I was on Medtronic most of my pump life and now on Tandem which I only like the CIQ part. Nothing else. But I can sleep at night and have a 6.2/6.3 A1c which is great for me. I don’t like the cartridge changes or not being able to see the insulin. I charge via the cord that came with the pump as I have a wall cable thingie that has usb insert spaces, if you know what I mean. My laptop plugs into it too so I sit and use laptop and recharge all at same time. I don’t plug it into laptop.
I also don’t care for the skin inserts. I uset that metal one. I miss the medtronic Sofset insert. I think that was the one. Mainly, however, the CIQ works with the Dex. Oh, and medicare replaces every 5 years. If anyone gets medicare to replace every 4 years, call me shocked.
I know someone who has an out of warranty t:slim and was using it happily. Then she was switched from G6 to G7 sensors (I don’t have the story on that) and had to scramble because she didn’t have (and wasn’t able to get) the t:slim update that enabled the use of G7 CGMs.
If your pump is approaching its warranty date, it would be a good idea to see if there are any outstanding updates that could “future proof” the pump. But I’d also worry about picking up new bugs in a brand new update, so if there is such an update out there, there’s a hard decision in your future.
I am currently using the 780G Medtronic system and am extremely happy with it. I have only used Medtronic pumps and have been pumping for 29 years. I also keep researching other pumps when it comes time for a new pump. After almost going the t-slim route the last time I changed my mind mainly due to the charging factor. The Medtronic CGM’S are a little more complicated but these will be changing in the future. The Guardian4 sensors are now available and do not need to be calibrated although you can if you want to.
Medtronic is also working on the Simplera sensor which I believe is only available in Europe (not 100% sure though). This one is apparently similar to Libre where you just stick it in your arm and you’re done. My Endocrinologist told me it was in the works so is just a matter of time. What I do like about the Guardian sensors is I find they are very accurate. I also leave the sets in for 6 days unless there is a problem which is rare.
I am finding the 780G system amazing in my control as it gives you a bolus as needed etc….
I have put my faith in Medtronic pumps. In 29 years of pumping I have rarely had a problem and found ther customer service remarkable.
I’ve had Medtronic Minimed pumps and their CGM sensors for 17 years.
For the past 8 months I’ve been using a 780G with Guardian 4 sensors. I find the Smart Guard system to be excellent. It rarely requires a finger stick, but on the few occasions when I have had to measure my BG, the sensor reading was very close (within about 5%) to the measured BG . The times when the pump has demanded a calibration were when I have forgotten to bolus for a meal or I have allowed the insulin reservoir to go empty or didn’t change an expired sensor promptly. In other words, it was clearly my fault that a finger stick was required.
The Smart Guard system adds or withholds insulin without my direct intervention. It keeps my glucose level much more stable than with the Guardian 3 sensors I formerly used with the 780G. It really amazes me how well the system now performs.
The battery in the pump (size AA, not AAA) lasts about four weeks. I have the pump display set for mid-brightness and one minute duration of the back light. With a dimmer display or shorter duration, the battery life would be longer.
When I started using a pump, Minimed recommended Energizer Max alkaline batteries for their excellent discharge pattern (voltage vs. time). They no longer say anything about brand choice, but I continue to use Energizer Max. Once I tried Duracell and found their lifetime in the pump somewhat shorter, about three weeks. I also gave rechargeable batteries a try about 10 years ago, but their lifetime in the pump was really short, about one week after a full charge. Perhaps rechargeables have been improved, but I have no incentive to try them again.
Warranties for Minimed pumps are for four years, but if Medicare paid for your pump it will be five years before it will pay for a replacement. I don’t understand why so many pump users feel it necessary to replace their pump the moment the warranty expires. The pump is likely to continue working well for many more years. Of course, if substantial improvements in pump design and/or firmware have been made, those could be valid reasons for replacing a pump.
I have had good luck with my pumps (530G, 722, 723, 770G, 780G). Only one had to be replaced for a mechanical failure. As I remember it, the 723 developed a “motor failure”, and it was promptly replaced by overnight shipment from Medtronic.
To Liz: The default glucose target setting in the 780G is 120. I too find that the Smart Guard tends to keep me at about 120 overnight.
When I started using the Guardian 4 system, my endo advised me to change that setting to 100, but I left it at 120 while I got used to how Smart Guard works. I was also a bit worried about going too low overnight or being awakened by false going-low alerts. My next checkup with my endo is tomorrow and I will speak with her about changing it to 100.
Hello. No expert bit have been on the Medtronic I think was 650 and also Omnipod. Always had problems on the MiniMed until I switched to trusteel infusion sets. Lots ok kinked cannulas. Did not care for how bulky Medtronic’s is. Hard to wear with a dress. Omnipod expensive on Medicare but also had problems with cannulas and placement. Went to MDI for three years. Recently changed to tandem with control IQ. My A1c went from 5.6 to 6.2. The first three months. Now I use control IQ only at night. I like tighter control during day. Will see in three months if this works. I do like the pump. Small and unobtrusive. Put in bra or pocket or use a belt. Also I fill the cartridge to top. So lasts thru several site changes. But don’t really mind changing. Can do while watching tv. Lucky my couch has usb port and i charge frequently just sitting there. I did hear that about the little tab not lasting but I believe you can get a replacement on amazon. So after rambling on, I am liking pump for many reasons. Interfaces with Dexcom g7, can give bolus from my iPhone. Hardly ever take pump out. So mostly satisfied.
You are lucky to be able to get Guardian 4 sensors for Medtronic! I use the 780G but, in Canada, can get only the Guardian 3 sensors. I find them unreliable and often highly inaccurate. I can’t wait to switch to the Guardian 4 sensors, which are to be available here starting next month.
My favorite is Tandem tSlim X2 with Control-IQ (CIQ) software paired with a Dexcom G7 CGM and infusing thru an AutoSoft XC with 43” tubing.
CIQ- great control especially SLEEP setting. Good algorithm. Simple to use. As with any device, there is a learning curve. It is like going from paper planes to trapping an F-35C Lightning at night on a carrier. You can learn.
Dexcom G7 CGM, with orientation, is the most accurate & forgiving CGM on the market. Ask for a Dexcom clinical rep to do an orientation. It is not just “slap it on”.
AutoSoft XC is a polyvinyl cannula. No metal intolerance issues. Can be pushed up to 6 days or more. Requires learning because the cannula can be twisted if not inserted correctly. Ordering with 43” tubing gives you the option of putting the infusion site almost anywhere & keeping the pump box close to the CGM for best function. It is better to have & not need than to need & not have the extra tubing. Does require a wee bit more insulin to prime.
Thoughts on OP5. The algorithm is weak. Control is slow. When I worked as an RN & part time in EMS, an earlier POD would not stay on. It was knocked off so many times the clinical trial I was in paid me to quit.
ILet algorithm is weak & lacks the ability to tweak settings. Hope this helps. I have been pumping for almost 25 years having used PODs twice, Animas, & Tandem pumps.
Really … the Mobi has to be disconnected when you’re in water? I thought because it’s like the Omnipod (I’m using the Eros here in Canada … love it) … that it would be the same. I know that’s what has put me off the Tslim due to having to disconnect when in water.
Perhaps its a new Tandem policy but my pump been out pf warranty since April and is on Control-IQ v7.6.0.1 and it is not eligible for any software update. I’m not sure if that is the Mobile Bolus version but the current one is v7.8.
I was late updating my software so the Control IQ update was to start v7.8 before my warranty expires. I understood that I would not be able to upgrade my control IQ software if my pump was out of warranty.
Medicare paid 80% for the 780G that I’ve had for a year, and my Supplement plan paid the 20% balance. They also pay 80/20 for all pump supplies, CGM supplies and insulin under Part B. Be sure the insulin is billed under Part B - durable medical equipment. Insulin infused via a pump is considered a “supply” that is used with the pump so is part of the DME coverage. I’ve only ever used Medtronic pumps for the past 20 years and used it with an early version of the CGM which worked ok. Then I went on Medicare and the FDA had not yet approved the old CGM and did not pay for it so I stopped, went back to just a BG meter until I used the Dexcom for 4 years.
I needed a new pump this past spring and also sought answers from this forum. I have a Dexcom G7 CGM which generally has valid readings, though it has some things i don’t like (especially the adhesive) but for me it worked better than the Medtronics CGM. I liked the idea of having one monitoring device instead of both CGM and pump so i focused on Tandem t-Slim and Omnipod. I watched this YouTube Video and got a much better idea of how both worked. Based upon insurance coverage it seemed that the Tandem would be better cost wise. Now that i’ve been using the Tandem for about 2 months i feel the major pro has been that i’m down to one device. The cons are that you cannot power it down without it being plugged in to usb power (sometimes that is not convenient), i feel that more insulin is wasted in priming it (tho with Medicare my cost is limited to $35/mo so not too huge an issue for me, but for some every unit counts). The Tandem reports how much insulin is on board, but i’m not sure it starts accurately (e.g. reports +250 units, but really should be 280). The flip side of that is that when T-Slim reports 0 insulin in reservoir, there might be up to 10 units still left (because i used a syringe to withdraw several times). The adhesive on the port isn’t as strong as it should be. I’ve had a couple pull off before 3 days. Also, sometimes the plastic port bends upon insertion. On July 4th even with eating next to nothing and adding so much insulin, my sugar was inexplicably nearing 300. I switched out the infusion set and that solved the issue. It happened a second time a week later. (I was sent the autosoft-set version of the infusion. I plan to ask for the true steel next time to see if that avoids the bending.)
A major pro has been the IQ-Control. Sometimes i get too wrapped up in work and forget to check my BG, but t-slim will automatically add insulin. My time in-range is up about 10%. (Avg A1C about 6.3 before t-slim). I suspect i would have been fine had i stayed with Medtronics or switched to Omnipod. While i like having to attach only one device to my jeans, after so many years with two, i would have survived if i had gone with Medtronics. Perhaps you can get a Medtronics trainer or your endo’s office to tell you more about the differences between the various pumps, if Medtronics CGM has gotten better over the years. Bottom line - they all have pros and cons. Still, way better than the old, giant needles and constant BG fingersticks of “ye olde days”. It’s one of the “costs” of diabetes.
This is what they say, it’s limited. It is water resistant (not waterproof) up to 8 feet for 2 hours, but you aren’t supposed to swim with it. I’m not sure what else you would be doing immersed up to 8 feet deep for 2 hours except for some kind of swimming but…
Tandem Mobi System Water-Resistance Rating
“The pump is water-resistant to a depth of 8 feet (2.4 meters) for up to 2 hours (IP28 rating) when a cartridge is loaded, but it is not waterproof. The pump should not be worn while swimming, scuba diving, surfing, or during any other activities that could submerge the pump for an extended period of time. It should not be worn in hot tubs, whirlpools, or saunas.”
Freedom to Disconnect
The Tandem Mobi pump can easily be
disconnected from its infusion set site
for a number of activities, including
physical sports, saunas, swimming,
and other spontaneous activities.
file:///C:/Users/hawth/Downloads/quick-reference-wearability-tips-tandem-mobi-ml-1012730_a(1).pdf
Yes, that’s the software version that added mobile bolusing from certain cell phones. You’re running the same software as me, even though my pump went out of warranty at the end of 2020. Now you’re in the same boat as me, ineligible for other software updates unless they contain a fix that’s deemed critical for safety.
Software updates haven’t been a big deal for me these least few years. There was nothing tempting enough to lure me back into another 4 year warranty, since I waiting for Mobi. Had I not already made the switch, though, I still think this would be the year I finally committed to a new pump. There’s a BIG Control-IQ update rolling out, and of course G6 concerns with it’s expected but yet unannounced obsolescence. I do believe the X3 will launch before G6 is gone for good, though.
I pulled the trigger and got a mobi. My pump expired in June. I’m away in France for another week and it should be waiting for me when I get home.
I chose it because I really love the tandem algorithm and it’s small size and thst I can cancel alarms on my phone. I sometimes work in a clean room and I can’t pull out my pump, but I can use my phone if it’s in a plastic envelope.
They improved the cartridge issues and the cartridge is transparent it uses the same sets as the t2. You can stick it anywhere giving me more options for insertion.
It’s price is less than any of the other reusable pumps too.
Those are the reasons why I chose it, but I don’t know yet the reality.
It holds only 200 units, which is perfect for me because I don’t need that much. I normally load 150 for 3 days but I don’t use that much.
I jumped away from Medtronic because of the sensors. I hear they are better now though.
The tandem algorithm is better though in my opinion because you set the rates yourself and the algorithm makes adjustments to it. Medtronic does all of its own determinations.
I just got my 2nd Tandem X2. I reviewed Mobi, but didn’t see enough to switch.
Diagnosed Halloween day 1972 and yes,64 now.Ive seen more than I want to remember and worked for AmericanDiabetesAssociation for 6yrs in Fla before moving to DC metro. I had in 2021 an Islet Cell Transplant at JohnHopkins thru NIH Clinical Trials no cost. Yes was off insulin for 25months But the Anti Rejection meds were too much to continue & had to stop taking them. Now back to needing daily insulin. I’ve worked for Medtronic and won’t ever go back there or on their products. They’re big Money grubbers. Using Dexcom g6 with Onnipod 5. The charging is bad but have a great Hemoglobin A1c of 5.2 as a result. Until the Eversense E3 6 month CGM connects to or they make their own insulin pump I will wait.I met with them & think if it wasn’t for the FDA we’d have Great products out Now.Other countries like Israel and Canada have Great Success with islet cells but our FDA stops all new research unless sponsored by money grubbing Pharma companies. FDA won’t cure any diseases as big money is in control of them. People as patients are just an afterthought. A big scam.
Totally agree with you on the money grubbing. I am hoping to be a participant in the Vertex (VX-264) study that’s going on around the big blue marble. Just had yet another interview (been ongoing since January 2024) to get the ball rolling on blood work screening - e.g. “pre-qualify” for main study screening. If all goes well, hopefully I’ll be having 6 - 4.9 cm islet cell implants placed behind stomach wall if I pass.
As far as next pump - I’m using whatever floats my way from folks with benefits (I’m in Canada - where pumps/CGM if you can’t afford them through socialised healthcare system, etc.) - you just try your best to use whatever works for you. Been at this now for almost 60 years!