Disclaimer: This blog is based on my personal experiences and is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute or replacement for advice from your healthcare provider. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized diabetes management recommendations.*
In 2016, I took a break from using an insulin pump, fully convinced my “pump-cation” would be permanent. For years, multiple daily injections (MDI) worked well for me– simple, straightforward and reliable. But over the past year, my diabetes management started shifting in an unexpected way and my blood sugars made it clear they weren’t happy about it.
As someone who prefers a hands-on approach to their diabetes management (control freak? Maybe.), I was hesitant to trust automated diabetes technology– especially since the last time I used an insulin pump was over a decade ago and a lot has changed since then. But after battling one too many stubborn highs and realizing my usual troubleshooting tricks weren’t cutting it, I knew something had to change. So, I took the leap and started the transition to the Tandem Mobi System.
Why I Switched from MDI to Tandem Mobi
When I was on MDI, I felt like it made my diabetes management simpler and more straightforward. I knew that every time I injected, I was getting my insulin and I didn’t have to worry about things like a kinked infusion site or logistics of carrying backup supplies. I could grab my insulin pen, toss it in my bag, and go about my day without having to deal with the extra steps and supplies that come with using a pump. For a long time, it felt easy and that was enough.
For years, it was second nature to take out my insulin pen, bolus for a meal, or give a correction dose. I’d just do it without a second thought about it- like brushing my teeth. But this year, it felt like my usual routine became harder to keep up with. I found myself using more energy just to remember whether I’d taken my long-acting insulin or not. I was faced with a sense of panic when I couldn’t remember and stuck between deciding if I should risk double dosing or just skipping it altogether. On top of that, there were times when I’d have my insulin pen in my hand, but still forget to dose for a meal. Or I’d delay giving myself a correction, even when I knew my blood sugar was out of range, because the thought of picking up my pen and finding a spot to inject felt like too much. It wasn’t that I didn’t care, I just generally felt overwhelmed by the constant attention my diabetes management required.
I knew something in my diabetes management needed to change, but as someone who has always been hands-on, I was hesitant to make the switch to an automated insulin pump. However, when I started researching pump options, the Tandem Mobi really caught my attention. It felt like the perfect balance: I could still fully customize my basal and bolus settings to keep the hands-on approach I liked, while also benefiting from Control-IQ technology working in the background to take some of the mental load off. It felt like exactly what I needed– something to help smooth out my blood sugars without constantly needing to micromanage.
My Experience Transitioning to the Tandem Mobi
Setting up Basal Rates
Making the switch from MDI to the Tandem Mobi was a big change, especially after managing my diabetes with injections for over a decade. I was definitely a bit nervous about setting up my basal rates, since I was so used to relying on daily long-acting insulin, which is a whole different ball game compared to the small, precise basal delivery of an insulin pump. I was concerned that there would be a steep learning curve and that it might take a few weeks to get everything dialed in. But once my doctor and I set up my initial basal settings, I was honestly amazed at how quickly Control-IQ technology took over with adjusting my basal delivery from the baseline with minimal input from me. It was a huge relief to see everything fall into place so smoothly.
Adjusting to Infusion Sets and Tubing
The most time-consuming part of transitioning to the Tandem Mobi has been changing the infusion sites. Unlike MDI, there are more steps involved and it’s taken some time to get used to all the different parts. But with each site change I do, the quicker I’ve gotten and I’m starting to form my rhythm with site changes. It’s one of those things that felt a bit overwhelming at first, but now it’s a lot more manageable.
The biggest surprise for me has been the tubing. I honestly thought it would be constantly getting in the way or caught on things (insert tubing getting stuck to a door handle here), but so far it hasn’t been an issue. In fact, I actually prefer the 23-inch tubing over the shorter 5-inch version. The longer tubing gives me more flexibility when it comes to where I can place my pump. Most of the time, I just tuck it into my pocket or waistband and it’s been comfortable and easy to carry around. It’s been a lot more manageable than I anticipated!
Learning to Trust Technology
I anticipated being more anxious about trusting automated technology, especially when it comes to something as personal and important as my diabetes management. But to my surprise, it’s been a much-welcomed change. At first, I was worried if I would miss the constant hands-on involvement, but watching Control-IQ technology adjust my basal rates without me needing to step in has been a huge relief. I’ve been able to relax and let the technology do its thing which has taken a huge mental load off my shoulders.
Final Thoughts on Tandem Mobi
The Tandem Mobi has taken a huge weight off my shoulders. Not only have my blood sugars improved, but the mental load of managing my diabetes has drastically reduced. I’m no longer stressing over whether I remembered to dose or worrying about making manual adjustments. It is exactly what I needed to feel more at ease with my diabetes management while still maintaining the hands-on approach I prefer. Right now, I couldn’t be happier with my decision to make the switch to Tandem Mobi. This transition has been a gentle reminder to remain open to change in my diabetes management, as what worked before might not work forever– and that’s perfectly okay!