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Survive & Thrive · AID Series

MiniMed 780G + SmartGuard — what it offers, how to get the most from it

Side 1 of 2
What 780G offers
MiniMed 780G · SmartGuard
System profile

MiniMed 780G at a glance

AIT
Primary optimisation lever Active Insulin Time (AIT). Shorter AIT + lower target = optimal. Only 6.4% of users on optimal settings.
Optimal TIR
78.8%
5.5 target + 2h AIT
Registry
101,629
Choudhary et al. 2024
Age UK/EU
2+
UKCA/CE, T1+T2
Age US
7+
FDA, T1; T2 18+
Ref: Choudhary P et al. 2024 · Bassi M et al. 2025 · Priya & Kalra 2021 · Pemberton & Uday 2026.
The essentials
✓Tubed pump. 3-day infusion set, 300U reservoir.
✓SmartGuard algorithm - predictive, continuous learning. Adjusts every 5 min.
✓Compatible CGM (3 sensors): Guardian 4 (7d), Simplera Sync (7d, upper arm), Instinct (Abbott-made, 15d, CE Mark 10 Mar 2026).
✓Target options: 5.5, 6.1, 6.7 mmol/L. 5.5 is the lowest UK AID target.
✓AIT options: 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4 hours.
✓Auto-correction boluses. Continuous background corrections - up to every 5 min.
✓Most continuous high-glucose response. Better at pulling glucose down than basal-only systems.
MiniMed-recommended starting configuration

Manufacturer-recommended start

PopulationGlucose targetAIT
Adults100 mg/dL (5.5 mmol/L)2 hours
Ages 7 to 14110 mg/dL (6.1 mmol/L)2 hours
Ages 2 to 6120 mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L)2 hours
GNL teaching framework, not endorsed by MiniMed. The 3-tier ladder below is a GNL pedagogical device to help you reason about responsiveness vs IOB visibility. All settings sit within the 780G's adjustable range. MiniMed has not assessed the framework and does not endorse it. Down-titrate target only when there are no hypoglycaemia concerns. Discuss any deviation with your diabetes care team.
TierTarget (adults)AITOutcome profile
Optimal5.5 mmol/L2 hoursHighest TIR (78.8% on this combination, Choudhary 2024)
Balanced6.1 mmol/L2.5 hoursGood balance
Protective6.7 mmol/L3 hoursMost conservative
Only 6.4% of users are on the AIT 2h, target 5.5 mmol/L combination. Most adults leave TIR on the table. The algorithm is designed to handle the shorter-AIT setting; discuss moving down a tier with your diabetes team.
SmartGuard top tips

Getting the most from the algorithm

  • Bolus before eating. SmartGuard can't anticipate meals. Late boluses push glucose above working range.
  • Keep sensor signal strong. 30 min signal loss drops you out of Auto mode.
  • Confirmation checks with a real finger-stick - not by entering the CGM number. Entering the displayed CGM reading adds no correction.
  • Temp target for exercise or cautious moments - raises target to 8.3 mmol/L for a set duration.
Getting the most from 780G · Part 1

Why AIT is the biggest lever

AIT tells SmartGuard how long it should assume insulin is still working. Shorter AIT means the algorithm models insulin clearing faster, so it auto-delivers more frequently.

  • AIT 2 hours - MiniMed-recommended starting setting. Works best paired with the age-banded target.
  • AIT 3+ hours - algorithm holds back. Good protection but leaves TIR behind.
  • Changing AIT alone - modest effect. Pairing AIT with target gives the step change.
The 780G manages the AIT 2 hour setting well because the algorithm constantly reads glucose and corrects both ways. Move one step at a time, with your team.
Exercise on the 780G

Temp Target and fuelling

  • Temp Target 8.3 mmol/L. Set duration 30 min - 24 hours. Reduces basal, disables auto-correction.
  • Activate 60-90 min before exercise. Gives IOB time to drop.
  • Long sessions - combine Temp Target with reduced mealtime bolus.
  • Post-exercise lows can arrive hours later. Keep Temp Target on 60-90 min after stopping.
Survive & Thrive · AID Series

MiniMed 780G + SmartGuard — the 20% that makes 80% of the difference

Side 2 of 2
How to get the most out of it
MiniMed 780G · SmartGuard
Major in the majors · #1

Two settings, most of the outcome

  • Glucose target. 5.5, 6.1 or 6.7 mmol/L (100, 110, 120 mg/dL). Lower target = more responsive algorithm. MiniMed paediatric floor: 110 mg/dL ages 7 to 14, 120 mg/dL ages 2 to 6.
  • Active Insulin Time (AIT). 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5 or 4 hours. Shorter AIT = algorithm models insulin clearing faster, auto-delivers more frequently. MiniMed-recommended starting AIT: 2 hours.
  • Carb ratio. Meal boluses use your ICR - algorithm doesn't override it.
  • Basal profile. Still the foundation. Review with your team every 4-8 weeks.
Major in the majors · #2

Staying in SmartGuard Auto mode

  • 93% Auto-mode target - CIP330 trial benchmark. If you're below 85%, there's a fix.
  • Common Auto-mode exits: sensor signal loss, missed calibration prompts, prolonged highs above working range.
  • CareLink weekly review. Time in Auto first, TIR second. Auto-mode time is the precondition.
  • Infusion sites. Rotate every change - abdomen, lower back, thighs, upper outer arm.
  • Change in the morning so you can spot absorption issues before bedtime.
Major in the majors · #3

Two actions that move HbA1c most

The AID Optimiser models what target + AIT changes will do. Use it before you change anything.

Action 1 AID Algorithm OptimiserModel target and AIT changes for MiniMed 780G SmartGuard. See expected TIR shift before you commit. → Action 2 Exercise Planning ExplorerTemp Target timing + bolus reductions for your session type. →
Go deeper

GNL explorers, guides & podcasts

Interactive tools, graded evidence and long-form reading when you want more than a leaflet.

GuideFull AID Guide - 5-part seriesHow every AID algorithm works, side by side.→ SystemGNL MiniMed 780G PageDeep dive - SmartGuard, registry data, optimisation strategy.→ PodcastEpisode 36 - DSN Forum UK780G user experience, Simplera practicalities, real-world use.→ AskGrace - evidence-backed Q&AAsk anything about 780G, SmartGuard or T1D.→