7 medtech advances to improve diabetes treatment

[Image from National Institutes of Health]

1. Tandem closed-loop controller

Tandem Diabetes Care (NSDQ:TNDM) just last month received FDA clearance for its t:slim X2 insulin pump and Control-IQ advanced hybrid closed-loop technology to control Type 1 diabetes.

The Tandem system uses continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) values, in conjunction with other variables such as insulin on board, to predict glucose levels 30 minutes ahead and adjust insulin delivery accordingly, the company said. Control-IQ technology also offers optional settings for sleep and exercise that will change the treatment values to better match the different physiologic needs during these activities.

The t:slim X2 insulin pump also received an ACE infusion pump classification in February 2019, becoming the first device of its kind to do so. It is touted as the first insulin pump designated as compatible with iCGM devices, too.

Other companies like Medtronic (NYSE:MDT) have closed-loop insulin pump systems as well, as the device — often referred to as an “artificial pancreas” — is one of many that could bring diabetes treatment even further along.

Next>>