The Tandem t:slim X2
Pump Features
- Colour touch screen
- Dexcom G6 CGM enabled
- Rechargable battery
- Tubed proprietary infusion sets
- Upgrades are done via software downloads after learning module completions.
- Starting in March 2020, customers will have the option to purchase the pump with Control IQ, or with only Basal-IQ.
- Basal IQ only can be toggled on or off. It automatically reduces basal insulin to help prevent lows. It allows for individualization of glucose targets.
- Control-IQ advanced hybrid closed-loop technology is a feature that adjusts insulin delivery to help prevent highs (automated partial corrections) and lows (temp basal suspensions), while requiring the user to manually bolus for meals. Current customers will be able to download software upgrades for Control-IQ in March 2021 in Canada.
- Once a pump with Basal-IQ has software upgraded to Control-IQ, it cannot be programmed back to just Basal-IQ.
- The rationale for keeping just Basal-IQ would be during pregnancy to allow the pump to temporarily turn off insulin delivery to prevent lows while still allowing the patient to set individualized glucose targets and do all corrections manually. (Control-IQ does not permit individualized targets. Please ask the Tandem representative if the company will allow for Basal-IQ "loaners" during pregnancy.)
Training
- SIMULATOR or VIRTUAL PUMP: Tandem t:simulator app for iPhone & Android
- t:slim X2 User Manuals (choose the model) & link for other resources
- Analyzing Control IQ data in Diasend.PDF
- Analyzing Basal IQ data in Diasend
- Tandem Transfer Pump Settings Worksheet
- Patient education: Tandem FAQs and Tandem Guide for Successful Pumping
- Training Videos
- Control IQ Training Video for HCP (also see 4 minute intro video)
- Improving Time in Range in Control-IQ technology for HCP (EASD 2020 - 46 min)
- Basal IQ Training Video
- Specific Programming Videos (also see Tandem YouTube Channel)
- Navigating the Touch Screen
- Setting up Personal Profile - Options > My Pump > (choose profile)
- For each time segment, the following are required: basal rate, ISF, ICR. - Bolusing
- Loading and filling a cartridge
- Cartridge Fill Expectations
- Control IQ - Turning on
- Control IQ: Exercise Mode
- Control IQ: Sleep Mode
- Extend a Bolus
- Bolus Calculator
- Quick Bolus Button
- Set Temporary Basal Rate
- Stop and Resume Insulin
- Enter CGM Transmitter ID
- Home Screen Shortcut
- Turn Off Your Pump
- Unintended Touch Protection
- Understand the Wake Button Colored LEDs
- Cannula Fills
- t:90 set 6 mm cannula requires 0.3 units of insulin
- t:90 set 8 mm cannula requires 0.5 units of insulin
Dose Adjustments
Hypoglycemia:
- Frequent basal suspensions in the Diasend reports (red bars) do not necessarily indicate hypoglycemia or indicate a need for a change in therapy.
- Problem solve or change doses for actual hypoglycemia events that occur despite Control IQ suspending low.
- Problem solve or change doses if the suspensions occur for extended periods of time and/or with a regular pattern.
Hyperglycemia
- Frequent auto basal increases or hourly auto corrections in the Diasend reports do not necessarily indicate a need for change in therapy.
- Assess problem areas of high readings where the automated insulin delivery cannot address the hyperglycemia.
- The Tandem user guide reports the maximum insulin delivery rate is calculated using ISF (Insulin Sensitivity Factor or Correction Factor), estimated and recorded total daily insulin, and IOB (current insulin on board).
- Hyperglycemia occuring in repeated patterns may be addressed with basal rate changes or depending on the timing, ICR.
- Hyperglycemia that is frequent but sporadic in timing and non responsive may, after troubleshooting, be addressed with changes to ISF. Tandem uses an insulin action time of 5 hours. Some patients have found they need a more agressive ISF when in Control IQ.
- Patients may wish to set different basal profiles: A manual profile with usual (less agressive) ISF when not using Control IQ; A profile for when control IQ is used on a usual day (may have a more aggressive ISF); A profile for when sick or menstruating which may have increased basal rates beyond the settings used for their usual Control IQ profile.
Company Contacts
- Tandem Diabetes Care Canada Website
- Territory Manager Kate Stephen This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
PHONE: (403) 512-2632 FAX: (858) 224-6400
Real World Comments
Practices, beliefs and comments in links below are not necessarily endorsed by healthcare providers. The links are provided to illustrate to clinicians how Control IQ is being utilized by the public.
- Some clinicians start clients on Control IQ immediately after starting on the pump vs doing "basal setting" per Tandem guidelines. The rationale is that for some patients it may safer and easier to assess basal rates when Control IQ is running.
- A patients review of Basal IQ and using 3 main basal profiles
- Diatribe: Control IQ - The Good, The Challenges & The Tips