Feb 20(Reuters) - Insulet ( PODD ) reported a

higher-than-expected profit in the fourth quarter on Thursday,

driven by strong demand for its wearable insulin pumps.

The company produces and sells Omnipod, an automated insulin

delivery device, which works without the need for external

tubing typically associated with conventional pumps and

eliminates the need for multiple daily injections for people

with insulin-dependent diabetes.

Insulet's ( PODD ) Omnipod 5 device is the first such system to be

cleared for use in managing both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

The medical device maker has been working to ease investor

concerns about the potential hit on its insulin pump sales,

given the soaring demand for the newer diabetes and weight-loss

drugs categorized as GLP-1s.

In September, Insulet ( PODD ) said it expects new customer additions

to be stronger in the second half of 2024 compared to the same

period last year.

The company expects its annual 2025 revenue to grow between

16% and 20%.

The Acton, Massachusetts-based company's total revenue

jumped 17.2% to $597.5 million for the quarter ended December

31, beating analysts' estimates of $582.8 million.

Sales of Omnipod insulin pumps came in at $585.7 million for

the fourth quarter, compared with analysts' estimates of $576

million. It expects Omnipod revenue growth in the range of 17%

to 21% for 2025.

On an adjusted basis, the company earned $1.15 per share,

above analysts' average estimate of $1.02.

Insulet's ( PODD ) larger peer Dexcom ( DXCM ) beat fourth-quarter

sales earlier this month and reiterated its annual sales

forecast.