t:slim X2

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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.

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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Insulin Pump Technology Innovation from Medtronic and Tandem

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Why Insulin Pumps?

Because of insulin pumps, many people living with diabetes, young and old, have better control of their insulin delivery. Insulin pumps also allow for fewer injections and a more flexible lifestyle. The pump option is great for athletes and people on the go because of more precise insulin dosing that can lead to improved performance and energy levels. Improvements in technology continue to make it easier to manage diabetes. Every little tweak and new option on the market makes a difference.

Developing New Technology

There is plenty of buzz about the new insulin pumps to be released this year by Medtronic and Tandem, and for good reason. Both of these established companies are offering pumps with new features that will increase quality of life and ease of disease management for many people living with diabetes. Here are some of the most noteworthy features:

Medtronic Minimed 630G –  

·       Remote insulin dosing with wireless meter offers quick, easy delivery of a bolus

·       SmartGuard(TM) technology stops insulin delivery if a patient’s sensor glucose values go below a preset level with no response to alarms

·       Waterproof protection

·       Color screen

Tandem t:slim X2 –

·       Two-way Bluetooth connects with multiple external devices at one time (one day it will communicate with the Dexcom G5 and a patient’s smartphone at the same time)

·       Planned software upgrade to connect with Dexcom G5 Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) will display data directly on the pump screen

·       Tandem will continue to upgrade the pump’s software, including a new smartphone app and predictive low glucose suspend

·       Color touch screen

More Options for Children & Parents

The convenience of a remote bolus dose will be easier for everyone, especially parents or caregivers helping children. Waterproof protection will also make baths, swimming lessons, and beach days a lot simpler. Research has shown that insulin pumps are an effective option in diabetes care for children. A large, long-term study of insulin pump use in children published in Diabetologia in 2013 demonstrated that pump therapy provides sustained improvement in glycemic control and reductions of severe hypoglycemia and hospitalization compared with a study group using only injections. Advancements in pumps are helping children living with diabetes stay healthier (and happier).

Curious about the Upgrade?

At Healthy Living, we are preparing for the transition by educating ourselves as much as possible on the features of the improved pumps, working closely with manufacturers on upgrade programs, and monitoring availability as new information is released. When I say ‘we,’ I am mainly talking about Crystal and George, our stellar Insulin Pump Therapy Team. They answered a few questions for me today:

1.     What should existing Healthy Living customers do if they want one of the new pump models?

The first thing to do is contact us. We can confirm if you are eligible for a new pump through insurance or from a manufacturer upgrade program. Call (866)779-8512 and choose prompt 2 to reach us.

2.     What should new customers do if they are interested in one of the new pumps?

Talk to us first - call (866)779-8512 and choose prompt 2. We’ll verify insurance and what you’re eligible for and start gathering documentation to process your pump, once they become available.

3.     What questions do people most often have about insulin pumps when they’re getting started, and what answers do you give?

According to George and Crystal, common questions include:

Q: Is the pump hard to operate?

A: Pumps are easy to operate and we can support you as you learn.

Q: Do you still have to check your blood sugar?

A: Yes, you still have to do regular daily glucose checks (4 on average), even if using the CGM.

Q: Does the pump have to be surgically inserted?

A: No!

We look forward to learning more about the soon-to-be-released Tandem and Medtronic pumps as information becomes available! In the meantime, we’re here to help!

·     Text us @ (248)577-9903 or call us @ (866)779-8512.

·     Reach us through online chat at myhlms.com.

·     Check out our new online store at myhlms.com/shop for accessories and over-the-counter medications.

·     Visit myhlms.com/providers to electronically complete and sign prescriptions for patients.