logo
Please be advised that the site search and results are exclusively available in English only.
Disclaimer: We are working on translating our site into other languages. If you encounter any issues with the translations, please email us at diabeteswise@stanford.edu.

The Tandem pump allows you to bolus directly from a compatible iOS or Android smartphone, is rechargeable, has a touch screen, and can be updated on your home computer.

Next Steps

Meter

Meter

Because there are so many options, and they don't have huge differences - the best thing to do is see what options your insurance companies will cover. The best way to find that out is through your doctor.

Contact

If you have specific wants with a meter - like connecting to your phone, or your pump - the best place to start would be to google your question.

Walgreens

Tandem t:slim X2

Tandem t:slim X2

Call Tandem and ask them about your coverage. Talk to your Doctor to get a prescription.

Contact

1-877-801-6901

Mon-Fri, 9:00am - 5:00 PST

Tandem Website

Priorities

Comfort

  • Have to carry meter supplies
  • Smallest tubed pump
  • Tubed pumps have the most infusion sets to pick from

    • Active Lifestyle

  • Must pause activity to check blood sugar
  • Optional settings for exercise to adjust treatment ranges for activity with the press of a button

    • Avoiding Highs and Lows

  • Meters don't give as much blood sugar data as sensors do
  • Pumps allow different amounts of basal insulin at different times of day and very precise dosing

    • Easy to Use

  • No info on blood sugar trends
  • Rechargeable pump battery
  • Pump has touchscreen

    • Easy Insulin Dosing

  • Bolus calculator available to help figure out doses
  • Offers smallest increments of basal insulin delivery
  • More customizable dosing than pens or syringes

    • Fewer Fingersticks

  • Frequent fingersticks are unavoidable

    • Privacy

  • Requires visible blood
  • Pump has tubing
  • Touchscreen of pump looks like normal tech device
  • Ability to bolus directly on compatible smartphone

    • Wisdom

    Hear what others who use this device combo have to say

    There should be an alternative place to hide the pump when wearing sleek evening wear. The leg strap slides off, and if you're not wearing a bra to hook it to, you're limited in your clothing choices. Certainly not the end of the world, but it would be better if the devices were smaller.

    I still need to test my BG but I know when I run that my sugar will spike so I've learned how set my temp basal rate and always run the same distance. It would be better to know my BG trends with a sensor but this routine works for me.

    Diabetes is frustrating as is, but using a pump and meter helps to simplify just one part of it.

    Disclaimer: All prices are in USD and are estimates only.

    Cost

    Meter

    Meter

    Meter & Fingerpricker (1 time purchase)

    Strips & Supplies

    Glucose Testing Cost Estimate

    Startup $0 to $60

    Monthly $100

    There are lots of different meters out there. It's worth seeing which are covered by insurance - they will cover some of the cost of the strips. Often your doctor can give you a meter for free, worth asking.

    Tandem t:slim X2

    Tandem t:slim X2

    Pump

    Charger

    Insulin Cartridges

    Infusion Sites

    Insulin Dosing Cost Estimate

    Startup $5 to $6,995

    Monthly $20 to $200

    Questions for your Doctor

    Can I try this before I commit to it?

    A lot of provider offices have sample devices you can touch and feel to get a sense of how they work. Some offices even have a trial device you can use for week to see how it works for you.