Tandem Control-IQ released in UK

For people looking to enjoy more freedom in managing their diabetes the innovative t:slim X2 insulin pump offers sleek design matched with a host of advanced features you would expect in a modern device.

The t:slim X2 is small and simple to use, with a large colour touchscreen.  It features a rechargeable battery, USB connectivity and watertight construction (IPX7). It is the first CGM-enabled pump approved to let users make treatment decisions without pricking their finger*.  It is the only pump capable of remote feature upgrades, much like an iPhone or Android, and comes with patient-focussed 24-hour support from Air Liquide Healthcare’s UK-based Customer Service team.

The t:slim X2 insulin pump can be used as a standalone insulin pump, or it can be integrated with the Dexcom G6 continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system with the option of two predictive insulin delivery technologies.

Basal-IQ Technology is a predictive low glucose suspend feature that links with Dexcom G6 Mobile CGM to help the management of hypos with no need for ‘fingerstick’ blood tests. Basal-IQ helps to reduce the frequency and duration of low-glucose events by predicting glucose levels 30 minutes ahead and suspending insulin if they are expected to drop below 4.4 mmol/L, or if a CGM reading falls below 3.9 mmol/L meaning users can spend less time worrying about lows and more time on other things.

However, from July of this year it is possible to update the pump to Control-IQ Technology, via an optional software update. Control-IQ is an advanced hybrid closed-loop technology which uses an algorithm to automatically adjust insulin delivery to help prevent both highs as well as lows. Importantly, this also increases ‘time in range’ (TIR) while still allowing the user to manually bolus for meals.  By using Dexcom CGM values to predict glucose levels 30 minutes ahead, the technology is able to adjust insulin delivery accordingly; including delivery of automatic correction boluses.

Up-to-date
As with the Basal-IQ update in 2019, the process for the Control-IQ update will be via the Tandem Device Updater (TDU). Users of the pump will be able to log in at home and, using a unique identification number, will be able to initiate the download of the new software to their pump.

A statement by Air Liquide Healthcare, which distributes the Tandem t:slim X2 insulin pump in the UK, says, “We have worked hard to put all the required training, processes and procedures in place to ensure that every patient who requires the Control-IQ update has received approval from their clinical team and is able to undertake the appropriate training which must be completed before we provide the update to our patients. We’re excited to bring this technology to the UK and are thrilled with the feedback we’ve had from users so far.”

Control-IQ isn’t a compulsory update; users of the t:slim X2 who don’t wish to update to the new software can continue to use their G5 or Basal-IQ G6 enabled pumps as before. The statement continues, “We would like to thank our patients and the clinics we work with for their patience and support during the launch of Control-IQ.”

Air Liquide Healthcare’s Customer Service team is based in South Shields and is available 24/7: 0800-012-1560.

If your glucose alerts and CGM readings do not match your symptoms and expectations, you should perform a fingerstick blood test to confirm your blood glucose level.

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