tandem device v3
Screen Shot 2021 12 15 at 3.47.47 PM

Summary

The Tandem t:slim X2 is rechargeable, has a touch screen, and can be updated on a home computer.

*Control IQ+ Technology now available for ages 2+ 

The OmniPod is the only tubeless pump option. A Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM) is used to give insulin doses to the pod, which remains attached to the body. This pump is one of few that is completely waterproof. 

Components

Tandem t:slim X2 : Pump

Tandem t:slim X2 : Pump

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

Tandem t:slim X2 : Cartridge

Tandem t:slim X2 : Cartridge

Tubed insulin pumps contain a plastic reservoir that is manually filled with insulin and locked into the pump.

Tandem t:slim X2 : Infusion Set

Tandem t:slim X2 : Infusion Set

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

Tandem t:slim X2 : Controller

Tandem t:slim X2 : Controller

Compatible smartphone can be used to view and control insulin delivery using the t:connect app.

Omnipod : Pump

Omnipod : Pump

Pods come with reservoirs and directions for application. They can be applied anywhere on the body that is comfortable.

Omnipod : Reservoir

Omnipod : Reservoir

Fill reservoir is enclosed with the Pod and used to manually fill the Pod with insulin.

Omnipod : Controller

Omnipod : Controller

Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM) is used to give insulin doses to the pod.

Device Details

Overview

Smallest tubed pump. Modern interface resembles a smartphone but tubing may be visible. 

This is a discreet pump option without tubing but will require a controller to dose. 

Affordability and Access

$$$$
Widely covered for insulin-dependent type 1 and 2. Supplies and pump provided by DME. Price range; $0-$4000 to start and $0-$300/Month.

$$$$
Widely covered for insulin-dependent type 1 and 2. Pump can be provided by pharmacy or DME. Price range; 0-$200/month.

Data Monitoring Options

Yes
Tandem t:slim mobile app wirelessly uploads cloud-based Tandem Source web application delivering access to recent patient data.

Yes
Pump data can be accessed by clinicians on Diasend by Glooko.

Data View Options

Yes
Data is viewed on the pump's main screen and/or on a smartphone with the Tandem t:slim mobile app (available for both iOS and Android devices).

No Options 

Duration and Storage

3 Days
Pump can be worn for up to 72 hours and works between 40°F - 99°F

3 Days
Pod can be worn for up to 72 hours and work from 41ºF – 104ºF.

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 mode. Optional settings for exercise to adjust treatment ranges for activity with the press of a button. Pump is not waterproof. 

Waterproof. Wear the Pod in the shower, in the pool, or in the ocean. The PDM is not waterproof and must be charged daily. 

Avoiding Highs and Lows

Precise dosing. Pumps allow different amounts of basal insulin at different times of day and very precise dosing.

Personalized dosing. Pods can deliver personalized doses of rapid-acting insulin based on the rates programmed into the Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM) device. The ability to set zero basal rates is not available. 

Comfort

Smallest tubed pump. Small patch called an infusion set consists of a complete tubing system that attaches to the body. Tubed pumps have the most infusion sets to pick from. 

Free of tubing. Pods do not have tubes like traditional insulin pumps, allowing for more freedom of movement.

Easy Insulin Dosing

Customizable dosing. Bolus calculator available to help figure out doses. Offers smallest increments of basal insulin delivery. Basal in 0.001 increments, bolus in 0.01 increments.

Customizable dosing. Basal and Bolus in 0.05 increments. No interruption in insulin delivery (pods stay on during bathing and swimming). 

Easy to Use

Rechargeable. Pump has a touch screen display and rechargeable battery. 

Fewer parts. The PDM has button navigation. Pod has fewer parts than tubed pumps.

Fewer Fingersticks

Frequent finger-sticks are required. 

Frequent finger-sticks are required. 

Privacy

Discreet. Smallest tubed pump with visible tubing. Ability to bolus directly on a compatible smartphone. Can be clipped to clothing or placed in a pocket to be discreet when needed. Touchscreen of pump looks like normal tech device.

Somewhat discreet. The pod attaches directly to the body with no tubing, but the pod is bigger than an infusion set. Pod does not have vibrate option.