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Insulin pumps are devices that help people manage their blood sugar levels. They deliver insulin through a tube that goes under the skin. The t:slim X2 insulin pump, from Tandem Diabetes Care, has Bluetooth technology and a watertight construction.
This article explores the features of the t:slim X2 insulin pump, its maker’s reputation, and how it compares with similar pumps. We also look into the health benefits and risks of using an insulin pump.
Tandem Diabetes Care is based in the United States, and it specializes in making products for people with diabetes. It collaborates with technology companies, researchers, and people who have diabetes to develop devices and treatments.
Some of the company’s products include:
- insulin pumps
- software and apps
- infusion sets
- pump accessories
Learn more about insulin therapy.
Reputation
At the time of publishing, Tandem Diabetes Care does not have accreditation from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The bureau gives the company an F grade, and customers give it a rating of 1.4 out of 5 stars on the BBB’s site. The company’s Trustpilot page gives it a rating of 3.2 out of 5 stars.
Positive reviews mention good product quality. Some have found the insulin pump to be especially convenient because it is compatible with Dexcom continuous glucose monitors (CGMs).
Negative reviews report shipping delays and say that the company’s representatives took a long time to answer questions.
The t:slim X2 insulin pump can hold up to 300 units of insulin. Still, the company states, it is 38% smaller than some of its competitor’s devices. The product’s dimensions are 3.1 x 2.0 x 0.6 inches (in).
Its Bluetooth technology allows it to pair with the Dexcom G6 CGM. The pump also has a large color touchscreen, and its makers highlight its watertight construction, claiming to have tested the pump in 3 feet (ft) of water for 30 minutes.
This product is rechargeable via a micro-USB charger. A person can also connect up to six different user profiles.
Additional features of the t:slim X2 insulin pump include:
- remote software updates
- an easy-to-view insulin delivery and glucose history
- the ability to transmit data wirelessly to computers
If a person chooses to connect their t:slim X2 to the Dexcom G6 CGM, they might opt for one of the following predictive features:
- Control-IQ: This is suitable for ages 6 and above and for people who weigh more than 55 pounds. Control-IQ adjusts insulin levels based on the CGM’s readings and delivers automatic correction boluses to prevent hyperglycemia. It also shows increases and decreases in insulin delivery.
- Basal-IQ: This feature predicts blood sugar levels 30 minutes in advance to reduce the frequency of low-glucose events.
Learn more about basal-bolus insulin therapy.
People can access the t:connect customer portal to manage their insulin pump updates, request new prescriptions, and complete any required online training.
Tandem Diabetes Care also offers the t:connect mobile app. This allows a person to view their pump information on their phone and share the data with their doctors.
Before purchasing the t:slim X2, a person might consider the following advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
- The design is compact.
- The device is rechargeable.
- It is water resistant.
- A person can create up to six profiles.
- It eliminates the need for daily injections.
Cons
- The pump’s small buttons may be difficult to use.
- The pump needs charging once or twice a week.
- Some users report that it snags on clothing.
People can order the t:slim X2 insulin pump on Tandem Diabetes Care’s website. It may be a good idea to check whether an insurance provider will cover the cost beforehand.
Learn about Medicare and insulin pumps.
To order the t:slim X2, a person either fills out an online form or prints out the form and sends it completed to the company by mail or fax.
Upon receiving this, a Tandem Diabetes Care representative gets in touch within 2 business days. The company then works with the person’s healthcare provider to complete the necessary paperwork.
The following table compares the t:slim X2 to two other insulin pumps.
| t:slim X2 | MiniMed 770G | Insulet Omnipod DASH | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Features | smart features that send alerts or automatically adjust insulin levels | automatically adjusts insulin levels every 5 minutes | a tubeless system that prevents tangling |
| Water resistance | water resistant in 3 ft of water for 30 minutes | water resistant in 12 ft of water for up to 24 hours | water resistant in 25 ft of water for up to 60 minutes |
| Insulin | up to 300 units | up to 250 units | up to 200 units |
| Weight | 3.95 ounces (oz) | 3 oz | no information available |
| Dimensions | 3.13 x 2 x 0.6 in | 2.1 x 3.78 x 0.96 in | no information available |
| Insurance | checking whether the company accepts the insurance by filling out a form | checking whether the company accepts the insurance by filling out a form | free trial and insurance check through the company’s website |
As the United Kingdom’s National Health Service observes, insulin pumps improve blood glucose levels to address low blood sugar, a health issue called hypoglycemia.
The device may involve a pump and infusion set connected by a thin plastic tube. But some are more streamlined, containing both the pump and infusion set in one device.
Health benefits
Insulin pumps
These devices may be effective for people with type 1 diabetes who get regular exercise.
However, the researchers note that insulin pumps did not effectively prevent exercise-induced nocturnal hypoglycemia.
Health risks
People should consider
- hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, as a result of damaged or defective equipment
- an insulin pump site infection, which might involve redness or other skin color changes, tenderness, and fluid leaking in the area
- diabetic ketoacidosis
- hypoglycemia as a result of low levels of a blood component that is linked with sugar, called hemoglobin A1c
People should regularly check their insulin pumps for signs of damage and contact their healthcare team if they suspect any complications.
A person should consult a doctor about any symptoms of diabetes,
- needing to urinate more frequently than usual
- feeling more tired than usual
- blurry vision
- feeling thirstier than usual
If a person has diabetes and requires insulin, they may wish to ask their healthcare team whether an insulin pump is an appropriate option.
Below are some frequently asked questions about the t:slim X2 insulin pump.
Is the t:slim X2 insulin pump waterproof?
Tandem Diabetes Care states that the t:slim pump has a watertight construction. The company has tested the device’s water resistance in 3 ft of water for 30 minutes.
However, people who expect to be in the water for extended periods might consider purchasing a waterproof case.
How long does a t:slim X2 insulin pump last?
Its makers say that each time the t:slim X2 insulin pump is charged, it lasts for up to 7 days, or 5 days if it is connected to the Dexcom G6.
The company recommends charging the device for 10–15 minutes every day.
Can you wear the t:slim X2 insulin pump during an MRI or CT scan?
No, remove the t:slim X2 insulin pump before an MRI or CT. These scans can damage the pump’s components.
The t:slim X2 insulin pump is a smart device that automatically releases insulin into the body. People can use it with or without connecting it to the Dexcom G6 CGM, which provides special features.
Insulin pumps can help keep blood sugar levels stable and delay the onset of diabetes complications, including nerve damage. Regularly check that the device is not damaged and that there are no signs of infection.