tidepool loop device

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.

Components

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Tidepool Loop  : Controller

Tidepool Loop : Controller

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

Device Details

Overview

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

Affordability and Access

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

Data Monitoring Options

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

Data View Options

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Yes
Data can be viewed on an iPhone. 

Duration and Storage

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Pump and CGM information not yet available. 

Vision / Auditory / Dexterity

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

Patient Considerations

Active Lifestyle

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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

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

Comfort

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

Easy Insulin Dosing

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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

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

Fewer Fingersticks

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Factory-calibrated sensor. Fingersticks needed for backup only.

Privacy

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