tidepool loop device
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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.

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

Tidepool Loop  : Controller

Tidepool Loop : Controller

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

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

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

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

Affordability and Access

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

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

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

Data View Options

Yes
Data can be viewed on an iPhone. 

No Options 

Duration and Storage

Pump and CGM information not yet available. 

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

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. 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

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

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

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

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

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. 

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

Easy to Use

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

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

Fewer Fingersticks

Factory-calibrated sensor. Fingersticks needed for backup only.

Frequent finger-sticks are required. 

Privacy

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

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.