Hey everyone! It's been one week since I started using the Omnipod 5 iPhone App through the Limited Market Release, and let me tell you, the freedom of carrying only my phone is incredible. I’m never want to go back to carrying that clunky controller!
Sweet Adjustments and Fourth of July Fun
The algorithm has been adjusting nicely to my body. Believe me, I put it through the wringer with all the Fourth of July festivities last week! I had to make a few minor tweaks to my basal rate during the first pod, but overall, management has been smooth sailing.
Battery Life: No Need to Panic!
One of my initial concerns was how much battery life the Omnipod 5 app would consume (if you want to read The Wait is Over: First Impressions of the Omnipod 5 iOS App, I share how I prepared for this). After 7 days, I’m happy to report that it’s hardly a battery hog. Check out the screenshot I took this afternoon—Omnipod 5 only used about 6% of my battery in background activity.
Compare that to the old Omnipod controller, which seemed to drain its battery faster than I could say “l think I'm low," despite decreasing brightness, and shutting off WiFi. Goodbye, fast-draining controller!
A Small Request: Logging Pod Sites
While the iPhone app has been mostly fantastic, there’s one feature I miss from the controller—the ability to log pod sites and dates. I know I’m not alone here, and I think many podders will be disappointed that this feature didn’t make it to the iPhone app. Omnipod, if you’re reading this, please bring it back!
Smooth Transition and a Quick Survey
This morning, I received my first survey from Omnipod about the Limited Market Release and the transition from the controller to the iPhone app. I’d give the experience a solid 10/10 for smoothness and ease. It’s been a breeze so far, and I couldn’t be happier with how things are going.
Limited Market Release Participation and Selection
I've had some people reach out asking how to get involved in the current Omnipod 5 iPhone App Limited Market Release.
Here's what I do know:
- Some participants, including myself, were invited based on prior participation in surveys sent by Omnipod/Insulet.
- What I have deduced from reading various posts in diabetes Facebook groups and Reddit, other participants were also chosen based on participation on the Omnipod Research Panel (which also involves surveys).
How You Can Get Involved:
- Ensure you're signed up to recieve Omnipod emails, some of which, will include these surveys I mentioned. If you’re not currently receiving them, call Omnipod Customer Support and ask to be added to the mailing list.
- An additional, but optional step is to complete this form to see if you are eligible of the Omnipod Research Panel
I know that surveys are not always fun, but I promise the ones I have received from Omnipod/Insulet have all been very easy and short. Takes less time than it takes to do a site change!
That said, I’ll be checking back in with another update in a few days, so stay tuned for more insights.
Until next time, happy podding!