Maybe you aren’t a super-duper techie person. Maybe you don’t want to carry around insulin pens in your pocket. Or maybe you just don’t want to think about insulin delivery too much.
Whatever your reason, the CeQur Simplicity wearable insulin delivery patch may be a good fit for you. It’s an adhesive insulin patch that can be used to bolus for meals and snacks, or to correct a high blood sugar. You fill the patch with 100 to 200 units of U-100 rapid-acting insulin (currently FDA approved for Humalog or Novolog but Lyumjev and FIASP have been used with success – just be sure to consult with your healthcare provider), and when you’re ready to dose you just squeeze two buttons together until you hear a click. Each squeeze delivers two units of insulin, and if you need more, you squeeze again until you reach your desired dose.
It’s recommended that you wear the patch on your abdomen, but we have heard from users that they put it anywhere there is subcutaneous tissue…just as if you were injecting with a syringe or pen needle. It’s designed to be worn for three days, and it holds a max of 200 units of insulin. (Please note, the CeQur patch is not to be used with long-acting insulin). Twenty units of insulin are needed to prep and prime, so you’ve got 180 units of usable insulin in each patch. If you need more, you can replace the patch before the three days are up.
The CeQur patch is for adults 21 and over who have either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. It can be worn during regular daily activities like showering, exercising, sleeping, and swimming (it’s water-resistant up to 3 feet, 3 inches for up to 30 minutes, but it’s not safe for hot tubs). One of the cool things about the patch is you can dose through your clothes, so it’s a discreet and convenient way to take your insulin when you’re out with friends or in a crowded setting. (If you have abs of steel though, you are welcome to lift your shirt all you want).
The patches should be stored in a cool, dry place from 50 to 77°F (10 to 25°C). Extreme heat or cold can cause them to malfunction.
Many insurance plans, including Medicare Part D (pharmacy benefit), cover Cequr Simplicity, and most people have a co-pay of around $50 per month. Plans and benefits vary, so be sure to check with your insurance if you’re interested in giving it a try.
Here are some overall pros and cons of the system:
PROS:
- It’s simple to use – there’s no complicated programming
- It’s lightweight, thin, and can be hidden under clothes
- There’s no tubing
- Batteries are not required
- It’s water-resistant for up to 30 minutes
CONS:
- You have to change the patch every three days at a minimum
- It doesn’t track insulin doses currently
- It’s only FDA approved with U-100 insulins (Humalog or NovoLog) at this time
CeQur Simplicity could be an especially good option for people with type 2 diabetes who’ve had challenges getting an insulin pump through their insurance.
Currently, Cequr Simplicity is only available in the U.S. If you’re interested in giving it a try, reach out to your healthcare provider and ask them if it would be a good option for you. You can also contact a licensed healthcare provider via the CeQur website here.
Fill it up, stick it on, and squeeze. It can’t get much easier than that!
Have you tried CeQur? What did you think? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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