During the summer of 2022, Tandem debuted a much-anticipated feature for the t:slim X2 insulin pump and the t:connect mobile app — the freedom to bolus directly from a smartphone!* For years, our users have asked for a more discreet way to bolus. Now, t:slim X2 pump users can manage their diabetes in a whole new way.
"It was the number one request we received from existing customers and people exploring whether they were going to use the t:slim X2," Suzanne McKee, Senior Product Manager, said. "It's been incredibly exciting to answer that call and give the next feature and functionality users really want."
Get a behind-the-scenes look at three individuals who worked as part of an extended team to bring this latest milestone to life.
Meet Suzanne Mckee, Senior Product Manager
Suzanne loves working at a company that listens to its users and understands where to put priorities and efforts in innovation. As an innovative end-to-end system, this latest development relies on communication between the t:slim X2 insulin pump, the t:connect mobile app, and the cloud in order for a user to bolus from their smartphone.
"Everything needs to work together," Suzanne said. "This is the beginning of getting more sophisticated with app control and mobile control of pump software. The t:slim X2 insulin pump can also be updated remotely, so users don't have to wait until the next round of warranty to get features and benefits. They can stay up-to-date with every innovation."
As a mother to a 13-year-old daughter who lives with type 1 diabetes, Suzanne has a firsthand understanding of the freedom being able to bolus from a smartphone offers. Her daughter gets to choose what's most convenient in the moment. During the night, Suzanne and her husband can step in and help with the app, if needed, using the phone on their daughter's bedside table while she continues to sleep — no more rustling through the bedding to find her pump.
"For us as a family, I want to do anything I can do to take some of the burden away from my daughter," Suzanne added. "There's flexibility in not just starting a bolus, but also in being able to stop a bolus. Our daughter self-manages, and my husband and I are there to support."
Meet Nancy Terjung, Associate Director Of Human Factors Research
The Human Factor Research department at Tandem plays a vital role in launching a new product or feature.
"We take an early product through its paces to collect user feedback from the real target user," Nancy said. "And then we incorporate that feedback into the design to have it make more sense or work better — all with a focus on safety. Working in Human Factors, you couldn't ask for a better company that supports your role."
“Everyone’s really passionate about doing the right thing each and every time to deliver the best products for our users.”
To test, improve, and iterate the mobile app feature for FDA approval, Tandem conducted the largest summative study ever run within the company. For Nancy, the most exciting part of this Herculean feat was being able to give users something they both wanted and needed.
"All we heard was, 'I cannot wait to use this!'" Nancy said. "Prior to this new feature, we had the mobile app, which was great to know what was going on, but now users can interact with their diabetes management and have an impact on it in a more private manner."
Meet Bernice Tuazon, Senior Software Tester
With a focus on thoroughly testing all aspects of the t:connect mobile app prior to releasing a new feature into production, Bernice Tuazon understood that her role required a unique mentality. She put herself in the mindset of a pump user to best understand what features they would be using on a regular basis for the most seamless experience possible.
"I attended some summative studies," Bernice said, "And was like, 'wow,' watching the connection between the app and someone using this in their day-to-day life."
Bernice appreciates hearing feedback about the new feature coming in through customer surveys, emails from company leadership, and of course, seeing comments on social media. She likes hearing how much people enjoy the convenience, flexibility, and discreetness of being able to bolus directly from a smartphone.
All three Tandem team members are enthusiastic to continue working across different departments to develop more forward-thinking developments in type 1 diabetes management.
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. Please read the Important Safety Information before using a Tandem Diabetes Care product.
* Bolus delivery from the t:connect mobile app requires a compatible smartphone model and operating system, an app update, a remote software update on the customer’s t:slim X2 insulin pump, and additional training. Only available to customers who reside in the United States.
Important Safety Information
RX ONLY. The t:slim X2 insulin pump with interoperable technology is an alternate controller enabled (ACE) pump that is intended for the subcutaneous delivery of insulin, at set and variable rates, for the management of diabetes mellitus in people 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 indicated for use in individuals six years of age and greater. The pump is intended for single patient, home use and requires a prescription. The pump is indicated for use with NovoLog or Humalog U-100 insulin. Users of the pump must: be willing and able to use the insulin pump 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. The t:slim X2 pump must be removed before MRI, CT, or diathermy treatment. Visit tandemdiabetes.com/safetyinfo for additional important safety information.
t:connect mobile app: The feature set available within the t:connect mobile app is dependent on the pump software version and the compatible smartphone’s model and operating system (OS).
- The Display and Data Upload feature set provides a secondary display of pump and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) information, including display of your pump alerts and alarms, and enables wireless uploading of pump and CGM data to the Tandem cloud through an internet or wireless data connection. Standard carrier data rates may apply.
- The Bolus Delivery plus Display and Data Upload feature set additionally allows users to request, stop, and cancel a bolus on the pump from the t:connect mobile app. At least one smartphone security setting must be enabled to utilize the Bolus Delivery feature of the t:connect mobile app.
- WARNING: Always rely on your pump to make therapy decisions when using a smartphone that is incompatible with the Bolus Delivery feature.
- PRECAUTIONS: Always rely on your pump to make therapy decisions if using a smartphone that is incompatible, the smartphone is lost or damaged, or the smartphone loses Bluetooth® connectivity with your pump. Important pump alerts and alarms are only received as app notifications when enabled and the app is either active or running in the background.
