*Disclaimer: All content and information in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. This article was written by Amanda Ciprich, MS, RD. Last updated on 3/18/2024.

Living with diabetes can be challenging, but advancements in diabetes technology continue to make moves towards making the way individuals manage their condition easier. One of the latest developments in automated insulin delivery systems is the Medtronic Minimed 780G hybrid closed-loop system, which is now available to the public. This article will take a closer look at the newest features with Medtronic’s latest MiniMed.

Is the Medtronic 780G available?

The Medtronic MiniMed 780G is currently available for U.S. residents. New users can visit Medtronic’s website to inquire about more information on getting started with the MiniMed 780G and Guardian 4 sensor. Any existing 770G users can upgrade their software at no additional cost. In order to access all of the new features associated with the 780G, users must also upgrade their continuous glucose monitor from the Guardian 3 to Guardian 4 sensors.

What are the new features of Medtronic MiniMed 780G?

Target range

With guidance from their healthcare provider, individuals using the Medtronic 780G system have the flexibility to select personalized glucose targets from a range of 100, 110, and 120 mg/dL, depending on their individual needs.

Active insulin time

When utilizing the SmartGuard feature of the 780G, it is recommended to initially set the active insulin time to 2-3 hours, whereas the default setting for the 770G is 4 hours. Opting for a shorter active insulin time on the 780G may lead to a higher delivery of insulin during correction boluses.

Meal Detection Technology

The 780G system offers a notable advantage in managing hyperglycemia by providing up to 12 automated corrections per hour. This feature becomes particularly valuable when a dose is missed or miscalculations in carbohydrate counts. With meal detection technology integration the algorithm will automatically adjust and correct sugar levels every 5 minutes. If users ever find themselves occasionally missing a meal dose or underestimating carbohydrate counts, the 780G system may be able to effectively lower A1C and increase time in range by making necessary insulin adjustments.

Extended Infusion Site Wear Time

The 780G introduces an exciting new feature of extended infusion sites. Infusion sites can now be worn for up to 7 days, compared to the previous limit of 3 days. The extended wear time not only provides greater convenience but also has the potential to reduce the overall burden of diabetes management. With fewer required site changes, individuals using the 780G can experience a decrease in the frequency of maintenance tasks associated with their diabetes management.

Recommended Settings for MiniMed 780G

MiniMed 780G system features customizable auto basal targets and bolus settings. While users can customize these settings themselves to fit their individual needs, Medtronic recommends the following defaulted setting for adults:

Auto basal: 100 mg/dL
Auto correction: 120 mg/dL
User-initiated corrections: 120 mg/dL
Active insulin time: 2 hours

Recommended starting settings for ages less than or equal to 15 years old with SmartGuard:

Auto basal: 110 mg/dL, reduce to 100 mg/dL if no hypoglycemic episodes
Auto correction: 120 mg/dL
User-initiated corrections: 120 mg/dL
Active insulin time: 2 hours

A study conducted with adults diagnosed with type 1 diabetes demonstrated promising results using the recommended settings. Participants achieved up to 80% time spent within the target glucose range without an increase in hypoglycemic episodes.

Comparison of Medtronic 770G vs 780G systems

What is the difference between Medtronic MiniMed 770G and 780G?

The MiniMed 770G and MiniMed 780G are two generations of insulin pump systems developed by Medtronic for the management of diabetes. While they share some similarities, each system has unique features and advancements. Let's compare them:

The MiniMed 770G allows for adjustment of basal insulin rates every five minutes. However, it does not include automatic correction boluses like the 780G. MiniMed 770G also has a fixed glucose target range of 120 mg/dL. In contrast, the 780G allows users to choose their glucose target which can be set as low as 100 mg/dL.

Another noteworthy difference is the compatibility of the systems with different sensor models. The 780G system is compatible with the Guardian 4 sensor, which offers improved accuracy and no longer requires calibration, unlike Guardian 3 sensors used with the 770G.

Image of Medtronic 780G system compared to Tandem Tslim

What is the difference between MiniMed 780G and Tandem t:slim with Control IQ?

The MiniMed 780G and Tandem t:slim with Control IQ have key differences in their features and functionality. A retrospective study from 2021 that noted Minimed 780G appears to be more effective in managing hyperglycemia, while Tandem Control-IQ seems to be more effective in reducing time in hypoglycemia. Here’s a closer look at some of their key features:

Target Glucose

A significant difference between the MiniMed 780G and Control IQ is the target glucose setting. The MiniMed 780G has a target glucose level of 100 mg/dL, which is 10 points lower than the Control IQ’s target glucose of 110 mg/dL.

Automated Corrections

The MiniMed 780G offers more frequent automated corrections compared to Control IQ. The 780G system can provide up to 12 automated corrections per hour which may be more effective in managing hyperglycemia in comparison to Control IQ that limits auto-correction bolus only one per hour and delivering only 60% of the calculated correction bolus.

Meal Detection

In the event that a MiniMed 780G user misses a meal time bolus, the system will automatically detect a meal based on the sensor glucose rising rate of change. This will allow the 780G algorithm to deliver stronger correction doses while glucose levels are rising. However, Control IQ cannot detect missed boluses and will only deliver 60% of the anticipated correction every hour.

It's important for individuals with diabetes to consult with healthcare professionals to determine which system aligns best with their specific needs and goals.

Summary

Living with diabetes can be a challenging journey, but advancements in diabetes technology are continuously improving the management of this condition. If you are interested in learning more about the updated features and capabilities of Medtronic's newest MiniMed, head over to Medtronic's website for further information.

Resources:

https://news.medtronic.com/2024-01-08-Medtronic-Diabetes-announces-worlds-first-approval-for-MiniMed-TM-780G-System-with-Simplera-Sync-TM-disposable,-all-in-one-sensor

https://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/products/minimed-780g-insulin-pump-system

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34694909/

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s41745-022-00348-3

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2021.802419/full