t:slim X2 insulin pump for managing blood glucose levels in type 1 diabetes

The technology described in this briefing is the t:slim X2 insulin pump. It is used for managing blood glucose levels in type 1 diabetes.

The innovative aspects are using advanced algorithms with a continuous glucose monitor to predict low glucose and suspend insulin delivery. The technology software, Control‑IQ, can also adjust basal insulin and give correction doses.

The intended place in therapy would be as an alternative to other sensor-augmented insulin pumps for people with type 1 diabetes.

The main points from the evidence summarised in this briefing are from 6 studies (including 4 randomised controlled trials, 1 randomised crossover study and 1 retrospective study). They included a total of 6,622 patients in a home setting. The studies show that the t:slim X2 insulin pump, with predictive low-glucose suspend technology or advanced hybrid closed-loop system, is more effective than comparators.

Key uncertainties around the evidence or technology are that the studies were done in the US. This means generalisability to the NHS may be limited.

Safety issues identified are a Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency Medical Device Alert for faulty mains power adaptors. The users of the affected pumps were identified, and adaptors replaced.

The cost of t:slim X2 insulin pump is £3,150 to £3,350 per unit with a cost of £1,588 per year for consumables (excluding VAT).