After hearing that the tSlim pump would soon be available in the US market, I decided to go to their site and see what they had going on. I knew that they had updated their technology to a level that compares with other devices that we use, like iPhones, and the like. After looking over everything they had, I was pretty interested in their pump. The main things that I liked were the full-color screen, the type of info that is displayed on the home screen, and being rechargeable. But, the thing that most caught my attention was that they are working with Dexcom for sensor integration. I hope that they mean that the pump will act as a Dexcom receiver. That would be excellent.
I requested info from Tandem about their pump and also asked how soon the CGMS integration might be available. I received a reply (from a human being, no less...) and they told me that the work was, indeed, underway, and that it would be available as soon as possible. I know in FDA years that's probably still a while.
If Medtronic doesn't update too much during that time, I'll probably be jumping over to a more colorful display, well thought out design, and sensors that last longer and hurt less.
Meanwhile Medtronic is also working on patch pumps, and they already have a new sensor (also longer lasting, and less painful) going through FDA approval. If you like patch pumps, Omnipod is pretty well received and they are also rumored to be working on CGMS integration with Dexcom. I might like patch pumps, but my favorite infusion sites are places (buttocks!) where I can't discreetly wear a pod.
Anyway, I think it will be a pretty interesting year for some developments in the technology and I hope that the transition to new stuff goes smoothly for insurance, etc. You can only hope.
Both Medtronic and Dexcom have sensors and pumps available in Europe but not here.
ReplyDeleteMedtronic has the enlite sensors and also has the Veo, which its low glucose suspend (that would be boss!).
Dexcom has the Animas Vibe and G4 sensors. I think I've posted about this before but I find it troubling that the Vibe doesn't feature a low suspend.
Jonah, I'm pretty eager to move on to the Enlite sensor when it's available. The current Medtronic ones do actually last 6-7 days, which goes against recommended use... but, I get fairly frequent bleeds and bruises because of the large introduction needle, sensor ribbon, and diagonal insertion.
ReplyDeleteI looked up the G4 sensor as well. Right now Dexcom is still leading in accuracy with the 14% MARD score. Glad everyone is improving their accuracy. That's what it's all about, right?
Yes, I think that the Veo's low-glucose suspend is a great feature, and will lead to a more responsive system in the future.
I'm surprised that it wasn't intuitive to find images or videos about the new sensors insertion methods on the company websites. I like the nitty gritty mechanics on that stuff.