LYD1A KERR

Considering an insulin pump? Researching your options? Or purely curious how I chose my insulin pump? You’re in the right place!

My hospital offered the Tandem T-slim X2, Omnipod, or the Medtronic. The fact that the Medtronic required different sensors than the Libre or Dexcom meant it was an immediate no. I didn’t really give it a chance to be honest (sorry!!).

So my main two choices were the Tandem T-Slim X2 or the Omnipod. Making such a big decision was daunting but I figured out my biggest priorities when choosing it: technology, infusion sets, wearability, adhesive, size, and having an all in one solution.

I started using the Tandem T-Slim X2 insulin pump in November 2022. Since I’ve been using it for well over a year, and loving it, this post is definitely biased. But at least I can justify my reasons for choosing this pump with real experiences and not just expectations!

Technology

Technology was undoubtedly the biggest factor in choosing my insulin pump. I had the view of eventually using hybrid closed loop technology, where I could link to a continuous glucose monitor, and have an algorithm micromanage my blood sugar levels instead of me.

If you would like more detail on hybrid closed loops, check out my blog post all about it.

There are a few hybrid closed loop solutions out there:

• Tandem T-slim X2 with Dexcom G6/G7 – Control IQ technology
• Omnipod 5 with Dexcom G6 (this wasn’t yet available when I was deciding)
• Omnipod Eros with a variety of sensors (including Freestyle Libre) through a DIY Loop – this option requires a lot of hands on building your own apps, following guidelines from people who have done it before. I recommend you research more on this option via facebook groups if this interests you! “Looped” and “Loop and Learn” are good ones.

As the Control IQ technology had been approved for use, and had plenty of rave reviews online, I decided it was the best option for me.

Read about my thoughts on Control IQ here!

But what about the tubing?!

Tubes are a huge turn off when deciding a pump, which I understand.

To decide whether or not it would bother me, I asked for samples for an Omnipod (no tubes) and the Tandem infusion set (tubes).

I wore them both for three days to test how they felt.

Honestly, I didn’t mind the tubing at all. I just tucked it into my pocket and went about my day.

However, the Omnipod felt bulky on my arm, and driving with it leaning against my seat bothered me. I apparently lack spatial awareness as I kept knocking into door frames, which felt like a warning sign.

Size of adhesive

The size of adhesive became more of a factor than I anticipated. I feel like this is rarely mentioned by anyone? But as someone who finds removing anything with adhesive painful – this was important!

The adhesive patch of the omnipod was big in comparison to the tandem infusion set. And peeling it off was soreeee! It also left behind a big patch of stickiness.

I’m blessed that my continuous glucose monitors generally stay on my arm, and rarely fall off. If anything, I struggle to peel them off at the end of their use.

So I couldn’t imagine having to deal with a massive sticky patch every three days.

The Tandem on the other hand left almost no adhesive behind. Win in my eyes!

Of course there is solutions to this, like oils and adhesive removers, but I’ve tried and tested many options, and would rather avoid it in the first place.

Infusion sets

The Omnipod has one type of infusion mechanism, which is within the pod itself. The insertion is controlled by a separate handset. Whereas, the Tandem has a variety of infusion set options, with different angles of insertion and materials.

This variety of options appealed to me because once you choose a pump you have it for four years, and I liked the idea of having back up options to remediate any issues I might have.

All in one solution

As mentioned before, the Omnipod is two parts: the pump on your body, with a seperate handset to bolus insulin from. This is different to the Tandem, where the pump is constantly on your body, and there is a touch screen to bolus insulin from.

I liked the idea of just having the insulin pump on me at all times, and I don’t have to think about it. Diabetes requires lots of extras to have on your person at all times, and having to remember basically another phone at all times didn’t appeal to me.

I also worried about what would happen if I ever forgot the handset for the Omnipod, or if it ran out of battery. Of course, you still have to charge up the Tandem, so I guess that’s a general worry.

Size

The Omnipod is popularly described as being about the size of an AirPods case, but to be honest I would say it’s a bit bigger. When comparing the dimensions online, the Tandem is just as small, if not smaller.

In fact, when I first got eyes on my Tandem pump, I was surprised at how small and dainty it felt!

Wearability

Once you insert the Omnipod, it’s in that spot for three days. The same goes for the Tandem infusion set.

However, the advantage the Tandem has is the fact you can clip it onto your clothes, or put it in your pocket, and adjust for whatever outfit your wearing – within reasonable distance from the infusion site, depending on the length of tubing.

This was a major advantage to me in deciding on the Tandem.

Read all about how I wear and style my insulin pump!

A decision well made!

Overall, I am extremely happy with my choice of insulin pump. The tubing rarely bothers me, I can be flexible with sites, and easily clip it on and be on my way. The Control IQ technology is definitely a game changer, and my quality of life has definitely improved since starting the pump and the hybrid closed loop.

I understand I am in a very privileged position to have access to this technology, but if you have the option, I strongly suggest you go for it.

Anything that makes a Type 1 Diabetic’s life just that little bit easier is worth it.

Thank you so much for reading ❤

Love, Lydia x

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