Companion Medical’s smart insulin delivery, the InPen, is a reusable injector pen plus user-friendly mobile device which allows individuals to improve their diabetes management. I choose multiple daily injections (MDI) over a pump for various reasons, but I cannot deny that a pump allows for more precise calculations. With InPen, people on multiple daily injections can achieve the same accuracy plus so much more!
What Is It?
The InPen is a reusable injector pen that not only helps you calculate your doses but also keeps a log of insulin data for up to a year. The InPen connects, via Bluetooth, to the smartphone app, and keeps track of all your insulin deliveries.
InPen is now approved for all ages (7 and over, or under the supervision of an adult), who are insulin-dependent. The pen can deliver between .5 units to 30 units of insulin, dialed in half-unit increments. The pen is compatible with the Lily Humalog, Novo Nordisk Novolog and Fiasp U-100 3.0 ml insulin cartridges.
InPen is compatible with all Apple iOS devices that support iOS 10 or greater. It is also compatible with Android (more info about compatibility here).
What Does It Do?
I made sure to use this pen for about a month before writing my review. I am in awe of how easy this pen makes my management. Up to now, to be quite frank, I am guilty of a lot of “WAGS” (wild a** guesses) and then winding up too high or too low. I also really never kept tabs on when my last insulin dose was, so would find myself stacking quite often. Thanks to InPen, a lot of this carelessness has been eliminated. Here are all the amazing things it can do:
1. Insulin delivery information
The InPen connects to the app via Bluetooth which allows the app to store your insulin delivery information and shows you how much insulin you have taken and how much you have on board. There have been so many times when I would correct a high, not realizing I still had insulin on board, which led to episodes of hypoglycemia. As you can see here, your information appears in real time from your lock screen.
Screenshot from Companion Medical
2. Built-in calculator
The InPen has a built-in calculator to help you get the most accurate dose possible. Your physician enters your settings, and it will give a recommendation on how much to dose. It takes into account your previous insulin delivery, your current blood sugar and the number of carbs you are eating. Since I have been using this feature, my blood sugars have improved greatly.
Screenshot from Companion Medical
3. Reminders
It also has a reminder to take your long-lasting insulin. There have been so many times when I can’t remember if I took my Tresiba. I know this is a common problem for people on daily injections. This takes the burden off of the individual and has proven to be one of my favorite features.
Photo credit: Companion Medical
4. Reports
The InPen generates reports that you can share with your healthcare team. These comprehensive reports will allow for easier decisions regarding changes to your diabetes management.
Screenshot from Companion Medical
5. Temperature alerts
The InPen comes complete with temperature alerts! It will notify you anytime your pen is in temperatures too hot or too cold which could make your insulin ineffective. This will come in handy during my next vacation or even if I leave my bag in the car for too long.
6. Syncing to Dexcom
InPen can sync up to the Dexcom continuous glucose monitor, via the Health app. This allows you to see your continuous glucose monitor graph on your logbook and reporting feature of the app.
Screenshot from Companion Medical
How Can I Get the InPen?
Many commercial insurance companies cover InPen, you can fill out this form and a representative will contact you about your copay. They also have a copay assistance program. Commercially insured InPen customers will not have to pay more than $35 dollars a year which is a small price for better control.
Conclusion
I think InPen is a game-changer for anyone on multiple daily injections. With all of the capabilities the InPen offers, I can achieve better blood sugar numbers. I feel more in control of my diabetes because now I am confident that I am administering the right doses. I am also avoiding stacking insulin, which means fewer blood sugar roller coasters, and now I also have reminders to take my long-lasting insulin.
InPen can also help empower children to make better choices and manage their own diabetes. You can even sync two different pens if a child wanted to leave one pen at school and one at home.
Using InPen has helped me take back some control of my diabetes. It allows me to feel more in control and allows me to spend less time thinking about my condition. I can’t imagine going back to MDI without InPen in my toolbox and highly recommend this to anyone else who prefers injections over the pump.
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