All About The Tandem Control-IQ Diabetes Management System

The Tandem Control-IQ system is one of a new breed of Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) systems that helps people with diabetes manage their blood sugars at a whole new level.

Specifically, it is a hybrid closed loop system that combines Tandem’s t: slim X2 insulin pump and a Dexcom G6 continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to automatically adjust insulin in response to predicted glucose levels. That means if your blood sugar is rising, the system will increase your insulin, or vice versa: If your blood sugar is dropping, the system will automatically turn off insulin delivery.

The t: slim X2 insulin pump is a small rectangular device that can fit easily into your pants’ pocket. It’s unique in that it has a color touchscreen. Like most traditional insulin pumps, it delivers insulin through a tube that is connected to the body via a small infusion set. The pump can be used on its own, but the Control-IQ technology requires connection with the Dexcom G6 CGM for any of the automation features.

The Dexcom G6 includes a sensor and transmitter in order to work. The transmitter is snapped onto the sensor and sends glucose data to a smartphone or a separate receiver, and in this case, that means it’s sent directly to the insulin pump. Data can be displayed on either the Dexcom G6 app or the Tandem t: connect app.

Read on to learn more about the Tandem Control-IQ system.

What is Tandem Control-IQ?

Made by Tandem Diabetes Care in San Diego, Control-IQ is one of the new “closed loop” systems that connects an insulin pump, CGM, and a controller algorithm to create a system that can begin to mimic what a healthy pancreas does in automatically keeping glucose levels in check. These early systems are called “hybrid closed loop” because they don’t yet 100 percent automate diabetes management — users still have to make manual adjustments around food and exercise.

It’s widely considered the most advanced diabetes tech available as of mid-2021, and is shown in clinical studies to reduce the number of low and high blood sugars that a user experiences. Its smart algorithm not only auto-adjusts basal (background) insulin rates for both high and low blood sugars, but also allows for automatic corrections for unexpected highs to get the user back in range.

Personally, after being diagnosed over 20 years ago, this system feels like an incredible step forward in terms of diabetes technology for me.

The device’s overall preset blood sugar goal is 110 mg/dL, and it works to keep you safely as close to that number as possible around the clock (unless you turn on the optional “Sleep” or “Exercise” mode with higher targets).

Here is a rundown on the system’s features:

Touchscreen and sleek design. The Tandem t: slim pump is the first to feature a touchscreen, giving it an Apple-esque look that feels more modern than most insulin pumps. Honestly, with its colorful app interface, it feels like a cool piece of tech rather than just another piece of medical equipment. You can also decorate your pump with a variety of “skins” to show off your personal style. The CGM data is displayed directly on the t: slim X2 pump touchscreen with all the typical graphs and displays showing the current glucose level, plus data going back 3 to 24 hours.

Remote upgrading. The system uses the t: slim X2 insulin pump platform that’s the first to allow remote product updating from home, so you don’t have to trade in for a new piece of hardware every time some functionality gets upgraded. You just access Tandem’s t: connect customer portal online to activate the upgrade.

No fingersticks required. Since this system uses Dexcom’s latest G6 CGM model, it does not require additional fingersticks for calibration per the FDA as previous CGM generations did. However, you can still choose to do backup fingersticks if preferred.

Pump charging. The t: slim X2 pump must be charged using a micro-USB cable provided with the pump. Tandem tech support recommends topping it off each day for 10-15 minutes, even though you could likely go a number of days without charging if necessary. You can also order extra cables to keep one at home, in your car, at work, etc. Many PWDs recharge their pumps briefly when it’s disconnected for showering, or every few days when they change infusion sets and the insulin cartridge and tubing.

Auto insulin shutoff and resume. Control-IQ automatically shuts off insulin delivery when the CGM predicts that your glucose level will drop below 80 mg/ dL or if your glucose is currently below 70 mg/dL and falling. Instead of automatically stopping delivery for a set period of time, the system immediately resumes insulin once your glucose values are repeatedly back in range and rising again.

Auto basal adjusting. Amazingly, Control-IQ has the ability to auto-adjust basal rates to help keep your levels in range — both on the low and high end of the glucose spectrum. The smart algorithm behind this feature was acquired by Tandem Diabetes years ago from the startup TypeZero Technologies (before Dexcom acquired TypeZero).

Target glucose range. Control-IQ has a fixed target, depending on the time of day:

• normal target range of 112.5-160 mg/dL
• more aggressive range of 110-120 mg/ dL, through an optional “Sleep Activity” mode where you won’t get any auto- correction boluses during those times
• an optional “Exercise Activity” mode allows for a target of 140-160 mg/dL

Auto-correction boluses. Like most insulin pumps, the t: slim has a built- in bolus wizard that helps you calculate doses for meals based on your blood sugar correction and insulin-to-carb factors. But on top of that, the Control- IQ system offers an auto-correction function that can help reduce high blood sugars quickly. So, if your glucose is predicted to go over 180 mg/dL, it will trigger a bolus that’s approximately 60 percent of the calculated correction amount with a target of 110 mg/dL. This works on top of the self-adjusting basal rates already in play. Control-IQ doesn’t automatically make boluses doses for meals (users still have to do that) but this auto-correction function can help reduce high blood sugars more quickly if a meal bolus is missed or calculated incorrectly.

Optional sleep and exercise modes. The optional “Sleep Activity” mode allows a more aggressive range of 110–120 mg/dL. This optional setting does not allow any auto-correction boluses while it’s activated, and you can set specific times overnight or just leave it on for the tighter range. The optional “Exercise” mode allows for a target of 140–160 mg/dL.

What are users saying?

Tandem Control-IQ gets praise across the board in online forums, including at JDRF TypeOneNation. One user there who was originally a skeptic of the product wrote, “I have changed my opinion re: usefulness of CIQ Tech for me… I’m very IMPRESSED with the vast improvement in BG [blood glucose] control afforded me… I am not experiencing the many wild swings in BG which were routine for me. I still have to be involved in managing BG but it is many times easier with IQ Tech.”

Where to buy and cost?

Be aware that you will need a doctor’s prescription to purchase both components of the Tandem Control-IQ system. The insulin pump and CGM are sold separately, and once you have both, you simply turn on the Control-IQ feature on the pump to activate it. There are lots of YouTube videos available to walk you through this.

The Tandem pump needs to be purchased directly from the manufacturer, but the Dexcom CGM and its supplies can be purchased through third-party distributors like Edgepark or at many retail pharmacies across the United States, including CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens.

Unlike other insulin pumps, Tandem offers free software updates for existing in- warranty t: slim X2 pump users in the United States. Once you purchase the pump, you can update it through the Tandem Device Updater by plugging the pump into your computer using a micro-USB cable.

How accurate is it?

During pre-market clinical trials, Tandem Control-IQ kept study participants above 70 percent TIR with a low frequency of hypoglycemia (dangerous low blood sugars). These outcomes are similar to those of the Medtronic 670G system in terms of average blood sugars and TIR.

In terms of the CGM itself, the standard measurement of CGM performance is known as the mean absolute relative difference (MARD). With this measure, the lower the number, the better the accuracy. Clinical data for the Dexcom G6 shows it has a MARD of 9 percent with sustained accuracy over the time a sensor is worn. That puts it ahead of all its direct competitors.

I personally have found this device to be extremely accurate. My Dexcom G6 is always within 5–15 points of my readings on a fingerstick glucose monitor. Additionally, my Tandem t: slim insulin pump has never once over-corrected or stopped delivering insulin to create any dangerous low or high blood sugars.

Other closed loop systems

Medtronic is the only other company that currently offers a commercial hybrid closed loop system in the United States.

Tandem Control-IQ is similar to Medtronic’s newest MiniMed 770G (upgrade from the 670G) in that both use an insulin pump and a separate CGM, plus a controller algorithm to regulate blood sugars, and they both feature apps that allow you to track your glucose levels. But the MiniMed system is notably more expensive than Control-IQ, which at full retail price is nearly $8,000.

Also, Medtronic users regularly complain about the need to calibrate regularly with fingerstick glucose tests, incessant alarms, and constantly being kicked out of “auto mode” into manual (non-closed loop) mode.

Tandem Control-IQ, on the other hand, does not require any manual blood sugar calibrations, is always in closed loop mode unless manually turned off, and the alarms are easy to clear and only go off once.

Some people with diabetes have chosen to build their own closed loop systems using the Dexcom CGM, certain insulin pump models, and an open source algorithm (either OpenAPS or Loop). Once set up, these DIY setups work almost exactly like the Tandem or Medtronic systems, but they do require a lot of time, trial and error, and their use is not FDA approved.

Finally, there is the new Bigfoot Unity automated insulin delivery system that was just cleared by the FDA in May 2021. Unlike Tandem Control-IQ its competitors that all use an insulin pump, this new system is designed for users who manage their diabetes with multiple daily injections (MDI therapy). Once Bigfoot Unity is fully launched, it could offer an attractive alternative for those who want the power of a closed loop system without the need to wear a pump device.

Takeaway

Tandem Control-IQ is the most advanced commercial hybrid closed loop (or AID) system currently available in the United States. It has performed well in clinical studies and so far, gotten a lot of praise among users — especially the automatic insulin corrections that offset highs and lows.

Personally, I find Tandem Control-IQ easy to use, and it helped me lower my A1C. This allows me to think less about my diabetes, while at the same time getting better outcomes! This device and supplies are expensive, however, which may limit access for many people.

This content is created for Diabetes Mine, a leading consumer health blog focused on the diabetes community that joined ishonest Media in 2015. The Diabetes Mine team is made up of informed patient advocates who are also trained journalists. We focus on providing content that informs and inspires people affected by diabetes.

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