Patient organisation comments

Advice

Representatives from 2 patient organisations, Diabetes UK and JDRF, gave the following comments.

There are benefits in using this insulin pump with CGM for people with limited hypoglycaemia awareness and those who experience frequent hypoglycaemia. The opportunity to update software remotely is a useful part of the pump features and enables people with type 1 diabetes to have access to the most up-to-date features. Being able to send data through the cloud to clinicians is also helpful when optimising diabetes management. People with type 1 diabetes also found that using this device has had a positive impact on their mental health because they are less worried about variability in controlling glucose levels.

This smaller size of the t:slim X2 device was also thought to reduce stigma surrounding diabetes management, especially as people with type 1 diabetes do not want to be defined by their condition.

Some disadvantages were highlighted for insulin pumps in general. These include site infection linked to the cannula, diabetes burnout because of the learning needed to use the pump, and that the pumps are attached to an individual most of the time. In relation to the t:slim X2 pump, some users may find the touch screen intuitive, while others are prevented from using it because of a disability. Older people who have reduced dexterity may struggle with the size of the pump.

It was also highlighted that there is potentially regional variability in device access and education. People from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are less likely to have an insulin pump and have a higher risk of type 1 diabetes complications.