Tandem Device Image Mobile Bolus copy v2
tempo pen 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. 

The Tempo system enhances management with multiple daily injections because it tracks data in real-time and offers personalized dosing recommendations. This system combines the Dexcom G6/G7 CGM with smart insulin pens for more time in range. 

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.

Tempo Pen  : Sensor

Tempo Pen : Sensor

Sensor uses a thin, flexible filament inserted just under the skin to measure glucose levels every 5 minutes. Push-button applicator allows sensor to be placed on the body in one step.

Tempo Pen  : Controller

Tempo Pen : Controller

Smart button records daily injections and sends them to the compatible app.

Tempo Pen  : Receiver

Tempo Pen : Receiver

Smart button and sensor readings displays dosage information directly on smart mobile device.

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. 

Discreet and modern option for people using multiple daily injections.

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.

$$$$
Sometimes covered. Tempo is covered by some commercial insurance companies; typically, users pay $35 out-of-pocket copays for the eight-month device. Prices range from $35- $165. For those without any insurance coverage, the button's full price is $165.

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.

Yes
Data can be easily shared with a healthcare provider through the SMART Visit Report. 

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).

Yes
Dose-related data can be viewed on the TempoSmart mobile app.

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. 

8-month button 10-day sensor 
Sensor lasts for 10 days, pen button lasts for up to 8 months. Sensors can be stored between 36°F - 86°F, and pens can be kept at room temperature.

Vision / Auditory / Dexterity

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

NO text to speech
NO vibration alerts
A LOT of 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. 

Light on body. Pens are easy to use and do not remain attached to the body, senor is light on 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.

Limited customizability. System integrates the Dexcom G6/G7 CGM for high or low alerts but requires manual dose adjustment and limits the ability to adjust insulin levels throughout the day. 

Comfort

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

Many components. Have to carry pens and pen needles. CGM is attached to the body.

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.

Dosing recommendations. Displays personalized mealtime dosing recommendations.

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. Replaces regular insulin pen. No additional devices to add on. 

Fewer Fingersticks

Factory-calibrated sensor. Fingersticks needed for backup only.

Factory-calibrated sensor. Finger sticks needed for backup only. 

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. Pens are portable but visible when in use. Frequent injections are unavoidable. View recommendations and data on a smartphone.