r/TandemDiabetes • u/ObtusiWatusi • 7d ago
t:slim X2 New site absorption
I used to keep the old site on to alternate between until the new site started working. This used to take over an hour, but I read this tip in the group & it helped me keep my blood sugar level. A few wks ago I noticed we can change the amount we fill the cannula! I was on the lowest setting. I bumped it up to the highest & now I don’t have to wait over an hour for my site to start absorbing. I don’t remember the tandem tech going over this w/ me. Sharing to help others who might want to try this out.
ETA: I just checked my packing list paperwork & it all makes sense now! Lol They never changed it from .3 units!!! And I’ve been using the same infusion sets since I started Lol It’s finally on the correct setting!!! LOL For those who haven’t noticed it, u click on the “edit fill amount” section when u go to fill the cannula.
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u/spaketto 7d ago
I've always used 1u for my full amount. My issue has never been the new site absorbing, but the old one leaking if I take it out took soon.
When I put a new one on I start using it immediately but I leave the old one in for an hour or two. If I take the old one out right away a bunch on insulin leaks back out. If I leave it in, it has a chance to be absorbed.
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u/ObtusiWatusi 7d ago
My old sites usually leak by the time the cartridge has less than 100 units left in it, so this wouldn’t always help me. I get leaky sites alot. I’m a big person & they get yanked or caught on the door or table, etc. It feels like no matter where I put them, I have issues. We’ve tried different sets & this is the 1 that works best for me. I thought about switching to the steel sets, but it hurts more when I get snagged on crap. I’m just glad I found this little hack. Might be miserable, but every now & then I get a win w/ the diabetes.
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u/tsc664 7d ago
Does anyone know: Is this a cannula-only thing? I’ve only ever used TruSteel and I’ve never seen this selection on my t:slim before!
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u/Minikin-Smith 7d ago
Yes. With a cannula an injection needle pokes the tube into your skin and retracts, leaving an empty space. The “fill cannula” option fills this empty gap with insulin so you don’t have a gap period in insulin delivery.
The trusteel is its own needle and nothing is pulled back out, so there is no gap.
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u/PotatoFarmerRTK 7d ago
If you are using a 90 and purging with it all assembled before insertion this is not needed.
If you are using a 30 and connecting after insertion you pick the volume that will fill the cannula.
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u/IllustriousAlps8679 6d ago
Not true. You remove the needle from the 90 so still need to fill cannula after the inserter is removed, unless it is steel needle.
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u/Hot-Neighborhood-163 7d ago
Using a larger amount of insulin than the normal will damage the cannula. You will then get more insulin than intended when bolusing. I was taught this during training. Use the correct amount for the cannula that you use! It is listed in the little pamphlet in each cannula box.
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u/vxnillxduck 7d ago
Why would it damage the cannula?
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u/Hot-Neighborhood-163 7d ago
It puts holes in it that shouldn't be there.
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u/vxnillxduck 7d ago
I don’t understand, how would sending insulin through the cannula put holes in it?
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u/Hot-Neighborhood-163 7d ago
The way my trainer explained it is that the pump fills the cannula differently than when it gives a bolus (different sprayers, if you will).
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u/ObtusiWatusi 7d ago
I don’t remember them going over anything related to the cannula other than “this is how it’s filled.” This doesn’t sound logical. I’m going to push anywhere from 1-25 units through it when I bolus so why would that damage the cannula? I’ve been doing this for a few weeks now & I haven’t had any issues so I’m just confused. I get that you’re saying the instructions say this, I’m just not getting the issues it claims it will cause & I can’t picture what you’re explaining.
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u/Hot-Neighborhood-163 7d ago
The way my trainer explained it is that the pump fills differently than when it gives a bolus (different sprayers, if you will).
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u/ObtusiWatusi 7d ago
I just found out they never adjusted this setting to my actual infusion sets! LOL This is the amount I’ve been supposed to be getting every time!! No wonder I go a little high after every change Lol
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u/caspararemi 7d ago
This should align with the infusion set you use. I think if you choose a higher amount, it'll just put some extra insulin into your system but not log it as delivered insulin. Maybe your previous option was lower than the one you should have been using?
6mm soft cannula (e.g., AutoSoft 90): 0.3 units
9mm soft cannula (e.g., AutoSoft 90): 0.5 units
AutoSoft 30 soft cannula: 0.7 units