Meter
tandem mobi

Summary

Good to have. Tried and true. Backup or day to day. Fingersticks required.

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 

Components

Generic Meter : Lancets

Generic Meter : Lancets

Tiny needle called a lancet is used to poke the skin (on a finger or on your arm) to get a small sample of blood. The lancing device is packaged with the glucometer.

Generic Meter : Test Strips

Generic Meter : Test Strips

The strips work with the glucose meters to “read” blood sugar levels. One box of test trips usually contains between 25-50 single use strips.

Meter : Glucometer

Meter : Glucometer

The meter measures the amount of sugar in the small sample of blood that is placed on the disposable test strip. Most CGMs require testing blood sugar with a meter to calibrate the CGM device daily.

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.

Device Details

Overview

Good to have. Tried and true. Backup or day to day. Finger-sticks required.

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

Affordability and Access

$$$$
Most accessible. Available over the counter at all Pharmacies. Price range; $0-$200/month depending on insurance coverage.

$$$$
Pump coverage is not yet available. Sensor is widely covered and provided by DME and/or Pharmacy. Sensor price range; $0-$500/month.

Data Monitoring Options

Limited Options
Data is available directly on the device. Some meters may be compatible with the Tidepool data management system. 

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.

Data View Options

Yes
Data may be viewed directly on the device. Some meters contain a built-in USB connection that allows information to be uploaded to a data management system. 

Yes
Data can be viewed directly on the pump screen or on the t:connect mobile app (available for both iOS and Android devices).

Duration and Storage

Daily
Meters can last several years with battery changes/charging, they're used daily and work between 65ºF-86°F

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.

Vision / Auditory / Dexterity

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

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

Patient Considerations

Active Lifestyle

Must pause activity to check blood sugar.

Waterproof. The pump and CGM are waterproof and can be worn for most exercises.

Avoiding Highs and Lows

Less data. Meters don't give as much blood sugar data as sensors do and require a high level of engagement and effort to avoid 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. 

Comfort

Meter supplies carried and requires visible blood.

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

Easy Insulin Dosing

Limited features. No info on blood sugar trends.

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. 

Easy to Use

Large display. Device typically has large display numbers for easier readouts, and it's very simple to operate.

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

Fewer Fingersticks

Frequent fingersticks are unavoidable.

Factory-calibrated sensor. Fingersticks needed for backup only.

Privacy

No attached device for blood glucose monitoring. 

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.