Select Device Freestyle Lingo Freestyle Libre 3 Freestyle Libre 2 Freestyle Libre 14 Day Dexcom G7 Dexcom G6 Dexcom Stelo Guardian Connect Medtronic Simplera Eversense Meter Omnipod Omnipod Dash Medtronic 780G Medtronic 630G Tandem t:slim X2 Bigfoot Unity Medtronic InPen Tempo Pen NovoPen 6/NovoPen Echo Insulin Pen Afrezza CeQur Simplicity Patch V-Go Patch Omnipod GO Patch Syringe and Vial Beta Bionics iLet Pancreas Control IQ with Dexcom Control IQ with Freestyle Libre Medtronic 780G with Smart Guard Omnipod 5 Tandem Mobi Tidepool Loop twiist DIY Loop Apple Series 6/7/8/9/10/SE (2nd Generation) Garmin vívosmart 5™ Garmin Venu Sq 2 Garmin Venu 3 Garmin vivoactive 5 Garmin Fenix 8 Garmin vivofit jr 3 Garmin Forerunner 165/265/965 Garmin epix (Gen 2) Garmin Enduro 3 Fitbit Ace LTE Fitbit Charge 6 Fitbit Inspire 3 Fitbit Versa/Versa 2/4/Versa Lite Fitbit Sense 2 Fitbit Luxe Google Pixel 2/3 Samsung Galaxy 4/5 Xiaomi Mi Band 9 Oura Ring Whoop 4.0 Withings ScanWatch 2 Withings ScanWatch Lite Pedometer 3D Pedometer
Select Device Freestyle Lingo Freestyle Libre 3 Freestyle Libre 2 Freestyle Libre 14 Day Dexcom G7 Dexcom G6 Dexcom Stelo Guardian Connect Medtronic Simplera Eversense Meter Omnipod Omnipod Dash Medtronic 780G Medtronic 630G Tandem t:slim X2 Bigfoot Unity Medtronic InPen Tempo Pen NovoPen 6/NovoPen Echo Insulin Pen Afrezza CeQur Simplicity Patch V-Go Patch Omnipod GO Patch Syringe and Vial Beta Bionics iLet Pancreas Control IQ with Dexcom Control IQ with Freestyle Libre Medtronic 780G with Smart Guard Omnipod 5 Tandem Mobi Tidepool Loop twiist DIY Loop Apple Series 6/7/8/9/10/SE (2nd Generation) Garmin vívosmart 5™ Garmin Venu Sq 2 Garmin Venu 3 Garmin vivoactive 5 Garmin Fenix 8 Garmin vivofit jr 3 Garmin Forerunner 165/265/965 Garmin epix (Gen 2) Garmin Enduro 3 Fitbit Ace LTE Fitbit Charge 6 Fitbit Inspire 3 Fitbit Versa/Versa 2/4/Versa Lite Fitbit Sense 2 Fitbit Luxe Google Pixel 2/3 Samsung Galaxy 4/5 Xiaomi Mi Band 9 Oura Ring Whoop 4.0 Withings ScanWatch 2 Withings ScanWatch Lite Pedometer 3D Pedometer
Summary
Traditional syringe and needle. The most affordable insulin delivery option.
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.
Components
Syringe and Vial : Bolus Insulin
Bolus (fast-acting) insulin vial for meal time or high blood sugar correction.
Syringe and Vial : Basal Insulin
Basal (long-acting) insulin vial for steady release of insulin that helps control blood sugar between meals, and overnight.
Syringe and Vial : Needles
Classic syringes with plunger used to fill insulin for injection
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
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
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
An infusion set contains the thin plastic tubing that delivers insulin from the pump to the body.
Device Details
Overview
Nothing on the body when not in use but very visible when dosing.
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.
Affordability and Access
$$$$
Syringes are available worldwide in pharmacies or DME without prescription. Price Range: $0-$300/month depending on insurance coverage.
$$$$
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.
Data Monitoring Options
No 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.
Data View Options
No 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).
Duration and Storage
28 Days
Open vials can be stored at room temperature (not above 80º F) for up to 28 days. Unopened vials should be stored in the refrigerator (36ºF - 86ºF.)
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.
Vision / Auditory / Dexterity
NO text to speech
NO vibration alerts
A LOT dexterity for insertion
NO text to speech
YES vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed
Patient Considerations
Active Lifestyle
Limited Adjustability. No way to adjust long-acting insulin for higher activity on the fly.
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.
Avoiding Highs and Lows
Limited customizability. Requires a high level of engagement and effort to avoid highs and lows but can be paired with a CGM for improved blood sugar control.
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.
Comfort
Many components. Must carry insulin vials and large syringes but nothing attached to the body.
Low profile. Low profile/low maintenance sensor. Small tubed pump with the most infusion sets to pick from.
Easy Insulin Dosing
Requires attention. You have to do the math to figure out your dose. Unable to adjust basal in real-time.
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.
Easy to Use
Many steps. Requires effort to figure out doses and deliver insulin every single time you need it.
Modern & flexible. Rechargeable and touchscreen pump. Sensor integrated with multiple devices in case you change up what you're using.
Fewer Fingersticks
Frequent finger-sticks are required.
Factory-calibrated sensor. Fingersticks needed for backup only.
Privacy
Hideable. Vials and syringes can be hidden when not in use but very visible when in use. Frequent injections are unavoidable.
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.