Should You Get the Omnipod 5 or the Tandem t:slim X2?

From: https://skingrip.com/blogs/t1d-tips/omnipod-5-vs-tandem-t-slim-x2-with-control-iq-which-is-best

Take Advantage of the Latest Technology

Whether you are new to the world of insulin pumps or are looking to upgrade your existing system, the products on the market today are really pretty stunning. Technology has made leaps and bounds over the past decade, and the devices available today are proof of the innovation that has been achieved in diabetes management.

Two of the best insulin pumps available are the Omnipod 5 and the Tandem t:slim X2. Both of these devices are truly top of the line and present users with unique advantages that improve their quality of life dramatically.

Let’s take a look at the respective strengths and weaknesses of these devices to better help you understand which would be the best choice for you.

 

Omnipod 5 - How Does It Work?

The Omnipod 5 uses a technology called continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)-powered insulin delivery. This means that it is designed to work in conjunction with a CGM system to deliver insulin in response to changes in the user's blood glucose levels. The CGM system measures the user's blood glucose levels and sends this information to the Omnipod 5 pump, which then uses an algorithm to determine how much insulin to deliver.

The Omnipod 5 insulin pump can also be used in manual mode, where the user manually inputs their insulin doses. In manual mode, the pump can deliver basal as well as bolus insulin.

Advantages

The Omnipod 5 insulin pump is designed to be user-friendly and easy to use. The pod is lightweight and can be worn discreetly under clothing. It is also waterproof, which means that it can even be worn while swimming or taking a shower. The pump is controlled using a handheld device that is used to program the pump and monitor insulin delivery.

One feature of the Omnipod 5 is its ability to deliver insulin in small increments, which can help reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. The pump also has a built-in safety feature that temporarily stops insulin delivery if the user's blood glucose levels fall below a certain threshold.

Another unique feature of the Omnipod 5 is its ability to connect to a smartphone app called Omnipod View. This app allows users to monitor their insulin delivery and blood glucose levels in real-time. It also provides alerts and notifications if blood glucose levels become too high or too low.

 

 Drawbacks

Because the Omnipod 5 uses a small, lightweight pod that is worn on the body, it can be more difficult to find a suitable placement site than with a traditional insulin pump. Some users may experience discomfort or irritation at the pod site.

The Omnipod 5 has a limited insulin capacity compared to some other insulin pumps. This means that users may need to change the pod more frequently, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming.

While this insulin pump can connect to a smartphone app to provide real-time monitoring of insulin delivery and blood glucose levels, it is not compatible with all smartphones. This can be a limitation for some users who want to use the app to monitor their diabetes management.

The Omnipod 5 can also be expensive, especially for people who don’t have insurance coverage. In addition, the pods used with the pump can add to the ongoing cost of using the pump.

Tandem t:slim X2 - How Does It Work?

The Tandem t:slim X2 insulin pump uses a technology called closed-loop insulin delivery or automated insulin delivery. This technology combines a CGM system with an insulin pump to deliver insulin in response to changes in the user's blood glucose levels. The pump continuously monitors the user's blood glucose levels and uses an algorithm to determine how much insulin to deliver.

The pump is controlled using a touch screen interface, which allows users to input their insulin doses and make adjustments to their settings. The interface is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, and it includes features such as customizable basal rates, insulin sensitivity factors, and insulin-to-carbohydrate ratios.

Advantages

The Tandem t:slim X2 insulin pump is a reliable insulin delivery system that is designed to be user-friendly and offers advanced control features, allowing users to customize their insulin delivery settings based on their individual needs. The pump is small and lightweight, making it easy to wear and carry around.

It can also be used in closed-loop mode, which means that it can automatically adjust insulin delivery based on CGM data to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.

One of the most appealing aspects of the t:slim X2 is that it is fully rechargeable, using a standard USB cord, meaning that users are able to keep it charged on the go without having to worry about replacing batteries.

Drawbacks

One of the primary drawbacks of the Tandem t:slim X2 insulin pump is that it requires a small tube (infusion set) to connect the pump to the user's body. This tubing can sometimes get snagged or tangled, which can be uncomfortable or even painful for the user.

Unlike the Omnipod 5, the Tandem t:slim X2 insulin pump is not waterproof, which means that it cannot be worn while swimming or taking a shower. This can be inconvenient for people who want to maintain an active lifestyle or are prone to forgetfulness.

Just like the Omnipod 5, The Tandem t:slim X2 can be expensive especially for those paying out-of-pocket. In addition, the pump requires regular infusion set changes, which creates an on-going expense for users.

So Which One Should I Choose?

Ultimately, we must defer to you and your doctor to make this decision. Make no mistake, both of these devices are excellent and extremely effective in managing diabetes. That being said, the best choice for one person might not work for another, so we recommend making your decision under the advice of a healthcare professional.

Please reach out to us if you have any questions about either of these devices. We offer the best prices and are more than happy to help you make the decision that works best for you when buying an insulin pump.