Insulin pumps can be an easier way to deal with type 1 diabetes, but only 20 to 30 per cent of people who rely on insulin use them because they’re usually not very discreet. The t:slim, however, looks as sleek as a smartphone, and even features a touchscreen UI so it’s easier to carry and less conspicuous to use in public.
About as large as a credit card, the t:slim is 25 per cent thinner than traditional insulin pumps, measuring about as thick as your average smartphone. It uses a rechargeable battery and replaceable insulin cartridges for both bolus (a fast-acting large dose) and basal (a low continuous dose) deliveries, while a full colour touchscreen display makes it easier to navigate settings menus and monitor its performance. And besides charging, a micro-USB port allows usage data and statistics for the past 90 days to be uploaded to a website so users can monitor their progress and better manage their condition.
But since the t:slim was only just approved by the US Federal Drug Administration, diabetics in the US who are finally willing to make the switch from needle injections are going to have to wait until the middle of next year while the company behind the new pump works to get their product support infrastructure in place. [t:slim via Popular Science]
John
Friday, November 18, 2011 at 1:32 PMThanks for the information on an interesting development in improved pump technology, however I’d like to point out a few correctional details;
- The link for the t:slim you provided is actually for the t:connect support product. The correct link is http://www.tandemdiabetes.com/products/t-slim/
- I found the way you have written the explanation of the insulin cartridge a bit misleading, there is only one type of insulin used – it is the method of delivery which varies (basal or bolus). The method of delivery has nothing to do with the replaceable insulin cartridges.
Brent
Friday, November 18, 2011 at 5:42 PMI honestly would want to trust a pump company just coming out of the gates. I would wait a couple of years to see how they go before I switch my life saving device to their product. I’ll stick with Medtronic for now because they’re known.
Chris
Monday, November 21, 2011 at 7:18 AM@Brent… I totally agree with you… I’ll stick with my Animas Ping, who cares that it looks better and simmer. I want something that I can trust.