What the Heck is a Tandem Mobi Pump Anyway?

Why Tandem Mobi Pumps Are Changing Diabetes Management

Tandem Mobi Pumps are the world's smallest automated insulin delivery systems that you can control entirely from your smartphone. If you're looking for a discreet, high-tech way to manage diabetes, this tiny pump might be exactly what you need.

Quick Facts About Tandem Mobi Pumps:- Size: Just 2.02" x 1.47" x 0.56" and weighs only 1.06 ounces- Control: Fully controllable via iPhone app (no pump screen needed)- Water resistance: IP28 rating - tested at 8 feet for 2 hours- Battery: 3-5 days on wireless charging- Age range: FDA approved for ages 6+, with off-label use down to age 2- Coverage: Covered by Medicare and most insurance plans- Technology: Uses Control-IQ algorithm for automatic insulin adjustments

The Mobi represents a major shift in insulin pump design. Unlike traditional pumps with screens and buttons, this device puts everything on your phone. You can clip it to your clothes, slip it in your coin pocket, or wear it with an adhesive sleeve.

Real users report 74% average time in range after 12 months - that's significantly better glucose control than most people achieve with traditional methods.

For many folks dealing with diabetes, especially those who want the benefits of an insulin pump without the bulk, the Mobi offers a compelling middle ground between convenience and advanced diabetes technology.

Tandem Mobi Pumps 101: How the System Works

Imagine having a diabetes care team member who never takes a break, never gets distracted, and makes tiny adjustments to your insulin every five minutes. That's essentially what Tandem Mobi Pumps do for you through their hybrid closed-loop system.

This isn't just a regular insulin pump - it's a smart system that actually thinks ahead. The pump continuously talks to your continuous glucose monitor and predicts where your blood sugar is heading 30 minutes into the future. When it sees trouble coming, it automatically adjusts your insulin before you even feel the effects.

The beauty of this system lies in how three simple components work together seamlessly. You've got the tiny Mobi pump itself, which holds up to 200 units of insulin and weighs less than a AA battery. Then there's your Dexcom G6 or G7 continuous glucose monitor, which takes readings every minute. Finally, your iPhone runs the Mobi app and serves as your control center.

These three pieces stay connected through Bluetooth, creating what doctors call an "artificial pancreas." And here's the part that makes life easier - you charge the whole thing wirelessly on a small dock, just like your phone. No more fumbling with tiny batteries or charging cables.

Scientific research on automated insulin delivery shows that these automated systems can dramatically improve glucose control while giving you more freedom in your daily life. Instead of constantly calculating and second-guessing insulin doses, you can trust the system to handle the background work.

Core Components of Tandem Mobi Pumps

Let's walk through what actually comes in your Tandem Mobi Pump system, because understanding each piece helps you see why this setup works so well.

The pump body is genuinely impressive when you first hold it. At just over an ounce, it's lighter than most key chains and smaller than a credit card. This little device contains a rechargeable battery, Bluetooth radio, and precise insulin delivery mechanism - but no screen. That's intentional, since your iPhone handles all the visual stuff.

You'll notice LED indicators on the pump that give you quick status updates without needing to pull out your phone. These lights tell you when it's time to charge, if there's a problem with insulin delivery, or if the system needs your attention.

Your infusion set is what connects the pump to your body. It includes a small, flexible tube that goes under your skin and stays comfortable for 48-72 hours before you change it. The Mobi works with all existing Tandem infusion sets, plus they've introduced a new 5-inch micro-tubing option that's perfect when you want to keep the pump completely hidden.

The CGM component - either a Dexcom G6 or G7 sensor - is what makes the automation possible. This sensor takes glucose readings every single minute and sends that data to your pump. Without these constant updates, the system couldn't make those helpful automatic adjustments.

Finally, the Mobi app on your iPhone becomes your diabetes dashboard. This is where you'll bolus for meals, check your glucose trends, and adjust any settings. The app needs iOS 15 or newer and works best when your phone stays within about 5 feet of the pump.

Control-IQ Algorithm Inside Tandem Mobi Pumps

The Control-IQ algorithm is where the real intelligence lives in your Tandem Mobi Pump. Think of it as having a diabetes specialist who's incredibly good at math and never gets tired of doing calculations.

Here's what happens behind the scenes: every five minutes, Control-IQ looks at your current glucose reading and the direction it's trending. Then it does something pretty amazing - it predicts where your glucose will be in 30 minutes and decides whether to take action now.

If the system sees you're heading too high, it can automatically deliver correction boluses - small doses of extra insulin to bring you back down. If you're trending low, it reduces or completely stops your background insulin delivery. All of this happens without you lifting a finger.

The system has smart safety features built in. It won't bombard you with correction boluses - there's at least an hour between automatic corrections. It also caps the total amount of insulin it can give automatically, so you're never at risk of the system being too aggressive.

What makes this even smarter are the activity modes. When you enable Sleep Activity, the system targets a slightly higher glucose level (112.5 mg/dL instead of 110) to reduce the chance of overnight lows. Exercise Activity raises the target to 140 mg/dL and dials back the automatic corrections, since exercise naturally lowers blood sugar.

The newest software version 7.9 introduced Control-IQ+, which gives you even more flexibility. You can now use extended boluses for up to 8 hours - perfect for pizza nights or long meals. You can also set temporary basal rates even when Control-IQ is running, which is great for those unpredictable days.

Standout Features & Benefits

When you pick up a Tandem Mobi Pump the first thing you notice is its size—just 1.06 ounces and smaller than most key fobs—yet it still holds 200 units of insulin and runs the proven Control-IQ algorithm.

• Ultra-compact 2.02" × 1.47" × 0.56" housing slips into a coin pocket, bra clip or adhesive sleeve.
• IP28 water resistance (8 ft / 2 hrs) lets you shower or swim without disconnecting.
• Wireless dock delivers 3–5 days of battery life; set it down with your phone at night and wake up fully charged.
• Users average 74 % time-in-range after 12 months—steadier energy and fewer complications.
• Multiple basal profiles and activity targets let the system match your schedule instead of the other way around.

Everyday Lifestyle Advantages

The discreet pocket fit means fitted clothes, formal wear or gym shorts look normal—most people never notice the pump. A quick-disconnect infusion set lets you unclip for contact sports or intimacy and reconnect in seconds. Remote software updates push new features without hardware swaps, so your device keeps improving long after you buy it.

Safety & Data Sharing

The Tandem Source cloud uploads pump and CGM data automatically, giving providers or caregivers clear reports between visits. Parents appreciate remote monitoring and customizable caregiver alerts, while encrypted Bluetooth keeps your health data private.

Compatibility & Eligibility

Understanding who can use Tandem Mobi Pumps and what devices they work with helps you determine if this system is right for your diabetes management needs.

Latest research on Control-IQ outcomes shows that automated insulin delivery systems can dramatically improve glucose control while providing more flexibility in daily life.

Who Can Use Tandem Mobi?

The Tandem Mobi Pump is FDA-approved for people aged 6 and older with type 1 diabetes or insulin-requiring type 2 diabetes. However, many healthcare providers are writing off-label prescriptions for children as young as 2 years old, especially since the Control-IQ algorithm itself has been cleared for this younger age group.

Basic Eligibility Requirements:- Age 6+ (or 2+ with off-label prescription)- Type 1 diabetes or insulin-requiring type 2 diabetes- Daily insulin requirement of at least 5 units- Minimum weight of 20 pounds (9 kg)- Ability to use an iPhone or have a caregiver who can manage the app

Ideal Candidates Include:- People who want automated insulin delivery but prefer a smaller, more discreet pump- Active individuals who need flexible wearing options- Those who are comfortable with smartphone technology- Families looking for remote monitoring capabilities- Anyone upgrading from multiple daily injections or an older pump system

The system works particularly well for people with unpredictable schedules, as the automated adjustments help maintain good glucose control even when meal timing or activity levels vary from day to day.

Device & App Compatibility

Currently, Tandem Mobi Pumps work exclusively with iPhones running iOS 15 or newer. Android support is not available yet, though Tandem has indicated they're working on it.

CGM Compatibility:- Dexcom G6: Fully supported since launch- Dexcom G7: Added in May 2024 through a phased rollout- FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus: Coming later in 2024

The pump works with all existing Tandem infusion sets, giving you options for different cannula materials (steel or plastic), insertion angles (90° or angled), and tubing lengths. The new 5-inch micro-tubing option is specifically designed for the Mobi's discreet wearing style.

Bluetooth Range: The pump needs to stay within about 5 feet of your iPhone for full functionality. If you go out of range, the pump continues delivering your programmed basal insulin, but you won't be able to bolus or see real-time data until you're back in range.

Living with Your Tandem Mobi: Setup, Maintenance & Costs

Getting started is straightforward. Insurance approval usually takes 2–4 weeks, and Tandem’s benefits team handles the paperwork with Medicare or commercial plans. Before shipment you complete brief online modules and a live training session.

Daily upkeep is minimal: drop the pump on its wireless dock to keep it charged, change the infusion set every 48–72 hrs, swap the insulin cartridge every 3 days and replace your CGM sensor every 10 days. Software updates install through the Tandem Device Updater in minutes.

Cost varies by plan. The pump lists at about $9,915, but most users pay far less; start-up costs range from $5–$1,260 and ongoing supplies typically run $0–$200 per month after insurance. CGM supplies are billed separately.

Supplies & Accessories

All Tandem infusion sets work with the Mobi, but the new 5-inch micro-tubing keeps the pump almost invisible. Choose XC (plastic, 90°), Mio (angled) or TruSteel (steel) sets to suit your body. Adhesive sleeves, clips and armbands offer additional wearing options. A 30-day supply of sets averages $110, and ten cartridges about $50 before insurance.

Budget & Coverage Insights

Medicare Part B covers 80 % after the deductible, and many commercial plans cover even more. Current t:slim X2 users can upgrade through the Tandem Choice Program for as little as $199. Tandem also offers income-based assistance, copay help and no-interest payment plans. More info about pump benefit programs explains the options.

Staying Safe & Supported

Keep an emergency kit (extra sets, cartridges, meter, back-up insulin and glucose) wherever you spend time. For questions at any hour, call 24/7 support (877) 801-6901. Your healthcare provider will outline a back-up injection plan, and Tandem’s warranty includes expedited replacement if hardware fails.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tandem Mobi Pumps

Let's tackle the most common questions people have about Tandem Mobi Pumps. These are the real concerns we hear from folks considering this technology - and honestly, they're all pretty reasonable things to wonder about.

How is Tandem Mobi different from other pumps?

The biggest difference is that Tandem Mobi Pumps put your entire control system on your iPhone instead of having buttons and screens on the pump itself. This might sound scary at first, but it's actually what makes the pump so incredibly small - there's no room wasted on displays or keypads.

Think of it this way: your phone is already more powerful than the computers that sent people to the moon. Why not use that power for your diabetes management? The result is a pump that's smaller than a deck of cards but smarter than devices three times its size.

The Control-IQ algorithm inside is exactly the same proven technology that's helped thousands of people achieve better glucose control. You're not sacrificing performance for size - you're getting the best of both worlds.

Unlike pumps that need hardware upgrades for new features, the Mobi gets smarter over time through software updates. It's like having a pump that evolves with the latest diabetes research without you having to buy new equipment.

Is the pump waterproof or just water-resistant?

Here's the technical answer: the Tandem Mobi Pump has an IP28 water resistance rating, which means it's tested to work at depths up to 8 feet for 2 hours. But let's talk about what that actually means for your life.

You can absolutely shower with it, swim laps at the pool, soak in a hot tub, or play beach volleyball without worry. The protection level is more than enough for any normal water activities most people do.

The "water-resistant" label just means Tandem is being honest about the limits. This isn't a diving watch designed for deep-sea exploration. But unless you're planning to spend hours underwater (which wouldn't be great for your CGM sensor anyway), the water protection is excellent.

Many users report wearing their Mobi through everything from daily showers to week-long beach vacations without any issues. The peace of mind of not having to constantly remove your pump for water activities is genuinely life-changing.

What happens if my phone dies?

This is the question that keeps people up at night when they're considering smartphone-controlled pumps. The good news? You're not suddenly left without insulin delivery if your phone battery dies.

Your Tandem Mobi Pump stores all your basal rate programs internally, so it keeps delivering your background insulin exactly as programmed. The pump doesn't forget how to do its job just because your phone is dead.

For bolus doses, there's a physical button right on the pump that delivers your preset quick-bolus amount. You can customize this amount in the app when your phone is working, so you have emergency bolus capability even without your phone.

What you'll miss is the detailed glucose information from your CGM and the ability to make precise bolus calculations. But you can still manage your diabetes safely until you get your phone charged again.

Most people find that carrying a small portable charger or keeping charging cables handy becomes second nature - just like making sure you have backup diabetes supplies. It's really no different from the backup planning you already do for diabetes management.

Conclusion

The Tandem Mobi Pumps really do represent something special in diabetes care - they've managed to pack all the power of advanced automated insulin delivery into something you can literally forget you're wearing.

Think about it: a device smaller than your car key fob that can predict your blood sugar trends 30 minutes into the future and automatically adjust your insulin every five minutes. That's pretty remarkable when you step back and look at how far diabetes technology has come.

What makes the Mobi particularly exciting is how it removes so many of the traditional barriers to pump therapy. Worried about bulk? At just over an ounce, it disappears into your daily routine. Concerned about complexity? Your iPhone handles all the heavy lifting. Nervous about water damage? The IP28 rating means you can live your life without constantly worrying about your medical device.

The 74% time in range results speak for themselves - that's the kind of glucose control that translates into better energy levels today and fewer complications down the road. And with Medicare coverage plus most insurance plans on board, the financial barriers that once kept people from accessing this technology are largely gone.

Whether you're tired of multiple daily injections, frustrated with an older pump that feels like carrying a pager, or just want to manage your diabetes more discreetly, the Tandem Mobi Pumps offer a genuinely different approach. The combination of smartphone control, wireless charging, and automatic insulin adjustments creates a system that works with your lifestyle instead of against it.

Ready to take the next step? We at ProMed DME understand that choosing diabetes technology can feel overwhelming. Our dedicated nursing staff has helped hundreds of people steer the transition to pump therapy, and we're here to answer your questions about whether the Mobi might be right for you.

We work with most insurance plans to keep your costs as low as possible, and our commitment goes beyond just getting you the device - we're here for ongoing support as you learn to live with your new diabetes management system.

More info about diabetes supplies - because managing diabetes well shouldn't mean compromising on the life you want to live.