Smart Glucose Meter
What is Automated Insulin Delivery (AID)?
Published: Aug. 12, 2026
Updated: Aug. 21, 2026
8 min read
Automated insulin delivery (AID) systems combine the power of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and insulin pump technology to simplify insulin dosing and improve glucose management.1-5 If you’re living with type 1 diabetes (T1D), you know that dosing the right amount of insulin to keep your glucose levels within your ideal range is a constant balancing act. With an AID system, you can worry a little less about making sure your body has the right amount of insulin, even as your glucose levels fluctuate over the course of the day.1,4,5
Diabetes Canada recommends that everyone living with T1D should use an AID system as a part of their diabetes treatment plan to improve A1C and time in range (TIR).1 Diabetes Canada also recognizes that using an AID system can improve quality of life and mental health, playing a meaningful role in reducing diabetes distress and the fear of hypoglycemia, or low glucose.1
The Dexcom G7 CGM System currently integrates with two AID systems in Canada. If you’re curious about how AID works with Dexcom G7 and you’re wondering whether AID is right for you, learning more about this innovative technology empowers you to take an active role in your diabetes treatment.
What is an automated insulin delivery (AID) system?
Automated insulin delivery (AID) systems are made up of a CGM system, like Dexcom G7, and an insulin pump that uses an algorithm to automatically deliver insulin based on real-time glucose readings from the CGM system. The AID system algorithm analyzes your glucose readings and calculates how much insulin you need in the moment.
Most of the AID systems that are currently available automate basal insulin delivery, which means you still have to give yourself boluses around meals and when needed. This type of AID system is also known as a hybrid closed-loop system. In the future, advancements in technology could lead to the development of fully closed-loop systems that can automate both basal and bolus insulin delivery, creating a true artificial pancreas.
How AID systems work with CGM
AID systems require a CGM system and a compatible insulin pump—purchased separately—that uses specialized software to automate insulin delivery. Every insulin pump brand that facilitates AID has different settings and features, but here’s a general overview of how automated insulin delivery systems work:
- The CGM system takes continuous glucose readings using a sensor that’s inserted just under the skin’s surface.
- These readings are sent to a compatible insulin pump via Bluetooth up to every five minutes.
- The insulin pump’s algorithm calculates how much basal insulin to infuse based on whether glucose levels are low, high, or steady.
- The insulin pump automatically decreases, increases, or pauses insulin infusion.
- Your glucose levels respond to the insulin dose it gets, the CGM sends that information to the pump, and the feedback loop continues.
- Over time, the insulin pump system learns from the patterns in your glucose levels and insulin dosing and can make more accurate predictions about your insulin needs.
AID benefits for type 1 diabetes
Automated insulin delivery systems can help you achieve your glucose management goals and take some of the stress out of managing diabetes.1-5Some of the major benefits of using an AID system include:
1. Steadier glucose levels and more time in range
AID systems are proven to help people improve their TIR and lower their A1C.1-3 Research shows that those who use an AID system can increase their TIR by more than 10% and significantly reduce the time they spend experiencing hypoglycemia.2,3 AID systems can adapt to your unique insulin needs as they change through the day and at night, helping to keep glucose levels stable.
2. Extra peace of mind around dosing insulin
Those using multiple daily insulin injections, also known as basal bolus injection therapy, typically inject intermediate-acting or long-acting insulin once or twice per day to maintain their basal insulin level. When you’re only giving yourself one or two basal injections a day, your insulin levels don’t adapt to your glucose levels as they naturally fluctuate throughout the day.
Since AID systems can automatically deliver basal insulin as-needed, you don’t have to interrupt your day to inject basal insulin. You also don’t have to worry as much about whether your basal dose will lead to a low during a busy day where you delay your usual snack or find yourself running around. The AID system can reduce or pause insulin delivery if it detects that your levels are going low.
3. No routine fingersticks* and fewer insulin injections
With a CGM system like Dexcom G7, you don’t need to perform uncomfortable routine fingersticks to get your glucose readings.* Insulin pumps also eliminate the need for insulin injections. Fewer pricks throughout the day means you’ll be a little more comfortable, which can help make diabetes feel a bit more manageable.
This can make things easier for parents of children living with T1D. With an AID system, you don’t have to stop your child’s day or wake them up at night to check their glucose or administer insulin with a painful prick.
4. A greater sense of confidence and well-being
Using an AID system can also have a positive impact on your emotional well-being and even reduce the mental burden that can come with managing diabetes.1,4,5 In one study, participants reported that using an AID system made them feel like they “had a break from the day-to-day demands of living with diabetes.”5
AID systems have been shown to help reduce the fear of hypoglycemia and diabetes distress—which can happen when managing diabetes feels like too much to handle.1,4 Using an AID system is also associated with better sleep for both individuals living with T1D and parents with kids living with T1D.4 Studies have found that when kids living with T1D use an AID system, their parents and siblings also experience less diabetes-related stress and are able to focus on enjoying time together—rather than worrying about their loved one’s health.4
AID options available in Canada for Dexcom G7
Dexcom G7-compatible pumps for Canadians include the Tandem t:slim X2 insulin pump® with Control-IQ+ technology** and the Omnipod® 5 Automated Insulin Delivery System.† With these Dexcom G7 insulin pump integrations, you can create a hybrid closed-loop system to help simplify your insulin dosing routine.
Tandem t:slim X2 insulin pump with Control-IQ+ technology
The Tandem t:slim X2 insulin pump with Control-IQ+ technology** includes a tubed infusion set and smart software that uses Dexcom G7 readings to predict glucose levels 30 minutes in advance and automatically adjust insulin delivery accordingly. The pump will reduce or stop basal insulin delivery if your Dexcom G7 readings are low to help prevent hypoglycemia. It can also deliver AutoBoluses once an hour if the system predicts that glucose will rise over 10.0 mmol/L.‡ It is recommended that you still count carbs and bolus according to your healthcare provider's recommendations.
The Tandem t:slim X2 insulin pump allows you to create custom settings for basal insulin delivery during physical activity and while you sleep. With flexible settings, the pump can continue to deliver the right amount of insulin as your glucose patterns fluctuate throughout your daily routines.
The Tandem t:slim X2 insulin pump can be used by adults and kids 2 years of age and up.**
Omnipod® 5 Automated Insulin Delivery System
The Omnipod® 5 Automated Insulin Delivery System includes a tubeless, wearable, waterproof§ patch pump called a Pod. The Pod is worn on the body, similar to your Dexcom G7 sensor, and can give you up to three days of continuous insulin delivery.||
The Omnipod 5 algorithm assesses the latest readings from the Dexcom G7 and predicts glucose levels 60 minutes in advance to deliver the appropriate amount of insulin. It automatically increases, decreases, or pauses insulin delivery, every five minutes, based on your personal needs which may help to protect against highs and lows. However, you still have to calculate carbs and bolus around meals.
Omnipod 5 is intended to deliver U-100 insulin subcutaneously for the management of type 1 diabetes in persons aged 2 and older requiring insulin.
Explore whether Dexcom G7 fits into your ideal AID system
You can combine Dexcom G7 with your preferred insulin pump to create an AID system that fits into your lifestyle and supports your diabetes management goals. With Dexcom G7, you can view real-time glucose readings in the palm of your hand on your compatible smart device¶ and track your meals, activities, and insulin dosing schedule alongside your glucose data. This gives you deeper insight into how well your diabetes management routines and technology are working, empowering you to make choices that support your health. Tools like Dexcom G7 and an AID system can make managing diabetes feel a little easier, so you can focus on what matters most.
* Fingersticks required for diabetes treatment decisions if symptoms or expectations do not match readings.
† The Omnipod 5 AID System is publicly reimbursed in Ontario, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Northwest Territories, Alberta, British Columbia, and Yukon and is covered by most private insurers nationally.
‡ If predicted glucose values are likely to be above 10.0 mmol/L, Control-IQ+ technology calculates a AutoBolus from personal profile settings and a target of 6.1 mmol/L, and delivers 60% of that value.
§ The Pod has an IP28 rating for up to 7.6 metres (25 feet) for up to 60 minutes. The Omnipod 5 Controller is not waterproof. Please consult sensor manufacturer user guide for sensor waterproof rating.
|| Boluses for meals and corrections are still necessary. Dexcom CGM Systems and the Omnipod 5 AID System are sold separately and require a separate prescription. Omnipod is a registered trademark of Insulet Corporation and used with permission.
¶ Smart devices sold separately. For a list of compatible smart devices, please visit www.dexcom.com/compatibility.
** This product may not be right for you. Always read the label and follow instructions. Safety info: tandemdiabetes.com/safetyinfo.
1 Halperin IJ, et al. Can J Diabetes. 2025;49(1):5-18.
2 Considine EG, et al. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2024;26(S3):53-65.
3 Renard E, et al. Diabetes Care. 2023;46(12):2180-2187.
4 Roos T, et al. eClinicalMedicine. 2024;76:102852.
5 Lakshman R, et al. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2024;26(4):211-221.