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If you currently use both an insulin pump and CGM, do you use any of the following automated insulin delivery (also known as “closed-loop”) algorithms to help keep your glucose in-range?
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Meftronic system (smart guard) raised my A1C!
It’s set to keep your blood sugar at 150! Aargh! There is no changing that so therefore I no longer use SmartGuard, not until Medtronic lowers the base rate to 100 but I’m afraid they are too late, better sensors and pumps out there now !
I had the same result and the same complaint. So I went back to my old pager-style paradigm and Dexcom G6, which I prefer hugely over the Guardian CGM. I’m due for a replacement pump since back in March, but I’m down on the whole algorithm concept. If it works for you, great, but for those of us who already achieve tight control they can end up feeling like a straightjacket.
I’m using Tandem X2, with Dexcom G6, and the Control-IQ system. Works very well. Set my own blood sugar level at 115. I wake up every morning between about 97 to 110, mostly 104.
Wow! Now that’s precise!
Medtronic Smartguard does not work for highs so I only use the low suspend. This thing should have never been released because my time in range is worse in Auto Mode. Basal units stop after a mealtime bolus and you end up so high the dribbles of insulin can not correct for usually 6 hours. I achieve 90% in range on my own so I stopped using Auto Mode.
I tried Medtronic Guardian but wasn’t impressed with either the algorithm or the sensor. Switched to Medtronic pump + Dexcom, entering my own boluses, but plan to change pumps to automate the process once my Medtronic warranty is up.
I have a Medtronic pump and switched to a Dexcom cgm because Medtronic’s was worthless. So, I can’t do any automated deliveries, but I had stopped before then anyway as Medtronic’s algorithms are not accurate.
I use tandem control IQ and dexcom g6. Just switched from basal in and was hesitant to give up the control I had over this but have found out that the algorithm is good and an endo who really understands well and communicates well is the best combination
I use the Tandem/Dexcom G6 BIQ. I am quite aggressive in my Y1D mgt, and the CIQ targets are too high for me. With BIQ I still have temp basal I can use, lots of micro-dosing and I can correct when I deem it appropriate. While I hear that CIQ does tale a lot of the drudgery away for many people, I guess my preference to have my foot on the accelerator/brake pedals suits my personality better.
I agree with many of the responders that the Medtronic sensors are worthless. They drove me crazy and was still checking 8-10 times daily while I used them.
I went back to Dexcom starting with the G4. I’ve been on Tandem Control IQ for about a year and a half.
I keep it on the Sleep Mode all the time. The goal on this mode is lower than the regular mode. The system works perfectly during the night. It’s a real blessing.
During the day it’s not as great. I find there is a problem when it stops the basal at 112 and then later it falls short when you eat and then the bolus doesn’t cover the BG spike. So I turn the Control IQ off during the day at times so that if my bg is between 90 and 112 I don’t want my insulin to be stopped and get a high later on.
As I said before is great at night when you are not eating or exercising. I’m grateful for a good night sleep.
Since I turned 65 and retired several years ago, my health insurance has been a Medicare Plus situation. I use a Medtronic pump, but Medicare only approves the Dexcom CGM system, and the Medtronic sensors are much too expensive for me to purchase. So, I am the robotic link between the pump and the CGM.
Previously used Medtronic pump with Dexcom 4 CGM. A few years ago switched to the Medtronic Smartguard (670G) because it was the first and only “closed loop” option on the market at the time. I find I have greater time in range while in auto mode. It especially helps me avoid lows. I went hiking this weekend without any lows, manual suspends, or frantic carb ingestion needed, which is rare for me. While the Medtronic’s CGM technology has improved in recent years, I’d agree that the Dexcom CGM is much more user friendly (simple application, no blasted tape, no charging of transmitters, and fewer nonsense alarms). Switching from injections to a Medtronic pump on 2000 probably saved my life (in terms of avoiding severe lows), so I’ll always be grateful. But when my warranty comes up I’ll be researching all my options.
I was a loyal to Medtronic for many years (1999 -2020), but found their technology was lacking compared to other companies. I finally took the leap, and switched to Dexcom CGM with the Tandem control IQ pump. There are some user differences (ie, you but don’t need to use batteries but do need to charge the pump every 2-3 days, and some other more minor differences), but overall, it’s been a very positive experience for me. My control has markedly improved, and those blasted calibration errors on the 670G system are becoming a mere memory!
I love the Dexcom G6 with the Tandem’s Control IQ. It definitely lowers the mental management load. And like others, I love waking up to a BG between 100 and 110. It makes the day run much smoother.
I’ve been on Dex since 2015 and Omnipod since 2017. Just started Looping with a RileyLink in March. It’s not nearly as great as I’d hoped but it’s helped with overnight lows, and when it doesn’t lose connection at night I wake up with an in-range number which, as others mentioned, is huge. I wish there was a “smarter” system out there that learned our bodies’ patterns and was less prone to user error.
I’ve been using a Tandem t:slim X2 with the Control IQ app for the past year +. I’m very happy with the results.
I love the Tandem IQ/Dexcom G6 combination. I even forget I am diabetic sometimes and begin to eat. My A1c has been 6.1 for a year or so.
My daughter uses loop. We were originally on tandem, but she was too young when Control iq came out so, we decided to try Loop. She loves the omnipod now, so doesn’t want to go back. It is nice that I can set overrides from home when she is at school to try to keep her in range.
I use the Tslimx2 pump and the Dexcom 6 but because my Dexcom readings are frequently so inaccurate Tandem told me I can’t use any of the algorithms. I’ve talked to Dexcom many times about this and they recently told me that the CGM 7 will have differences with the sensor that may help. I’m thin and have read a few comments on this site from parents with small children describing problems with accuracy. I’m not sure how long Medicare will wait to change all of us on the 6 over to the 7.
I am thin, BMI 20.5, but have no problems with the Dexcom being accurate.
I previously used Medtronic closed loop, but was not happy with the higher targets used by the algorithm.
On omnipod dash so waiting for the overlord FDA to allow Insulet to release their loop system.
I have a 670g. Tried auto mode for a few months. I think I do a better job myself so I don’t use it.
I use Tandem t: slim and Dexcom G6 but neither CIQ or BIQ. As others have said, the Dexcom isn’t as accurate for me as I’d like in order to go hybrid closed loop. My biggest issues are in the low end where my bg is frequently lower than the Dex reading. 20 points (not percent) might not make a difference above 100, but is quite more significant the lower one gets.
I have used algorithms and open APS before.
I used to use the Medtronic auto mode system. I found it to be extremely annoying with all the alerts etc. It also kept my BG higher the 120. When I transferred to Medicare I found they don’t pay for Medtronics CGMs. It took six months to get approved for the Dexcom 6 CGMs, they don’t work with the Medtronic 670g pump.
Agree Medtronic auto mode keeps my sugars elevated too, I hate the alerts.
Love my Loop App, 2007 Medtronic Pump with Fiasp Insulin, Dexcom G6, Riley Link that adjusts basal every 5 minutes to bring me towards my target of 100. Don’t love you need a Mac to download Loop app on iphone once a year.