|
|
Tandem Talk, Volume 1, issue 1
|
|
Choosing the right infusion set
|
|
By Sara McMillan, RN, CDCES; Jennifer Filler, MPH, RD,
CDCES
|
|
|
|
|
Choosing the right infusion set for the t:slim X2
insulin pump is just as important as selecting the right
insulin pump.
Making sure you have the best infusion set for your body
is key to ensuring success with insulin pump therapy.
Over time, you may need to try alternative infusion sets
to account for changes in your body or lifestyle.
Keep in mind that even the most advanced technology on
the market cannot overcome issues with infusion sets.
Yet, a significant benefit of a tubing pump is that you
have numerous infusion set options to customize your
pumping experience and optimize glycemic outcomes.
|
|
|
|
|
Infusion Set Overview
|
|
Life is better with options. You can choose from five
different infusion sets with a wide range of colors and
tubing lengths that create more than 30 mix-and-match
options.
steel needle
TruSteel Infusion Set
The TruSteel infusion set is an excellent option for
many. The steel needle reduces the risk of encountering
an occlusion or interrupting insulin delivery. The
manual insertion requires minimal grip strength or
dexterity, which makes for easy insertion. This set also
has an extra adhesive pad, which will keep it securely
in place, and should be changed every one to two days or
as recommended by your healthcare provider (HCP).
This set is great for people who are new to pumping,
very active or athletic, or at higher risk of extreme
hyperglycemia (DKA).
|
|
|
|
|
soft canulas
AutoSoft XC Infusion Set
The AutoSoft XC infusion set offers an automatic
insertion device, multiple cannula length options, and a
comfortable grip for easy disconnection. It can be
inserted with one hand, which allows for multiple
placement options (such as the back of the arm, upper
buttocks, or lower back). This set is also available in
three colors and should be changed every two to three
days.
We recommend that you have an adequate amount of
subcutaneous tissue (can you pinch an inch?) and
reasonable grip strength to use this set.
|
|
|
|
|
AutoSoft 90 Infusion Set
The AutoSoft 90 infusion set is very similar to the
AutoSoft XC. Both have an automatic insertion device and
multiple cannula lengths. The main difference is the
AutoSoft 90 has a larger grip area that is also
reversible for easy disconnection. Everything else is
the same.
We recommend that you have an adequate amount of
subcutaneous tissue (can you pinch an inch?) and
reasonable grip strength to use this set.
|
|
|
|
|
AutoSoft 30 Infusion Set
The AutoSoft 30 infusion set has an automatic insertion
device, a window to see the insertion point, and a
large, reversible grip for easy disconnection. The
insertion process for this set requires two hands and
should be changed every two to three days.
This set works well for individuals who are lean,
active, or have issues with 90-degree cannulas. The soft
cannula stays more shallow under the skin, helping to
avoid ‘bumping’ into muscle, which could bend a soft
cannula. The longer cannula sitting shallow under the
skin is also less likely to bend with movement.
|
|
|
|
|
Varisoft Infusion Set
The VariSoft infusion set works well for people who
prefer the control of manual insertion. There is a
window to see the insertion point, an audible click for
reassurance of a good connection, and a large adhesive
for extra security. The insertion process for this set
requires two hands and it should be changed every two to
three days.
The variable angle options allow you to customize the
insertion depth based on your body type. Variable angles
will allow for shallow insertion on lean areas of the
body, and deeper insertion on areas with more
subcutaneous tissue. The longer cannula options will
also allow you to push past existing scar tissue that
may be present.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Clinical Advice
|
|
Have you ever thought?
|
|
|
“But I’ve used the same infusion set for 10 years — why
am I suddenly having trouble?”
|
|
“I’m only getting one and a half days out of my
infusion sets before they fail!”
|
|
|
“My cannula bends at least once a week — what’s wrong
with these infusion sets?”
|
|
“My pump is broken because my blood sugars are high. It
must not be giving me the insulin.”
|
|
|
These sentiments can be common, especially for long-time
insulin pumpers. Even with diligent infusion site
rotation, scar tissue can build up over time, causing
problems with occlusions, unexplained hyperglycemia,
erratic blood glucose, and site discomfort.
Start by doing your own skin assessment. This can help
identify scar tissue, inflamed tissue, or
swelling/lumps. It can also help identify additional
areas for insertion.
Other options include different cannula lengths,
insertion angles, or material types (steel vs. soft
cannula).
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional Considerations to Improve Outcomes
|
|
|
|
Consider barrier wipes, “undertape,” or topical steroid
cream or spray to improve skin irritation (under the
direction of your HCP).
|
|
|
When irritation is isolated to cannula insertion spot
(e.g., red bumps), consider switching between a soft
cannula and steel needle.
|
|
|
|
If infusion set sites are falling off early, use
alcohol to clean the skin and remove oils. You can also
consider Skin-Tac or “overtape.”
|
|
|
Avoid insertion sites near creases and folds, or in
areas where tight clothes and waist bands may rub on the
infusion set.
|
|
|
|
If the infusion set is leaking insulin, ensure that it
is being changed at least every two to three days.
Consider switching to a longer cannula length.
|
|
|
For unexplained hyperglycemia that does not improve
with correction boluses, immediately change the infusion
set and check for ketones. “When in doubt, change it
out!”
|
|
|
|
|
Did you know that Tandem has a Clinical Support Services
team?
If you have clinical needs and concerns you can speak
with a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist
(CDCES) by calling
877-801-6901. Our team of experienced
CDCESs will troubleshoot
infusion set issues, provide guidance and suggestions to
overcome concerns, and also send samples of alternate
infusion sets when medically indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
Important Safety Information:
RX ONLY. The t:slim X2 insulin pump with interoperable
technology is an alternate controller enabled (ACE) pump
that is intended for the subcutaneous delivery of
insulin, at set and variable rates, for the management
of diabetes mellitus in people requiring insulin. The
pump is able to reliably and securely communicate with
compatible, digitally connected devices, including
automated insulin dosing software, to receive, execute,
and confirm commands from these devices. The pump is
indicated for use in individuals six years of age and
greater. The pump is intended for single patient, home
use and requires a prescription. The pump is indicated
for use with U-100 insulin only. Users of the pump must:
be willing and able to use the insulin pump and all
other system components in accordance with their
respective instructions for use; test blood glucose
levels as recommended by their healthcare provider;
demonstrate adequate carb-counting skills; maintain
sufficient diabetes self-care skills; see healthcare
provider(s) regularly; and have adequate vision and/or
hearing to recognize all functions of the pump,
including alerts. The t:slim X2 pump, and the CGM
transmitter and sensor must be removed before MRI, CT,
or diathermy treatment. Visit
tandemdiabetes.com/safetyinfo for additional important
safety information.
Infusion Sets:
RX ONLY. These infusion sets are indicated for the
subcutaneous infusion of insulin administered by the
t:slim X2 insulin pump for the treatment of diabetes.
These infusion sets are indicated for single use. For
contraindications, warnings, precautions, and other
important information, please refer to the instructions
for use accompanying the infusion sets.
©2025 Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. All rights
reserved. Tandem Diabetes Care, the Tandem logo,
AutoSoft, TruSteel, VariSoft, and t:slim X2 are either
registered trademarks or trademarks of Tandem Diabetes
Care, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.
All third-party marks are the property of their
respective owners. CM-002480_A
|
|
|
|
|
Tandem Diabetes Care respects your
privacy. This
email was sent to jamesjobseeker77@gmail.com. If you no
longer wish to receive these emails, you may
Unsubscribe at
any time.
12400 High Bluff Drive
❯❯❯ San Diego, CA
92130❯❯❯ USA
|
|
