Tandem

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An Artificial Pancreas Primer

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We have heard the term many times, but there is so much more to understand. What is an artificial pancreas? 

An artificial pancreas (AP) is a system designed to mimic what a healthy pancreas does: monitor glucose levels and deliver insulin as needed. Its goal is to automate blood glucose control as much as possible, so the wearer does not have to perform constant fingerpricks and be so involved in decision making and insulin dosing based on those readings. Although different names have been out there for awhile - artificial pancreas, closed loop system, and bionic system, the technology is now officially being referred to as AID (Automated Insulin Delivery) systems. At this point, the FDA has approved two AID systems - the Medtronic MiniMed 670G and Control-IQ from Tandem Diabetes Care. At least 11 other companies are working hard on inventing their own versions as well, which is extremely encouraging! 

The components of current AP systems include:

  • an insulin pump, which provides a continuous flow of insulin into the body via an “infusion site” or small cannula inserted in the skin

  • a CGM that takes ongoing blood sugar readings via a little sensor worn on the skin that has its own separate cannula from the pump. There are currently two CGMs on the market in the U.S. from Dexcom and Medtronic.

  • a controller (usually a smartphone) that includes the display screen where users can see glucose data

  • algorithm software, the “brain” of the system, that crunches the numbers to predict where glucose levels are headed and then tells the pump what to do

  • glucagon, a hormone that rapidly increases blood glucose, used here as an antidote to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

Find out much more about AP technology from Diabetes Mine here.

Please subscribe to our blog here.

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Review to Check Out: First Impressions of Control-IQ

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Tandem's Control-IQ has been exciting news for the diabetes community! But what is it like to live with the new technology? On diaTribe Learn, Kerri Spalding recently shared her experience with getting started and living with the t:slim X2 insulin pump with Control-IQ. I really think this is worth a read. She talks about the transition of upgrading to Control-IQ on her existing pump, how she has utilized the new system, and how the Control-IQ changed and improved her diabetes management. And overall, how it made life a little easier and lighter.

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Big News: Healthy Living Now Providing Control-IQ

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Have you heard? The Tandem t:slim X2 insulin pump with Control-IQ technology is now available through Healthy Living Medical Supply! This advanced hybrid-closed loop system is designed to help increase time in range (70-180 mg/dL) and is the first system cleared to deliver automatic correction boluses in addition to adjusting insulin to help prevent high and low blood sugar. This is awesome news! The t:slim X2 with Control-IQ is integrated with the Dexcom G6 continuous glucose monitoring system (CGM) which requires no fingersticks for calibration or diabetes treatment decisions.

To get a feel for the new experience, try out Tandem’s free t:simulator App. It lets visitors experience the touchscreen interface of the t:slim X2 pump with Control-IQ technology directly on a mobile device.

All in-warranty t:slim X2 pumpers in the United States have the opportunity to update their software at no cost to begin using Control-IQ. Information about the requirements and update process is available at www.tandemdiabetes.com/X2update.

Benefits of Control-IQ Advanced Hybrid Closed-Loop Technology:

Predicts and helps prevent lows and highs – Control-IQ technology uses CGM readings to predict glucose values 30 minutes ahead and can increase, decrease or stop basal insulin delivery to help keep glucose in range (70-180 mg/dL).

Automatic Correction Boluses – If glucose values are predicted to be above 180 mg/dL, Control-IQ technology calculates a correction bolus with a target of 110 mg/dL and delivers 60 percent of that value. It will do this up to once an hour as needed.

Accommodates for sleep and exercise – Control-IQ technology offers optional settings for sleep and exercise that change the treatment values to better match the different physiologic needs during these activities.

No fingersticks – With Dexcom G6 CGM integration, the Control-IQ feature works with no fingersticks required for mealtime dosing or calibration. Other benefits of the Dexcom G6 CGM include an extended 10-day wear, acetaminophen blocking, and the ability to share real-time CGM data with up to 10 followers.

Easy to use – The system has no complicated criteria to keep Control-IQ technology on. If the CGM signal is temporarily lost, the Control-IQ feature will resume automatically when the CGM is back in range. In the pivotal study, participants gave Control-IQ technology a 4.7 out of 5.0 for ease of use, and a 4.8 out of 5.0 for desire to continue use of the system.

View the full, multimedia press release.

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Noteworthy Positive Trial Results for Tandem's Closed Loop System

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The diabetes community is excited about positive results from two Tandem studies that were announced earlier this week. Data from the studies has demonstrated that Tandem's advanced hybrid closed-loop system has achieved the primary outcome of increasing time in range (70-180 mg/dL) without any severe hypoglycemic events for both adult and pediatric age groups.

Tandem's t:slim X2 insulin pump with Control-IQ technology utilizes Dexcom G6 continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensor values to predict glucose levels and adjust insulin delivery to prevent highs and lows, while still allowing the user to manually bolus for meals. The system also automates correction boluses, a feature not commercially available today on automated insulin delivery devices.

Read the entire press release for many more details on the studies and outcomes. This news supports Tandem as the company moves toward a future FDA approval on their closed loop system, expected later this year.

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Give These Insulin Pump Simulator Apps a Shot

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Researching your pump options? Here are some helpful tools from Tandem and Medtronic to help you understand the benefits of different insulin pumps on the market.

t:simulator App from Tandem
With the App, you can experience the touchscreen interface of the Tandem t:slim X2 Insulin Pump with Basal-IQ Technology using a smartphone or tablet. You can also enable "Tool Tips" for a tour of the pump's key features. The App provides info about the pump's technical specifications and access to a glossary of common terms for better understanding.

Download the t:simulator App at the bottom of this page.

MiniMed 670G System Simulator from Medtronic
This application provides step-by-step instructions on the different features of the 670G and 630G insulin pumps. There are training resources for both systems and the capability to explore the insulin pump through different functionality scenarios. You will find device feature videos that give more info about the Auto Mode and Suspend Before Low features.

Download the MiniMed System Simulator through Google Play or on the Apple App Store.

Why the Tandem t:slim X2 Insulin Pump with Dexcom CGM Is an Excellent Choice for Medicare Members

Many more choices for insulin pumps and CGM are becoming available to Medicare members as diabetes technologies continue to progress. And even more exciting, many companies are starting to work together more closely to integrate their separate insulin pump and CGM systems to create even greater advancements. In today's post, we want to point out the benefits of combining the Tandem t:slim X2 insulin pump with Dexcom continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for better diabetes management.

The t:slim X2 pump can be upgraded when new technologies and features become available.

For example, Medicare members who qualify can currently access the Dexcom G5 CGM system, and we anticipate the more advanced Dexcom G6 system will be available to Medicare members on April 1st. If a patient is currently using the t:slim pump with a G5 system and upgrades to using the G6 system, all the patient will need to do is update his or her t:slim X2 pump with the latest software OR if they already have the t:slim pump with Basal IQ, they can integrate their Dexcom G6 after viewing a brief online training video. This ability to upgrade the insulin pump's software is unique to Tandem systems.

Medicare members are eligible for a new pump every five years, and in that time span there can be many advancements in diabetes technologies that can potentially leave a user behind on newer, beneficial improvements.

As we mentioned, with the Tandem t:slim pump, a Medicare member can easily update the pump to keep it current with the latest technology. This will soon prove a great benefit as we anticipate Tandem to release their "Control iQ" feature within the year. This will allow the pump, when paired with the Dexcom G6 system, to autonomously deliver more insulin when blood glucose levels are high.

The Tandem t:slim is an easy-to-read, color touchscreen pump - and it is super easy to use.

Want to try it out for yourself? Tandem offers a free simulator app for Medicare members to install on iPhone or Android devices right now. This simulator app provides users with the opportunity to test the experience of using the pump along with the Dexcom G6 system before deciding to make the purchase.

Learn more about the Dexcom G6 CGM system here.

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Tandem's t:slim X2 the First Interoperable Insulin Pump

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The Tandem t:slim X2 has been approved by the U.S. FDA as an "interoperable" insulin pump. An interoperable pump can be used with different components that make up diabetes therapy systems, allowing patients to tailor their diabetes management to their individual device preferences, which opens up huge future possibilities for closed-loop systems and other management technologies. In 2018, the Dexcom G6 was designated the first interoperable continuous glucose monitor by the FDA.

Read the full press release from the FDA here.

The Future of Tandem

In November, Diatribe wrote a fantastic article about what's on the horizon for Tandem, including the Control-IQ hybrid closed loop, the "interoperable" pump designation, the t:connect mobile app, and the t:sport patch pump with hybrid wear.

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What a Partnership! Basal-IQ Technology, Tandem's t:slim X2 Pump, and Dexcom G6 CGM

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This sounds stupidly easy. But it’s so effective. And looking at my pump, I can see how many times it kicks Basal IQ into action so I can continue to exercise, or snuggle my kid, or drive my car, or sleep. You know, basic stuff that humans do. – Kerri, six until me

Tandem Basal-IQ Technology is wowing all around. Available as part of the t:slim X2 Insulin Pump and integrated with the new Dexcom G6 CGM, Basal-IQ Technology predicts and helps prevent lows, suspending insulin delivery before they happen. Expect less time low: there was a 31% relative reduction overall in sensor time below 70 mg/dL when clinical study participants used Basal-IQ Technology. Zero fingersticks are required for mealtime dosing or calibration when using Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring.

The X2 pump is discreet and easy to use. It features a large, color touchscreen interface for carb counting, bolusing, and viewing blood glucose trends – and it’s the smallest available pump. The Tandem t:slim X2 also offers upgradeable software, so when new features become available, the pump can be updated using a personal computer. You can also share blood glucose information with family members and other key members of the support team via Dexcom share app.

Check out the Tandem video or try out the system via the simulator app. Contact the Healthy Living Insulin Pump & CGM Therapy Team to find out more about getting started at 866.779.8512, Option 2 (phone) or 248.577.9903 (text).

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Tandem’s Basal-IQ Predictive Low Glucose Suspend Now Available in t:slim X2 Insulin Pumps

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The Tandem Basal-IQ predictive low glucose suspend (PLGS) system has recently been approved by the FDA for pump users as young as six years old. It is a feature of the newest Tandem t:slim X2 insulin pumps (and available as a software update for older t:slim X2 pumps), working in collaboration with the Dexcom G6 continuous glucose monitoring system (CGM). The new PLGS algorithm stops basal insulin delivery when low blood sugar is predicted (30 minutes ahead of time), suspends, and then restarts insulin delivery once blood sugar levels begin to rise. The goal is to prevent or reduce hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in users, without alarms.

The American Diabetes Association defines hypoglycemia: “Low blood glucose (hypoglycemia) is when your blood glucose levels have fallen low enough that you need to take action to bring them back to your target range. This is usually when your blood glucose is less than 70 mg/dL.” Study results have shown that the Tandem Basal-IQ predictive low glucose suspend system reduced time in hypoglycemia by 31%, or about 19 minutes per day. The Basal-IQ system is also the first automated insulin delivery system compatible with a no-fingerstick calibration CGM (the Dexcom G6).

All of the Tandem t:slim X2 pumps shipping from Healthy Living Medical Supply now have the updated Basal-IQ PLGS algorithm. If you already have a Tandem t:slim X2 pump and it’s in warranty, you will be able to get a software update to obtain the new algorithm. The Basal-IQ Technology software update for the t:slim X2 Insulin Pump is now available – get started here. The collective capabilities of insulin pumps and CGM keep wowing us! To find out more about new ways like this to help manage diabetes, call our Insulin Pump & CGM Therapy team at 866.779.8512 (option 2). We are here to help!

FDA Approves Dexcom G6 CGM

Dexcom's new G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring System

Dexcom's new G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring System

Yet another great piece of news in the area of Continous Glucose Monitoring technology advancement: Dexcom received FDA approval for their next generation, G6 CGM product.

For a more detailed analysis of the Dexcom G6 CGM, visit the recent blog posts from Diatribe, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and Beyond Type 1

The G6 solution is an exciting development for the diabetes community as it promises a ten day wear on the sensor, acetaminophen blocking, no finger stick calibrations,  potential integrations with the Tandem insulin pump, OminPod's tubeless pump and more.

A launch date has yet to be determined but Healthy Living Medical Supply will be ready to provide this new platform to our patients once it does become available.

Interested in learning more about CGM and the possible therapeutic benefits? Read this article from the Healthy Living blog on the benefits of CGM. 

We're here to help!

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Considering an Insulin Pump? Let Us Run a No-Cost Insurance Benefits Check for You

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Are you ready for an insulin pump? There are many benefits to using this technology, and a few of the big ones are:

  • Fewer insulin injections
  • More predictable and precise insulin delivery
  • Fewer high and low spikes in blood sugar

Many insurances cover insulin pump therapy for their members, and our team knows how to get customers up and running quickly. We can run a no-cost insurance benefits check to find out if you’re covered and help you understand your options.

Just complete the form below or call our Insulin Pump & CGM Team at 866.779.8512 (Option 2) to start the conversation. Our experienced team can help you navigate the enrollment process and answer your questions.

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2017 Diabetes Technology Round-Up

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This year has brought many positive developments and advancements in diabetes technology. Some of these include:

We are looking forward to bringing these technologies and soon-to-be-released offerings to our customers...to help them thrive while living with diabetes in 2018!

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Animas Pump Line Shuts Down with Transition Plan in Place

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On October 5, Animas Corporation announced that it is discontinuing manufacturing and sale of Animas Vibe® and One Touch Ping® insulin pumps. Medtronic will assist existing Animas pump patients, caregivers, and providers with the transition, including ensuring access to proper supplies. We know this news may be unsettling to our Animas customers, however, from what we understand, you will still be able to access pump supplies and support for quite some time. Learn more about the transition by visiting www.medtronicdiabetes.com/Animas. For the ‘Nuts & Bolts’ of the change, read Mike Hoskins’ article on Diabetes Mine.

You are welcome to call our Insulin Pump Therapy Team to learn more as well. Healthy Living works with Medtronic, Omnipod, and Tandem – all manufacturers of excellent insulin pumps – and our Team is well-versed in all of their product lines. We are in network with all major insurances in Michigan, including Health Alliance Plan of Michigan, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Priority Health, state Medicaid, and Medicare for insulin pumps and pump supplies. You can reach us at 866.779.8512, Option 2 (phone) or 248.577.9903 (text).

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Tandem t:slim X2 & Dexcom G5 CGM Have Teamed Up!

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Playing in the backyard (thinkstock.com)

A new insulin pump & CGM duo has been FDA approved. The t:slim X2 Insulin Pump is now compatible with the Dexcom G5 Mobile CGM! Tandem is currently sending software updates to existing t:slim X2 Pump users who want to add the CGM feature from home using their personal computer.

We are ready to take questions about this update and process any orders. Call us at 866.779.8512 (Option 2) to reach our Insulin Pump Therapy Team for knowledgeable service.

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Try CGM for More Insights & Tighter Diabetes Monitoring

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Dexcom & Medtronic CGM

Why is CGM so helpful?

Maybe you have heard of ‘CGM’ – this refers to Continuous Glucose Monitoring, a system that helps patients with diabetes make more informed treatment decisions that can lead to better glycemic control.

CGM delivers fast and reliable glucose readings every five minutes or so to a receiver, a phone, or an insulin pump - logging hundreds of readings a day. A finger-prick blood glucose check gives only one reading at a time, in the moment it is taken. With only this piece of information, it's hard to know if blood glucose is staying steady, rising, or falling.

With CGM, patients can also set thresholds for high and low numbers, and the CGM alerts them when it senses their glucose levels are moving out of the safe range they set. 

How does CGM work?

A continuous glucose monitor is a small, wearable device system that tracks glucose levels throughout the day and night, notifying patients of highs and lows so they can take action when needed. A CGM system consists of three parts:

·      A small, under-the-skin sensor that measures glucose levels

·      A transmitter that attaches to the sensor and transmits data

·      A receiver that displays real-time glucose information

How do insulin pumps and CGM work together?

Right now, there are only two manufacturers of CGM – Medtronic and Dexcom – and their products have different strengths and features:

·        Dexcom CGM can be used with any pump, or without a pump.

·        The Dexcom G5 CGM can use the iPhone as receiver, which is great for caregivers of young kids with diabetes (for example, they can see the data when they’re at work and their child is at school).

·        The Tandem t:slim G4 insulin pump pairs with the Dexcom G4 CGM to allow users to view their CGM data directly on the color touchscreen pump.

·        Medtronic has integrated systems where their insulin pumps and CGM work together – the MiniMed® 530G with Enlite CGM and the MiniMed® 630G with the Guardian CGM.

·        Medtronic’s CGM, integrated with their pumps, provides Threshold Suspend, which suspends insulin delivery if it detects that a patient’s glucose levels are dropping below the safe range.

Learn more about the unique features of Dexcom and Medtronic CGM. 

Who can benefit from CGM?

Many different kinds of people use and benefit from CGM, including people with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, from kids to older adults. This is a good step toward using an insulin pump and getting used to the regimen of having an infusion site to change. For Dexcom CGM, patients change the site every seven days, and for Medtronic CGM, patients need to change the site every six days.

How does Healthy Living help you get started with CGM?

Healthy Living can help with enrollment for CGM and ongoing, monthly supply refills. The enrollment process is very similar to insulin pump enrollment. Many Healthy Living patients use CGM, because it gives them the opportunity for tighter monitoring and better diabetes management.

Is there any new CGM technology on the horizon?

The Abbott Freestyle Libre Glucose Monitor is in use in Europe and has been receiving glowing reviews. With these features, this meter is especially exciting:

·        Very tiny glucose sensor (0.2 inches in length, about the thickness of a hair) with a simple insertion process

·        Water resistant, plastic, on-body patch the size of a one-dollar coin

·        Sensor that remains inserted for 14 days and does not require finger-stick calibrations

·        One-hour startup time

This CGM is currently under review in the U.S. by the FDA. It looks like it will be an effective option for patients to gain better insight into their blood sugar levels while coming in at a very competitive price point. Check out this article to learn more.

We are monitoring the FDA approval process for the Abbott CGM and should be able to provide this exciting new product to our customers when it becomes available.

Ready to learn more about CGM?

When you are ready to consider putting this beneficial CGM technology to use for your own diabetes management, call Crystal and George - our Insulin Pump & CGM Therapy Team - at (866)779-8512.

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