After having the Tandem T-Slim X2 for roughly 4 months, I have had mixed feelings about it. Adjusting to the tubing was difficult, and the case that Tandem provides is flimsy and broke soon after receiving it. After several weeks on the pump, I was really unhappy with it. I thought that my blood sugar levels were consistently higher than normal. I was really debating getting off the pump and switching back to the Omnipod which caused less high blood sugars. My feelings for the Tandem pump changed after I received my most recent A1c. Despite thinking that my A1c was going to be drastically elevated due to the constant high blood sugars I had been dealing with, it turned out that I obtained my lowest A1c by 0.6%! I never thought I would be able to have that good control, and to say I was ecstatic would be an understatement. After contemplating why I thought my sugars were higher than they actually were, I discovered the root of the problem - I constantly have access to my continuous glucose monitor (CGM). As a result, I am checking my levels nonstop. Since becoming aware of the situation, I have attempted to stop looking at the screen so frequently. In addition, I believe my CGM readings were higher than my actual blood sugar. It seems like since the pandemic, Dexcom has had some flaws in their devices, but as of lately, the issue does appear to have been resolved. The exercise mode of the pump has really helped me maintain my sugars during long runs. For my 9th diaversary in November, I created a virtual race to raise money for JDRF as my previously scheduled race had been canceled due to COVID-19. I successfully ran 8 miles with little concern for my blood sugars as the insulin pump did most of the work! If anyone were to ask me if I think they should transition to the T-Slim, I would be honest with them and tell them the flaws, but also encourage the use of it as I have never had control like this for the 9 years that I have been living with diabetes. -The DiaRunner
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JacobMarathoner, diabetes advocate, college graduate, Certified Athletic Trainer Archives
December 2020
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