25 September, 2026

barnaclínic+ introduces Omnipod 5, a new tubeless closed-loop system

barnaclínic+ introduces Omnipod 5 ®, a new automated insulin delivery system for people with type 1 diabetes that offers a key difference compared with other insulin pumps: it does not require tubing or an external catheter. The system uses a small Pod that adheres directly to the skin and automatically delivers insulin based on glucose readings obtained from a continuous glucose monitoring sensor.

With the introduction of Omnipod 5, barnaclínic+ expands the range of options available within its closed-loop systems or artificial pancreas systems for type 1 diabetes, which include different automated insulin delivery technologies. The aim is to select the most appropriate option for each person, taking into account both their clinical needs and their preferences and lifestyle.

The new automated insulin pump is worn directly on the body and eliminates the tubing and external catheter used in traditional infusion systems

Omnipod 5: a tubeless automated insulin pump

Omnipod 5, developed by Insulet, is a tubeless automated insulin delivery (AID) system for people with type 1 diabetes. It combines a Pod that is placed directly on the skin and delivers insulin, a compatible continuous glucose monitoring sensor and a controller.

Unlike insulin pumps that use a tubing-connected infusion set, Omnipod 5 delivers insulin directly from the Pod attached to the body. Each Pod can be used for up to 72 hours and contains the SmartAdjust™ algorithm, which automates insulin delivery.

The algorithm receives glucose sensor readings and automatically adjusts insulin delivery every five minutes. Based on glucose levels and their predicted trend, it can increase, decrease or pause insulin delivery to help keep glucose levels within the established target range.

According to Dr Jesús Blanco, an endocrinologist specialising in diabetes at barnaclínic+ and Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, the main difference compared with the other systems currently available lies precisely in its design:

“The absence of a catheter provides an additional advantage in terms of portability and convenience in everyday use.”

Dr Jesús Blanco
Endocrinologist specialising in diabetes at barnaclínic+ and Hospital Clínic de Barcelona

This closely reflects the wording used by Dr Blanco when explaining the device’s main distinguishing feature.

barnaclínic+, the first private healthcare centre in Spain to offer Omnipod 5

barnaclínic+ has become the first private healthcare centre in Spain to offer Omnipod 5, following the opening of a pathway for private healthcare centres to acquire the system.

The specialised diabetes team at barnaclínic+ has already begun using the device and has gained its first experience with the system, which Dr Jesús Blanco describes as “extremely satisfactory”.

People with type 1 diabetes who are interested in Omnipod 5 can access the system through a specialised care pathway that includes an initial assessment, system initiation and configuration, therapeutic education and subsequent clinical follow-up.

Which glucose sensors are compatible with Omnipod 5 in Spain?

Currently, Omnipod 5 is compatible in Spain with FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus® and Dexcom G7®. These sensors provide the glucose readings that the system uses to automatically adjust insulin delivery.

Dr Blanco also explains that the system currently requires the use of a dedicated controller in Europe. The option to use the system through an app installed directly on the user’s smartphone is available in the United States, but has not yet been approved in Europe.

Compatibility and available features may evolve as new regulatory approvals are granted.

What are the advantages of a tubeless insulin pump?

The main distinguishing feature of Omnipod 5 is the absence of tubing and an external catheter connecting the pump to the infusion site. The Pod is worn directly on the body and delivers insulin through a small cannula inserted under the skin.

For some people, this format may provide greater convenience, portability and freedom of movement in everyday life. However, the fact that an insulin pump is tubeless does not necessarily mean that it is the best option for everyone with type 1 diabetes.

Which closed-loop system is best for type 1 diabetes?

There are currently several closed-loop or artificial pancreas systems, with different characteristics in terms of their algorithm, compatible glucose sensor, insulin delivery method, connectivity and user experience.

Different options are available at barnaclínic+, including MiniMed™ 780G®, Tandem t:slim X2™ with Control-IQ®, mylife YpsoPump® with CamAPS FX and Omnipod® 5.

According to Dr Blanco, the high level of effectiveness currently achieved by these systems means that, once the clinical indication for an automated insulin delivery system has been established, the specific features of each device and the preferences of the person with diabetes often play a greater role in choosing the system:

“Given the high level of effectiveness they all offer, it may be the small nuances and specific features of each device that ultimately allow the person to choose which one they prefer to wear.”

Dr Jesús Blanco
Endocrinologist specialising in diabetes at barnaclínic+ and Hospital Clínic de Barcelona

In private healthcare, he adds, there are few or no restrictions on the use of one system or another. Therefore, once the clinical criteria have been established, the opinion and preferences of the person with diabetes play a particularly important role in choosing the model.

Technology needs an expert team behind it

Advances in insulin pumps, glucose sensors and artificial pancreas systems have transformed the treatment of type 1 diabetes. However, access to technology does not replace the support provided by a specialised healthcare team.

As Dr Blanco explains:

“Technology is extremely useful; it has completely changed the day-to-day management of diabetes.”

Dr Jesús Blanco
Endocrinologist specialising in diabetes at barnaclínic+ and Hospital Clínic de Barcelona

The specialist stresses that, alongside this technology, “there needs to be a clinical team to help and support us throughout the process”, both when introducing and starting these systems and during subsequent clinical follow-up.

This must be complemented by a solid foundation of therapeutic education, with the nursing team playing a key role in ensuring that devices are used safely, that users know how to respond to potential issues and that the technology has a beneficial impact on the person’s health.

Assessment, initiation and follow-up of Omnipod 5 in Barcelona

People with type 1 diabetes who are interested in using Omnipod 5 can request an assessment with the specialised diabetes team at barnaclínic+. During this consultation, the team considers the person’s current treatment, glycaemic control, insulin requirements, previous experience with insulin pumps or continuous glucose monitoring systems, and personal preferences.

When Omnipod 5 is considered a suitable option, the team supports the patient throughout system initiation, configuration and adaptation, provides the necessary therapeutic education and carries out subsequent clinical follow-up.

This model forms part of the specialised approach to diabetes care at barnaclínic+, combining technology, clinical expertise and ongoing support to tailor treatment to each person’s needs.