For context, my family just moved to Europe and I have to switch from my American tandem t:slim x2 with CIQ to a European pump. My two options are to continue with the tandem and dexcom g6 or switch to the Ypsomed pump with dexcom g6.
I’ve done some research into the Ypsomed pump and it seems like a great option but I’m undecided.
I know that most people on this forum are from the states where the Ypsomed isn’t approved, but I thought I’d still ask if anyone has used the Ypsomed?
If you have, what are pros/cons of this system in daily life? How many alarms/alerts do you get? How often does the pump loose connection from
your phone? Do you have issues with the infusion sets? Does the adhesive stay on? What’s your experience with the algorithm been? Give me your sales pitch!
Hi @6yGodsGr .- I hope you are getting settled in wherever you have landed (you and your family appear to have quite the adventuresome life!). Here’s a link to info about JDRF in 5 countries outside of the US:
it includes links to the Netherlands and UK as well as Canada, Israel and Australia.
Here’s the one for the UK
Happy travels!!
Thank you so much for sharing the link! I didn’t realize JDRF existed in other countries- haha
Thanks for pointing out the YpsoPump, @6yGodsGr ! I somehow missed this pump when searching the lesser-known pumps from Asia and Israel a few years ago. The most useful info I found was from this Italian-accented review.
Tho I (obviously) haven’t used one myself, the design and features remind me so much of my 1st pump (Disetronic) that I strongly suspect it’s either the same company, or Ypso bought their patents.
From the above-linked video + browsing Ypso’s website, my impressions are very favourable.
PRO:
- Most innovative infusion set, ever.
- Pre-filled cartridge–nice!
- EITHER Dexcom or Libre integration.
- Small size.
- Extra-fast prime/cartridge change.
- Compatible with any(?) smartphone
CONS:
- Very small cartridge (160u)
- AAA batteries (…but no charging…)
- Only basic functions w/o phone app
- Fast-bolus may be painful
- Innovative pump site IS bulky
Thank you so much for alerting me to this pump. Much as I love my Pods, I’m emailing them today to get in the queue for USA trials!!
Glad I could bring this pump to your attention!
Thanks for your input.
A minor differences I’ve found in my research:
- the pump’s hybrid closed loop algorithm runs based on a new app but it only works on an android cell phone (they say iOS is coming “soon”- we all know how vague soon is in the medical world!) The older app that didn’t have the algorithm might have worked on multiple types of phones, I don’t know. The algorithm doesn’t work if the pump and phone are disconnected, and I’m curious as to how often people’s pump/phone disconnect as that can cause some issues!
(I found that video you linked very helpful)
One of the reasons I posted this on the forum is because apart from the algorithm, the y-pump is pretty basic. I’ve had issues with tandem’s CIQ algorithm, and unfortunately the omnipod 5 isn’t going to be rolled out until next year here. if the Ypsomed algorithm doesn’t work for me I’d rather just stay with the tandem.
That being said, the fact that Ypsomed is the only algorithm approved for 1year olds and pregnant women says a lot.
Update: I decided against getting the Ypsomed and I’m going to stick with the Tandem for now. Partly because getting the Ypsomed would involve getting a new phone (I just got a new phone). Partly because I’m already adjusting to a lot of new and throwing a new pump into the mix just sounds a bit overwhelming. Also I’ve had issues with control iq (I’m a control freak and impatient when it comes to blood sugars) and my new endo said that if I’m already impatient with CIQ then I probably would find the Ypsomed algorithm even more frustrating.
Side note: apparently when you get the tandem here it comes with Basal IQ (which only suspends insulin for lows) and you have to go through a separate online training and pump software upgrade to get the full CIQ algorithm. I’ve only ever used CIQ because I was diagnosed when it came out, and stopped using it about a year ago because I am a control freak. but I’m looking forward to seeing if the basal iq helps me avoid those pesky middle of the night lows (I don’t care so much about the highs).
one tiny complaint- even though I’ve been using the tandem and dexcom for almost 3 years the hospital powers that be are still going to make me go through the entire training for both systems. So I got my new pump yesterday (it’s so shiny!) and have my retraining next week.
All in all, I’d still LOVE to try the Ypsomed, it seems like a pretty awesome pump! It’s just not the right timing for me. Maybe in 4 years when my new warranty expires?
CIQ is all the rage among physicians but another forum member (I don’t recall who) posted that he used BIQ because he likes having more control, so you’re in good company. When I first got my Tandem pump you could move from BIQ to CIQ but you couldn’t move back. I know you’re getting a brand new shiny pump but is that still the case?
It sounds like you will be either dozing off in class or helping to teach it!
By the way, have you gotten used to the European system (mmol)?
Lise, I missed reading this when you posted two weeks ago. t-Slim delivered here also come with BIQ as default except when one is moving from an older t-Slim with CIQ already active; a separate CIQ prescription is required as well as the training course.
If you use the Sleep activity with CIQ, it acts just as BIQ because the Automatic Bolus feature is suspended when sleep is activated; I have preset my sleep to automatically switch on every night - you can select up to 2 sleep patterns. Additionally, the key user entered CIQ auto-bolus parameter is ISF; because my body super-sensitive to even 0.01 units of insulin, my ISF [correction factor] is set around 100 mg / unit of insulin - corrections delivered most times are in the 1,000 of a unit. With the Tandem pump, you have the option of choosing either the less demanding mmol/L or the mg/dl - one less demand on you conquering another “diabetes language”.
To me, the Ypsomed pump algorithm looks good, and the Disetronic company that makes it has a really good track record in insulin infusion devices. The Roche pumps it produced had been “The Standard” to meet in the US 25 years ago.
Yes if I want the CIQ here I have to go through another training.
Unfortunately I don’t have that option to see mg/dL on my new pump! But I did figure out by accident that I can see my blood sugar readings in mmol/L on the dexcom app but in mg/dL in the sugarmate app! For example, dexcom will say 6.8 but sugarmate will say 123.
Yes that is still the case, if I decide to upgrade to CIQ I can’t revert back to BIQ. In the USA BIQ is being phased out, and new tandem users are sent a CIQ pump because it’s seen as the far superior upgrade. They’re moving to phase out BIQ as well in Europe.
Thankfully my new endo only set up a 1 hour training session so we really only programmed my new pump and the trainer explained what her company (the middle man between tandem and patients here) does and how to order pump supplies. I get a new screen protector, charging port door, and USB charging cord/wall plug for free every year so that’s definitely a plus. Hopefully no more overpriced tandem orders!
I’m getting used to the mmol/L system- still doing a lot of mental math conversions. I’m guessing it’ll take a little longer to reset my system.
I also learned some new things (to people who may read this list later- don’t take this seriously, DO WHAT YOUR ENDO SAYS)
- you should always put 2 screen protectors on your pump screen to make triple sure it doesn’t break. (My old tandem only had one and the screen never broke even after numerous dangling/drops/wall or doorframe collisions)
- why would you need to clean your skin before inserting a pump/CGM site? Your body is used to the germs in your environment, unless you haven’t just been near harmful substances or rolling in the mud you’ll be fine. (Implication: Weird Americans, so afraid of infections!)
I will be continuing to clean my skin before insertion! - setting your insulin duration to 5 hours!? 2 is long enough! Then your pump will give corrections faster. (This also means my correction factor is now set lower so that I don’t overbolus)
Note: yes if you turn on CIQ insulin duration is stuck at 5 hours
It’s fascinating to see the different approaches to treating the same condition and hearing the reasons for that different approach.
Lise @6yGodsGr, I hope you are enjoying your new home location, and adjusting to the “culture change” while still retaining your real self and personality. I agree with your medical provider that speaking mmol/L may help avoid difficulty in an emergency situation. And agree that the mental arithmetic of multiplying by 18.0182 or by 0.055 can be taxing.
For well over a half century, my practice in site-sanitation has been similar to the European unlike the American RN practice of alcohol saturation. Although, before applying a 10-day sensor, I splash on a bit of water and rub heavily to wipe off a few derma layers - even working outside in Florida heat and heavy sweating, I haven’t had a CGM loosen. Also, for years/decades alcohol has not been advised for doing BGM finger-stick.
A screen protector on t-Slim? Like you, I think it is not necessary; and it could impede operation.
I feel better! I did my share of fingersticks for years /- decades - without religiously sanitizing myself, with no negative outcomes - glad to hear there are others out there who think it may be overkill as well😀! I do use alcohol for my sensors but occasionally don’t have any and my arms are still intact! Maybe it’s time to lighten up a bit more. Keep sharing your experiences with health cate across the pond!