Tandem Diabetes Releases Software Update for Insulin Pump

Lisa Foster-McNulty, MSN, RN, CDE

No longer will Tandem users have to wait four years for their pump to go out of warranty to get a new innovation.  The software update will be available via personal computer using the Tandem Device Updater, which is compatible with Mac and PC.  It allows for the remote deployment of Tandem insulin pump software, and it’s the first time an insulin pump manufacturer has given a software update to customers using their personal computer.  The company is working on new software updates that can be offered to customers as they are approved by the FDA.  Innovations like integration with Dexcom’s G5 Mobile CGM system and automated insulin delivery algorithms could be quickly put in the hands of consumers in this manner. 

The March 2 software update provides the latest t:slim Insulin Pump software to users of in-warranty pumps purchased prior to April 2015.  This software release includes features that began shipping on new t:slim pumps in April of 2015.  There are a variety of product enhancements for convenience and flexibility. 

If you are the proud owner of an in-warranty t:slim pump that was purchased before April of 2015, you should receive an email in March with your unique Update ID Number and instructions on how to update your pump.

The Tandem Device Updater’s design was heavily influenced by direct input from pump users.  After the FDA cleared the product, Tandem conducted additional customer testing in order to refine the user experience.  About 200 of the 300 customers who participated in the beta release completed a survey after their download.  The results indicated that the product was easy to use, and over 90% of respondants indicated that they would be likely to download future software updates.

Visit www.tandemdiabetes.com/updater if you would like more information about the Tandem Device Updater.