Switching to the Omnipod 5 after 7 Years on MDI

For seven years, we managed our son’s Type 1 Diabetes with multiple daily injections (MDI) and it worked well. But as puberty arrived, everything shifted. Here’s how we decided to switch to the Omnipod 5, what the process was like, and how the SmartAdjust system has helped bring steadier numbers, calmer nights, and a little more freedom for our teen.

Why We Stayed on MDI For So Long

For seven years, my son managed his Type 1 Diabetes with MDI. It became second nature- pens, doses, correction plans, and carb counting were all part of our daily rhythm. For a long time, MDI along with a CGM worked really well for him. His A1C was steady, he felt free with fewer devices, and as a growing child, that independence mattered.

We liked the simplicity of MDI. One device, his CGM, was enough for him. It meant fewer things attached to his body, and it suited his active lifestyle. For years, that freedom worked perfectly for us.

Then puberty hit, and everything changed.

When Puberty Changed the Game

As hormones kicked in, his insulin needs went through the roof. The doses grew, the corrections became more frequent, and some nights we were up one, sometimes twice, to give insulin and stop highs from climbing too far.

At school, high levels made it hard to focus. He was tired, frustrated, and increasingly fed up with the injections, not just the amount of them, but the pain from larger doses on already bruised skin. It was wearing him down.

That’s when we started to think seriously about what could make things easier again.

Starting the Conversation

We brought up my son’s readiness to start on the pump with his endocrinologist at a quarterly appointment. We talked through the pros and cons carefully, not just from a medical standpoint, but from our real life one. Was he ready for another device? Could he handle two devices?

Together, the three of us- parents, son, and care team- agreed that the move to an insulin pump, especially a hybrid closed-loop system, was the right next step.

The Waiting Game: Dexcom G7 Compatibility

We were already using the Dexcom G7, which had given us great visibility and peace of mind, and we wanted to stay on it. This meant waiting until the Omnipod 5 received NHS approval for G7 compatibility.

It took a little patience, but once the green light came through, everything moved quickly.

Onboarding and Pump School

Once approved, Omnipod contacted us to begin the onboarding process. We were sent all the first month’s supplies- pods, a receiver, and all the essentials. Then came pump school, a full day of training, hands-on practice, and reassurance.

Our two diabetes nurses were nothing short of incredible. They were calm, supportive, and made sure we understood every step before leaving. Even better, they called daily during those first few days to check in and guide us, and booked us in for weekly phone calls for the next month. That support meant the world in those early “learning curve” moments.

The First Week: Calm Before the (School) Storm

Our first week on the Omnipod 5 was almost perfect. His glucose levels were smooth, and we were sleeping through the night for the first time in years. Then came the real world test- back to school.

As expected, stress, routine, and daily activity brought new challenges. Levels were unpredictable again, but with help from our team, we adjusted carb ratios and began to see improvements.

SmartAdjust Technology

One of the most impressive things we’ve noticed is how the SmartAdjust Technology within the Omnipod 5 system learns and adapts to my son’s unique insulin needs over time.

Every five minutes, the system analyses data from his Dexcom G7 and automatically increases, decreases, or pauses insulin delivery to help keep glucose levels in range. What’s even more remarkable is how the pod system gets smarter with every pod change.

Every new pod gets to “know” him a little more. Over the weeks, we’ve seen the adjustments become more accurate, the overnight stability stronger, and the daytime levels steadier, especially during those tricky teenage hormone surges. It’s as though the pump has gradually tuned in to his body’s rhythms, helping to smooth out the chaos that puberty can bring to blood sugars.

Week Three: A New Kind of Freedom

Now, in week three, we’re finally seeing results we’ve never had before. Steady levels all night long. Mostly in range throughout the day. Best of all, he’s back to learning, socialising, and just being a teenager, instead of constantly managing injections or not feeling 100% due to high levels.

He loves the ease of pressing a button before meals instead of dealing with pens. And I love watching him feel more confident and independent again. The SmartAdjust system gives him an incredible safety net when things aren’t perfect, if he miscalculates carbs or stress sends his blood sugars up, the pump steps in automatically.

Looking Back and Moving Forward

I’ve always believed there’s no one “right” way to manage Type 1 Diabetes, only the way that’s right for you. For seven years, MDI was exactly that for us. It gave my son freedom and control when he needed it most.

But now, the Omnipod 5 has brought my teenager into a new phase- one that fits his growing body, his busy school life, and his need for a little more support from technology that truly learns and adjusts with him.

It’s still early days, but this feels like the start of something special: A new chapter filled with steadier numbers, better sleep, and a much happier 13 year old.

And really that’s what matters most.

What We’ve Learned So Far

1. The right time is different for everyone.

MDI worked beautifully for years, but when needs changed, so did our tools. Don’t rush, but stay open to new options.

2. The learning curve is real, and worth it.

Pump school, support calls, and those first few weeks take patience, but the payoff comes quickly.

3. SmartAdjust really does learn.

Each pod understands your child or teens body better, giving smoother nights and steadier days.

4. Support makes all the difference.

Our diabetes nurses have been amazing, helping us build confidence. Never hesitate to lean on your care team.

5. Freedom looks a little different now

No more injections, less disruption at school, and more independence, just pressing a button and moving on with life.