A system for inserting at least a portion of an insertion set through the surface of a tissue, having: an inserter with a moveable plunger disposed within a cavity therein; an insertion set holder received into the distal end of the cavity; and an insertion set received into the insertion set holder, wherein the insertion set is moveable within the insertion set holder such that when the plunger is advanced into contact with the insertion set, the insertion set advances through the insertion set holder to a position at which at least a portion of the insertion set extends out of the distal end of the cavity.