Hello all. ~30 year T1D with about 15 years on Medtronic pumps and CGMs. My most recent system was the 670g and Guardian closed loop system. This weekend I switched to the T:Slim/Dexcom G6 Control IQ system, and I thought I’d provide some initial thoughts comparing these systems.
First, let’s get this out of the way right away. Yesterday was the first day I didn’t prick my finger in probably a couple decades. This was pretty great! It was the only reason I switched. The Medtronic system was excellent except for the constant calibrations. There were a few standard calibrations, plus some random “your blood sugar has been just right in the 90s for the last few hours and we’re suspicious so you have to calibrate now” bullshit.
Today I spent quite a bit of time outside in the heat, some time at the beach, and ate Thai for dinner. Traditionally these things would be tests for my diabetes. Control IQ handles it pretty well. I don’t think it reacts as quickly when my BG is trending down. Medtronic’s system seemed better at giving me a soft landing. But it’s early and I can adjust.
The T:Slim itself is awesome. Its smaller, but still heavy so you know it’s there. I like the touchscreen control. It appears that the alert options are similar to Medtronic. The downside is that I was able to swim with the 670g and I don’t believe the T:Slim was designed to withstand extended time underwater.
The T:Slim infusion set, reservoir, etc are way more clunky and complex than Medtronic. There’s just more parts, more steps, attachments that don’t attach as cleanly, and a few things that seem counterintuitive. I imagine it will take me an extra few minutes to change my site, and my initial thought is that I’ll be wasting a bit more insulin in the pump.
The Dexcom G6 on the other hand is engineered way better than the Guardian. I had issues with the Guardian being easily dislodged, and several times recently I have had to delete and re-add it to the pump so I could get it working again (Medtronic instructed me to do this). I don’t anticipate the Dexcom dislodging as easily when bumped, and time will tell on the rest. I like everything about the Dexcom G6 so far.
I was nervous about making the jump because I considered Medtronic’s closed loop system more mature than Control IQ. The setup in the T:Slim and the first few days make me think that I won’t be losing anything with this switch. Well, except for the finger pricks!
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