Tidepool Loop
Syringe and Vial
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.
Traditional syringe and needle. The most affordable insulin delivery option.
Components
Controller
Smartphone or smartwatch receives CGM readings and automatically adjusts insulin delivery via insulin pump.
Needles
Classic syringes with plunger used to fill insulin for injection
Long-acting insulin
Basal (long-acting) insulin vial for steady release of insulin that helps control blood sugar between meals, and overnight.
Rapid-acting insulin
Bolus (fast-acting) insulin vial for meal time or high blood sugar correction.
Device Details
Overview
Tidepool Loop is the first fully interoperable automated insulin dosing app that originated as a patient-led initiative.
Nothing on the body when not in use but very visible when dosing.
Affordability and Access
$$$$
Pump and CGM supply information is not yet available. iPhone is not covered and must be set up independently.
$$$$
Syringes are available worldwide in pharmacies or DME without prescription. Price Range: $0-$300/month depending on insurance coverage.
Data Monitoring Options
Yes
Compatible with Tidepool - a web-based diabetes data management system.
No Options
Data View Options
Yes
Data can be viewed on an iPhone.
No Options
Duration and Storage
Pump and CGM information not yet available.
28 Days
Open vials can be stored at room temperature (not above 80º F) for up to 28 days. Unopened vials should be stored in the refrigerator (36ºF - 86ºF.)
Vision / Auditory / Dexterity
NO text to speech
YES vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed
NO text to speech
NO vibration alerts
A LOT dexterity for insertion
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.
Limited Adjustability. No way to adjust long-acting insulin for higher activity on the fly.
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.
Limited customizability. Requires a high level of engagement and effort to avoid highs and lows but can be paired with a CGM for improved blood sugar control.
Comfort
Low-profile mobile app. Dosing and other adjustments can be done directly on the mobile app.
Many components. Must carry insulin vials and large syringes but nothing attached to the body.
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.
Requires attention. You have to do the math to figure out your dose. Unable to adjust basal in real-time.
Easy to Use
Easy dosing. Software makes most dosing decisions easy to do on the fly.
Many steps. Requires effort to figure out doses and deliver insulin every single time you need it.
Fewer Fingersticks
Factory-calibrated sensor. Fingersticks needed for backup only.
Frequent finger-sticks are required.
Privacy
Discreet. Ability to give insulin via watch or phone. Ability to check sugar on phone or watch. Alerts available.
Hideable. Vials and syringes can be hidden when not in use but very visible when in use. Frequent injections are unavoidable.