Kaiden Krenek is a superhero trapped in teenager’s body. He completed his first triathlon at the age of eight, shortly after his diagnosis with type 1 diabetes. Since then, he has become an accomplished cyclist, runner, and outdoor explorer. But, like most kids, diabetes hasn’t always been the number one priority for Kaiden.
“I’m someone who is kind of lazy on correcting,” he admits.
Kaiden certainly doesn’t lack sophistication when it comes to technical pursuits. He considers himself “the most serious” video game player in his family and is on track to pursue a career in bio-engineering. Yet, when it comes to integrating different components of his diabetes management into his hyper-active lifestyle, Kaiden sometimes falls a bit short.
His mom, Kimberly, has been willing to try it all. She got excited about the do-it-yourself “loop” system, which used an open-source algorithm to control different hardware components through Kaiden’s iPhone.
As Kimberly observed, “With a teenager who uses his phone to do way too many things—music and gaming and whatever else—the app often closes out.” Unfortunately, being a kid, “He could barely keep his app working and forgot to charge all the devices, so we gave up after three days.” Kaiden returned to regular pod-pumping.
Recently, things all fell into place – literally one place – when Kaiden switched to Tandem’s integrated system. Now he just has a single device to charge, which features a simple touchscreen
where he can manage everything in one place. And, when Kaiden doesn’t want to think about managing his diabetes, he is able to let advanced predictive technology do the work for him.
The t:slim X2™ insulin pump uses Control-IQ technology® to integrate reliable, real-time data using Dexcom G6 continuous glucose monitoring that their family used already and trusts. The pump arrives in the box fully capable of integration, without the hassle of additional controllers. As technology improves, the system can be updated in minutes on a home computer.
“Having CGM reading directly on the Tandem pump is more important than you think,” says Kimberly. “Control-IQ technology works, and it’s supported by a real company since it’s not a do-it-yourself system.” Within a few months of starting with Tandem, Kaiden’s lab results have already improved.
From Kaiden’s perspective, “Everything on the Tandem is better.” In addition to auto-corrections, he likes that the chances of it being pulled off in a triathlon are very low. He also appreciates that the t:slim X2 pump can be easily detached for activities, such as contact sports or swimming. He can quickly check his numbers before they disconnecting to see where he's trending, and when he's done, reconnecting is a snap and Control-IQ technology resumes automation immediately when his CGM regains connectivity.
It's all peace of mind for a kid superhero—and, of course, mom too.
Responsible Use Control-IQ Technology
Even with advanced systems such as the t:slim X2 insulin pump with Control-IQ technology, you are still responsible for actively managing your 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 your accurate input of information, such as meals and periods of sleep or exercise. Control-IQ technology will not function as intended unless you use all system components, including your CGM, infusion sets and pump cartridges, as instructed. Importantly, the system cannot adjust your 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, always pay attention to your symptoms and treat according to your healthcare provider’s recommendations.
From time to time, we may pass along suggestions, tips, or information about other Tandem insulin pump user experiences or approaches to the management of diabetes. Please note, however, individual symptoms, situations, circumstances, and results may vary. Please consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding your condition and appropriate medical treatment. Please read the Important Safety Information before using a Tandem Diabetes Care product.
