Which infusion set is right for you?

An infusion set is a device that connects an insulin pump to your body to deliver insulin. There are many kinds of infusion sets available, as they can vary based on the cannula material, length of tubing, angle they go into your skin, and whether they require a separate inserter. Based on your lifestyle, body type, and individual needs, your healthcare team might recommend looking into other infusion sets.
 

Infusion set components

Cannula

An infusion set cannula is the small flexible tube that is inserted under the skin to deliver insulin into the body. It can be made of soft plastic and inserted with a removable introducer needle or a metal/steel needle that stays in place as the cannula itself. 
Cannula attributes to choose from include:

• Type: the type of material the cannula is made out of (i.e., plastic or steel)
• Length: how long the cannula is (i.e., 6 mm, 9 mm, 13 mm, 17 mm)
   

Tubing

This component moves the insulin from the pump, through the tubing, and into your body. Tubing comes in different lengths. To choose the right length, think about where you usually wear your insulin pump: If your pump and infusion set are closer together, you can use a shorter tube, but if you run the tube under your clothes, a longer one might work better. Longer tubing allows you wear your pump in more places, but don’t keep your pump more than 14 inches above your infusion site — this could cause over-delivery of insulin, and your glucose level could drop too low. 
 

Medtronic infusion sets

Did you know we have five types of infusion sets with over 20 different cannula and tubing length options available? That means there’s one that’s just right for you!

Plastic cannulas
 

Medtronic Extended™ infusion set

The Extended infusion set is the first infusion set approved for up to 7 days of wear, which means less set changes and more time for your favorite sites to heal.

Tech specs:

• Cannula type: 90° soft cannula
• Cannula length options: 6 mm, 9 mm
• Tubing length options: 23 in, 32 in, 43 in
• Pre-loaded inserter

Insertion video: https://youtu.be/RwfcQDaj0XI
 

MiniMed™ Mio™ Advance infusion set

The MiniMed Mio Advance infusion set is designed with a pre-loaded inserter for simple set changes.

Tech specs:

• Cannula type: 90° soft cannula
• Cannula length options: 6 mm, 9 mm
• Tubing length options: 23 in, 43 in
• Pre-loaded inserter

Watch the MiniMed Mio Advance infusion set insertion video. You can also access additional resources that show how to insert the infusion set with your specific insulin pump.
 

MiniMed™ Quick-set™ infusion set

The MiniMed Quick-set infusion set has a 90-degree soft cannula insertion, with an optional Quick-serter™ available for easy and comfortable insertion.

Tech specs:

• Cannula type: 90° soft cannula
• Cannula length options: 6 mm, 9 mm
• Tubing length options: 18 in, 23 in, 32 in, 43 in
• Quick-serter

Watch the MiniMed Quick-set infusion set insertion video or how to change your Quick-set.
 

MiniMed™ Silhouette™ infusion set

The MiniMed Sihouette infusion set is a soft cannula infusion set that can be inserted at a 30-45° angle. Ideal for individuals who are lean or live an active lifestyle, this infusion set offers comfort and flexibility by allowing you to choose your insertion angle.

Tech specs:

• Cannula type: 30 - 45° soft cannula
• Cannula length options: 13 mm, 17 mm
• Tubing length options: 18 in, 23 in, 32 in, 43 in
• Sil-serter™
   

Steel cannulas
 

MiniMed™ Sure-T™ infusion set

This steel needle infusion set goes straight into the skin at a 90-degree angle. It doesn’t use a soft tube — the needle stays in your body. It also has an extra adhesive pad to help it stay in place. This set is a good option for people who have skin reactions to plastic cannulas, scar tissue, or a history of bent cannulas. You can use this for 2 days instead of 3.

Tech specs:

• Cannula type: 90° steel cannula
• Cannula length options: 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm
• Tubing length options: 18 in, 23 in, 32 in
• Manual insertion

Watch the MiniMed Sure-T infusion set insertion video and check out how to change the Sure-T.

How do I choose the right infusion set for me?

Choosing an infusion set depends on what works best for you. Think about how often you want to change it, if you find it hard to handle small parts, if you’re nervous about needles, your body type, and how other sets have worked for you.

After picking the set type, you can choose the size. If you’re putting it in a spot with less body fat, try a 6 mm cannula. If the spot has more body fat, a 9 mm cannula might work better.

Also, if you wear your insulin pump close to your infusion site, 18 in or 23 in tubing may be a good fit for you. If you don’t, 32 in or 43 in tubing may work best.

Visit our website for more information on our infusion sets options and make sure to discuss potential changes in your therapy with your healthcare team. To order, go to Diabetes.shop. 
 

[Originally published 2013-01-30 — Updated 2025-11-12] 

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION  - Medtronic Diabetes Insulin Infusion Pumps 

Infusion sets require a prescription and are indicated for the subcutaneous infusion of insulin from an infusion pump. Infusion sets are not indicated for intravenous (IV) infusion or the infusion of blood or blood products. Inaccurate medication delivery, infection and/or site irritation may result from improper insertion and maintenance of the infusion site. Before insertion, clean the insertion site with isopropyl alcohol. Remove the needle guard before inserting the infusion set. If using this infusion set for the first time, do the first set-up in the presence of your healthcare professional. Do not leave air in the infusion set. Prime completely. Follow the instructions provided and replace as indicated in those instructions. For more details, see https://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/important-safety-information.