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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
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+
Inhalable regular human insulin. Cartridges come in three doses: 4, 8, and 12-unit doses.
Components
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.
Afrezza : Inhaler
Small refillable inhaler contains a compartment for powdered insulin containing cartridges.
Afrezza : Cartridge
Cartridges come in three doses: 4, 8, and 12-unit doses. All color coded.
Device Details
Overview
Smallest tubed pump. Modern interface resembles a smartphone but tubing may be visible.
Nothing on the body when not in use. Visible when dosing.
Affordability and Access
$$$$
Widely covered for insulin-dependent type 1 and 2. Supplies and pump provided by DME. Price range; $0-$4000 to start and $0-$300/Month.
$$$$
Widely covered. Price range; 0-$99/month, depending on insurance coverage. $35/month for medicare and commercial insurance plans.
Data Monitoring Options
Yes
Tandem t:slim mobile app wirelessly uploads cloud-based Tandem Source web application delivering access to recent patient data.
No Options
Data View Options
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).
No Options
Duration and Storage
3 Days
Pump can be worn for up to 72 hours and works between 40°F - 99°F
10 Days
Open cartridges last up to 10 days. Sealed cartridges may be stored in a refrigerator at 36°F - 46°F until the expiration date.
Vision / Auditory / Dexterity
NO text to speech
YES vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed
NO text to speech
NO vibration alerts
LITTLE dexterity needed
Patient Considerations
Active Lifestyle
Exercise mode. Optional settings for exercise to adjust treatment ranges for activity with the press of a button. Pump is not waterproof.
Body free of devices. Does not remain attached to the body.
Avoiding Highs and Lows
Precise dosing. Pumps allow different amounts of basal insulin at different times of day and very precise dosing.
Very short-acting. Absorbs quickly through the lungs to correct high blood sugar but requires attention to prevent lows.
Comfort
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.
Many components. Have to carry multiple cartridges that can be bulky.
Easy Insulin Dosing
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.
Less precise but easy dosing. Dosing may be less precise due to the inhaled method of dosing, but color-coded cartridges make dosing easier. Dosing can also be done based on small, medium, or large meals and can be administered 1-2 hours post meals.
Easy to Use
Rechargeable. Pump has a touch screen display and rechargeable battery.
Simple design. Whistle-like device for inhaling insulin.
Fewer Fingersticks
Frequent finger-sticks are required.
Frequent finger-sticks are required.
Privacy
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.
Hideable. Small, discreet, and portable device that's not as noticeable as injections.