Review the Tandem Mobi insulin pump and all you need to know about it. Learn about the latest pump released from Tandem from diabetes educator, dietitian and insulin pump user Ariela Nielson.
Have you ever wished that your insulin pump was smaller and lighter? Maybe even small enough that it could fit into the smallest pocket of a pair of jeans? If so, Tandem's latest pump, Mobi, could be right for you!
What you need to know about Mobi:
The Mobi pump is the latest Tandem insulin pump to be approved by the FDA. About half the size of the t:slim X2 and slightly smaller than the Omnipod pods, Mobi is considered the smallest pump on the market. Designed with flexibility in mind, Mobi can be worn with any existing X2 products and continues to have belt clips available or with new 5-inch tubing and adhesive sleeves to allow the pump to rest on the body itself. So, while you still might use your exercise belts, garter belts or bra to keep the pump close to your body, the Mobi promises to be more discreet.
The Mobi pump has a few differences to the Tandem t:slim X2.
Differences:
1. It holds up to 200 units of insulin versus 300 in the X2.
2. There is no touch screen to control the device. Use of the pump requires an app with a compatible smartphone. There is a “Quick Bolus” button on the pump for set dosing without using the app. (This is a bit worrying to me as there was a recent issue with a version of the Tandem app on iOS that caused significant issues for at least 220 people. Read more about that issue below**). Not compatible with Android devices until 2025.
3. Uses inductive battery charging – no need to plug in your pump but still rechargeable.
Similarities:
1. Uses the same algorithm as the X2 termed Control IQ (Average Time-In-Range for CIQ users is 74%).
2. Compatible with the Dexcom G6 and G7.
3. Bolus from your phone (currently only compatible with Apple iOS versions 16 and 17 (see differences #5).
4. Uses the same infusion sets at the X2 (with t:lock connection), and there is a new option with tubing length of only 5 inches to allow you to adhere the pump to the body.
5. Approved for people requiring insulin ages 6 years of age or older using Humalog or Novolog insulin.
6. Considered water resistant for up to 8 feet for up to 2 hours. Tandem recommends disconnecting for showers, bathing and swimming like the X2.
What to expect if you are considering the Tandem Mobi insulin pump:
Over the last decade we have seen many changes in pump software but the Mobi is a switch in the pump hardware. Tandem has created more options for their clients by having smaller pumps, shorter tubes and working towards a tubeless pump to compete with the Omnipod market.
After using a tubeless pump, I have a hard time considering wearing a tube pump again. When I tried out the Medtronic 780G insulin pump, it felt like I needed to be aware of where the tube pump was at all times. Was it still in my pocket or still clipped to my bra? It took extra brain power to ensure that my pump was going to stay put. So, when considering everyday use of a tube pump, I would definitely purchase the adhesive sleeves and 5-inch tubing just to keep my brain from having to work harder.
This reminds me of when I duct-taped my Animas pump to my chest every night when I performed in the musical Chicago! Disconnecting just wasn't an option then since I was constantly on and off stage, so I made do with what I could think of. An adhesive sleeve would have hurt less to pull off each night and caused less sticky residue on the pump itself without having to adjust my infusion set placement! With these new wear options, the Mobi would easily be worn under that wedding dress or separate from a clip on the bathing suit during a day at the lake.
To be clear, the Tandem Mobi pump is not a tubeless pump but promises to be easier to wear due to its decreased size and new options for wearing it created by Tandem. It does not have a touchscreen and requires you to use a smartphone app to control the device, and, Android users will have to wait for 2025 to use the Mobi.
To be clear, the Tandem Mobi pump is not a tubeless pump but promises to be easier to wear.
I am disappointed that the Mobi does not seem to be any more durable than the X2. Since they got rid of the touchscreen and have inductive battery charging, I thought this might create more durability in the pump but this does not appear to be the case. As many of you might know, the touchscreen of the X2 can crack and become unusable. Small cracks in the pump also make it more susceptible to water damage. I know many people with diabetes who play contact sports and want to be able to keep their pump on in Exercise Activity while playing but the Mobi does not appear to be the solution for this issue. Tandem continues to recommend disconnecting from your pump during impact sports and water activities. Best to be safe and not have to call customer service for a replacement pump if it gets smashed during an ultimate frisbee game.
Let me know what you think about the Mobi pump. Have you talked with your doctor about getting it? Or perhaps like me you are excited for the forward movement of diabetes tech including both the software and hardware but you’re holding out for a bigger, better change.
**What about the recent issues with the Tandem iOS system app? A CNN report published on May 8th states that there were 224 reports of hyperglycemia or DKA from a malfunction in the Tandem iOS app version 2.7 that caused the app to crash. Tandem recommends updating the app to version 2.7.1 or above to avoid issues.