# Discussion of Tandem's recently released Basal-IQ function **URL:** \ **Category:** Type 1 & LADA\ **Created:** [August 8, 2018, 8:57pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/discussion-of-tandems-recently-released-basal-iq-function/4766 "2018-08-08T20:57:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Thomas](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/thomas/32/1719_2.png) [@Thomas](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Thomas)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2018, 4:18pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/discussion-of-tandems-recently-released-basal-iq-function/4766/21 "2018-08-17T16:18:47Z")
What is your timeframe for moving to G6? ---
**Author:** ![Chris](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/chris/32/382_2.png) [@Chris](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Chris)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2018, 4:21pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/discussion-of-tandems-recently-released-basal-iq-function/4766/22 "2018-08-17T16:21:27Z")
We have 4 boxes of G5 Sensors left. So probably 20-30 weeks. I may make my lab rat go through them a little faster than normal. ---
**Author:** ![Eric](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/eric/32/9209_2.png) [@Eric](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Eric)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2018, 4:25pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/discussion-of-tandems-recently-released-basal-iq-function/4766/23 "2018-08-17T16:25:54Z")
> [@Bloomberg article about DIY closed-loop systems](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/bloomberg-article-about-diy-closed-loop-systems/4683/31): > > We have 4 boxes of G5 Sensors left. So probably 20-30 weeks. I may make my lab rat go through them a little faster than normal. I imagine there is a problem switching back and forth between G5 and G6 on the Tandem, right? No turning back? That’s too bad, because it would be cool to keep your stash of G5’s and try it. And then use the G5’s on occasion. You could always sell them off and take the dive if you don’t want to wait. ---
**Author:** ![Thomas](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/thomas/32/1719_2.png) [@Thomas](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Thomas)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2018, 4:28pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/discussion-of-tandems-recently-released-basal-iq-function/4766/24 "2018-08-17T16:28:13Z")
> [@Bloomberg article about DIY closed-loop systems](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/bloomberg-article-about-diy-closed-loop-systems/4683/32): > > I imagine there is a problem switching back and forth between G5 and G6 on the Tandem, right? No turning back? According to Tandem Customer Support, the application of the update will disable the ability of the G5 to connect. Also, the end user does not have the ability to roll back the update. So, yes - exactly as you stated. Not that I have any reason to distrust customer support but… lol I am going to apply the update anyway and verify that the G5 no longer will connect. ---
**Author:** ![Eric](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/eric/32/9209_2.png) [@Eric](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Eric)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2018, 4:41pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/discussion-of-tandems-recently-released-basal-iq-function/4766/25 "2018-08-17T16:41:04Z")
G5 and G6 **transmitters** are also different, right? ---
**Author:** ![Thomas](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/thomas/32/1719_2.png) [@Thomas](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Thomas)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2018, 4:42pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/discussion-of-tandems-recently-released-basal-iq-function/4766/26 "2018-08-17T16:42:49Z")
> [@Bloomberg article about DIY closed-loop systems](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/bloomberg-article-about-diy-closed-loop-systems/4683/34): > > G5 and G6 **transmitters** are also different, right? The entire G6 system is revised. There is zero compatibility with any of the various components between the G5 and the G6. [So - yes. lol] ---
**Author:** ![Chris](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/chris/32/382_2.png) [@Chris](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Chris)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2018, 4:54pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/discussion-of-tandems-recently-released-basal-iq-function/4766/27 "2018-08-17T16:54:38Z")
Couple of questions for you. 1. It appears that you can shut off the alarm for Basal IQ. That would be awesome, i.e. don’t need another alarm system other than the CGM. I am hoping that my son responds quickly to the shutting off of his basal and that we can set the CGM to need enough time for his bg to recover. i.e. reduce the number of night alarms even though we will get more aggressive with his therapy. 2. This whole system is dependent on the pump receiving his CGM signal. Have you used the pump for G5 receiving? If so, how was the drop out? We did the upgrade, but never used it since the phone feeds his Iwatch, and we still use the receiver because the drop out is not a problem most of the time. ---
**Author:** ![Eric](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/eric/32/9209_2.png) [@Eric](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Eric)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2018, 5:00pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/discussion-of-tandems-recently-released-basal-iq-function/4766/28 "2018-08-17T17:00:18Z")
> [@Bloomberg article about DIY closed-loop systems](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/bloomberg-article-about-diy-closed-loop-systems/4683/36): > > It appears that you can shut off the alarm for Basal IQ. That would be awesome, i.e. don’t need another alarm system other than the CGM. I don’t know a whole lot about this system, so this is just an outsider’s opinion. But my understanding is that the shutoff occurs at 70. So if you set the CGM alarm as lower than 70, you would only hear 1 alarm - the Basal IQ alarm. And as an outside viewer on this whole thing, it seems that being notified of basal being turned off would be extremely important. If your basal is turned off and then it’s meal time an hour or two later, that can spell trouble. That previous period of zero basal will impact a meal without a doubt. I would definitely want to know about it. I guess another way of saying it - isn’t basal shutoff **more** important alarm than the CGM low alarm? ---
**Author:** ![Chris](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/chris/32/382_2.png) [@Chris](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Chris)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2018, 5:03pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/discussion-of-tandems-recently-released-basal-iq-function/4766/29 "2018-08-17T17:03:06Z")
I hear you, but I am not really excited about Basal IQ during the day, what I really want is to get super aggressive at night. The reason for this is his hormones that hit 3/5 nights, I want to dial his night basal up so it can deal with his hormones and then not worry about the nights when the hormones don’t hit. Because the night thing is most important for us, I want to be able to control the alarms. ---
**Author:** ![Eric](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/eric/32/9209_2.png) [@Eric](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Eric)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2018, 5:06pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/discussion-of-tandems-recently-released-basal-iq-function/4766/30 "2018-08-17T17:06:45Z")
> [@Bloomberg article about DIY closed-loop systems](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/bloomberg-article-about-diy-closed-loop-systems/4683/38): > > I hear you, but I am not really excited about Basal IQ during the day That’s how I would be on it. I would never use it during the day, only at night. So is that your plan, to only use it at night? If that is the case, then your idea of only having the CGM alarm makes perfect sense to me. I think we are on the same page with it. I think that’s exactly how I would implement it. ---
**Author:** ![Chris](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/chris/32/382_2.png) [@Chris](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Chris)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2018, 5:10pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/discussion-of-tandems-recently-released-basal-iq-function/4766/31 "2018-08-17T17:10:07Z")
That is exactly our plan. Just use it at night. If we can cover his night time highs, we should be able to lower his A1c by a full point (my estimation) without much risk. This is assuming the pump doesn’t have a lot of sensor drop out at night. (fingers crossed) My son surfs during the day, interacting with his blood sugar 10-12 times a day (via his iwatch) and does a great job of setting himself up for whatever activity is planned that day. So not really looking to take away his ability to micromanage during the day. ---
**Author:** ![Thomas](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/thomas/32/1719_2.png) [@Thomas](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Thomas)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2018, 5:16pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/discussion-of-tandems-recently-released-basal-iq-function/4766/32 "2018-08-17T17:16:33Z")
> [@Bloomberg article about DIY closed-loop systems](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/bloomberg-article-about-diy-closed-loop-systems/4683/36): > > This whole system is dependent on the pump receiving his CGM signal. Have you used the pump for G5 receiving? If so, how was the drop out? Yeah. Not so happy with that. Obvious weak link in the system. Rumor is that Tandem and/or Dexcom recognized this as a problem and slightly increased the BLE power for one or the other of the systems (X2 or G6). Time will tell. The Tandem does have this contingency planned for. I can’t find it in the manual now. I wanted to quote it so I don’t get it wrong. But from memory, if the X2 looses connection with the G6 after the Basal-IQ has suspended insulin delivery then after 15 or 20 minutes of being disconnected, the Basal-IQ will resume insulin delivery. I think. Aggravated that I couldn’t find the exact quote in the manual. > [@Bloomberg article about DIY closed-loop systems](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/bloomberg-article-about-diy-closed-loop-systems/4683/36): > > We did the upgrade, but never used it since the phone feeds his Iwatch, and we still use the receiver because the drop out is not a problem most of the time. Same. > [@Bloomberg article about DIY closed-loop systems](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/bloomberg-article-about-diy-closed-loop-systems/4683/37): > > But my understanding is that the shutoff occurs at 70. So if you set the CGM alarm as lower than 70, you would only hear 1 alarm - the Basal IQ alarm. The shutoff can be much higher. Two conditions. One condition is 70 (or lower) “now”. The other condition more likely to occur is predicted below 80 within 30 minutes. So you could be at 140 but prediction has below 80 in 30 minutes so basal shuts off. > [@Bloomberg article about DIY closed-loop systems](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/bloomberg-article-about-diy-closed-loop-systems/4683/37): > > And as an outside viewer on this whole thing, it seems that being notified of basal being turned off would be extremely important. During day - yes. During night - I think that is a common complaint of the Medtronic folk being woken up with alerts for something they have no need to do anything about. It would be nice to have a schedule timer with the alerts to have the alerts audible during daytime hours and silent for sleeping hours. However (I am sure) based on the Medtronic customer response and how (apparently) difficult it is to use and understand, Tandem went to great lengths to make this as absolutely simple as possible. This will make it work for the vast majority of the Tandem population. But for somebody like Eric, there just will not be enough controls and options to be able to fine tune it. This would drive you crazy. > [@Bloomberg article about DIY closed-loop systems](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/bloomberg-article-about-diy-closed-loop-systems/4683/39): > > That’s how I would be on it. I would never use it during the day, only at night. With the Tandem is just a couple taps to turn the Basal-IQ on or off. Trivial. Within 15 minutes, the Basal-IQ has the data it needs to potentially be suspending insulin. ---
**Author:** ![Thomas](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/thomas/32/1719_2.png) [@Thomas](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Thomas)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2018, 11:54pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/discussion-of-tandems-recently-released-basal-iq-function/4766/33 "2018-08-17T23:54:48Z")
Tandem is currently recruiting for the Control-IQ trial. If anybody who uses the X2 is interested. Being run out of the University of Virginia Trial runs for six months Estimated completion is April 2019 Upon the completion of the trial, it is expected that Tandem will use these results for their FDA submission for the Control-IQ update. > **[The International Diabetes Closed Loop (iDCL) Trial: Clinical Acceptance of the...](https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT03563313)** > > The International Diabetes Closed Loop (iDCL) Trial: Clinical Acceptance of the Artificial Pancreas - Tabular View. ---
**Author:** ![Chris](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/chris/32/382_2.png) [@Chris](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Chris)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2018, 12:44am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/discussion-of-tandems-recently-released-basal-iq-function/4766/34 "2018-08-18T00:44:22Z")
Apparently there is an education component of getting the Basal-IQ working on your pump. Has anyone gone through this training? How extensive was it, who was required to deliver it? ---
**Author:** ![Thomas](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/thomas/32/1719_2.png) [@Thomas](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Thomas)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2018, 1:46am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/discussion-of-tandems-recently-released-basal-iq-function/4766/35 "2018-08-18T01:46:13Z")
@Chris - yes. this is actually an FDA requirement. This is an online learning module. I think it is expected to take about 45 minutes to complete. At the end, my understanding is one must take (and pass) a quiz. To start the process, go to: [https://portal.tandemdiabetes.com/](https://portal.tandemdiabetes.com/) Which then gives this nice disclaimer: > Basal-IQ™ Pump Software Update > To access this pump software update, a prescription for the Basal-IQ feature (from your healthcare provider) and completion of online Basal-IQ training modules (by the end user or caregiver) are required. These steps can be completed using this t:connect Portal. If you encounter any problems throughout the process, please give us a call at (877) 801-6901. > Dexcom G6 Required to use Basal-IQ Technology > In order to use the Basal-IQ feature on your pump, you will need to have a Dexcom G6 continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system. If you are still using a Dexcom G5 Mobile CGM, you may update your pump software, but you will not be able to use the Basal-IQ feature until you upgrade to Dexcom G6. **Additionally, if you update your pump software, you will no longer have the ability to see Dexcom G5 Mobile CGM values on your pump screen.** If viewing CGM on your pump screen is important to you, we recommend waiting to update your pump software until you have the Dexcom G6 CGM. EDIT: After submitting into, the portal responds with: > We’ll take it from here! > We are requesting a new prescription from your healthcare provider for this pump software update. This process may take several days depending on your healthcare provider’s availablity. > **We will notify you by email when we have received the updated prescription and provide you with instructions for your online training on the new features.** ---
**Author:** ![sahmcolorado](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/sahmcolorado/32/4282_2.png) [@sahmcolorado](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/sahmcolorado)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2018, 4:26am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/discussion-of-tandems-recently-released-basal-iq-function/4766/36 "2018-08-18T04:26:40Z")
> [@Thomas](#): > > If the Basal-IQ Technology is turned on and has suspended insulin delivery **during a normal bolus** , all bolus deliveries will continue until completed. A new bolus cannot be started until insulin is resumed. This doesn’t seem to be what folks would want in this situation: > [@Thomas](#): > > Assume same situation with Basal-IQ in operation. This clearly would have triggered the suspension of insulin delivery. So what would happen when my T1 went to bolus the 0.75 units? It it has already suspended insulin delivery, you will not be able to start a new bolus until after it has resumed. So in the above example, Thomas’ son would not be able to bolus 0.75 units until after his BG is back up. We typically do this anyway, but it sounded like some of you would like to be able to do that bolus while delivery is suspended? ---
**Author:** ![sahmcolorado](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/sahmcolorado/32/4282_2.png) [@sahmcolorado](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/sahmcolorado)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2018, 4:36am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/discussion-of-tandems-recently-released-basal-iq-function/4766/37 "2018-08-18T04:36:10Z")
> [@Chris](#): > > We did the upgrade, but never used it since the phone feeds his Iwatch, and we still use the receiver because the drop out is not a problem most of the time. I hadn’t thought about this at all. If my daughter is using her phone/watch with the Dexcom, can she still have the Dex data go to the Tandem pump and Basal IQ, or does it have to be one or the other? ---
**Author:** ![Chris](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/chris/32/382_2.png) [@Chris](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Chris)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2018, 4:36am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/discussion-of-tandems-recently-released-basal-iq-function/4766/38 "2018-08-18T04:36:38Z")
In the first example, you definitely want to be able to bolus, like for instance if you are planning on eating or just ate something you want to be able to bolus for it, otherwise you would just rebound high without any insulin. In the second example, when my son treats a low, he needs to be able to deliver a bolus pretty quickly after, because he is so carb sensitive. For example, my son can go from 50-200 on 15 carbs. So when he treats a low, he watches his CGM, and if it double arrows up, he hits it with insulin. ---
**Author:** ![sahmcolorado](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/sahmcolorado/32/4282_2.png) [@sahmcolorado](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/sahmcolorado)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2018, 4:37am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/discussion-of-tandems-recently-released-basal-iq-function/4766/39 "2018-08-18T04:37:39Z")
Right, and so it seems like you would be unhappy with how this will be set up but you said “great news” so I was confused! ---
**Author:** ![Chris](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/chris/32/382_2.png) [@Chris](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Chris)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2018, 4:38am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/discussion-of-tandems-recently-released-basal-iq-function/4766/40 "2018-08-18T04:38:49Z")
We will just turn it off during the day, I am really excited to use it at night, so we can get super aggressive and on those rare nights when he doesn’t have the hormones hit, the system will just shut off his insulin. We will likely shut this off in the morning, and turn it on before bed. [Previous page](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/discussion-of-tandems-recently-released-basal-iq-function/4766.md?page=1) [Next page](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/discussion-of-tandems-recently-released-basal-iq-function/4766.md?page=3)