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]