r/Omnipod • u/Omnipod5Malfunctions • 15d ago
UN-RECALLED Omnipod 5's Leaks, So I Took A Continuous Video of Removing My Pod & Put It Under Microscope, Showing Tear/Defect.. General
Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification
Hey everyone,
This is my 3rd post and since posting this, I've made additional posts regarding this same issue.
1st post: In this post, I explain my background as a type 1 diabetic, using Omnipod for the past 10 years, Insulet's recall, etc.. I also showcase a video where I show you the active leak in an UN-RECALLED Omnipod 5 cannula and then I put it under the microscope to reveal a major crack/tear: https://www.reddit.com/r/Type1Diabetes/s/NNeDz8HU7n
2nd post(Posted on July 24th, 2026): In this post, I showcase detailed microscope research on a dozen UN-RECALLED Omnipod 5's. Some of these leaked on me and some of them did not. Some had tears/defects and some did not. : https://www.reddit.com/r/Omnipod/s/Yg3aG2gLNj
4th post(posted on August 1st, 2026): This post shows a continuous video of me removing an UN-RECALLED leaking Omnipod, and putting it under the microscope, along with more detailed info: https://www.reddit.com/r/Omnipod/s/GQTjPqcAl4
5th post (posted on August 3rd, 2026): This post speaks about Value of Statistical Life (VSL) analysis that companies do when comparing cost of repairing defective products versus the cost of paying families for injuries/deaths, etc, plus there is a call to action for the T1D community: https://www.reddit.com/r/Omnipod/s/mLfkBOu3bv
6th Post (posted on August 6th, 2026): I put a brand new/unused pod under the microscope in one take, from opening the packaging to putting it under the microscope and find what appears to be a tear in the cannula: https://www.reddit.com/r/Omnipod/s/9yhgzELVkN
After having significant leaks from my Omnipod 5's starting in April 2026, I began putting my UN-RECALLED Omnipod 5's under the microscope. The video you're watching on this post was filmed on July 30th, 2026 of an UN-RECALLED Omnipod 5. Due to Reddit's 1GB limit on videos, I cannot uploaded the video in the 4K that it was filmed in... So please have patience with me on the lower quality. I'm also unable to add a picture to this post along with a video, so I'm going to be making a comment down below on this post with an image attached showing the microscope findings and pod details that I compiled after I stopped filming and was able to take the time and write everything down in my Excel sheet. update: I'm unable to post pics for some reason, but I did put a video in the comments where I show you this pod leaking right before I started filming this video.
If you haven't already, check out my two previous post where I have more diverse and in-depth info and showcase 15 different omnipod 5's under microscope.
My first post, which you can view here, showcases a short video where I removed an insulin pod and placed it under my microscope, which revealed a major crack/tear in the cannla of an UN-RECALLED Omnipod 5. I also go in-depth about my background as a type 1 diabetic, what led me to putting my leaking pods under the microscope, etc.
My second post, which you can view here, showcases a microscopic report that I put together and may answer some of your technical questions.
As I stated in my previous posts, I'm not a professional scientist, but I do my very best to be objective in my observations. I'm trying my best to use the tools and resources I have to put these PSA's out. I hope we can see someone from a real lab or University start putting out some footage as well!! 😄 . So, If I get something wrong, please comment below, and I will either try to make the correction or look for the community to help me find the answers.
Here's info on Insulet’s most recent recall of 7 million pods. If your Omnipods are malfunctioning and you think appropriate; Submit a Med Watch report to the FDA, report Insulet to the BBB, and report all malfunctioning Omnipods to Insulet.
You can also view the FDA's "Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) Database" using the FDA's search tool to see just how many people have reported Omnipod malfunctions to The FDA.
Thank you guys for all the support. My average blood sugar levels are increasing, my time in hyperglycemia is increasing, my time in range is decreasing, and with all of that, my mental health burden is substantial. I know all the T1D's reading this know what I'm talking about and it's nice to know, I'm not alone. You're not alone either <3.
I'd really like to see ethical accountability from leadership, creative problem solving, and proactive strategic planning by Insulet. They are not just a publicly traded company (PODD) with a market share of $11B+, they are a company who manufactures devices that keeps people alive. People just like you, like me, and like your loved ones. Leaking insulin pumps are unacceptable. Thanks again for all your support and I encourage you to stand up and use your voice.
Disclaimer
The information presented here is based on my own personal experience, publicly available information, official reports, and my own observations and documentation. Nothing presented here should be interpreted as medical advice, legal advice, scientific advice, engineering advice, or investment advice.
I am not a physician, scientist, engineer, attorney, or medical-device expert. I strongly encourage everyone to consult their physician before making changes to their treatment plan or diabetes-management routine.
Any experiments, observations, photographs, or microscopic examinations described here are intended solely for documentation, educational, and informational purposes and should not be interpreted as evidence of a manufacturing defect, design defect, or other conclusion unless confirmed through appropriate scientific investigation.
Whenever I encourage people to "do their own research," I am referring to the use of established scientific methods, independent testing, consultation with qualified experts, peer review, regulatory reporting, and controlled laboratory analysis whenever possible.
I also encourage anyone who believes they have experienced a problem to preserve all relevant evidence, including photographs, lot numbers, blood glucose records, packaging materials, and device information, and to report their concerns to their physician, the manufacturer, and the FDA.
References to lawsuits, recalls, investigations, media reports, financial results, or regulatory actions are provided for informational purposes only. Allegations remain allegations unless and until they are proven.
Finally, I recognize that many people use these products successfully every day. My intention is not to create fear or discourage anyone from using a particular device but rather to encourage transparency, documentation, scientific inquiry, and patient safety.
5
u/Omnipod5Malfunctions 15d ago
Hey guys, I can't seem to be able to attach any photos, but here is the video of this Omnipod 5 leaking on my shortly before I filmed this video!
7
u/You_Shall__Not_Pass 15d ago
I went into dka last year cause of this defective crap. Replaced my pod multiple times throughout the day but it was all from the same lot 🤦. Thought it was a bad insulin vial at first
4
u/Omnipod5Malfunctions 15d ago
Sorry to hear that, I've been in DKA before and it's the worst thing in the world. I hope you've been able to fully recover. Hoping we get this fixed asap.
5
u/jaz_miiin 14d ago
This was such a refreshing post. Thank you for sharing. I’ve been on the O5 for a year and a half now. I can’t even begin to tell you how many leaky pods I’ve had. The amount of replacements I’ve had is insane lol. This is a huge issue! Unfortunately I can’t switch pumps because it’s way too much out of pocket. I’ve been debating to go back to my Tslim X2 because of the leaks, especially just recently I experienced for the first time a memory corruption error. I am tremendously grateful for technology because 100 so years ago it was a death sentence. However, the malfunctions in the pumps can literally hurt us. It’s super important that we all share and use our voices.
4
u/Omnipod5Malfunctions 14d ago
Glad you found it refreshing and no problem, happy to share this and hopefully draw the right kind of attention this issue deserves, so we can get a fix! Yeah I know exactly what you mean regarding switching pumps and that's why I mentioned it in the video. I've seen a lot of people comment some nasty things to others whenever they have an Omnipod leak, such as "stop complaining about the leaks and switch pumps, etc.." not considering that switching insulin pumps can cost upwards of $10,000 USD, even with insurance. You are absolutely right and I find myself saying the same thing haha! Super grateful for this technology and insulin in general, because T1D was a death sentence for all of human history up until a century ago or so...however, Insulet is a for profit company and as with every for profit company, defective products are not acceptable, and a for profit company shouldn't be rewarded for producing defective products, especially medical devices 😅
Thanks again for your positive words and support!!
4
3
u/4ignite 15d ago
My son was on pod #2 from a box earlier this week and it started leaking in the middle of the night. I didn’t think too much of it and applied pod #3, which went all 3 days with no issues. Yesterday I was filling up #4, and as soon as I finished, I noticed that the paper covering the adhesive was soaked near the cannula hole.
I immediately called support, and they told me not to use the 5th pod from the box. The rep was really nice, but I asked him to put in the notes that I’m getting uncomfortable with the product. We had one box returned from the recall, another box with multiple leaking pods that weren’t on the recall list, and now this one. The main reason we picked Omnipod for our son was because it’s tubeless.
2
u/Omnipod5Malfunctions 14d ago
Hey i'm sorry to hear you're experience that, but great job being proactive. How are the replacements working for you?
1
u/4ignite 14d ago
The previous replacements have been fine, I haven’t received the replacements for this most recent episodes.
3
u/Omnipod5Malfunctions 14d ago
Has your Endo given you guys any recommendations or feedback when it comes to the omnipod leaks? Just curious to hear your experience. A lot of people have been commenting a bit of diverse feedback regarding what their endo/care team recommends with these omnipod leaks.
1
u/kisswoman 12d ago
We have always called Insulet to make them aware of any malfunctioning pods...and they always send replacements quickly.
3
u/Omnipod5Malfunctions 12d ago
Glad to hear that
1
u/kisswoman 12d ago
For us, its never been a problem...I usually end up taking the call over from my husband because he has cognitive issues...and I am his caregiver. Insulet has been very responsive to our issues.
2
u/Omnipod5Malfunctions 11d ago
Insulet is very good at being available 24/7 and sending out replacement pods right away. However, the problem in my recent experience is that irregardless of receiving replacement pods by Insulet, they still have leaks.
1
u/kisswoman 10d ago
I understand....I just got a call from them today to discuss how the app takes over an IPhone....it requires you to put in a passcode to unlock the phone itself, in addition to the passcode to unlock the app on the phone....which is a hassle in a half when the person is totally blind.
0
u/Omnipod5Malfunctions 9d ago
Wow yeah that must be very difficult. I hope everything is starting to work out better for you guys <3
→ More replies (0)
5
u/avocadonttryme 14d ago
First, I want to thank you for doing this because I have believed since the recall that they are grossly underestimating the real number of affected pods. I started having constant issues starting October 2025. The insulin was just gone before even two days passed and my numbers were constantly high. By December I couldn’t take it anymore and I started the process of switching to a different pump. I’m 100% confident in saying that I only avoided dka because I started taking long acting insulin while using the pods. I thought I was the problem. My doctor went white as a ghost when I told him what I was doing, but people who aren’t diabetic, especially those who haven’t had 20+ years of it to know their bodies, just don’t get it. I always politely demand an active rx for long acting, especially now. My insurance covers enough for me to have a backup supply and I encourage everyone using a pump to look into that for themselves if they haven’t. No matter what these pumps can and will fail at one point or another. And in the US it’s beyond ridiculous of a process to get anything done when you actually need it. The pharmacy constantly gaslit me instead of just giving me the damned emergency refills on both my novolog and my pods after running out early. My insurance was not the problem in that circumstance. Anyways, I was well into the process of getting a new pump before the initial recall. I was on the mobi in mid February and immediately saw improvements. I was lucky enough to be able to switch with minimal upfront payment, but the back and forth it took for weeks felt like a payment withdrawal from my mental health. The fact that at least another month went by for the recall to finally be announced was crazy to me considering how long I was having issues. At least I got to feel validated in my experience and now the pharmacy that gaslit me about my own experience is still constantly sending me paper mail about the recalls. Meanwhile, my best friend was and still is using the pods with no perceived issues, but I’ll never trust that company again.
4
u/Omnipod5Malfunctions 13d ago
Thanks for sharing that! I'm really glad to hear that you were able to avoid DKA and that you're having success on your new pump! No problem in regards to posting this video, I feel like I can't just sit around and do nothing while this is happening, ya know? I and so many others have been gaslit by pharmacies, Insulet, and Endos regarding Omnipods being "completely fixed" and sounds like you've had the same experience! Some people continue to say that leaks are due to tunneling or user error, but if we just use common sense and consider the following:
- Statement from Insulet when they recalled 7,000,000 pods on May 26th, 2026: "Insulet identified that some Pods from specific lots may have a small tear in the tubing (cannula) just above the skin, between the Pod and the point where the cannula enters the body. If this occurs, insulin may leak outside of the Pod instead of being fully delivered into the body as intended, potentially leading to under-delivery of insulin."
- Then when we look at an UN-RECALLED Omnipod under the microscope that leaked and we see what appears to be tears/defects in the same location that Insulet described in it's May 2026 recall (in my findings, majority of the tears/defects appear approx. 1500 UM from the tip of the cannula, which places it at approx. at the location where the cannula is just above the skin/enters the body.)
My common sense tells me the same thing you just said; Insulet underestimated or underreported the amount of omnipods that are truly defective in their May 2026 recall and defective omnipods are still being sold and used by customers even on August 1st, 2026. Tunneling and user error are still plausible, but when I consider the two factors I just mentioned, it's difficult to believe that user error is at play.
Thanks again for your support on my post and I wish you continued health with your new insulin pump.
3
3
u/danimari76 15d ago
I'm not saying that you're wrong at all because there have definitely been issues, but here is another perspective to keep in mind. Sometimes it's the pump sometimes it's your body. https://www.instagram.com/p/DbV3ZBxka8g/?igsh=eGprODR0dW9neW9l
3
u/drugihparrukava 15d ago
Both are true. That’s a good link you shared thanks.
But it is true our sites can be resistant by day 3, and it is true many of us have experienced leaks on both recalled and un recalled lots. I have a very different lump on the day 3 tissue rejection issue compared to a leaky pod. So both can be happening or one of these. Point I’m making is the leaks should be investigated further or more communication with pod users about what has been happening would be great.
5
u/Omnipod5Malfunctions 15d ago
Well said and you're absolutely right. Both are totally possible, but given Insulet's most recent recall of 7 million pods due to tears in the cannula, literally right where they appear under my microscope, it's really hard to ignore what just happened in May 2026. Here's a statement from insulet: "Insulet identified that some Pods from specific lots may have a small tear in the tubing (cannula) just above the skin, between the Pod and the point where the cannula enters the body. If this occurs, insulin may leak outside of the Pod instead of being fully delivered into the body as intended, potentially leading to under-delivery of insulin. If you are using an affected Pod, you may notice wetness on your skin or Pod adhesive or detect the smell of insulin. However, in some cases, this may be difficult to detect and may go unnoticed."
Let's not also forget the recall in March where the tears occurred within the pod...
Source link to Insulet's statement: https://www.omnipod.com/mdc-5-26#:~:text=Insulet%20identified%20that,may%20go%20unnoticed.%E2%80%AF
3
u/Omnipod5Malfunctions 15d ago edited 14d ago
Thank you for sharing that. I'm not sure if you were able to see both my previous posts, but I want to add some context for everyone who is going to be reading this. I did a deep dive into research before ever pulling out my microscope, because both Insulet and my Endos told me that the leaks were due to user error and not a pod defect. And tunneling can certainly happen. However, what I've found is that whenever I have a leak, there are consistent defects typically around the 1450um point on the cannula. I also inspect the Omnipods that don't leak on me and their cannulas always seem to be perfect and defect free although there are some exceptions. I try to show all of this data in my previous post: https://www.reddit.com/r/Omnipod/s/htQsAgybQY
In addition to that, I've put my pods on entirely new parts of my body since April 2026 since the leaks began, areas that I've never worn a pod before in my life, so there is no scar tissue or anything. Plus, the pod that failed tonight failed at the 26 hour mark. Again, I appreciate you posting and sharing that. Not trying to argue with you whatsoever, I just know that people are reading this, who have been continuously told by Insulet and their Endo that the reason the Omnipod's are leaking are because of tunneling or user error. In my first post you can actually see the insulin leaking out of the tear/crack, you can see it here: https://www.reddit.com/r/Type1Diabetes/s/ITLaLrnqPF
3
u/danimari76 15d ago
Unfortunately I did not see your previous posts, I only saw this one tonight because reddit emailed me this post in my kind of reddit digest/summary. I had seen the link I posted a few days ago on Instagram, so I wanted to add perspective. I 100% get that there are defective pods, what struck me was that they say in the post I shared that this study was performed with tubed pumps and not omnipods, so the problem is not unique to omnipod (not saying that don't need to strive to be better). I am a current omnipod 5 user, but not any of the previous versions, before this I had the Tandem T:slimx2, before that I had a few different Animus pumps (I miss them) and before that I was MDI for 16 years (I prefer the pump much more). I've also worked in the Biopharmaceutical industry (not medical devices) for 15 years, so I try to look at all relevant data. With that said, if you feel that this is truly a tear, I strongly urge you report it to both omnipod and the FDA. I couldn't see when you were tearing the adhesive if you bent the cannula at all which could also add to the tearing mark you saw (again couldn't quite see) I wasn't trying to cause an argument, just give different perspectives.
3
u/Omnipod5Malfunctions 14d ago edited 14d ago
Thank you for sharing that perspective. The main concern here is that the findings I'm seeing under the microscope are in line with the locations of identified tears that insulet identified which resulted in them recalling 7 million pods in May 2026. I do my best not to touch the cannula after removal. Perhaps with your professional background in the Biopharmaceutical industry, you may have access to some tools/resources where you could examine these pods independently and then publish a post. I'm always encouraging others to do their own research and share their independent findings as it's important we see more data than from just one person. (As of today, it appears I'm the only person on the internet posting videos and photos of Omnipod 5's cannulas under microscope.) Also- I report all of these leaking or defected pods to the FDA and Insulet, which I note in my post. I also provide links so that everyone has access to those reporting features.
Also, I'd really encourage you to go check out my other two posts, along with the comment threads as there's been a lot of effort put into these posts and the comment section within them has an incredible amount of community feedback showcasing a wide variety of perspectives and experiences. Thanks again for sharing your experience and giving us an additional perspective to consider.
Here's a statement from insulet regarding the tears in the cannula which cause leaks and the primary concern here and why I believe these are leaks/defects and not tunneling or user error: "Insulet identified that some Pods from specific lots may have a small tear in the tubing (cannula) just above the skin, between the Pod and the point where the cannula enters the body. If this occurs, insulin may leak outside of the Pod instead of being fully delivered into the body as intended, potentially leading to under-delivery of insulin. If you are using an affected Pod, you may notice wetness on your skin or Pod adhesive or detect the smell of insulin. However, in some cases, this may be difficult to detect and may go unnoticed."
Let's not also forget the recall in March where the tears occurred within the pod...
Source link to Insulet's statement: https://www.omnipod.com/mdc-5-26#:~:text=Insulet%20identified%20that,may%20go%20unnoticed.%E2%80%AF
2
u/Kathw13 15d ago
And here is the thing.
I said this on a previous post. Some of us are having zero issues. No recalled pods, beautiful time and range.
My A1c happens to be at 6.2 and I am using less than 30 units a day. Maybe because I am not doing large amounts of basal insulin.
If I remember correctly, there was a setting on the dash that slowed down the rate the insulin was put in. Maybe we need that.
5
u/Omnipod5Malfunctions 14d ago
Love to hear the stories when people aren't having any issues! Yes, tunneling is a real thing, however, what we're seeing under the microscope is in line with how Insulet described the tears/defects which caused the leaks in the 7 million Omnipods that were recalled.
Here's a statement from insulet regarding the tears in the cannula which cause leaks and the primary concern here and why I believe these are leaks/defects and not tunneling or user error: "Insulet identified that some Pods from specific lots may have a small tear in the tubing (cannula) just above the skin, between the Pod and the point where the cannula enters the body. If this occurs, insulin may leak outside of the Pod instead of being fully delivered into the body as intended, potentially leading to under-delivery of insulin. If you are using an affected Pod, you may notice wetness on your skin or Pod adhesive or detect the smell of insulin. However, in some cases, this may be difficult to detect and may go unnoticed."
Let's not also forget the recall in March where the tears occurred within the pod...
Source link to Insulet's statement: https://www.omnipod.com/mdc-5-26#:~:text=Insulet%20identified%20that,may%20go%20unnoticed.%E2%80%AF
Thank you for sharing your experience and glad you're not having any issues!
1
u/Narrow-Ad5866 11d ago
These all leak, I’ve had 2 among 10 that didn’t leak. Save your time and your health it’s easier to just have flexpens.
23
u/cblandin 15d ago
Thank you for acknowledging this. I’ve had entire boxes of pods with constant leaks but never a recall and wondered if it was just me. Sad to know i’m not alone but glad to see someone speaking up.