tidepool loop device
Dexcom G7 Software Video

Summary

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.

Dexcom G7 is a low-profile, all-in-one glucose sensor/transmitter and warms up faster than other CGMs on the market. This sensor lasts for 10 days and sends real-time glucose readings to a compatible smartphone app or directly on an Apple Watch. No finger pricks or scanning is needed. Optional low and high-blood sugar notifications are available for this system. 

 

FDA-approved for wear on the back of the upper arm for ages 2 years and older or the upper buttocks for ages 2-17.

MARD of 8.2% 

Components

Tidepool Loop  : Controller

Tidepool Loop : Controller

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

Dexcom G7 : Sensor

Dexcom G7 : 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.

Dexcom G7 : Receiver

Dexcom G7 : Receiver

Conveniently access glucose readings using a reader, smartphone, or directly on an Apple Watch. Phone app available for both iOS and Android devices.

Device Details

Overview

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

Small all-in-one sensor/transmitter with a quick warm-up period and can be worn in multiple areas.

Affordability and Access

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

$$$$
No insurance coverage data. Provided by DME and/or Pharmacy. 

Data Monitoring Options

Yes
Compatible with Tidepool - a web-based diabetes data management system. 

Yes
Automatically and continuously sends data to the user’s Dexcom Clarity web-based cloud which is accessible by clinicians. 

Data View Options

Yes
Data can be viewed on an iPhone. 

Yes
Users must download the Dexcom G7 and Dexcom Clarity apps to view and share data. Both apps provide multiple data views, sharing options, and access through the clinician portal using a code from the user's device. Caregivers can use the Dexcom Follow app to view data. 

Duration and Storage

Pump and CGM information not yet available. 

10 Days
Sensors last 10 days. They are shipped 3 boxes at a time every 3 months – 9 sensors. Works at 50ºF – 108ºF

Vision / Auditory / Dexterity

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

YES text to speech
YES vibration alerts
3 sound sources
A LOT of dexterity needed

Patient Considerations

Active Lifestyle

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.

Waterproof when submerged in 2.4 meters of water and must be within 20 (unobstructed) feet of the receiver or mobile device.  

Avoiding Highs and Lows

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

Custom alerts can be set for highs, lows, and rapidly rising or falling glucose levels. Trend arrows show the direction glucose is heading, with the rate of change. 

Comfort

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

Low profile and low maintenance sensor application.

Easy Insulin Dosing

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. 

Real-time data and alerts make dose adjustment easier.

Easy to Use

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

No scanning required. Readings are sent directly to the mobile app every 5 minutes. 

Fewer Fingersticks

Factory-calibrated sensor. Fingersticks needed for backup only.

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

Privacy

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

Quiet Mode (Vibrate). All system alerts will vibrate when this setting is enabled. Urgent Low Soon and technical alerts will sound if not acknowledged.