Betsy Otten will tell you that diabetes management should fit into your lifestyle, not the other way around.
She works as a nurse educator at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes in Aurora, Colo., and was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at age 4. She had been hearing about the Tandem Mobi system, the world's smallest, durable automated insulin delivery system,1 for a while. When the Early Access program launched in November, she jumped at the chance to try the newest system.
"Everyone [at work] knows I'm always trying the new things, switching devices," said Betsy.
"One benefit of working here is having these options and having the ability to try different things. I've tried a lot of different options and I do find that the Tandem [Control-IQ technology] algorithm works really well. I really have enjoyed wearing the [Tandem] Mobi."
She was thrilled to share how Tandem Mobi fits into her busy workdays.
"I have a key pocket inside my scrubs," said Betsy. "That's the perfect [Tandem] Mobi size, which is really nice."
Betsy is also an outdoor enthusiast and avid rock climber, so the wearability of the Tandem Mobi system is an important factor in her diabetes therapy.
"A harness will cover many available infusion site options," said Betsy. "I found a system that works for me … It is so lightweight and small that I don't notice it in the clothing that I'm wearing."
One of her favorite features is the Pump button, which allows her to give a quick bolus on the go.
“I love that I can set it up in gram increments so I can continue to use my settings and carb count, but I can bolus without even taking my pump out of my pocket,” she said.
Betsy has also swum competitively, biked cross-country in Honduras, competed in triathlons, and ran a marathon. She uses the features of the Tandem Mobi system to keep her blood sugars in range while she trains for another half-marathon this spring.
"I created a second profile and I use my Exercise Activity," said Betsy. "That really helps with overall blood sugar control during long distance runs."
Betsy hopes to one day run rim-to-rim in the Grand Canyon and also enjoys travelling internationally. Most recently, she visited her sister's family in Nicaragua and relied on Tandem Mobi to help keep her blood sugars level while she sampled the new and exciting foods.
"It was convenient to have my pump with me," said Betsy. "I brought just what I needed in terms of pump supplies … I always carry my shot supplies, but it's just nice to have the peace of mind that the [Control-IQ technology] algorithm is there. Having that safety net of an integrated system that's really good at keeping your blood sugar in range while you do all this stuff is super important."
Betsy's final verdict is in.
"I think it's worked really well for me," said Betsy. "I’ve been very happy with my experience wearing Mobi, and the ease and flexibility of use. It's easy to share with people — this is awesome."
Thank you for being among the first to experience Tandem Mobi, Betsy!
Note: From time to time, we may pass along suggestions, tips, or information about other Tandem insulin pump user experiences or approaches to the management of diabetes. Please note, however, individual symptoms, situations, circumstances, and results may vary. Please consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding your condition and appropriate medical treatment.
Reference: 1. As of February, 2024. Data on file, Tandem Diabetes Care.
Important Safety Information: RX ONLY. Indications for Use: Tandem Mobi system: The Tandem Mobi insulin pump with interoperable technology (the pump) is intended for the subcutaneous delivery of insulin, at set and variable rates, for the management of diabetes mellitus in persons requiring insulin. The pump is able to reliably and securely communicate with compatible, digitally connected devices, including automated insulin dosing software, to receive, execute, and confirm commands from these devices. The pump is intended for single patient, home use and requires a prescription. The pump is indicated for use in individuals 6 years of age and greater. Control-IQ technology: Control-IQ technology is intended for use with compatible integrated continuous glucose monitors (iCGM, sold separately) and alternate controller enabled (ACE) pumps to automatically increase, decrease, and suspend delivery of basal insulin based on iCGM readings and predicted glucose values. It can also deliver correction boluses when the glucose value is predicted to exceed a predefined threshold. Control-IQ technology is intended for the management of Type 1 diabetes mellitus in persons 6 years of age and greater. Control-IQ technology is intended for single patient use. Control-IQ technology is indicated for use with NovoLog or Humalog U-100 insulin.
Warning: Control-IQ technology should not be used by anyone under the age of six years old. It should also not be used in patients who require less than 10 units of insulin per day or who weigh less than 55 pounds.
Control-IQ technology is not indicated for use in pregnant women, people on dialysis, or critically ill patients. Do not use Control-IQ technology if using hydroxyurea. Users of a Tandem insulin pump and Control-IQ technology must use the insulin pump, CGM, and all other system components in accordance with their respective instructions for use; test blood glucose levels as recommended by their healthcare provider; demonstrate adequate carb-counting skills; maintain sufficient diabetes self-care skills; see healthcare provider(s) regularly; and have adequate vision and/or hearing to recognize all functions of the pump, including alerts, alarms, and reminders. The Tandem pump and the CGM transmitter and sensor must be removed before MRI, CT, or diathermy treatment. Visit tandemdiabetes.com/safetyinfo for additional important safety information.
