Basal-IQ Technology for the t:slim X2 Insulin Pump: Andrew's Experience

I’ve now been using the t:slim X2 for over 2 years, being the first to start on the t:slim X2 in Australia on Sept 13, 2018! The promised look and feel of the pump met all my expectations, cartridge changes were a little tricky at the start, but easy-peasy now. And doing a one on one tech session with AMSL Diabetes staff in March last year was wonderful too.

Describe the process of updating your t:slim X2 with Basal-IQ technology?

As soon as I got my hands on the update request form, I filled it in and sent it to my Endo. We had spoken a short time before that about doing the upgrade and he was all for it. Once signed, he sent it back to me and I sent it off to AMSL Diabetes. The next day I got the link for the online training video’s – and within an hour I had completed it, with the certificate sent back to AMSL Diabetes. The videos were easy to understand, particularly because I already felt like I understood how Basal-IQ worked from playing with the t:simulator demo app on my phone.

Later in the afternoon, I got my link to download the updater software and my code to unlock Basal-IQ technology on my pump. Updating the pump was easy, and the process was completed pretty quickly. I reloaded the cartridge and I was up and running. It wasn’t until a few days later, I was able to pick up my Dexcom G6 Starter Kit and begin Basal-IQ, so I had my existing Dexcom G5 Mobile still working on my phone in the meantime.

The Dexcom G6 has additional new features over the Dexcom G5 Mobile but I think Basal-IQ itself has one main task – to reduce / eliminate low glucose events. And for me, oh my gosh, it so has!

Do you feel you received enough support from AMSL Diabetes in transitioning to Basal-IQ?

To be honest, I didn’t feel like I needed any extra support. The material provided before transitioning was more than enough for me. I attended one of the earlier Dexcom G6 webinar presentations and then also attended the first NSW Basal-IQ webinar session too. The sessions were aimed at those who know very little about them [Dexcom G6 and t:slim X2 with Basal-IQ technology], but I did pick up on a few bits and pieces, that made attending worthwhile.

This was all clearly explained again in the material provided during the upgrade process. So overall for me, it was pretty easy.

And how does the Basal-IQ software help you manage your levels day-to-day?

Having had an HbA1c below 6% for over 20 years (and sub 5.5% since beginning to use CGM and pump over the last 6 years), I am in the 4’s and 5’s a lot of the time. Running my CGM reports, I spend around 1% of time below 3.8 mmol/L.

My Dexcom G5 Mobile low alarm was set to 4.2 mmol/L, so it would give me a little advanced warning to take action before I get too low.

So having Basal-IQ kick in roughly 30 minutes before I will go below 4.4 mmol/L, has seen that less than 1% of time, become almost zero. Just today as I was writing this, a very dear interstate almost brother rang for a chat, and asked “What’s going on, you’ve had almost zero low alarms?” He can see my readings through Dexcom Share. I said “It’s all due to Basal-IQ my friend.”

Also, my wife is LOVING it. Rather than dipping into the low 4’s and high 3’s, since Basal-IQ is doing its thing before I even used to action a change, I’m not dropping below 4 mmol/L at all. I lowered my Dexcom low alarm from 4.2 mmol/L to 4.0 mmol/L, and it doesn’t activate at all, all night long which means better sleep for the both of us.

With the t:slim X2 with Basal-IQ, as soon as it detects our levels increasing, the suspension stops. This might even only be 5, 10 or 15 minutes. I think of it like throwing a small, smooth pebble across the surface of a lake. It bounces off the water’s surface along, barely lifting. It might drop again but then bounces up again, over and over (of course a pebble will eventually lose enough momentum and it sinks, but that’s where the comparison ends haha).

Having used t:slim X2 with Basal-IQ now for 2 weeks, I just love it. It works for me. I love sitting in the 4’s levels wise.

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Read the warnings available on www.amsldiabetes.com.au/resources before purchasing. Consult your healthcare professional to see which product is right for you.

Wanting to share your personal journey? Email us at marketing@amsl.com.au to chat to one of our team members!

Testimonial Disclosure
This testimonial relates to an individual’s response to treatment with our products and has been edited to ensure it is consistent with the products’ indication(s). The testimonial does not provide any indication, guide, warranty or guarantee as to the response other persons may have to the treatment. Responses to treatment with our products may differ. It is important to consider individual circumstances and consult with your healthcare professional before considering any changes to your diabetes management.

Interface and features vary depending on the t:slim X2 insulin pump software version you are using. Software updates available to in-warranty customers only.

Important Safety Information
The t:slim X2 insulin pump is intended for the subcutaneous delivery of insulin, at set and variable rates, for the management of diabetes mellitus in persons requiring insulin. The t:slim X2 insulin pump can be used solely for continuous insulin delivery and as part of the t:slim X2 System to receive and display continuous glucose measurements from the Dexcom G6 Sensor and Transmitter. The t:slim X2 System also includes continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) indicated for the management of diabetes. Interpretation of the t:slim X2 System results should be based on the trends and patterns seen with several sequential readings over time. The t:slim X2 System is indicated for use in individuals 6 years of age and greater. The t:slim X2 System is intended for single patient use. The device is indicated for use with U-100 fast-acting insulin, consult your healthcare professional to see which product is right for you. For detailed indications for use and safety information, contact AMSL Diabetes Customer Care Team on 1300 851 056 or visit amsldiabetes.com.au.

Responsible Use of Basal-IQ Technology
Dexcom G6 CGM sold separately. Systems like the t:slim X2 insulin pump with Basal-IQ technology are not substitutes for the active management of diabetes. There are common scenarios in which automated systems cannot prevent a hypoglycaemic event. The Basal-IQ feature relies on current CGM sensor readings to function and will not be able to predict glucose levels and suspend insulin delivery if a user’s CGM is not functioning properly or his/her pump is unable to receive the CGM signal. It’s recommended users always use the components of the pump system (pump, cartridges, CGM, and infusion sets) according to the applicable instructions for use and check them regularly to make sure they are functioning as expected. Users should always pay attention to their symptoms, actively monitor and manage glucose levels and treat according to their healthcare professionals’ recommendations.

© 2020 Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. All rights reserved. Micro-delivery, Tandem Diabetes Care, touch simplicity and t:slim are registered trademarks, and t:slim X2, and t:simulator are trademarks of Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. Dexcom,  Dexcom Share, Dexcom G5 Mobile and Dexcom G6 are registered trademarks of Dexcom registered in the U.S. and other countries.