The Tandem Diabetes Care t:slim X2 Insulin Pump, which is compatible with glucose monitoring specialist Dexcom's G7 and G6 continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, has been cleared for sale by Health Canada, the department within the government of Canada responsible for national health policy.

t:slim, which holds up to 300 units of insulin, boasts a color touchscreen, a rechargeable battery powered through a micro-USB port, the ability to create six customized profile settings and the ability to integrate with multiple CGM sensors.

The pump's Control-IQ technology helps with diabetes management by using sensor values to predict glucose levels 30 minutes ahead and automatically adjusting insulin as needed.

When the insulin pumps become generally available to customers in the fall, Tandem will email them instructions to help them decide between the G7 or G6 platforms. The company will then ship the device preloaded with the selected software.

The G7's all-in-one sensor and transmitter are 60% smaller than the Dexcom G6, and the system is also waterproof.

Users also benefit from a 30-minute sensor warm-up time and a 12-hour grace period for replacing sensors, and the G7 offers improved connectivity with multiple digital health apps.

Both systems allow users to take readings every five minutes throughout the day and night, and receive predictive "Urgent Low Soon alerts."

These will activate up to 20 minutes before a serious low under 3.1 mmol/L, and Urgent Low alarms activate for immediate notifications when glucose drops below 3.1 mmol/L.

THE LARGER TREND

In June, Dexcom announced the expansion of its diabetes-management capabilities by offering direct Bluetooth connectivity between its G7 continuous glucose monitoring system and the Apple Watch.

The feature allows real-time glucose readings without an iPhone, and is available in the U.S., U.K. and Ireland, with more markets expected to follow.

Earlier this year, the company's over-the-counter Stelo Glucose Biosensor, a wearable biosensor with battery life of up to two weeks, received FDA clearance. The device provides insights into the user's glucose health.

Another player in the space is biosensor-technology startup Allez Health, founded by former employees of Dexcom. Allez developed a CGM platform and secured $60 million in Series A+ financing in May.