Tidepool Loop
Meter
Summary
Tidepool Loop is the first fully interoperable automated insulin dosing app that originated as a patient-led initiative.
Background: A diabetes non-profit called Tidepool decided in 2018 to officially support Loop and shepherd it through the FDA process. Tidepool Loop was cleared by the FDA in January 2023 with plans to launch with Dexcom and other alternate controller-enabled (ACE) pump partners (RileyLink will no longer be necessary).
2023 Updates from Tidepool:
- Medtronic and Tidepool have decided to discontinue the development of a Medtronic insulin pump system compatible with Tidepool Loop.
- As Omnipod 5 is now commercially available, Insulet is devoting all available resources to their Omnipod products, including the global launch and further development of Omnipod 5.
- Future ACE Pumps that will be commercially compatible with Tidepool Loop will need to be FDA-cleared for use with third-party interoperable automated glycemic (iAGC) controllers.
Good to have. Tried and true. Backup or day to day. Fingersticks required.
Components
Controller
Smartphone or smartwatch receives CGM readings and automatically adjusts insulin delivery via insulin pump.
Glucometer
The meter measures the amount of sugar in the small sample of blood that is placed on the disposable test strip. Most CGMs require testing blood sugar with a meter to calibrate the CGM device daily.
Test Strips
The strips work with the glucose meters to “read” blood sugar levels. One box of test trips usually contains between 25-50 single use strips.
Lancets
Tiny needle called a lancet is used to poke the skin (on a finger or on your arm) to get a small sample of blood. The lancing device is packaged with the glucometer.
Device Details
Overview
Tidepool Loop is the first fully interoperable automated insulin dosing app that originated as a patient-led initiative.
Good to have. Tried and true. Backup or day to day. Finger-sticks required.
Affordability and Access
$$$$
Pump and CGM supply information is not yet available. iPhone is not covered and must be set up independently.
$$$$
Most accessible. Available over the counter at all Pharmacies. Price range; $0-$200/month depending on insurance coverage.
Data Monitoring Options
Yes
Compatible with Tidepool - a web-based diabetes data management system.
Limited Options
Data is available directly on the device. Some meters may be compatible with the Tidepool data management system.
Data View Options
Yes
Data can be viewed on an iPhone.
Yes
Data may be viewed directly on the device. Some meters contain a built-in USB connection that allows information to be uploaded to a data management system.
Duration and Storage
Pump and CGM information not yet available.
Daily
Meters can last several years with battery changes/charging, they're used daily and work between 65ºF-86°F
Vision / Auditory / Dexterity
NO text to speech
YES vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed
NO text to speech
NO vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed
Patient Considerations
Active Lifestyle
Automatic responses. Can set custom blood sugar targets and insulin and carb sensitivities based on type of activity. App automatically responds to blood sugar changes during activity.
Must pause activity to check blood sugar.
Avoiding Highs and Lows
Automatically adjusts insulin delivery. Increases or decreases insulin delivery to meet glucose targets. Insulin delivery settings can be aggressive or conservative.
Less data. Meters don't give as much blood sugar data as sensors do and require a high level of engagement and effort to avoid highs and lows.
Comfort
Low-profile mobile app. Dosing and other adjustments can be done directly on the mobile app.
Meter supplies carried and requires visible blood.
Easy Insulin Dosing
Customizable. Can bolus from phone or smartwatch and all settings are expected to be customizable. More information on modifications to insulin delivery will be available soon.
Limited features. No info on blood sugar trends.
Easy to Use
Easy dosing. Software makes most dosing decisions easy to do on the fly.
Large display. Device typically has large display numbers for easier readouts, and it's very simple to operate.
Fewer Fingersticks
Factory-calibrated sensor. Fingersticks needed for backup only.
Frequent fingersticks are unavoidable.
Privacy
Discreet. Ability to give insulin via watch or phone. Ability to check sugar on phone or watch. Alerts available.
No attached device for blood glucose monitoring.