Medtronic
Guardian 4 - Integrated diabetes management solutions
Medtronic combines CGM technology with their industry-leading insulin pump systems to create fully integrated automated insulin delivery solutions. Their Guardian sensors are designed specifically for use with Medtronic pumps.
Products
Guardian 4 Sensor
Advanced sensor designed for integration with MiniMed 780G insulin pump for automated insulin delivery.
Wear Time
7 days
Warm-up Time
2 hours
Accuracy
MARD: 8.7%
Calibration
Factory calibrated with optional calibration
Water Resistance
IPX8
Connectivity
Price
$300-$400/month without insurance
Insurance: Best coverage when paired with Medtronic pump
Simplera Sync (Coming Soon)
Next-generation disposable sensor with simplified application and no transmitter required.
Wear Time
7 days
Warm-up Time
2 hours (expected)
Accuracy
MARD: TBD
Calibration
Factory calibrated
Water Resistance
IPX8 (expected)
Connectivity
Price
TBD
Insurance: Expected to have similar coverage to Guardian 4
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Seamless pump integration
- Advanced closed-loop automation
- Predictive low glucose alerts
- Proven safety record
- Strong clinical support
Considerations
- 7-day wear (shortest of major brands)
- 2-hour warm-up time
- Best value only with Medtronic pump
- Higher cost as standalone
User Reviews
Best when paired with pump
Using the Guardian 4 with my MiniMed 780G has been incredible. The automated insulin delivery keeps me in range 85% of the time. The sensor alone wouldn't be my first choice, but the integration is worth it.
Good integration, shorter wear
The 7-day wear time means more sensor changes, which adds up in cost and hassle. But the SmartGuard automation has improved my A1C significantly. Worth it for the full system.
Excellent closed-loop performance
Been on Medtronic for years and the Guardian 4 is their best sensor yet. Accuracy is much better than previous generations. Looking forward to the Simplera.
Learn More About CGMs
Explore our educational content to get the most out of your Medtronic CGM.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) CGM Options
In 2024, the FDA cleared the first OTC CGMs, led by Dexcom's Stelo and Abbott's Lingo and Libre Rio, democratizing access to metabolic data.
Accuracy and Interstitial Lag Time
Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) measure glucose in the interstitial fluid (ISF) rather than the blood, creating an inherent lag time of 5–20 minutes.
Insurance Coverage and Medicare Criteria
CGM insurance coverage has expanded significantly following the CMS 2023 update, with Medicare, commercial insurance, and Medicaid all providing various coverage options.
Sensor Insertion and Site Rotation
Proper sensor insertion technique and regular site rotation are essential for accurate CGM readings and skin health.
Interpreting Trend Arrows
Trend arrows on CGMs visualize the Rate of Change (ROC) of glucose, allowing users to predict future levels and adjust treatment proactively.
Troubleshooting Common Sensor Errors
Understanding the difference between technical failures and physiological artifacts helps users troubleshoot CGM errors effectively.
Compare Other Manufacturers
See how other CGM manufacturers compare.
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