This content originally appeared on diaTribe. Republished with permission.

By April Hopcroft

Individuals who use t:slim X2 or iLet insulin pumps can now use the Dexcom G7 CGM as a part of their automated insulin delivery systems. This is step one toward providing more alternative in diabetes management, and more integrations are on the horizon.

Dexcom G7 continuous glucose monitor (CGM) users within the US can now use either the t:slim X2 or iLet insulin pumps to administer their diabetes as a part of their automated insulin delivery (AID) systems. These integrations represent an advancement in AID, as they permit individuals with diabetes to select from different sensor and pump options.

“That is the day we now have all been waiting for,” said Dr. Diana Isaacs, director of education and training in diabetes technology at Cleveland Clinic. “With a further CGM alternative to work with, we’re one step closer to the true vision of allowing people more alternative of their diabetes technology.”

Nonetheless, due to confusion with the Dexcom G7 packaging, some users may encounter difficulty finding the precise version of the sensor that’s compatible with their pump. Many are hopeful that this problem can be resolved soon.

Users of the iLet Bionic Pancreas might want to wait until Dec. 18 for his or her insulin delivery system to integrate with the G7.

What are the important thing benefits of the Dexcom G7 CGM?

Individuals who use the t:slim X2 and iLet insulin pumps will have the opportunity to profit from the next features of the Dexcom G7:

Isaacs highlighted the flexibility to overlap sensors with the G7 – so no time is spent out of closed loop – and the greater flexibility for changing sensors with the grace period feature. In comparison with the G6, the G7 also offers improved accuracy and more customization of alerts, corresponding to the flexibility to pick glucose values for the short rise and fall alerts.

The Dexcom G7 is obtainable in over 10 different countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, South Africa, Germany, Austria, Latest Zealand, and Hong Kong.

Tandem integrates t:slim X2 with Dexcom G7 through free software update

All in-warranty t:slim X2 users within the US will receive email instructions for the free software update to integrate the G7. Meanwhile, latest t:slim X2 pumps can be pre-installed with the Dexcom G7 integration before they’re shipped to latest customers.

Along with giving t:slim X2 users access to key features of the G7, the updated software includes the next elements:

• A timer for exercise mode that enables for a duration duration of half-hour to eight hours
• Additional tones for pump alarms and alerts, corresponding to for the bolus, quick bolus, CGM alerts, and fill tubing notifications
• A “Select Sensor” screen so users can switch between using Dexcom G6 and G7 hardware

Looking ahead, Tandem said the t:slim X2 pump with Dexcom G7 integration will launch in additional countries outside of the US in early 2024.

Which Dexcom CGMs is the t:slim X2 compatible with?

Current t:slim X2 pump users will have the opportunity to make use of either the Dexcom G6 or Dexcom G7 CGM for his or her diabetes management. Dexcom G6 users can switch over to Dexcom G7 at any time when is most convenient.

What to know before integrating the t:slim X2 with the Dexcom G7

Despite the rollout, some clinicians are questioning how accessible the combination can be for individuals with diabetes.

“Everyone has been waiting for this integration for a very long time,” said Dr. Irl Hirsch, professor of medication on the University of Washington. “Everyone needs to be blissful, but they should not.”

He said the distributors are “sending the unsuitable G7 (the one which doesn’t confer with the Tandem) to patients.” Hirsch cautioned that some users may need a tough time distinguishing the labeling of the Dexcom G7 that’s compatible for integration and the G7 that is just not compatible for integration.

Hirsch nervous that this could lead on to problems receiving the precise version on the pharmacy. In the long run, he said he hopes that Dexcom G7 boxes can be different colours or higher labeled to assist differentiate the G7 versions.

Due partially to this complication in Dexcom CGM packaging, getting Tandem pump users up to the mark with the newest sensor may prove harder than expected.

• The t:slim X2 pump (software version 7.3 or later) is compatible with all versions of the Dexcom G6 sensor.
• The t:slim X2 pump (software version 7.7 or later) is barely compatible with certain versions of the Dexcom G7 – specifically, sensors which have a white line below the LBL number at the underside of the packaging, as shown within the image at right.

How one can be sure you’ve gotten the precise Dexcom G7 sensors in your Tandem pump

Before integrating your t:slim X2 pump with the Dexcom G7, it’s a superb idea to envision the packaging of the G7 sensor to see if it includes the white line below the LBL number. Dexcom’s website features a link to submit a form in case your Dexcom G7 sensor is just not compatible with the t:slim X2 pump.

You may currently access Dexcom G7 sensors that integrate with the t:slim X2 pump through durable medical equipment (DME) distributors, corresponding to Edgepark Medical Supplies, Byram Healthcare, and Advanced Diabetes Supply. The compatible G7 sensors can be available in pharmacies starting in early January 2024.

Before starting the software update, you’ll need to finish training. You could find a helpful checklist and preview the update process here.

iLet bionic pancreas AID system to integrate Dexcom G7

Starting Dec. 18, the Dexcom G7 may even be compatible with Beta Bionics’ iLet bionic pancreas AID system. For the reason that iLet is the primary AID system to require just one piece of input – a user’s body weight – it significantly reduces the burden of diabetes management for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers.

As with the t:slim X2, all it’s worthwhile to do to integrate the iLet and G7 is download a free software update. iLet users can use either the Dexcom G6 or Dexcom G7 continuous glucose monitor, or switch backwards and forwards, depending on their supplies and preferences.

“Our goal is to present our patients alternative with their CGM technology and to have the opportunity to update quickly and simply without latest hardware or additional costs,” said Sean Saint, CEO at Beta Bionics.

How can I upgrade my iLet to attach with the Dexcom G7 CGM?

For those who are a current iLet user, download or update the iLet app from the Apple App store or Google Play store (available on Dec. 18). From there, you’ll have the opportunity to update the software on the iLet Bionic Pancreas AID system.

What these integrations mean for individuals with diabetes

Making insulin pumps compatible with different CGM sensors is step one toward greater alternative and customization in diabetes care. Ultimately, experts envision a world wherein individuals with diabetes can select from different CGMs, insulin pumps, and insulin delivery algorithms to administer their diabetes via AID.

“I like giving individuals with diabetes more options and I’m blissful to see Tandem and Beta Bionics incorporate the Dexcom G7 CGM,” Isaacs said.

Future integrations are coming, too. Individuals with diabetes who use Insulet’s Omnipod pump should have the opportunity to make use of the Dexcom G7 in early 2024, and Tandem is working on integrating the t:slim X2 with FreeStyle Libre CGMs. Tandem has said that t:slim X2 integration with Abbott CGMs will roll out to a small group of early users before scaling as much as full launch in early 2024.

“With regards to diabetes management, we don’t imagine it’s one size suits all,” Elizabeth Gasser, Tandem’s Chief Strategy Officer, said. “Our continued goal is to supply individuals with a portfolio of options that they will select from.”

Learn more about automated insulin delivery: