We’ve come a long way! Around 1980, the first insulin pumps were crude devices converted from large chemotherapy pumps. They had a single basal rate with manual boluses. An early version called the Blue Brick or Big Blue had a large syringe exposed outside the pump. It required the wearer to dilute insulin to accommodate the pump’s large syringe. Infusion sets came only with straight needles bent by hand, with a butterfly handle if you were lucky.
Now, four decades later, we’ve gained better precision, improved insulins, multiple basal rates, bolus calculators, CGMs, Bluetooth connectivity, and software advances. Today’s AIDs offer a different experience. The resources below will update you on some of the latest.
Pump and AID Information Resources
A General Overview of AID Systems by the German Diabetes Association’s Working Group for Diabetes & Technology
Abbott Freestyle
- Freestyle Libre CGM
- Freestyle Libre Sensor
- Freestyle Libre Reader
- Freestyle Libre Pro (blinded CGM for clinicians)
- Freestyle Optium Neo Meter with glucose testing in 5 seconds and ketone testing in 10 seconds
Beta Bionics
CamAPS FX
The advanced adaptive hybrid closed-loop app automatically adjusts insulin delivery based on sensor glucose readings on your insulin pump.
Dexcom CGM
- Dexcom’s Product Guides include numerous guidance sheets for the G6 CGM, Clarity software, and the Professional G6 CGM (blinded CGM for clinicians)
Eversense® Sensionics CGM
- Sensionics E3 CGM details its 6-month implanted sensor that connects to an Android™ or iOS® smartphone, Apple Watch®, and Apple Health®
MedtronicTM
- MedtronicTM Quick Reference Guides
- MedtronicTM 770G insulin pump
- Details of Medtronic 780G with AutoMode Smart Guard by the German Diabetes Association’s Working Group for Diabetes & Technology
- Medtronic CarelinkTM software
- Medtronic InPenTM Smart Insulin Pen
- Medtronic GuardianTM Connect CGM
Omnipod® Quick Start Guide
- Quick Start Guide has quick tips for operation and a 2-page download for complete operating steps.
- Omnipod DASH System
- Omnipod 5 AID System
Panther – Diabetes Technology Deciphered
Taking Control of Your Diabetes (TCOYD)
Tandem
- Tandem Training and Guides
- Details of Tandem Diabetes t:slim X2 with Control-IQ by the German Diabetes Association’s Working Group for Diabetes & Technology
- Tandem Quick Reference Sheets
18 quick guides to giving a bolus, giving a bolus from a Smartphone, loading the cartridge, downloading with the t:connect software, connecting to a Dexcom CGM, etc. - Tandem User Manual