Sam Brusco, Associate Editor03.20.24
The ultimate goal for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and insulin pump technologies is to ease the diabetes struggle and manage the burdensome, chronic disease. CGM and insulin delivery technology is becoming smaller, smarter, and integrated to ease the burden of managing diabetes.
To get more information and insights about the technologies at the forefront of diabetes management, MPO recently spoke to Elizabeth Gasser, EVP and chief strategy officer at Tandem Diabetes Care.
With the Dexcom G7 integration, t:slim X2 users can now experience improved accuracy, a shorter warm-up time, and a 12-hour grace period that allows them to have a more seamless transition in between sessions. That means they not only have the advantage of selecting a CGM that aligns with their preferences and lifestyle, but they also benefit from enhanced performance and convenience.
In addition to new solutions, we’re continuing to pursue partnerships with other innovators within the diabetes landscape. Earlier last year, we completed our acquisition of AMF Medical SA, the developer of the Sigi Patch Pump, an ergonomic and rechargeable tubeless pump for those managing type 1 diabetes. Our goal here is to broaden the range of users that we serve and provide more choice when it comes to their preferred method of insulin delivery.
We’re also continuously planning enhancements for our infusion set portfolio. Our overarching objective is to not only create a selection of infusion sets that prioritize safety but also enhance convenience for users. Our research and development efforts are committed to providing an option that extends wear time for users, reduces set failures, and decreases material waste. At Tandem, we’re striving to create holistic solutions that address the technical aspects of diabetes management while keeping the user’s experience in mind.
For more information about these technologies, check out the feature article "The Sweet Science of Diabetes Technology" featured in the March edition of MPO.
To get more information and insights about the technologies at the forefront of diabetes management, MPO recently spoke to Elizabeth Gasser, EVP and chief strategy officer at Tandem Diabetes Care.
Sam Brusco: How does t:slim X2’s integration with the Dexcom G7 CGM fulfill unmet clinical needs for diabetes patients?
Elizabeth Gasser: As we continue to build our roadmap, one ultimate focus is providing people living with diabetes choice when it comes to their diabetes management. This commitment led to our efforts to expand the portfolio of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensors that can be integrated with the t:slim X2.With the Dexcom G7 integration, t:slim X2 users can now experience improved accuracy, a shorter warm-up time, and a 12-hour grace period that allows them to have a more seamless transition in between sessions. That means they not only have the advantage of selecting a CGM that aligns with their preferences and lifestyle, but they also benefit from enhanced performance and convenience.
Brusco: Which continued unmet clinical needs do you plan to pursue in the near future?
Elizabeth Gasser: In order to meet the clinical needs of the diabetes population, we’re extending our business ventures beyond existing partnerships and rolling out innovative new solutions. We recognize that to provide our users with solutions that meet their personal needs, it’s important to provide them with options. That’s why we developed the Tandem Mobi, the world’s smallest automated insulin delivery (AID), to give users an even more discreet way to manage their diabetes. Less than half the size of the t:slim X2 and easily worn on-body, clipped to clothing, or stored in a coin pocket, Tandem Mobi allows users increased flexibility and convenience.In addition to new solutions, we’re continuing to pursue partnerships with other innovators within the diabetes landscape. Earlier last year, we completed our acquisition of AMF Medical SA, the developer of the Sigi Patch Pump, an ergonomic and rechargeable tubeless pump for those managing type 1 diabetes. Our goal here is to broaden the range of users that we serve and provide more choice when it comes to their preferred method of insulin delivery.
We’re also continuously planning enhancements for our infusion set portfolio. Our overarching objective is to not only create a selection of infusion sets that prioritize safety but also enhance convenience for users. Our research and development efforts are committed to providing an option that extends wear time for users, reduces set failures, and decreases material waste. At Tandem, we’re striving to create holistic solutions that address the technical aspects of diabetes management while keeping the user’s experience in mind.
Brusco: What do you think will be the future (~5 years) for diabetes management technologies in general?
Elizabeth Gasser: Over the next five years, I expect that we will see further miniaturization and extended wear time for CGM sensors as well as the addition of expanded sensing capabilities (e.g., lactates, ketones). CGMs will become universally adopted by those living with T1D and the standard of care for those with T2D on insulin. In addition, we’ll see an increased crossover with consumer applications—from weight loss to athletic training. On the pump side, we anticipate greater automation of insulin pump therapy enabled by the broad adoption of CGMs. This will be experienced by users through increasingly simplified interfaces with far fewer user interventions and inputs. Lastly, we will see that “tubeless” is no longer synonymous with “disposable” as durable pump providers create novel choices for discreet, on-body wear.Brusco: Can you provide a short patient testimonial?
“I’ve been living with diabetes since 2017, and I’ve been using Tandem since November of 2022. With the new Dexcom G7 integration, things I’ve noticed that I’ve really enjoyed are being about to set the exercise activity timer for my workouts. I’m able to set my settings for when I’m walking the local trails and when weightlifting. I also really love the new short warm-up period so I can use Control-IQ more. The other thing I use is the 12-hour grace period between sensors, so I can rely on getting the kind of insulin delivery that I need. Control-IQ has been such a game-changer for me, Because of this device I feel like this diabetes has been more easy to manage.”—T’ara SmithFor more information about these technologies, check out the feature article "The Sweet Science of Diabetes Technology" featured in the March edition of MPO.