Buyer's Guide
These include pumps, pens, test strips, lancets, meters, and more. They also make a range of accessories such as tubing sets, syringes, and needles. This article will help you decide whether Tandem is the right choice for you.
Tandem pumps allow two people to share one insulin pump. This means that if one person has low blood sugar, the other person can give an injection of insulin to raise their blood sugar level. If both users wear the same type of sensor, this allows for more accurate readings than just having one user wearing a sensor alone.
If you have multiple children who need to take insulin, sharing a single insulin pump may make sense. For example, if you have twins, you could each get a separate insulin pump and share the sensors between you. You could even buy a new insulin pump every time a twin starts school or goes off to college!
Tandem Diabetes Care makes two types of pumps. One type has one button that controls basal rates of insulin delivery. The other type has two buttons - one for basal rates and another for bolus doses of insulin. These pumps are called "tandem" because they allow patients to use one device to deliver multiple injections.
The advantage of using a tandem insulin pump over separate devices is convenience. Patients only have to press one button to administer insulin. No longer do they have to push two buttons simultaneously. Also, they can adjust basal rates while administering boluses.
Patients who use a Tandem pump usually prefer this feature. However, some patients find it difficult to manage two buttons at once. Others simply dislike the idea of having to change the settings every time they inject insulin.
Some patients find it hard to measure blood glucose levels accurately with a finger stick meter. This problem is particularly common among diabetics who wear gloves. Some patients also find it difficult to remove their hands from the injection site after injecting insulin.
However, these problems aren't unique to the Tandem pump. Many patients who use separate devices experience similar issues. But, the Tandem pump does have advantages.
One advantage is that the Tandem pump allows patients to set basal rates before injecting insulin. This gives them more flexibility to match their meals to their insulin requirements. Another advantage is that the Tandem pump automatically adjusts basal rates based on how long it takes for the patient to respond to insulin.
Another advantage is that the Tandem pump doesn't require calibration. Calibration involves adjusting the dose of insulin delivered each time a patient injects insulin. This process requires extra effort and patience. The Tandem pump eliminates this problem.
Overall, the Tandem pump offers several benefits. However, it isn't right for everyone. Doctors must carefully evaluate individual patients' needs before recommending a particular pump.
Each type of pump has advantages and disadvantages. For example, infusion sets have the advantage of being easy to use and convenient. They are also less expensive than other products. On the other hand, they do not provide real-time data about blood glucose levels. This means that if you want to see how your blood glucose level changes over time, you'll need to purchase a continuous glucose monitor like the Dexcom G4. Another disadvantage of infusion sets is that they cannot be used with certain medications such as insulin lispro. Finally, infusion sets tend to wear down quickly because they must remain connected to the skin for 24 hours at a time. These factors should be taken into consideration when making a decision about which product to buy.
If you're looking for a device that provides real-time data about blood glucose levels, then you may want to consider buying a continuous glucose monitor. A continuous glucose monitor allows you to view your blood glucose levels every minute. This makes it easier to manage your condition by allowing you to adjust your medication dosage accordingly. Continuous glucose monitors are very accurate and reliable. They are also relatively affordable compared to most other devices. One major drawback of continuous glucose monitors is that they are bulky and inconvenient to carry around. You'll need to keep them charged and plugged in at all times.
For those who prefer to use their insulin pen, then you might want to consider getting a Tandem Pen Set. Tandem Pen Sets come complete with two insulin pens, one syringe, and one cartridge. While this set is slightly more expensive than a single pen, it includes everything you need to administer insulin. Plus, you won't need to worry about replacing needles and cartridges. Lastly, Tandem Pen Sets are rechargeable so you won't waste any money on batteries.
Insulin pumps. When you're using a Tandem® Insulin Pump System, you'll want to take into consideration these features:
Programmable bolus calculator. This feature allows you to program how much insulin you want to give yourself each time you inject. The system then calculates how much insulin you need based on your meal plan and adjusts accordingly.
Auto-Lock safety lock. This feature prevents accidental activation of the syringe if someone else has access to your pump. It also locks the needle cover closed to prevent anyone from accidentally poking themselves with the needle while inserting the needle into their skin.
Pump memory function. This feature stores information about your previous injections so you can easily repeat them later. It even remembers the amount of insulin you injected and displays this information on the display screen.
Battery backup. Make sure you always carry spare batteries with you so you never run out of power!
Display screen. This feature shows important information such as remaining battery charge, remaining number of doses available, and more.
Calibration port. This feature allows you to calibrate the accuracy of your meter. Simply connect the calibration port to your meter and follow the instructions provided to ensure accurate readings.
Bolus button. This feature lets you set the dose of insulin you want to give yourself. Pressing the button once gives you a low dose; pressing twice gives you a medium dose; and pressing three times gives you a high dose.
Needle guard. This feature protects the end of the needle from being poked by other objects. Just push the plunger down until it clicks, and the needle cover automatically drops off.
Injector cap. This feature keeps the needle covered during transport. Just remove the cap, place the needle onto the opening, and replace the cap.
Tandem pumps are devices that combine two separate insulin delivery systems. Together, they create a closed loop system that allows patients to use less insulin overall.
There are three main types of tandem pumps. Each type works differently and each offers its own advantages and disadvantages. We will go through each of them below.
Biphasic Tandem. Biphasic Tandem pumps deliver basal and bolus insulin simultaneously. This means that the patient does not have to manually change between delivering basal and boluses. This makes biphasic pumps ideal for those who struggle with remembering to give themselves boluses. Patients who use biphasic pumps should always check their blood glucose levels before giving themselves boluses. Otherwise, they could end up overdosing themselves.
Basal Only Tandem. Basal Only Tandem pumps deliver only basal insulin. This means that patients cannot administer boluses without having to stop pumping insulin. This is useful for patients who are unable to remember to give themselves boluses. It is important to note that patients who use Basal Only Tandems should never give themselves boluses unless they are actively monitoring their blood glucose levels.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring Tandem. Continuous Glucose Monitoring Tandem pumps are similar to Basal Only Tandems except that they also include a continuous glucose monitor. This allows patients to see how well their blood sugars are controlled throughout the day. This helps patients avoid low blood sugar episodes by knowing what times of day they tend to experience lows. It also gives them information about how long it takes to bring their blood sugars back up.
FAQs
A tandem insulin pump allows two people to use one insulin pump at once. Each person uses their own set of buttons and needles, but they share the same reservoir.
Tandem pumps allow two people to use one insulin pump at once. They can take advantage of this by having more control over their blood sugar levels. This means that each person will have better control over their blood sugar level than they would without a tandem pump.
However, most insurance companies won't pay for a tandem pump unless your doctor recommends it.
If your child has type 1 diabetes, he or she should start taking insulin shots around age 2. If your child doesn't have type 1 diabetes, then he or she should begin taking insulin shots after his or her first birthday. Your pediatrician will tell you what to look out for.
If you're buying a tandem insulin pump for yourself, then you'll want to choose a model that's compatible with your partner's pump. Otherwise, you could end up wasting money.
Most tandem insulin pumps work great for people who don't have type 1 diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes tend to have higher blood sugars than those without type 1 diabetes. Because of this, they often require larger doses of insulin.
No, tandem insulin pumps are perfectly safe for children under five years old. Children younger than five years old shouldn't use a tandem insulin pump until they're older.
To clean a tandem insulin pump, simply wipe off all surfaces with alcohol wipes. Make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
We've got lots of information about tandem insulin pumps, including how to care for them.
