tandem mobi
tidepool loop device

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 

Tidepool Loop is the first fully interoperable automated insulin dosing app that originated as a patient-led initiative.

Background: A diabetes non-profit called Tidepool decided in 2018 to officially support Loop and shepherd it through the FDA process. Tidepool Loop was cleared by the FDA in January 2023 with plans to launch with Dexcom and other alternate controller-enabled (ACE) pump partners (RileyLink will no longer be necessary).

2023 Updates from Tidepool:

  • Medtronic and Tidepool have decided to discontinue the development of a Medtronic insulin pump system compatible with Tidepool Loop.
  • As Omnipod 5 is now commercially available, Insulet is devoting all available resources to their Omnipod products, including the global launch and further development of Omnipod 5.
  • Future ACE Pumps that will be commercially compatible with Tidepool Loop will need to be FDA-cleared for use with third-party interoperable automated glycemic (iAGC) controllers.

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.

Tidepool Loop  : Controller

Tidepool Loop : Controller

Smartphone or smartwatch receives CGM readings and automatically adjusts insulin delivery via insulin pump.

Device Details

Overview

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

Tidepool Loop is the first fully interoperable automated insulin dosing app that originated as a patient-led initiative.

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.

$$$$
Pump and CGM supply information is not yet available. iPhone is not covered and must be set up independently.

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
Compatible with Tidepool - a web-based diabetes 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 can be viewed on an iPhone. 

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.

Pump and CGM information not yet available. 

Vision / Auditory / Dexterity

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

NO text to speech
YES 
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.

Automatic responses. Can set custom blood sugar targets and insulin and carb sensitivities based on type of activity. App automatically responds to blood sugar changes during activity.

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. 

Automatically adjusts insulin delivery. Increases or decreases insulin delivery to meet glucose targets. Insulin delivery settings can be aggressive or conservative.

Comfort

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

Low-profile mobile app. Dosing and other adjustments can be done directly on the mobile app. 

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. 

Customizable. Can bolus from phone or smartwatch and all settings are expected to be customizable. More information on modifications to insulin delivery will be available soon. 

Easy to Use

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

Easy dosing. Software makes most dosing decisions easy to do on the fly.

Fewer Fingersticks

Factory-calibrated sensor. Fingersticks needed for backup only.

Factory-calibrated sensor. Fingersticks 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 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.

Discreet. Ability to give insulin via watch or phone. Ability to check sugar on phone or watch. Alerts available.