The t:slim X2 insulin pump is manufactured by Tandem Diabetes Care. It is currently rated for use in individuals over the age of 6. It is not recommended for individuals who require less than 10 units of insulin per day or who weigh less than 55 pounds (25kg).
Here are twelve of the key features that we have found:
1. Smaller than other insulin pumps
The t:slim X2 insulin pump is 3.1 x 2.0 x 0.6 inches (in) and weighs 3.95 ounces (112g). This is 38% smaller than most other insulin pumps on the North American market.
2. Holds up to 300 units of insulin
Despite being smaller than most pumps, the t:slim X2 still holds up to 300 units of insulin. This is great for teens and those adults with type 1 diabetes who use larger volumes of insulin.
3. Has a rechargeable battery
The t:slim X2 insulin pump is the first rechargeable insulin pump. It is recharged when you plug a USB cable into a regular AC current.
According to the Tandem website, “a single battery charge on a t:slim X2 pump can last for up to seven days during normal use without CGM and up to five days with CGM.” They recommend that you charge your pump for 10-15 minutes each day or until it is fully charged. Many users do this by plugging in their pump while they are in the shower or driving to work.
4. Remote software upgrading capability
When Tandem updates the software in its insulin pumps, you are able to upgrade the t:slim X2 insulin pump without having to purchase a brand new device.
5. Integrated with the Dexcom G6
The t:slim X2 has the ability to work with the Dexcom G6 to monitor blood sugar readings and adjust your insulin accordingly. This feature is optional but can be of value to those individuals who already enjoy using a continuous glucose monitor.
6. Option to use Control IQ or Basal IQ when used with CGM
Control IQ and Basal IQ are predictive technologies, which helps manage insulin delivery. Control IQ adjusts insulin delivery to help prevent highs and lows. Basal IQ, on the other hand, is a predictive low-glucose suspend technology that helps to reduce the frequency and duration of lows.
You can read about these two features in detail in the article below.
7. Shatterproof, touchscreen
This insulin pump looks like a cellphone and even has a touchscreen so there are no buttons to wear out. It is made of shatter-resistant glass and a light, ultra‑strong. The watertight case is certified for use in 3 feet for 30 minutes (IPX7).
8. Variety of alerts
The t:slim X2 comes with a variety of alerts including:
- Site change reminders
- High and low blood glucose alerts, and
- Missed meal bolus alerts
9. Various ways to bolus your meals
With the t:slim X2 insulin pump, you have the option of bolusing your meals by the grams of carbohydrates. You can also simply input a set amount of insulin.
If you desire, you can use a quick bolus. This means that you can deliver a bolus by simply pressing a button. This feature allows you to deliver a bolus by following beep/vibration commands without navigating through or viewing the pump screen.
Finally, the t:slim X2 gives you the option of using their bolus calculator which allows you to enter multiple carb values and let the pump do the math.
10. Customize your settings
Insulin delivery is personal and the t:slim X2 allows you to set up to six personalized delivery profiles, with up to 16 different time segments.
11. Feature lock
This safety feature allows you to set a lock to stop unintentional bolusing or setting changes. This can be of benefit to parents of children with diabetes to ensure that they don’t tamper with the pump settings when they are away from their parents.
12. Mobile bolus
In the summer of 2022, t:slim X2 users in the US will be able to use the Mobile bolus feature with their iPhone 12 (iOS 14) and Samsung Galaxy S20 (OS 11).
If you are interested in learning more about the t:slim X2 insulin pump, contact your local representative or Tandem Diabetes Care.
Learn about insulin pumps from experts
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I very much wish that one of the pump companies offered what the Animas Ping did with the remote meter with bolus wizard. That is a huge bonus for my teenage daughter when she hides the pump in her bra etc. I know Medtronic has remote bolus bit the meter DOES NOT have the wizard. It can’t be that hard to implement that I wouldn’t think?
You would think it would be easy but sadly the companies often hold patents on certain features so that they can’t be shared. The t:slimX2 seems to have a few bolus features and a calculator but I am not sure how closely it resembles the Animas Ping. My son used the Ping but being a guy, never used the remote bolus. Perhaps as they integrate more and more with smartphones, one of these companies will soon offer a way to bolus from your phone.
I love our ping! I love tre remote function but the one thing I can’t live without is the ability to change I:C and ISF factors on the fly. We have ratios for school and just over ride them during days off. Or if we are having a stubborn high I just change the ISF factor to make it more aggressive. I feel that’s the pump options are really interfering with our management.
It does say that you can customize boluses and use either a set amount of insulin or carb:insulin ratio but I can’t see a section that shows you how to override the suggested insulin amount (which I agree is a must). I would definitely contact Tandem Canada and see what they have to say…and then please let us know as well!
Is it integrated with a cgms yet? That pump suspend feature is essential for us. I’d also like it to mark automatically when you suspend the pump and restart it or switch from one pattern to another. Of course, I don’t have the 2nd capacity (feature) on the paradigm pump either and I need it.
I am happy that you are happy. I know several in the US who love their Tandem.
Our ds has a ping now and we love the remote for bolusing corrections at night, dosing for a quick snack on the ski lift without unzipping, dosing on the fly while he grazes at a party… We’ll miss that but this pump looks awesome. Now to figure out how to get coverage.
Depending on your son’s age, I am guessing that provincial coverage will be an option. I am not sure how long it takes for companies to get listed on provincial programs however. I do know that it can take a bit in some cases but the employees at Tandem Canada are working hard to get it done.
I am curious on how recharging would work. You would have to un hook the pump from your body? for how long?
I have asked friends who are using the Tandem and I have been told that you can either do short charges, like while you are in the shower. You can charge while you are sitting at your computer or while in a car and not have to disconnect. If you charge on a weekly basis, a full charge from 5% can take about 50 minutes. If you are trickle charging, just charging when you are in the shower, you can go with 10 minute daily charges. Again, this is just what users are saying. Tandem may officially say something else.