February 20, 2024
Dexcom G7 Compatibility with Tandem t:slim X2: What You Need to Know | US MED
In early 2023, Dexcom began offering the Dexcom G7 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System to U.S. residents with diabetes. This system launched with features like unmatched accuracy*, a discreet and comfortable sensor†, and a warm-up time twice as fast as…
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In early 2023, Dexcom began offering the Dexcom G7 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System to U.S. residents with diabetes. This system launched with features like unmatched accuracy*, a discreet and comfortable sensor†, and a warm-up time twice as fast as any other CGM‡. But when this device launched, it was missing one capability its predecessor offered—compatibility with the Tandem® t:slim X2®.
Fortunately, things have changed considerably since then; today, the Dexcom G7 CGM System and the Tandem t:slim X2 are fully compatible. Are you a longtime Dexcom G7/Tandem t:slim X2 user, or are you interested in buying one or both of these products to create a hybrid closed-loop insulin pump? Either way, you’ll want to check out our guide to compatibility between the Tandem t:slim X2 and the Dexcom G7 CGM System.
Dexcom and Tandem’s Announcement: A Closer Look
On Dec. 6, 2023, Tandem Diabetes Care and Dexcom announced the launch of compatibility between their respective flagship products. Notably, the Tandem t:slim X2 was the first automated insulin delivery system to integrate with the Dexcom G7 CGM System, reinforcing this CGM’s status as the most connected device in its category¶.
Currently, people with diabetes in the United States can benefit from compatibility between the Dexcom G7 and Tandem t:slim X2. The official international launch of this feature is expected to take place early in 2024.
The December 2023 announcement was undoubtedly a milestone for Tandem and Dexcom. Still, it was far from the first collaboration between these companies—in fact, they have been active partners for a decade. This move simply marked the formal launch of compatibility between the t:slim X2 and the Dexcom G7 CGM System.
Benefits of Dexcom/Tandem Compatibility
These days, Dexcom G7 users can enjoy using their CGM systems along with the Tandem t:slim X2—an industry-leading insulin pump that is 38 percent smaller than other insulin pumps§, can hold 300 units of insulin, and is powered by a rechargeable battery. They’ll also appreciate perks specific to using this product along with a CGM system, such as:
Control-IQ Technology
When you pair your t:slim X2 with a compatible CGM device, you’ll be able to utilize its Control-IQ technology. This feature allows people to use the t:slim X2 as a hybrid closed-loop insulin pump or “artificial pancreas,” which can help predict upcoming blood glucose highs and lows and take action to prevent them. (That said, people using Control-IQ technology must still manually input information at times and are ultimately responsible for their own diabetes management.)
Fingerprick-Free Insulin Dosing
If you have diabetes, you know how much of a hassle fingerprick testing can be. When you take advantage of t:slim X2/Dexcom G7 integration, you won’t typically need fingerpricks for mealtime dosing or calibration||.
Zero Wait Time
While using the Tandem t:slim X2 and Dexcom G7 CGM System together, you shouldn’t need to worry about wait time between one sensor session and the next#—maximizing the time you spend in closed loop.
Using Dexcom G7 With Tandem t:slim X2
If you’ve just purchased a Tandem t:slim X2, you’ll likely be able to use it with your Dexcom G7 CGM System immediately. At the time of Tandem and Dexcom’s announcement, the former company had begun shipping t:slim X2 pumps including this compatibility to new customers.
Fortunately, you’re not out of luck if you already own a Tandem t:slim X2. Tandem also sent an email to all in-warranty users of the t:slim X2 with instructions on adding this feature to their pump free of charge. To do that, you’ll need to update your pump to software version 7.7. (If you use a Dexcom G6 CGM System, don’t worry—the update won’t affect compatibility between this CGM device and the t:slim X2.)
However, you’ll need to go through a few steps before you can download software version 7.7. First, you must complete online training through your Tandem Diabetes Care Account. If you haven’t already used Control-IQ technology on your t:slim X2, a representative from Tandem will also have to request a new prescription from your healthcare provider.
Is Your Dexcom G7 Sensor Compatible?
While the Dexcom G7 CGM System is now compatible with the Tandem t:slim X2, not all Dexcom G7 sensors can be used with this insulin pump. The good news is that determining whether or not your Dexcom G7 sensor is t:slim X2-ready isn’t a difficult task by any means.
To figure this out, locate your Dexcom G7 sensor boxes and look for the number starting with “LBL” on one side. If there’s a white line under this number, your sensors can be used along with your t:slim X2. If not, your sensors are incompatible—but you can resolve the situation by filling out this Dexcom form. You’ll also get a “Sensor Not Started (43T)” alert if you try to pair an incompatible sensor with your t:slim X2.
If you don’t still have your sensor boxes but your sensor is linked to the Dexcom G7 app on your smart device, you can check your sensor’s compatibility by following these steps:
- Open the Dexcom G7 app and select “Connections.”
- On the Connections screen, tap “Sensor.”
- Check your sensor’s firmware—if it’s 32.192.105.64 or later, it should be compatible.
Get Your Diabetes Supplies from US MED
While the Dexcom G7 CGM System and Tandem t:slim X2 are exceptional products on their own, they’re even better when people with diabetes use them together. By unlocking compatibility between these industry-leading devices, you can create a hybrid closed-loop insulin pump and make diabetes management easier than ever. But if you don’t already own the Dexcom G7/Tandem t:slim X2, you’ll need to buy these products first.
In that case, you’re in luck—you can purchase these devices right here at US MED. With an A+ Better Business Bureau rating and official recognition from the American Diabetes Association, we’re the most reliable supplier of diabetes-related products in the United States. Get started by ordering CGM systems, insulin pumps, and other diabetes supplies from our online store today!
REFERENCES
*Dexcom, data on file, 2022.
†Dexcom, data on file, 2020.
‡Dexcom G7 can complete warmup within 30 minutes, whereas other CGM brands require up to an hour or longer.
¶Dexcom, data on file, 2023.
- 38% smaller than MiniMed 630G and 670G and at least 28% smaller than MiniMed 530G and Omnipod System. Data on file, Tandem Diabetes Care.
||If glucose alerts and Dexcom CGM readings do not match symptoms or expectations, use a blood glucose meter to make diabetes treatment decisions.
#No wait time claim based on user inserting a new, unpaired Dexcom G7 at least 30 minutes prior to the old, paired Dexcom G7 sensor expiring. See t:slim X2 insulin pump user guide for more details on the sensor start process.