those who are due a pump upgrade. The information is correct as of date of publication (Dec 2026).
Choosing an insulin pump is a big decision
Take your time choosing your pump and fully research what is on offer. You will be offered the chance to come and see the pumps at a pump demo session which we strongly encourage you to attend, especially if this is your first pump. This will give you the opportunity to speak to the pump team who can answer your questions.
We often get asked “what pump do you think I should have?”. Nobody else can make that decision for you. All the pumps have their own unique characteristics, and everyone chooses their pump for very different reasons. You are the only person who will be wearing the pump so it’s important that you make that final decision.
For general information on insulin pumps, please visit this diabetes.org.uk (opens in a new tab).
Pump choice
We offer a wide range of pumps. If you are unable to attend a pump demo session, it is worth spending the time contacting the pump companies you are interested in for specific questions you might have.
Please take the time to consider what is important to you so that you make the right choice. Once you receive your new insulin pump, you will not be able to change your mind. After a period of four years, should you continue to meet the upgrade requirements, you will be able to choose a new pump.
Insulin pumps we currently offer
| Mylife Ypsopump | Minimed 780G | Tandem T:Slim X2 | Omnipod 5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Closed Loop | Mylife Ypsopump CamAPS FX | Minimed 780G Smartguard | Tandem T:Slim X2 Control IQ+ | Omnipod 5 Smart Adjust |
| Preferred Sensor | Mylife Ypsopump Libre 3 Plus | Minimed 780G Instinct | Tandem T:Slim X2 Libre 3 Plus | Omnipod 5 Libre 2 Plus |
| Remote app bolusing | Mylife Ypsopump Yes – smartphone app | Minimed 780G No | Tandem T:Slim X2 Yes – smartphone app | Omnipod 5 Yes – Omnipod 5 Handset only (no smartphone app) |
| Phone requirement |
Mylife Ypsopump
Required, if you don’t have a compatible phone, MyLife can provide a handset |
Minimed 780G
Not required Minimed Mobile app available to review pump history and CGM data |
Tandem T:Slim X2
Can be used as a standalone pump You can bolus on the insulin pump and the phone app |
Omnipod 5
No Handset provided |
| Follow Option | Mylife Ypsopump Companion feature | Minimed 780G Carelink Connect App | Tandem T:Slim X2 Sugarmate app | Omnipod 5 LibreLinkUp |
| Insulin reservoir capacity |
Mylife Ypsopump
160 units Can replace as often as needed |
Minimed 780G 180 or 300 units | Tandem T:Slim X2 300 units | Omnipod 5 200 units |
| HCL targets | Mylife Ypsopump 4.4 - 11.1mmol/L (default is 5.8mmol/L) |
Minimed 780G
5.5 or 6.1 or 6.7 mmol/L |
Tandem T:Slim X2 6.3 mmol/L | Omnipod 5 6.1 / 6.7 / 7.2 / 7.8 / 8.3 mmol/L |
| Uploading | Mylife Ypsopump Glooko | Minimed 780G Carelink | Tandem T:Slim X2 Tandem Source and/or Glooko | Omnipod 5 Glooko |
| Size (dimensions) & weight |
Mylife Ypsopump
L 7.8cm W 4.6cm D 1.6cm 83g |
Minimed 780G
L 9.7cm W 5.4cm D 2.5cm 102g |
Tandem T:Slim X2
L 8cm W 5cm D 1.5cm 112g |
Omnipod 5
Pod size: L 3.9cm W 5.2cm D 1.44cm 26g (without insulin) Controller size: L 14.4cm W 6.75cm D 1.72cm 165g |
Considerations when choosing an insulin pump
Insulin reservoir/cartridge size
- Will the pump/cartridge/reservoir hold enough insulin for 3 days? If not, you may need to change the cartridge more frequently which you may not find convenient.
- Omnipod pods can hold 200 units which must last for three days. If you require more than 60 units of insulin per day, you may not be suitable for the Omnipod 5 (please discuss this with the pump team).
Cannula choice
- If you are new to pumps, cannulas come in different lengths e.g. 6mm or 9mm, angled e.g. variable/30 or 90 degree and materials such as steel or Teflon.
- If you are already on a pump; are you currently using steel or angled cannulas? Does the pump you are considering offer the same choice?
Insulin
- If you use Fiasp or Lyumjev insulin, make sure it is suitable/licensed for use in the pump you are choosing. If it is not, you may need to switch the type of insulin you use.
- You may wish to use PumpCarts (pre-filled insulin reservoirs) – if this is the case, only the Ypsopump is compatible. PumpCarts are currently only available in NovoRapid.
Method of charging vs batteries
- The only pumps that use batteries are: Medtronic 780G (AA) and the Ypsopump (AAA)
- The Tandem T:Slim/Omnipod handsets use rechargeable batteries and need to be charged using a cable.
Mobile phone compatibility
- Do you want to be able to control your pump via a mobile phone? As of 2026, there are only two systems where you can control the pump (bolus) with a phone app:
- MyLife Ypsopump using the CAMAPS FX app
- Tandem T:Slim
Always double check your smartphone is compatible with the insulin pump/sensor.
Other considerations
Screen size
- Touch screen vs physical buttons
- Sensor compatibility
- MyLife Ypsopump: preferred sensor is Libre 3 Plus (also compatible with Dexcom G7)
- Omnipod 5: preferred sensor is Libre 2+ (also compatible with Libre 3 Plus and Dexcom G7)
- Minimed 780G: Instinct (or Simplera Sync/Guardian 4)
- Tandem T:Slim: preferred sensor is Libre 3 Plus (also compatible with Dexcom G7)
Note that the Dexcom One+ is not compatible with any insulin pumps
Hybrid Closed Loop / Automated Insulin Delivery pumps
All the insulin pumps below have hybrid closed loop capability. They can deliver variable (automated) basal insulin dictated by an algorithm based on real-time CGM sensor glucose trends. Some systems are also able to give automatic corrections.
You need to continue to carbohydrate count and tell the pump before you eat or drink carbohydrates.
Some insulin pump systems require you to initiate correction doses.
Read more here: closed-loop-systems (opens in a new tab)
Insulin pump specifications
Below is the list of insulin pumps available at the time of publication (Nov 2026):
Mylife YpsoPump
Pump type and capacity
- Tethered (tubing)
- 160 units per reservoir / PumpCart option available in NovoRapid. The insulin reservoir can be refilled once. The reservoir/pumpcart can be changed without changing the turbing/cannula.
A compatible smartphone is required to operate this insulin pump in hybrid closed loop.
Uploading of data
- Glooko and MyLife Cloud if using CAMAPS FX (via phone app)
Battery
- AAA
- Up to 4 weeks
Infusion set type
- Teflon 6/9mm
- Steel 5.5/8.5mm
Smartphone requirements
- Apple or Android (MyLife) always check your phone is compatible with the sensor you are using
Caregivers can use the Companion feature which enables designated caregivers to view real-time glucose levels, insulin delivery, and alerts. More info here: Youtube.com (opens in a new tab)
Dimensions and weight
- 7.8 × 4.6 × 1.6 cm
- 83g including insulin and battery
Bolus increment
- 0.1 U, 0.5 U, 1.0 U and 2.0 U
Bolus Max
- 30 units
Basal rates
- 2 profiles
- Up to 40u/hr
Water proofing
- IPX8 according to EN 60529 (immersion to a depth of 1 m for up to 60 minutes).
Customer service
- Free phone
CGM
- Libre 3 Plus (preferred sensor) and Dexcom G7 via the CAMAPS FX app
You may be required to meet certain criteria to access the Dexcom G7
Algorithm
- CAMAPS FX (Android and iOS)
- FAQs (opens in a new tab) Pump based HCL, a smartphone is mandatory. If your smartphone is not compatible, MyLife is able to provide a compatible handset.
Liberty: a fully closed-loop feature, when activated, users will not need to count carbohydrates and deliver a pre-meal insulin bolus. With CamAPS Liberty, users can switch the fully closed-loop feature on or off, giving them more freedom when they want to ease the burden of routine meal-related decisions. More info here: FAQs (opens in a new tab)
What influences the algorithm?
- Body weight, TDD from past 5 days, CGM data. “Ease off” and “boost”
Target glucoses
- Customisable from 4.4 to 11.1 mmol/L (default 5.8 mmol/L)
Exercise mode target
- Ease off (raises your target and reduces the automated insulin delivery; suspends insulin delivery earlier to prevent hypoglycaemia). FAQs (opens in a new tab)
Sleep mode targets
- Customisable glucose target can be adjusted overnight
Auto corrections
- Incorporated into continuous insulin delivery. Adjusts insulin delivery every 8-12 minutes based on sensor data.
Active Insulin Time
- Adjustable (does not affect the hybrid closed loop system/algorithm)
Min and max insulin
- 5-350 units
Use in pregnancy
Yes; this is a suitable hybrid closed loop system for pregnancy
Minimed 780G
- Tethered (tubing)
- up to 300 units
- Carelink
- Connect via mobile: Minimed Mobile app (you cannot currently bolus using the app)
- Or you can connect via the blue Bluetooth dongle to PC/Mac to upload to Carelink.
- AA
- 1-3 weeks life
- Teflon 6/9mm or angled 30 degree, 13mm
- Steel 6/8/10mm
There is also a 7 day infusion set available; eligibility criteria apply – please liaise with the pump team.
- Apple or Android for viewing and uploading of your data only.
Check your phone is compatible: minimed-780G-insulin-pump (opens in a new tab)
Caregiver remote access using the CareLink Connect app
- 5.4cm W x 9.7cm L x 2.5cm D
- 106g (excluding insulin)
- 0.025 U, 0.05 U, 0.1 U
- 25 units
- 8 profiles
- 0.025u/hr – 35 u/hr
- 3.6m for 24hrs IPX8
- Free phone
- 24/7
CGM
- Instinct (or Medtronic Guardian 4/Simplera Sync)
Algorithm
- Smartguard (on the pump)
Read more about Smartguard here: Smartguard (opens in a new tab)
- Mobile phone is only required for pump uploads and reviewing data
You are not currently able to bolus using the Minimed Mobile App.
Meal detection: the system can sense if you forget to bolus for carbohydrates and will deliver automatic corrections to help bring you back down to target.
- Active insulin time, Smartguard target, temp target, total daily dose, CGM data
- Can deliver auto correction doses
- 5.5, 6.1 or 6.7mmol/L (default 5.5)
- 7.8 – 8.9 mmol/L
- N/A
- If predicted glucose > 6.7 mmols/L and if max basal rate is reached
An auto correction may be delivered every 5 minutes as needed
- Adjustable
- 8-250 units
Use in pregnancy
- Not recommended
Tandem T:Slim X2
Pump type and capacity
- Tethered (tubing)
- Up to 300 units
Uploading of data
- Via the T:Connect app and Tandem Source
- Also compatible with Glooko (via Tandem Source)
Battery
- Rechargeable
- Up to 5 days per full charge
Aim to charge 10-15 minutes per day
Infusion set type
- Teflon 6/9mm or angled 30 degree 13mm or variable angled 13/17mm
- Steel 6/8mm
Mobile app
Ability to bolus via your smartphone
View your pump data including basal and bolus events, insulin on board, carbs, current settings, and both pump and sensor status directly on your smartphone
Connect to the clinic using the Tandem Source platform
A smartphone and the mobile app is not necessary to use the Tandem T:Slim pump
Caregivers and family members can access real time CGM data through the Sugarmate app: Sugarmate (opens in a new tab)
Dimensions and weight
- 9cm W x 6cm L x 1.5cm D
- 112g, including insulin
Bolus increment
- 0.01 U at volumes greater than 0.05 units
Bolus Max
- 25 units
Basal rates
- 6 profiles
- 0.1u/hr - 15u/hr (needs min of 2.4units TDD for pump to deliver)
Water proofing
- Water tight
Customer service
- Free phone 24/7
CGM
- Libre 3 Plus (preferred sensor)
Dexcom G7 (you may need to meet certain criteria)
Algorithm
- Control IQ+ (on the pump)
- Pump based HCL; connection to a smartphone is not mandatory.
You are able to set temporary basal rates even in hybrid closed loop mode - simplifying insulin adjustments for short-term needs like stress or illness.
You are able to program extended boluses up to 8 hours even in hybrid closed loop mode – to manage complex, high-fat, high-protein meals more effectively.
What influences the algorithm?
- preprogrammed basal rates, total daily dose TDD, body weight, correction factor, exercise and sleep activity, CGM data
Target glucoses
- 6.25-8.9 mmol/L
This is preset and can only be altered through the exercise or sleep activity settings (see below)
Exercise mode target
- 7.8 – 8.9 mmol/L
Suspends insulin earlier when glucose predicted to be 4.4 mmol/L (compared to 3.9 mmol/L when this feature is not activated).
Sleep mode targets
- 6.25-6.7 mmol/L
No auto boluses are delivered while sleep activity is turned on
Can be scheduled to turn on and off automatically
Auto corrections
- The algorithm will delivery automatic correction boluses if the predicted glucose in 30 mins will be >10 mmols/L & increasing/max basal insulin delivery is reached.
This is in addition to the every-5-minute basal adjustments.
Active Insulin Time
- Fixed at 5 hrs
Min and max insulin
- 5-200 units TDD
Use in pregnancy
- Not recommended
Insulet Omnipod 5
Pump type and capacity
- Patch
- 200 units
Uploading of data
- Omnipod 5: Glooko (via handset – which comes with a sim card)
Battery
- Rechargeable Handset – lasts up to 2-3 days
- Pods have built in batteries
Infusion set type
- Patch pump – Teflon cannula
Smartphone requirements
- No Smartphone app (correct as of 2026)
- The Omnipod 5 comes with a separate controller/handset
Caregivers can access real time data via: LibreLinkUp app (Omnipod-5 FAQs (opens in a new tab)
Dimensions and weight
- Pod: 3.9cm x 5.2cm x 1.45cm (26g)
- Handset = 6.3cm W x 13cm L x 1cm, 106g
Bolus increment
- 0.05 U
Bolus Max
- 30 units
Basal rates
- 7 profiles
- 0.05u/hr – 30 u/hr
Water proofing
- Pods = waterproof IP28 FOR UP TO 7.6m for 60mins.
Customer service
- Free phone
- 24/7
CGM
- Libre 2 Plus only (also compatible with Libre 3 Plus and Dexcom G7 – restrictions apply)
- Smartadjust
There is currently no compatible smartphone app.
Read more about the technology here: Omnipod-5 smartadjust technology (opens in a new tab)
- Glucose target, total daily dose (TDD), active insulin time, adaptive basal rate updates with each pod change. Activity feature.
- NHS local funding agreement for Omnipod 5 hybrid closed loop is only with Libre 2 Plus sensors.
- If you have Dexcom G7 or Libre 3 Plus sensors, you will be asked to switch to the Libre 2 Plus to access this insulin pump
- 6.1, 6.7, 7.2, 7.8, or 8.3 mmol/L
- You can set a different target depending on the time of day
- 8.3 mmol/L & delivery of less insulin
- Customisable glucose target can be adjusted overnight
- Requires user-initiated correction boluses
Basal insulin is adjusted by the algorithm every 5 minutes
- Adjustable
- Minimum total daily dose – 5 units
If you use more than 60 units insulin per day then the Omnipod 5 system is not suitable for you
Use in pregnancy
- Not recommended
Useful links: Demo pump apps and simulators
Insulin Pump
- Website: Demo/Simulators
MyLife Ypsopump
IOS simulator
- Website: Apple.com (opens in a new tab)
Android simulator:
- Website: Play.google.com (opens in a new tab)
Minimed 780G
- Website: Minimed-780G-insulin-pump (opens in a new tab)
- Website: Medtronicvirtualpump.com (opens in a new tab)
Tandem T:Slim
- Website:Tslim-x2-insulin-pump (opens in a new tab)
- Website: Android simulator (opens in a new tab) (opens in a new tab)
- Website: iPhone simulator (opens in a new tab) (opens in a new tab)
Omnipod 5
Website: www.omnipod.com (opens in a new tab)
The Wolfson Diabetes and Endocrine Clinic contacts
Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm
Diabetes specialist nurse
01223 348790
Diabetes specialist dietitian
01223 348769
Educator email (pump DSNs and pump Dietitians)
Privacy and dignity
Same sex bays and bathrooms are offered in all wards except critical care and theatre recovery areas where the use of high-tech equipment and/or specialist one to one care is required.
We are smoke-free
Smoking is not allowed anywhere on the hospital campus. For advice and support in quitting, contact your GP or the free NHS stop smoking helpline on 0800 169 0 169.
Other formats
Help accessing this information in other formats is available. To find out more about the services we provide, please visit our patient information help page (see link below) or telephone 01223 256998. www.cuh.nhs.uk/contact-us/accessible-information/
Contact us
Cambridge University Hospitals
NHS Foundation Trust
Hills Road, Cambridge
CB2 0QQ
Telephone +44 (0)1223 245151
https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/contact-us/contact-enquiries/