tandem device v3
tidepool loop device

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+ 

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

Tandem t:slim X2 : Pump

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

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

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

Tandem t:slim X2 : Controller

Compatible smartphone can be used to view and control insulin delivery using the t:connect app.

Tidepool Loop  : Controller

Tidepool Loop : Controller

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

Device Details

Overview

Smallest tubed pump. Modern interface resembles a smartphone but tubing may be visible. 

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

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.

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

Data Monitoring Options

Yes
Tandem t:slim mobile app wirelessly uploads cloud-based Tandem Source web application delivering access to recent patient data.

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

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).

Yes
Data can be viewed on an iPhone. 

Duration and Storage

3 Days
Pump can be worn for up to 72 hours and works between 40°F - 99°F

Pump and CGM information not yet available. 

Vision / Auditory / Dexterity

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

NO text to speech
YES 
vibration alerts
A LOT 
of 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. 

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

Precise dosing. Pumps allow different amounts of basal insulin at different times of day and very precise dosing.

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

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. 

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

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.

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

Rechargeable. Pump has a touch screen display and rechargeable battery. 

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

Fewer Fingersticks

Frequent finger-sticks are required. 

Factory-calibrated sensor. Fingersticks needed for backup only.

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.

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