Tandem Device Image Mobile Bolus copy v2
afrezza device

Summary

This system combines the Tandem t:slim x2 with the Dexcom G6 or G7 continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to automatically adjust insulin delivery in response to glucose trends. It's easy to use and allows bolus dosing directly from a compatible iOS or Android smartphone. 

Inhalable regular human insulin. Cartridges come in three doses: 4, 8, and 12-unit doses.

Components

Control IQ with Dexcom : Pump

Control IQ with Dexcom : Pump

Touch screen pump connects tubing to a small patch called an infusion set that attaches to the body.

Control IQ : Sensor

Control IQ : Sensor

Automatic applicator inserts sensor just under the surface of the skin and can be applied to many places on the body.

Control IQ with Dexcom : Controller

Control IQ with Dexcom : Controller

t:slim pump receives CGM readings to automatically adjust basal insulin delivery via an infusion set. Compatible smartphone can be used to view and administer boluses via the t:connect app.

Control IQ : Infusion Set

Control IQ : Infusion Set

An infusion set contains the thin plastic tubing that delivers insulin from the pump to the body.

Afrezza : Inhaler

Afrezza : Inhaler

Small refillable inhaler contains a compartment for powdered insulin containing cartridges.

Afrezza : Cartridge

Afrezza : Cartridge

Cartridges come in three doses: 4, 8, and 12-unit doses. All color coded.

Device Details

Overview

The system automatically adjusts insulin levels from the Tandem t:slim X2 pump based on the Dexcom G6 or G7 readings for more time in range. 

Nothing on the body when not in use. Visible when dosing. 

Affordability and Access

$$$$
Widely covered for insulin-dependent type 1 and 2. Supplies for Pump and Sensor provided by DME suppliers. Price range; $5-$6,995 to start and $0-$200/month.

$$$$
Widely covered. Price range; 0-$99/month, depending on insurance coverage. $35/month for medicare and commercial insurance plans. 

Data Monitoring Options

Yes
The t:connect mobile app for the t:slim X2 pump wirelessly uploads pump and CGM data to the cloud-based t:connect web application.

No Options

Data View Options

Yes
Data can be viewed directly on the pump screen or on the t:connect mobile app (available for both iOS and Android devices).

No Options

Duration and Storage

3-day pump 10-day sensor
Sensors last 10 days and transmitters last 90 and work at 50ºF – 108ºF. Pump can be used for up to 72 hrs, battery life lasts five days with the use of CGM, and work between 40°F - 99°F. 

*CGM transmitter is only required for the Dexcom G6 model. 

10 Days
Open cartridges last up to 10 days. Sealed cartridges may be stored in a refrigerator at 36°F - 46°F until the expiration date.

Vision / Auditory / Dexterity

NO text to speech
YES 
vibration alerts
A LOT
of dexterity needed

NO text to speech
NO 
vibration alerts
LITTLE
 dexterity needed

Patient Considerations

Active Lifestyle

Exercise Activity. Can manually increase target range to 140-160 mg/dl. Insulin decreases when Control IQ predicts CGM ≤140 mg/dl and increases when ≥ 160 mg/dl within 30 minutes. Autocorrections will still occur. Pump is not waterproof. CGM is waterproof. 

Body free of devices. Does not remain attached to the body.

Avoiding Highs and Lows

Auto basal and bolus insulin. Responds to CGM data by increasing or decreasing basal insulin delivery to prevent highs and lows and maintain a target blood glucose of 110 mg/dl. Auto-bolus is available once per hour to correct blood sugar above 180 mg/dl.

Very short-acting. Absorbs quickly through the lungs to correct high blood sugar but requires attention to prevent lows. 

Comfort

Low profile. Low profile/low maintenance sensor. Small tubed pump with the most infusion sets to pick from.

Many components. Have to carry multiple cartridges that can be bulky. 

Easy Insulin Dosing

Automatically adjusts dosing. Sensor integration allows for the pump to automatically adjust insulin doses. More customizable dosing than pens or syringes. Basal in 0.001 increments, bolus in 0.01 increments. Extended bolus available.

Less precise but easy dosing. Dosing may be less precise due to the inhaled method of dosing, but color-coded cartridges make dosing easier. Dosing can also be done based on small, medium, or large meals and can be administered 1-2 hours post meals. 

Easy to Use

Modern & flexible. Rechargeable and touchscreen pump. Sensor integrated with multiple devices in case you change up what you're using. 

Simple design. Whistle-like device for inhaling insulin.

Fewer Fingersticks

Factory-calibrated sensor. Fingersticks needed for backup only.

Frequent finger-sticks are required. 

Privacy

Discreet. Ability to check blood sugar on phone or watch. Ability to bolus on a compatible smartphone. Pump has tubing but can be clipped to clothing or placed in a pocket to be discreet when needed. Dexcom's built-in hypoglycemia safety alarm alerts users when glucose is below 55 mg/dl and is always on.

Hideable. Small, discreet, and portable device that's not as noticeable as injections.