Written in April 2024 – Last updated in April 2025

It has now been exactly one year since Health Canada approved the first tubeless “artificial pancreas,” the hybrid closed-loop insulin delivery system Omnipod 5, for individuals aged 2 and older living with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

And as of April 7, 2025, it’s official: Insulet, the manufacturer, has announced that the Omnipod 5 is now available in Canada. However, its accessibility remains uneven across the country. Currently, only the public insurance plans in Ontario and Nova Scotia cover this technology. The company is working on securing reimbursement from public insurance plans in other provinces and territories. Discussions with private insurers are also ongoing, but it will still take a few more weeks before the terms are finalized.

The Omnipod 5 system features

The Omnipod 5 system consists of a pod incorporating an algorithm (a sequence of calculations expressed in the form of software), the Dexcom continuous glucose monitoring system and the Omnipod 5 App, all connected by Bluetooth.

  • The pod, serving as a tubeless insulin pump stuck to the skin, contains insulin and a motor that facilitates its delivery through a small, flexible tube called a cannula. It requires replacement every 3 days.
  • The Smart Adjust algorithm: contained within the pod, this algorithm automatically adjusts insulin dosing based on blood glucose readings received from the Dexcom sensor. For example, by analyzing current and trending glucose levels, basal rates, and active insulin (insulin circulating in the body, still working to lower blood glucose levels), it adjusts insulin delivery every 5 minutes, minimizing the risk of hypo- or hyperglycemia.
  • The CGM: currently, the Omnipod 5 system is designed to work only with the Dexcom (G6 or G7) continuous glucose monitoring system. Notably, it’s important to mention that the Dexcom receiver (which some people use instead of a cell phone) does not work with Omnipod 5.
  • The Omnipod 5 App is accessible in the dedicated Controller, provided at no additional cost with your first prescription. The app empowers users to customize basal profiles, set target glucose levels, adjust bolus settings, manage pod activation and deactivation, and seamlessly switch between automatic and manual modes.

As with other commercial hybrid closed-loop systems currently available in Canada, the Omnipod 5 system does not offer fully automated insulin delivery. Users still must manually input carbohydrate intake into the Omnipod 5 application, enabling the algorithm to compute the necessary insulin dosage to manage meals effectively. Additionally, users may need to adjust settings or parameters, such as activating the physical activity mode, and may need to administer a correction bolus.

Switching from DASH to Omnipod 5

Switching from DASH to Omnipod 5 involves a shift between different technologies. To make the switch, you’ll need to get the appropriate controller and purchase Omnipod 5 pods. It’s also important to note that the Omnipod Dash pods and controller are not compatible with the Omnipod 5 system, as they operate on different technologies.

Cost and reimbursement

The public insurance plans in Ontario and Nova Scotia now cover the Omnipod 5. In other provinces and territories, agreements still need to be finalized between Insulet, the governments, and private insurers. This process could take several more weeks.

For current Omnipod DASH users wishing to switch to Omnipod 5, the cost announced by the company is CAD 650.

Addressing inequality in access

It’s important to acknowledge the existing disparities in access to T1D technologies, which remain limited and costly for many individuals living with T1D. Addressing these inequalities is crucial to ensuring that all Canadians have the opportunity to use the tools best suited for managing T1D.

A great way to help drive change is by sharing personal realities through participation in the BETTER registry. This initiative not only enriches diabetes research but also serves as a valuable resource for advocating better access to technologies and treatments for T1D with policymakers.

Find out more about Omnipod and AID:

References: 

Health Canada. Active licence search results. Page consulted on April 12, 2024. https://health-products.canada.ca/mdall-limh/information?licenceId=111065&type=active&lang=eng

Haute autorité de santé (HAS). (2024) Avis sur les dispositifs médicaux – Omnipod 5. [in French] https://www.has-sante.fr/upload/docs/evamed/CNEDIMTS-7278_OMNIPOD_5_30%20janvier%202024_7278_avis.pdf

Written by: Nathalie Kinnard, scientific writer and research assistant

Reviewed by:

  • Rémi Rabasa-Lhoret, MD, Ph.D.
  • Sarah Haag, R.N., B.Sc.
  • Anne-Sophie Brazeau, P.Dt., Ph.D.
  • Nadine Taleb, MD, Ph.D.

Linguistic revision by: Jordana Singer