A sensor augmented insulin pump uses a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and a specialized algorithm to allow the pump to make adjustments to the insulin being delivered, with the goal of keeping blood sugars within the target range. This includes increasing, decreasing and even stopping insulin delivery in response to the information it is receiving, and the trend in blood sugar that the CGM is predicting. The goal of all sensor augmented insulin pump systems is the same \u2013 to keep blood sugars in the target range more often, and reduce the number of pump related decisions a user may have to make in managing their diabetes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What are the pros of this technology?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the biggest benefits of this technology is that the insulin pump can help manage the ups and downs in your blood sugars that may be difficult to predict. Did you know that there are over 42 known factors that can affect our blood sugars throughout the day? Most of these factors aren\u2019t easy to predict or manage (check out this article on the 42 factors affecting blood sugars from DiaTribe for more https:\/\/diatribe.org\/42-factors-affect-blood-glucose-surprising-update<\/a>) . What about cons to this technology?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n With all of these great features, it\u2019s hard to imagine the downside of sensor augmented pumping. Here are a few things to consider: Think you\u2019re ready to try sensor augmented pumping?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There are currently two options available: the Tandem T-Slim pump that pairs with the Dexcom G6 and the Medtronic 780G which pairs with the Medtronic Guardian sensor. Here is a chart comparing both pumps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you would like to learn more about these as well as other pump options or if pumping is right for you, check out the LMC Diabetes Education Program Pump Ready Workshop! You can register by clicking this link: https:\/\/lmcvirtual.as.me\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
These can include things like:
\u2981 poor sleep
\u2981 increased stress
\u2981 exercise
\u2981 hormonal changes
Sensor augmented insulin pumps can help manage the unpredictability of life with type 1 diabetes by changing insulin delivery to match what blood sugars are predicted to do rather than just delivering a set insulin rate like in your traditional pump. This can help with improving your time in range and your A1c.
While using a sensor augmented insulin pump doesn\u2019t mean you can just \u201cset it and forget it\u201d, they can significantly reduce the burden of blood sugar management by dramatically reducing the number of decisions you need to make throughout the day. In fact, in most cases, these pumps work best when they have the least amount of intervention from the user.
Sensor augmented insulin pumps also do a great job at preventing and reducing the severity of low blood sugars. As your blood sugars start to drop, an automated pump will reduce or suspend your insulin temporarily to help keep your blood sugars in range. Think about times when you may have been more active than usual unexpectedly, or your meal may have been unexpectedly delayed, or perhaps you had alcohol and your blood sugar had started to drop without you knowing. These are all situations that can be improved with the help of a sensor augmented pump.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2981 Sensors may not be covered by your health insurance plan<\/strong> and they can add significant cost to your pumping budget. Before considering a sensor augmented pump, it is always best to look at the costs involved and sort out insurance coverage if available. A great resource is this calculator from Connected in Motion https:\/\/www.connectedinmotion.ca\/ontario-diabetes-cost-calculator\/<\/a>
\u2981 Some people simply don\u2019t like having another piece of hardware attached to them.<\/strong> While sensor augmented pumps can be used in the traditional, non automated mode, to get the benefit of the technology means wearing both a pump and sensor 24\/7.
\u2981 Using a sensor automated pump requires the user to give up some control and put trust in the system for it to work its best.<\/strong> This can be difficult for some people who are used to constantly making adjustments to their pump or micro-bolusing. Consider your personality type and whether you will be able to relinquish some control of your pump management to a new automated system
\u2981 You still have to carbohydrate count and deliver food boluses.<\/strong> Luckily, an automated pump can help reduce the impact of the inevitable inaccuracies that come with carb counting.
\u2981 Currently in Canada, this technology is only available with tubed insulin pumps<\/strong> If you\u2019re currently using a tubeless pump or are new to pumping and feel like tubeless is the most important feature for you, keep in mind that automation isn\u2019t available at this time.
Although research has shown improvements in time in range and reduction in hypoglycemia with this technology, no system is perfect and therefore this is not guarantee. Luckily, with the help of your health care professional, usually improvements can be seen.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPump Company<\/strong><\/td> Medtronic<\/strong><\/td> Tandem<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> Pump Name<\/strong><\/td> Medtronic MiniMed\u00ae 780G\u2122<\/strong> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/diabetesdepot.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/medtronic.png\")
<\/td>Tandem t:slim X2\u2122<\/strong> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/diabetesdepot.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/tandem.png\")
<\/td><\/tr>Unique\/New Features<\/strong><\/td> \u2981 Minimed Mobile App <\/strong>\u2013 Allows pump and transmitter to communicate with each other.
\u2981 Carelink\u2122 App <\/strong>allows data to be automatically uploaded.
\u2981 Carelink\u2122 Connect<\/strong> – Data sharing app
\u2981 Upgradable<\/strong> via software.
\u2981 You can choose: 5.5, 6.1, 6.7 mmol\/L as target instead of just 6.7mmol\/L with 770G
\u2981 Temp target of 8.3 mmol\/L<\/td>\u2981 Control IQ<\/strong> when used with Dexcom G6 \u2013 pump adjusts insulin delivery based on 30 minute predictions. Also delivers an automatic correction bolus up to once per hour when sensor glucose (SG) is predicted to be above 10 mmol\/L in 30mins.
\u2981 Control IQ target: 6.1 mmol\/l
\u2981 Control IQ sleep mode: allows for tighter glucose control overnight
\u2981 Control IQ Activity mode: prevent hypoglycemia with temporarily increased blood glucose targets.<\/td><\/tr>Key Features<\/strong><\/td> \u2981 SmartGuard\u2122<\/strong> Auto Mode<\/strong> capability when used with Medtronic\u2019s Guardian\u2122 (3) Sensor System<\/strong> \u2013 pump adjusts basal rate based on sensor glucose (SG) reading. Automatic correction boluses are delivered up to once every 5 minutes.
\u2981 Integrated CGM with Suspend Before Low:<\/strong> insulin delivery automatically suspends 30 mins before reaching your preset low blood sugar level<\/td>\u2981 Basal- IQ technology<\/strong> when used with CGM (Dexcom G6) \u2013 pump automatically suspends insulin if sensor glucose (SG) readings are predicted to drop below 4.4 mmol\/L in 30 mins, and resumes as soon as SG begins to rise.
\u2981 Touch screen
\u2981 Upgradable <\/strong>via software
\u2981 Share or review glucose data with the Dexcom Clarity or Dexcom G6 Apps. Manual download required to share all pump data.<\/td><\/tr>Connection<\/strong><\/td> Infusion set & tubing<\/td> Infusion set & tubing<\/td><\/tr> Reservoir size<\/strong><\/td> 300 units<\/td> 300 units<\/td><\/tr> Max. bolus<\/strong><\/td> 25 units<\/td> 25 units (with an option for additional 25 units)<\/td><\/tr> Battery type<\/strong><\/td> AA battery<\/td> Internal Lithium Polymer rechargeable battery<\/td><\/tr> Water Proofing<\/strong><\/td> Water proof up to 12 feet for 24 hours<\/td> Water resistant at 3 feet for 30 minutes. Recommended to remove for bathing, showering, swimming<\/td><\/tr> Contact information<\/strong><\/td> 1-866-444-4649
www.medtronicdiabetes.ca<\/a><\/td>1-833-509-3598
https:\/\/www.tandemdiabetes.com\/en-ca<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n