In a head-to-head comparison of sensor-augmented insulin pumps, the touchscreen device from Tandem Diabetes Care outperformed that from Medtronic, according to new data presented at the Annual Advanced Technologies and Treatments for Diabetes conference in Paris.

The self-reported data from San Diego-based Tandem comes from a retrospective study analyzing de-identified data from 3,046 Tandem SAP users data, which was collected via the t:connect Diabetes Management App between October 2015 and August 2016. Comparing the Tandem data to Medtronic's CareLink Therapy Management data sets under the same set of criteria – people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes using a SAP for at least six months, and more than 15 days of CGM use during the first six months – the Tandem SAP system demonstrated clinical advantages over the Medtronic MiniMed SAP including reduced hypoglycemia, increased time in range and overall glycemic control.

Both companies’ continuous glucose monitors receive data from a wearable sensor, but the Tandem maintains that the t:slim Insulin Pump 2’s touchscreen makes for easier use.

“This study suggests that our simple-to-use touchscreen interface may translate to improved clinical outcomes for people with diabetes,” Tandem’s Director of Clinical Affairs Betsy Dokken said in a statement. “The data reinforces our assertion that not every insulin pump delivers the same benefits, and that choice in therapy options is important for the diabetes community.”

Tandem also presented data from a study showing Tandem pump use associated with a reduced risk of hypoglycemia compared to previous methods of diabetes therapy. A group of 1,370 Tandem users (90 percent were type 1 and 10 percent were type 2) who had been using the pump for at least a year filled out an online survey questionnaire on their range of hypoglycemic events. Questions covered the actions taken in the event of hypoglycemia, such as whether people could treat themselves or if it were severe enough to require medical assistance, and how it compared to their previous treatment methods.

Controlling for CGM usage, results showed those who used a Tandem pump saw a 52 percent reduction in severe hypoglycemia, a 31 percent reduction in a medium case, and a 15 percent in mild events. Additionally, there was also a 58 percent reduction in ambulance rides in the case of severe hypoglycemia, and days spent in the hospital were cut in half. 

MobiHealthNews has reached out to Tandem for more detailed information about the data and will update if we hear back.