tandem mobi
Meter

Summary

The Tandem Mobi is the smallest durable automated insulin delivery system available in the U.S. that can be fully controlled by a mobile device. The pump is equipped with an on-pump button for users to bolus insulin directly from the pump if they don’t want to do it from their phone. This system is combined with the Dexcom continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to automatically adjust insulin delivery in response to glucose trends. 

*Compatiblilty with Dexcom G7 now available 

Good to have. Tried and true. Backup or day to day. Fingersticks required.

Components

Tandem Mobi : Pump

Tandem Mobi : Pump

Small pump connects tubing to a 5 inch tubing patch called an infusion set that attaches to the body.

Tandem Mobi : Sensor

Tandem Mobi : Sensor

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

Tandem Mobi : Controller

Tandem Mobi : Controller

Mobi pump receives CGM readings to automatically adjust basal insulin delivery via an infusion set. Compatible smartphone can be used to view and control insulin delivery.

Tandem Mobi : Infusion Set

Tandem Mobi : Infusion Set

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

Generic Meter : Lancets

Generic Meter : Lancets

Tiny needle called a lancet is used to poke the skin (on a finger or on your arm) to get a small sample of blood. The lancing device is packaged with the glucometer.

Generic Meter : Test Strips

Generic Meter : Test Strips

The strips work with the glucose meters to “read” blood sugar levels. One box of test trips usually contains between 25-50 single use strips.

Meter : Glucometer

Meter : Glucometer

The meter measures the amount of sugar in the small sample of blood that is placed on the disposable test strip. Most CGMs require testing blood sugar with a meter to calibrate the CGM device daily.

Device Details

Overview

Tandem Mobi is the smallest insulin delivery system to be fully controlled by a smartphone.

Good to have. Tried and true. Backup or day to day. Finger-sticks required.

Affordability and Access

$$$$
Pump coverage is not yet available. Sensor is widely covered and provided by DME and/or Pharmacy. Sensor price range; $0-$500/month.

$$$$
Most accessible. Available over the counter at all Pharmacies. Price range; $0-$200/month depending on insurance coverage.

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.

Limited Options
Data is available directly on the device. Some meters may be compatible with the Tidepool data management system. 

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
Data may be viewed directly on the device. Some meters contain a built-in USB connection that allows information to be uploaded to a data management system. 

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. Pump supports wireless charging.

Daily
Meters can last several years with battery changes/charging, they're used daily and work between 65ºF-86°F

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

Waterproof. The pump and CGM are waterproof and can be worn for most exercises.

Must pause activity to check blood sugar.

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 set blood glucose target. 

Less data. Meters don't give as much blood sugar data as sensors do and require a high level of engagement and effort to avoid highs and lows.

Comfort

Shorter tubing option. A shorter 5-inch tubing option for comfort on body. 

Meter supplies carried and requires visible blood.

Easy Insulin Dosing

Automatically adjusts dosing. Sensor integration allows the pump to automatically adjust insulin doses. More customizable dosing than pens or syringes. Manual bolus button is available for quick dosing without a phone. 

Limited features. No info on blood sugar trends.

Easy to Use

Easy Dosing. Full control from a smartphone, with the option to manually bolus if needed.

Large display. Device typically has large display numbers for easier readouts, and it's very simple to operate.

Fewer Fingersticks

Factory-calibrated sensor. Fingersticks needed for backup only.

Frequent fingersticks are unavoidable.

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 attached to local area with an armband or adhesive sleeve 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.

No attached device for blood glucose monitoring.