40 Comments
If you have ever changed or upgraded from one insulin pump to another, why did you change from your previous pump to your current pump? Select all that apply!
You must be logged in to post a comment.
© 2023 T1D Exchange. All Rights Reserved.
The new pump talks with my sensor the insurance company would allow
My Medtronic pump was out of warranty and I got tired of waiting for the long promised 780g, so I switched to Tandem & Dexcom 5 months ago. The Medtronic Auto Mode didn’t work for me and I felt that Tandem’s Control IQ would be a better fit. I’m very happy with the pump, but the Medtronic sensors actually worked better for me.
Usually, I upgraded for new and better functions on pumps. I switched from Medtronic to Tandem/Dexcom, mainly for a more accurate CGM.
Back when the 670G came out I upgraded from my old pager-style Paradigm. I was the first AID pump in my endocrinologist’s practice and we were all pretty excited to see how it worked. It sucked! I was getting much better numbers before with mysticism manual pump, partly bc the Guardian sensors were so unreliable, and it was frustrating how many controls were locked out in Auto mode. After about six months I went back to my old Paradigm and Dexcom, and stuck with it until just this year, about two years past warranty on the 670G that’s still in its box in my D Supplies drawer. Even though eligible for a change, my experience with the 670 had left me totally skeptical toward AID pumps in general and Medtronic ones in particular. Didn’t want to go through that again. But back in Jan-Feb my trusty Paradigm started eating batteries at a much higher rate and I started getting error messages during refills. So I figured I had to bite the bullet. After much talking with other T1s and representatives, I finally decided to try the Tandem CIQ system. It’s been about 3 months and I’m pretty happy with it. Mainly the difference in philosophy: MT’s whole attitude is that they want to make a black-box device that does it all for you, which requires keeping you hands-off from tweaking things to fit your own profile. If you don’t match what they’re designing for, too bad. Tandem’s approach seems much more like open-source AID, in that it’s there to give you an assist, not shove you out of the way and grab the steering wheel out of your hands. It’s not perfect, but the whole feel of it is that it’s user-focused programming, not engineer-focused, if you know that distinction. It still does a few things I find irksome, e.g., lowering my basal rate when I pre-bolus for a meal—all these systems are overly sensitive to preventing hypos IMO. But I feel like it’s on the whole working with me, not ignoring me and doing its own pre-programmed thing.
Thanks for that insight. I changed from my old Medtronic Paradigm 725 pump to Tandem X2 with Control IQ in the fall of 2020, largely due to Medicare not covering Medtronic CGM’s at the time. I LOVE the ability to create additional user profiles in my Tandem x2 Pump. I’ve experienced insulin absorption issues on Day 3 of my site usage and, because of the delays and denials by Medicare to provide pump supplies for more frequent site changes over the past 2+ years, I created a Day 3 profile for myself that delivers 50% MORE insulin on Day 3 to counteract the absorption issue and keep my BG’s more in range. 18 months ago, I changed endo. She had been able to get me more frequent site change authorization from Medicare last year but in May 2023, it reverted back to the old Medicare norm of 30 sets/cartridges provided for 90 days. We just received approval again from Medicare for site changes every 2 days but I’ve had to “ration” my supplies to make sure I don’t run out. So sad that a large part of proper management of our diabetes lies in fighting with insurers. I’ve had Type 1 since 1976. My goal is to keep my A1c in the low 6’s and my last one was 5.9. Without being able to manipulate my insulin delivery, I would definitely be higher.
Always changed for better newer tech. That’s always the reason for me !
My 630G warranty expires next month and Medtronic has recalled it. I’m switching to Tandem because I want to continue with Dexcom. I did not have success with Medtronic sensors previously.
I had started with Medtronic in 2002 and continued with them until I tried their Enlite sensor in 2014, which was terrible. I switched to Tandem/Dexcom and am much happier, although I started with Basal IQ, switched to Control IQ when it became available, but prefer Basal IQ so went back to that when I was eligible to get a new Tandem pump and could choose which software I wanted.
I’m with you – I prefer Tandem BIQ. I can set my own target (110 bg is too high for me), I have access to temp basal and I can continue with my aggressive T1D mgt. When it was time to replace my pump, I not only pestered the Endo – to be sure he wrote the Rx correctly for BIQ, I pestered the Tandem people to be sure they only filled the Rx if it was for BIQ.
Started Medicare and in order to get free out of pocket insulin for my pump Medicare made me change to a tubed pump. I went from Om iPod to Tandem Tslim
I switched from Medtronic 670G to Tandem T-slim because the guardian CGMs were giving me such a headache. I like the Dexcom G6 CGM, but there are aspects of the Medtronic pump I miss. But as long as Medtronic won’t play nice with other CGM companies, I probably won’t go back to them.
Went from Medtronic’s to Omni pod because no tubes. Medicare doesn’t cover pods except for high prescription copay. Went back to Medtronic’s. Got tire of tubes and also had scaring from insertion sets. Two years ago went back to MDI and have been happy except that have copays from Medicare for insulin and my InPen. Pumps are Part B and not copay. May go back sometime when new pumps get smaller. I like the idea of a pump you can co trip from phone. Then you can place anywhere on body without getting out to give bolus.
Maybe I’m nit-picking but Medicare Part B does have a 20% co-pay UNLESS you have also purchased a Supplement which will pick up that 20%. I have Original Medicare and a Medicare Supplement Plan N which requires me to pay the annual Part B Medicare deductible ($231 this year.) After that the Supplement pays for the 20% of the Medicare-approved cost for my pump/pump supplies/pumped insulin not covered under Medicare Part B.
In Septemeber 2020, when my Metronic pump (older/not closed-loop) warranty expired, I changed to the Tandem X2 with Control IQ. Because Medicare, at that time was still NOT covering the Medtronic CGM used with their closed-loop oumps but Medicare DID cover the Dexcom G6 and Tandem pumps, the decision to switch from Medtronic to Tandem was a no-brainer as I could not afford to pay for the CGM’s out-of-pocket. I have not regretted my decision. In another 2.5 years when I am at the same crossroads, I will once again evaluate the available options. A lot can change in that time frame.
I wanted to go tubeless. So I changed from a Medtronic pump to Omnipod.
My son used a minimed 530g for five years. Warranty was up. After doing a 48 hour saline trial with the Tslim, while at a Friends For Life conference, we decided we preferred that pump, and it integrated with Dexcom.
That pump’s warranty is now up, and we are considering the Ilet.
Wanted a pump that changed real time basal insulin based on bg from cgm data
I was on my first pump several months, about 11 months after diagnosis and MDI. I had issue after issue, and my A1c increased!We changed insurance coverage, and the new plan said they pay for one pump per warranty period. Since they hadn’t paid for my first pump, I was eligible. I was so grateful. The current pump is much better for me.
My old pump was not FDA approved in the US. So had to cross the Atlantic every year for insulin and suppplies.
I started on a Medtronic pump in 2002 because it was shoved down my throat by an overly aggressive Medtronic pump sales rep who saw me injecting myself while attending a special interest nursing club dinner at a restaurant. She contacted my endo provider and soon after a 505 was delivered to my home. It took 4 weeks of watching training videos on a VCR and several meetings with the rep before I started using it. It was ok, but I still had to use fingersticks and BG meter to test my blood. I upgraded to the next version with the harpoon inserter cgms … it was awkward and ok for awhile because I didn’t know any better.
In 2007 I was introduced to the Tandem prototype at a AADE Annual Meeting conference of diabetes educators and was so excited at the slim profile.
In August 2009 I wore saline “trial” pumps of Omnipod and Tandem with a Dexcom sensor for 10 days while still on the Medtronic pump. I was so pleased and excited about available alternatives I could hardly wait to switch to another pump. In March of 2010 I switched to Tandem and Dexcom and have never looked back.
Changed from 670 to 770, for AutoMode feature. Now changing to 780 due to better transmitter with more reliable CGM values.
Didn’t switch because I was unhappy with the pump. I’ve always been happy with Medtronic’s pumps/algos etc.
But if the pump doesn’t get quality CGM readings, what’s the point? So I switched to Dexcom/Tandem last year.
Endocrinologist kept pushing for me to switch from Medtronic to Tandem for about 3 years and I finally gave in and regretted doing so. The Medtronic is much easier to fill the reservoir and you can visually see if you have air bubbles. I went back to my 7 year old Medtronic pump.
Sensor brand was the only reason I changed pumps.
I changed from AutoSyringe to Diesetronic to Animas to Tandem all because the companies stopped. Each step was an improvement.
I changed from Tandem to Omnipod. The Omnipod allows me to use more different sites like legs and arms. It helps with managing existing and potential scarring. Also, I can swim and don’t have to worry about catching tubing on things. What I don’t like about Omnipod is that it doesn’t connect with my iPhone for bolusing. Very annoying to carry around a separate controller. My favorite algorithm so far however is the basal iq of Tandem.
Insurance. Only the medicare MANDATE.
The 5-year rule commanded a new pump, in spite of me replacing it only 4 months prior for mechanical / software issues. So now I own a super new backup pump.
Trying to explain an unexplainable world to the people who live it . . . I Wish I could do that for my house or my car. 🐻❄️
Other.
As many people here have stated, the most reliable CGM was my most important decision factor.
I miss many aspects of Medtronic’s pumps, but until they improve their CGM or have Dexcom work / be compatible with them, I will stick with Tandem unless something better comes along.
After 60 years of living with T1 I got my first pump, the Animas Vibe. I was very happy with the improvement from MDI, even though it didn’t pair with the Dexcom CGM G5 that I got later. Then Johnson & Johnson bought Animas and stopped production. After a year of dealing with Meditronic to continue receiving Animas supplies, I emptied my saving account and paid the co-pay my insurance wouldn’t cover for a new pump, a Tandem t:slim X2. The AID features and the pairing with Dexcom CGM are a definite improvement over the Animas Vibe, but having to wipe out my savings account to complete the purchase was, and continues to be, tremendously stressful.
Janis,
I understand your feelings, being in the 60 years T1D position as well. Once your broke you have to rely on government assistance. Hang in there, just because you have long-term T1D you are being noticed and praised by others that count.
🙁
Had to move from my original home because healthcare benefits for T1D’s were severely slashed in some areas of the province only and I needed proper medical assistance now. Moved to an adjoining province only to have the health care system remove the insulin pump funding program for any T1D over the age of 17. I did receive good professional assistance with immediate T1D concerns and was eventually approved for a newer ITPS after a year and a half on MDI. Due to political changes, maturity, and stamina one of the two adjoining provinces is turning out to be a suitable best option for a T1D to reside in. Hopefully one day T1D will be treated the same across the entire nation.
I moved from Medtronic to Tandem because Tandem used the Dexcom sensor. The pump itself is no better.
I am in the process of switching to the Dash pod because Insulet is discontinuing the Eros pod.
My Medtronic pump was out of warranty and I was having trauma with the CGM insertion, plus quality control issues with the supplies. Tandem offered smart phone interface, apps to review data. Dexcom CGM is amazing and I have no trauma at all inserting it.
While I was on a pump with tubing I kept getting hospitalized because of air bubbles in the tubing impeding insulin flow. Then Omnipod came out so I switched to the Omnipod and have not been hospitalized for hyperglycemia since.
New Endo team recommended it
My previous pump had stopped working immediately before I was due to upgrade to a newer version which allows me to use a closed loop. The manufacturer gave me the newer upgrade version.
I am about to change pumps but only because my warranty just expired. I am not sure if to wait until the Tandem Modi comes out or to keep my the same type of pump which is a Tandem x2. I was hoping to wait until the Tandem x3 came out but when I called Tandem, the woman I spoke with said she has no clue when the slim x3 will be out but it isn’t expected anytime soon. Darn it…………..
I changed to a tubless pump that suited my lifestyle better.