Visual Abstract
Hybrid closed-loop automated insulin delivery systems have been shown to aid glycemic control during exercise in type 1 diabetes, but their performance in the water has not been investigated. Anecdotal patient reports suggest continued function of the Omnipod 5 Automated Insulin Delivery System while swimming, despite reliance on Bluetooth, a radiofrequency with typically limited underwater transmission capability. Three frequent swimmers participating in the Omnipod 5 trial were identified. Omnipod 5 System and glycemic data from their combined 38 separate swimming sessions ranging 30-120 min (mean 48±16 min, total 31 hours) were retrospectively reviewed. Continuous glucose monitor (CGM)-to-Pod wireless communication during swims had a success rate of 58.4%. When sensor communication was lost, mean time without sensor data was 13±10 min (range 5-45 min). Automated mode was used in 74% of swims, of which insulin was automatically suspended in 86%. HypoProtect was activated for 42% of swims. See Table for CGM data. Overall, system communication was reasonable during swims and allowed for frequent insulin suspension. Glycemic control was unchanged across the three time points. These promising initial findings suggest that the Omnipod 5 System may have unique potential for use in water-based activities; further studies to investigate this potential and factors affecting performance are warranted.
M. S. Hughes: None. R. S. Kingman: Research Support; Self; Insulet Corporation. R. Lal: Consultant; Self; Abbott Diabetes, Biolinq, Capillary Biomedical, Inc., Morgan Stanley, Tidepool. B. A. Buckingham: Advisory Panel; Self; Medtronic, Tolerion, Inc., Research Support; Self; Beta Bionics, Inc., Insulet Corporation, Medtronic, Tandem Diabetes Care. D. P. Zaharieva: None.