Last Updated on April 24, 2024
What Is The V-Go
Do you have type 2 diabetes and are scared of needles and syringes? You’re not alone. Close to 10% of Americans suffer from trypanophobia (fear of needles). The V-Go might be perfect for you. It’s not a smart pen, and it’s not exactly a pump either, the V-Go is a new hybrid. The V-Go might look like another insulin pump, but it is far from it. According to the Valeritas website, “The V-Go is a disposable insulin delivery device”, and is technically classified as a syringe injection.
V-Go is designed to deliver insulin for 24 hours and then refilled or disposed of. The device delivers insulin every hour and can deliver mealtime doses. The device is attached to the body just like an insulin pump and delivers insulin using a tiny needle. Unlike pumps the V-Go doesn’t use batteries, it uses pressure and a coiled spring inside of the device to deliver the insulin. The V-Go comes in three separate sizes that can be prescribed by your doctor: V-Go 20, V-Go 30, and the V-Go 40, with each number referring to the hourly infusing rates.
Studies Have Shown Positive Results
The best attribute of the V-Go delivery system is that it will not forget to deliver insulin. Forgetting to take insulin from an insulin pen can happen from time to time. A study of 47 participants using the V-Go improved A1C numbers from 8.6 percent to 7.8 percent versus the traditional insulin methods. None of the patients in the study showed any significant change in weight, but a few of them did show side effects such as skin irritation like rashes. These clinical studies are encouraging for people with type 2 diabetes. The V-Go might not work well for everyone, but having a simple alternative to syringes could reduce hypo and hyperglycemic episodes in many people with diabetes.
Pros
Convenience
The V-Go device provides convenience for people with type 2 diabetes. The best part of the device for type 2 diabetics is that they can attach the V-Go and then forget about it. This is perfect for any diabetic that has a hectic schedule and doesn’t have time to deliver insulin using a syringe. You can pre-load a new V-Go and store them in the refrigerator for five days or three days at normal room temperature.
Size
The disposable insulin device won’t be as cumbersome as you might imagine. The V-Go boasts a discrete size of about 2.5 inches by 1 inch and weighing in at a total of about 1 ounce.
Waterproof
The device has been waterproof tested up to 3 feet. Because there are no electronics or batteries inside of the device, you can wear the V-Go in the shower or when you are swimming.
Simplicity
The device is simple to use. The device has one button that you can press for mealtime bolus. One press of the button delivers two units. With simple math, you can figure out how many times you need to press the button. There are no programming or touch screens.
Cons
Costs
Unfortunately not everything about the device is perfect. While it isn’t exactly expensive, the price tag could be a barrier for some people. This new form of insulin delivers isn’t as cheap as the traditional syringe and vial. It will cost you around $300 without insurance. Because it’s still new to the market, all health insurance companies don’t cover the V-Go for reimbursement yet.
Adjustments
One of the major concerns with the V-Go is the lack of flexibility on dosages. Valeritas warns that if you require specific adjustments to the amount of insulin you need in a 24 hours, you could experience hypoglycemia episodes using the V-Go.
