Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by MyBustedPancreas on July 10, 2012 at 12:29pm

I looked into the t:slim and am just not convinced regarding its durability. I love my iPhone, but there's no way I could expose my pump to the same things I expose my iPhone to and have it keep working. One of the primary reasons I went with my Minimed pump was durability. I do a lot of camping, backpacking, and other physical activities and I want a pump that I know can take a beating a keep working. Finally, from the research I did on the t:slim, it just doesn't offer enough advantages to make the switch worth it. If it did something really spectacular (like make my coffee in the morning), I might consider it.

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Permalink Reply by JohnG on July 10, 2012 at 12:51pm

Since no one has one yet go with the t:slim and let us know how it works out...;-)

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Permalink Reply by Laddie on July 10, 2012 at 12:57pm

Although I love to see new insulin pumps entering the market, I have a few serious concerns about the T-Slim.

I personally do not want a pump using a rechargeable battery. It is an absolute deal-breaker for me. I use a Dexcom and hate the constant recharging. It's not the end of the world if my phone or Dexcom runs out of juice. It's a life-threatening catastrophe with my pump. What will happen the first time you go on a trip and forget the cord? Or what about going on a backpacking wilderness trip where you have no electricity to recharge the pump. I am perfectly content with my pump that uses a single AAA battery. These batteries last about 3 weeks for me, they're super cheap, you can buy them almost anywhere, and most importantly I always have a spare or two with me.

I assume that there are lots of safeguards built into the touch screen of the T-Slim. I know I inadvertently have goofs with my smartphone and open various apps and the camera when I'm not paying attention. I don't think most devices with touch screens will last 4 or 5 years, but hopefully T-Slim will have the capital to provide warranty back-up for its pumps.

My pump warranty runs out this fall. I really like my Revel pump, but hate the Medtronic CGMS. So I will be looking at Animas for the future integration with Dexcom. But I think there are many things I won't like about the Ping compared to the Revel. As I've said in several other posts, it's frustrating that there are so many things on the horizon but they're not here yet.

But if you go with the T-Slim, I hope you love it. New gadgets always inspire me to take better care of my diabetes.

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Permalink Reply by MyBustedPancreas on July 11, 2012 at 10:59am

Like Lathump, the rechargable battery is, for me, definitely a no-go. I do a lot of camping, hiking, and backpacking and I always carry a few extra batteries with me. I don't want to be caught somewhere without access to electricity and have my pump die. Popping in a new battery is way easier.

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Permalink Reply by Marie B on July 11, 2012 at 11:09am

here's a video by Allison Blass on the Tslim. pros & cons in her opinion
http://www.diabetesmine.com/2012/07/tandems-tslim-up-close-and-pers...

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Permalink Reply by Toni Crebbin on July 18, 2012 at 1:43pm

Thanks for the link Marie. That was very insightful.

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Permalink Reply by jrtpup on July 18, 2012 at 4:15pm

Thanks Marie. Veeeeeery interesting. Personally, I wouldn't want to use the first generation of anything - insulin pumps, cars,.... though I'm always seduced by new tech ;)

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Permalink Reply by Terry on July 11, 2012 at 12:04pm

Toni - Like you, my Ping warranty is up soon. I started considering my options a few months ago. I was seriously interested in the t:slim until their "no trial, no retun" policy deflated my interest. I will wait and see what tandem does in their second generation.

I took advantage of an offer from Insulet to purchase their OmniPod system with an initial $200 out of pocket payment. The beauty of this, since my insurance company is not involved, I can still buy any other pump and receive my insurance coverage. My insurance company did pay for a 90 supply of pods. I'm using the O'Pod now and I see why they're popular. I like it.

Insulet tells me that I will be eligible for a free upgrade to their next generation Pod when it comes out. I like that and I like the fact that any integration with the Dexcom CGM will still give me the ability to place the CGM receiver/pump PDM so that I can wake up while I'm sleeping. I don't understand why people want the CGM integrated with a tethered pump that will be layered over with blankets at night and seriously degrade the system's ability to wake up the sleeping diabetic!

I also called Animas and was surprised to learn that if I replaced my pump with them, I would simply be getting another Ping like my old Ping. I think they will allow an upgrade to their new system for abut $100 when it comes out. Of course, customer service reps and pump purchasing diabetics will be the last ones to find out their new release timeline!

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Permalink Reply by Toni Crebbin on July 18, 2012 at 1:24pm

I read where due to public outcry, t:slim has now changed their policy on their return. Like others, I am also a little hesitant on the charger part, as I am always forgetting to pack my charger for my Dexcom, and would really hate to forget it for my pump. Batteries are much simpler. We shall see though. I think competition in diabetes products is important, so somebody needs to take risks on new products. Not sure yet whether or not that person is me:)

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Permalink Reply by acidrock23 on July 18, 2012 at 3:27pm

Re the charger issue, one of my running buddies was recently mentioned she'd heard that the battery, while rechargeable, is also removeable so you can have more than one, which might be a way to get more "legs" out of it in some sort of emergency situation?

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Permalink Reply by Brian Wittman on July 18, 2012 at 3:35pm

Were it me, I would rather have some other people try out the t-Slim before joining their bandwagon. I chose an Animas Ping because its features fit me very nicely. It also came highly recommended by two other diabetics who's judgement I trust. I think the T-Slim is far too new to put full trust in it, along with its producing company. I bet my insurance company would go crazy if they bought a pump that would not be supported in two years.

Best wishes in your choice,

Brian Wittman

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Permalink Reply by MyBustedPancreas on July 19, 2012 at 5:51am

I agree. I think the company needs to find some others willing to really give this thing a test run. I love competition - it drives down prices and increases our options. BUT, it's really hard to stick your neck out there with a life-sustaining device. That said, if t:slim wants a tester, I'd totally be willing to do it!

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