The t:slim X2™ insulin pump from Tandem Diabetes Care has been a game-changer when it comes to increasing time in range (TIR)* and improving lack of sleep thanks to the Control-IQ® technology advanced hybrid closed-loop system.
Blood sugars and sleep have long been a topic of study for diabetes researchers because of the visceral connection between quality of sleep and diabetes management. A lack of sleep because of type 1 diabetes can dramatically impact quality of life, which can also be especially difficult for parents of children with type 1 diabetes.
Unfortunately, diabetes and sleep, or lack thereof, are often tied together. Someone living with diabetes must navigate a wide range of challenges that can impact sleep. One of the greatest fears is nocturnal hypoglycemia, which occurs when blood glucose levels fall below 70 mg/dL. Symptoms can include shaking, an accelerated heart rate, and clammy skin.
It’s very possible for someone to sleep through a hypoglycemic event. The person will likely awake groggy, confused, sweaty, and can feel lethargic or foggy some of the day. More severe hypoglycemic episodes occur when glucose levels drop below 55 mg/dL. This is typically an emergency and requires immediate medical attention.
This is why Control-IQ technology has such a positive impact on diabetes and sleep. Using the Dexcom G6 continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) values,† Control-IQ technology is able to predict blood sugar levels 30 minutes in advance and automatically adjust dosing accordingly to help maintain a time in range of 70-180 mg/dL.*
"The quality of sleep a person has affects all aspects of health, be it productivity, efficiency, achieving a feeling of wellness and allowing time for the body to adequately rest," said Molly McElwee Malloy, a registered nurse and certified diabetes educator who works for Tandem Diabetes Care as the senior medical science liaison. "Lack of sleep and disturbed sleep can cause weight gain, insulin resistance, and reduced immunity."
With a dedicated Sleep Activity feature, Control-IQ technology is designed to help achieve glucose levels of 110-120 mg/dL by morning. This was proven in a 12-month, real-world use study.1 People with type 1 diabetes showed a profound increase in overnight time in range,* reaching a median above 90% between 4 AM-7 AM — highlighting the benefits of the Sleep Activity feature within Control-IQ technology.
The same study, which was funded and published by doctors Marc Breton and Boris Kovatchev from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Va., examined data from more than 9,400 users over a 12-month span. They found time in range* improvements across all age groups, which were broken down into school age (6-13), adolescents (14-18), adults (19-63), and elderly (64 and older).
In addition to showing how blood glucose and sleep can be improved using Control-IQ technology, the study revealed that participants enjoyed an average of 2.4 more hours per day in range.
Having a chronic disease is enough stress for individuals and caregivers without having to worry about sleep. Control-IQ technology is a real game changer in that it allows for a restful night sleep and great glucose control.
All evidence points to the t:slim X2 insulin pump with Control-IQ technology being a trusted ally in diabetes management — particularly when it comes to time in range* and achieving better sleep.
Visit the Control-IQ technology page at tandemdiabetes.com and learn how easy control can be.
*As measured by CGM. †Dexcom CGM sold separately. Transmitter can only be paired with one medical device (either a Dexcom receiver or t:slim X2 insulin pump) and one consumer device (smartphone or tablet) at the same time
1. Breton MD, Kovatchev BP. One year real-world use of the Control-IQ advanced hybrid closed-loop technology. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2021;ahead of print. doi: 10.1089/dia.2021.0097
Responsible Use Control-IQ Technology
Even with advanced systems such as the t:slim X2 insulin pump with Control-IQ technology, users are still responsible for actively managing their diabetes. Control-IQ technology does not prevent all high and low blood glucose events. The system is designed to help reduce glucose variability, but it requires that users accurately input information, such as meals and periods of sleep or exercise. Control-IQ technology will not function as intended unless all system components, including CGM, infusion sets and pump cartridges, are used as instructed. Importantly, the system cannot adjust insulin dosing if the pump is not receiving CGM readings. Since there are situations and emergencies that the system may not be capable of identifying or addressing, users should always pay attention to their symptoms and treat accordingly.
