Control IQ with Dexcom
Freestyle Lingo
Summary
This system combines the Tandem t:slim x2 with the Dexcom G6 or G7 continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to automatically adjust insulin delivery in response to glucose trends. It's easy to use and allows bolus dosing directly from a compatible iOS or Android smartphone.
Freestyle Lingo is an over-the-counter low-profile, all-in-one glucose sensor/transmitter. This sensor lasts for up to 14 days and sends real-time glucose readings to a compatible smartphone app. No finger pricks or scanning is needed. FDA approved for people 18 and older who are not on insulin.
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Components
Infusion Set
An infusion set contains the thin plastic tubing that delivers insulin from the pump to the body.
Controller
t:slim pump receives CGM readings to automatically adjust basal insulin delivery via an infusion set. Compatible smartphone can be used to view and administer boluses via the t:connect app.
Sensor
Automatic applicator inserts sensor just under the surface of the skin and can be applied to many places on the body.
Pump
Touch screen pump connects tubing to a small patch called an infusion set that attaches to the body.
Sensor
Sensor uses a thin, flexible filament inserted just under the skin to measure glucose levels every minute. Push-button applicator allows sensor to be placed on the body in one step.
Receiver
Conveniently access glucose readings using a reader, smartphone, or both. Available for both iOS and Android devices.
Device Details
Overview
The system automatically adjusts insulin levels from the Tandem t:slim X2 pump based on the Dexcom G6 or G7 readings for more time in range.
Smallest, thinnest, all-in-one glucose sensor/transmitter with low and high blood glucose alarms can be worn on the upper arm.
Affordability and Access
$$$$
Widely covered for insulin-dependent type 1 and 2. Supplies for Pump and Sensor provided by DME suppliers. Price range; $5-$6,995 to start and $0-$200/month.
$$$$
Widely covered. Provided by pharmacies. Price range; $49 for one 14-day sensor, $89 for two sensors, or $249 for six sensors. Often, it is the cheapest and easiest-to-access sensor.
Data Monitoring Options
Yes
The t:connect mobile app for the t:slim X2 pump wirelessly uploads pump and CGM data to the cloud-based t:connect web application.
Yes
Sensor automatically sends data to the user’s LibreLingo account which enables sharing with HCPs and caregivers via the LibreLink app.
Data View Options
Yes
Data can be viewed directly on the pump screen or on the t:connect mobile app (available for both iOS and Android devices).
Yes
Freestyle Libre Lingo app provides glucose readings and alarms, multiple data views, the ability to share glucose data and real-time alarms with LibreLingo.
Duration and Storage
3-day pump 10-day sensor
Sensors last 10 days and transmitters last 90 and work at 50ºF – 108ºF. Pump can be used for up to 72 hrs, battery life lasts five days with the use of CGM, and work between 40°F - 99°F.
*CGM transmitter is only required for the Dexcom G6 model.
14 Days
Sensors last 14 days and work between 50ºF - 113ºF. They are shipped in orders of 1-3 months at a time - which is 2-6 boxes at a time.
Vision / Auditory / Dexterity
NO text to speech
YES vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed
NO text to speech
YES vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed
Patient Considerations
Active Lifestyle
Exercise Activity. Can manually increase target range to 140-160 mg/dl. Insulin decreases when Control IQ predicts CGM ≤140 mg/dl and increases when ≥ 160 mg/dl within 30 minutes. Autocorrections will still occur. Pump is not waterproof. CGM is waterproof.
Water-resistant for up to 3 feet deep for 30 minutes and light on the body, does not get in the way of activity.
Avoiding Highs and Lows
Auto basal and bolus insulin. Responds to CGM data by increasing or decreasing basal insulin delivery to prevent highs and lows and maintain a target blood glucose of 110 mg/dl. Auto-bolus is available once per hour to correct blood sugar above 180 mg/dl.
Optional glucose alerts for low and high glucose levels. Trend arrows show the direction glucose is heading, with the rate of change.
Comfort
Low profile. Low profile/low maintenance sensor. Small tubed pump with the most infusion sets to pick from.
Lowest profile sensor and smallest adhesive (about the size of two stacked U.S pennies).
Easy Insulin Dosing
Automatically adjusts dosing. Sensor integration allows for the pump to automatically adjust insulin doses. More customizable dosing than pens or syringes. Basal in 0.001 increments, bolus in 0.01 increments. Extended bolus available.
Sensor trends can be used for dose adjustment.
Easy to Use
Modern & flexible. Rechargeable and touchscreen pump. Sensor integrated with multiple devices in case you change up what you're using.
No scanning required. Minute-by-minute readings are sent directly to the mobile app.
Fewer Fingersticks
Factory-calibrated sensor. Fingersticks needed for backup only.
Factory-calibrated sensor. Finger-sticks needed for backup only.
Privacy
Discreet. Ability to check blood sugar on phone or watch. Ability to bolus on a compatible smartphone. Pump has tubing but can be clipped to clothing or placed in a pocket to be discreet when needed. Dexcom's built-in hypoglycemia safety alarm alerts users when glucose is below 55 mg/dl and is always on.
Hypoglycemia safety alarm. Discreet size but built-in hypoglycemia safety alarm alerts users when glucose is below 55 mg/dl and is always on.