Tandem T-Slim X2

[Tamagno]

I've only used this new pump a couple of days, but I'll mention a couple of things:

The dislikable first just to get them out of the way because otherwise it's all good.

First, the X2 is Tandem's model that is integrated with Dexcom G5. Currently, Medicare will NOT pay if you use that feature and according to the Tandem rep will make you sign an agreement that you won't use it. Presumably, the government has some way of knowing if you do. Medicare WILL pay for the G5, just not with the X2 integration.

It's definitely not a deal breaker, you'll just be carrying around your Dexcom receiver like always. Once approved by Medicare, the feature looks great and will be a big help.

Second, having come from Omnipod, is the tubing. Really just an adjustment to get used to.

The good features are much more significant.

First is insulin delivery. I'm very thin at 5'11 inches tall and 125 lbs. soaking wet. With Omnipod's cannula it was nearly impossible to achieve insertion without hitting muscle. The insertion set I'm using with the X2 is a tiny gauge cannula set at a sharp angle. It's easy to insert and painless.

Previously, I'd go through about 12-18 hours of high glucose with a new Omnipod "pod" before insulin delivery became good. So far, the X2's insulin delivery has been much better and more accurate without those first-day highs.

Second is X2's features that are really too numerous to list in detail, however, with its tiny size and color, push-button screen it's easy to set up and use. Significantly, boluses can be given in tiny tenths of units which is great for those of us who are very sensitive to insulin.

I've not yet installed the accompanying software, but it is both PC and Mac compatible and appears easy to use.

A big thing to me are the Tandem reps, 70% of whom are T1s. The training rep I had is also a user which gave her a completely different level of credibility and experience.

So far, so good! I'll report more as I get to know the pump better.

[skb]

Thanks for the review John.

The benefits that you mention are pretty substantial and meaningful for diabetics.

From the forum promotion point of view, is there any way to put up a link to this thread on the product website. I'll do the needful if you could just ask the rep.

[Tamagno]

I'll try e-mailing the rep later today.

[Grammabear]

I'll try e-mailing the rep later today.

How did you accomplish acquiring an email address from the Tandem 'rep'?  Once I had my pump demonstration from the rep,
I never heard from him again.  I have some questions regarding the possibility of upgrading from my original Tslim.  But I have no
contact number or email address.

[skb]

I'll try e-mailing the rep later today.

I checked out their website. It seems very unlikely that they'll allow a link to the forum on the website,
They do have a Featured User section nested under the About page, where user's stories are shared. I couldn't see any links in a couple of stories that I read.

[Tamagno]

Ditto with Dexcom. Haven't heard back from the rep, but I may see her next week.