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Select Device Freestyle Lingo Freestyle Libre 3 Freestyle Libre 2 Freestyle Libre 14 Day Dexcom G7 Dexcom G6 Dexcom Stelo Guardian Connect Medtronic Simplera Eversense Meter Omnipod Omnipod Dash Medtronic 780G Medtronic 630G Tandem t:slim X2 Bigfoot Unity Medtronic InPen Tempo Pen NovoPen 6/NovoPen Echo Insulin Pen Afrezza CeQur Simplicity Patch V-Go Patch Omnipod GO Patch Syringe and Vial Beta Bionics iLet Pancreas Control IQ with Dexcom Control IQ with Freestyle Libre Medtronic 780G with Smart Guard Omnipod 5 Tandem Mobi Tidepool Loop twiist DIY Loop Apple Series 6/7/8/9/10/SE (2nd Generation) Garmin vívosmart 5™ Garmin Venu Sq 2 Garmin Venu 3 Garmin vivoactive 5 Garmin Fenix 8 Garmin vivofit jr 3 Garmin Forerunner 165/265/965 Garmin epix (Gen 2) Garmin Enduro 3 Fitbit Ace LTE Fitbit Charge 6 Fitbit Inspire 3 Fitbit Versa/Versa 2/4/Versa Lite Fitbit Sense 2 Fitbit Luxe Google Pixel 2/3 Samsung Galaxy 4/5 Xiaomi Mi Band 9 Oura Ring Whoop 4.0 Withings ScanWatch 2 Withings ScanWatch Lite Pedometer 3D Pedometer
Summary
Good to have. Tried and true. Backup or day to day. Fingersticks required.
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+
Components
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
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
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 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
Tubed insulin pumps contain a plastic reservoir that is manually filled with insulin and locked into the pump.
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
Compatible smartphone can be used to view and control insulin delivery using the t:connect app.
Device Details
Overview
Good to have. Tried and true. Backup or day to day. Finger-sticks required.
Smallest tubed pump. Modern interface resembles a smartphone but tubing may be visible.
Affordability and Access
$$$$
Most accessible. Available over the counter at all Pharmacies. Price range; $0-$200/month depending on insurance coverage.
$$$$
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.
Data Monitoring Options
Limited Options
Data is available directly on the device. Some meters may be compatible with the Tidepool data management system.
Yes
Tandem t:slim mobile app wirelessly uploads cloud-based Tandem Source web application delivering access to recent patient data.
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 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).
Duration and Storage
Daily
Meters can last several years with battery changes/charging, they're used daily and work between 65ºF-86°F
3 Days
Pump can be worn for up to 72 hours and works between 40°F - 99°F
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.
Exercise mode. Optional settings for exercise to adjust treatment ranges for activity with the press of a button. Pump is not waterproof.
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.
Precise dosing. Pumps allow different amounts of basal insulin at different times of day and very precise dosing.
Comfort
Meter supplies carried and requires visible blood.
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.
Easy Insulin Dosing
Limited features. No info on blood sugar trends.
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.
Easy to Use
Large display. Device typically has large display numbers for easier readouts, and it's very simple to operate.
Rechargeable. Pump has a touch screen display and rechargeable battery.
Fewer Fingersticks
Frequent fingersticks are unavoidable.
Frequent finger-sticks are required.
Privacy
No attached device for blood glucose monitoring.
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.