Medtronic’s MiniMed 640G marks another step forward for insulin pump technology as it features the SmartGuard algorithm which uses CGM data to predict and prevent hypos.
The MiniMed 640G also marks the first of Medtronic’s insulin pumps to feature a colour screen.
As with other Medtronic pumps, the 640G is available as two different models, the MMT-1512, which has a smaller 180 unit reservoir and the MMT-1712, which is about 1 cm taller but allows for a 300 unit reservoir.
Features
- SmartGuard – can predict and prevent most hypos
- Integration with Enlite II CGM sensors
- Integrated with Contour NEXT Link 2.4 blood glucose meter
- 8 basal patterns
- 180 unit and 300 unit reservoirs available
- Colour screen –with light adjusting display
- Designed for easy use by both left-handed and right-handed people
In addition to its colour screen, the 640G also makes navigating around menus easier than on Medtronic’s previous pumps, meaning less button presses needed to operate certain functions and change settings.
Disadvantages
The 640G has integration with the Bayer Contour NEXT Link 2.4 blood glucose meter, which allows you to send bolus dose instructions to the pump. However, the 640G does not provide the same level of control by remote provided by other manufacturers.
The 640G is a little larger than Medtronic’s Paradigm Veo pump.
SmartGuard
The main technology leap made by the 640G is its SmartGuard feature. Medtronic’s previous insulin pump, the Paradigm Veo, had a low glucose suspend feature which meant, that when used with an Enlite CGM sensor, the pump would cease delivering insulin if blood sugar levels became low and therefore helped to reduce the chances of a severe hypo occurring.
SmartGuard takes this a step further as the software is able to predict when hypos are likely to occur and therefore cease insulin delivery to prevent hypos even before they take place.
When the 640G was tested in clinics in the PILGRIM study, results showed that the SmartGuard system was able to prevent hypos 80% of the time.
It should be noted that it is still rare for CGM sensors to be provided on prescription on the NHS, however, the 640G boasts a number of other strengths as well.
Basal rates
The MiniMed 640G offers a lot of flexibility with basal rates. You can program up to 48 different basal rates per 24 hours and up to 8 different basal patterns, which is 2 more than was available on the Paradigm Veo.
Different basal patterns allow you to easily switch to a different set of pre-set basal rates which is useful for dealing with different daily schedules.
Reservoir size
A number of pump manufacturers have sacrificed reservoir size in the interests of reducing the size of their pumps. The MiniMed 640G gives the option of having either a 180 units reservoir or a 300 unit reservoir. The larger reservoir will be useful for those that get through more than 180 units between each infusion set change.
Which transmitter works with the pump?
Do not use the MiniLink™ transmitter (MMT-7703) with the MiniMed 640G insulin pump as this device does not communicate with this insulin pump
- Guardian™ 2 Link transmitter (MMT-7731)
- Enlite glucose sensor (MMT-7008)
- CareLink™ USB (MMT-7306) – used to upload system data to the diabetes management software using a USB port on your computer.
Technical specifications
Basal and bolus rate increments
- 0.025 units for basal amounts in the range of 0.025 to 0.975 units
- 0.05 units for basal amounts in the range of 1 to 9.95 units
- 0.1 units for basal amounts of 10.0 units or larger
- Max basal rate: 35 units per hour
- Max bolus: 75 units
- Basal patterns: Up to 8
- Basal rates per pattern: 1 to 48
Reservoir
- MMT-1512: 180 units
- MMT-1712: 300 units
Dimensions
- MMT-1512: 85 x 53 x 24 mm
- MMT-1712: 96 x 53 x 24 mm
Weight
- MMT-1512: 92 g
- MMT-1712: 96 g
- Battery: One 1.5 V AA lithium (FR6) battery or One 1.5 V AA alkaline (LR6) battery
Operating conditions
- Operating temperature: 5°C (41°F) to 40°C (104°F)
- Air pressure: 700 hPa to 1060 hPa (10.2 psi to 15.4 psi)
- Operating humidity: 20% to 95%
- Water protection: Protected against the effects of being underwater to a depth of up to 3.6 meters (12 feet) for up to 24 hours
Medtronic helpline
- UK: 01923 205167
- Ireland: 1 5111 400
Bolus dose increments
- 0.025 units for bolus amounts in the range of 0.025 to 0.975 units
- 0.05 units for bolus amounts larger than 0.975 units
- Max bolus: 75 units
- Bolus history: 24 bolus records
Reservoir
- MMT-554: 176 units
- MMT-754: 300 units
Dimensions
- MMT-554: 51 x 83 x 20 mm
- MMT-754: 51 x 94 x 21 mm
Weight
- MMT-554: 95g
- MMT-754: 102g
- Battery: One 1.5 V AAA alkaline battery (must be a new, unused battery)
Operating conditions
- Operating temperature: 3°C (37°F) to 40°C (104°F)
- Air pressure: 700 hPa to 1060 hPa (10.2 psi to 15.4 psi)
- Operating humidity: 20% to 95%
Medtronic helpline
- UK: 01923 205167
- Ireland: 1 5111 400
