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.
