This page has been produced to help children and young people using Tandem pumps with Control IQTM technology get the best outcomes with the system.
Control IQTM technology is a hybrid closed loop algorithm.
- It adjusts insulin delivery every 5 minutes by increasing, decreasing or suspending the programmed basal rates, using the treatment target range of 6.25 to 8.9mmol/L.
- It uses the sensor glucose level predicted in 30 minutes time to calculate insulin delivery.
- Insulin delivery will be increased when the glucose level is predicted to rise above 8.9mmol/L, decreased when the glucose levels is predicted to fall below 6.25mmol/L and paused when the glucose level is predicted to fall below 3.9mmol/L.
- An automatic correction bolus will be delivered when the glucose level is predicted to rise above 10mmol/L. The target for the correction is 6.1mmol/L.
Control IQTM video
You can change your basal rates, insulin to carbohydrate ratios and correction factor. The most powerful tool to adjust your insulin delivery is the correction factor.
A stronger correction factor will help increase time in range. Control IQ uses the correction factor to calculate how much to increase or decrease the automated insulin delivery as well as calculating correction boluses.
‘Exercise activity’ raises the treatment target range (lifts it up to 7.8 -8.9mmol/L) this helps to reduce insulin on board and reduce hypo risk. Insulin delivery is paused when glucose levels are predicted to be 4.4mmol/L and below. When exercise activity is on an automatic correction will still be delivered if glucose levels are predicted to be above 10mmol/L
‘Sleep activity’ narrows the treatment target range (6.3 -6.7mmol/L) this will strengthen basal insulin adjustments. Insulin will be increased when glucose levels are predicted to be above 6.7mmol/L. Automatic corrections are turned off. Using a scheduled sleep activity improves time in range.
When the pump has not received any CGM data for 20 minutes it will revert to manual mode and deliver the programmed basal rate with no automatic adjustments. When CGM data resumes, Control IQ will restart automated insulin delivery.
Let Control IQTM work. Be prepared to let the pump and the system do the work to manage glucose levels.
Time in Range. You are aiming for a time in range (glucose levels between 3.9 and 10mmol/L) of 70% and above. Anything over 70% is excellent. If you are spending more than 25% above range, consider:
- have you grown out of your settings,
- are you giving insulin at the correct time?
- is your carbohydrate ratio correct?
- are you remembering to bolus for all your carbohydrates?
Bolus before eating. Give insulin 10–15minutes before eating for all food and drink. Missed or delayed boluses can lead to several hours of above target glucose levels and/or delayed hypoglycaemia
Extended bolus. You can use this to change insulin delivery with meals. Try an extended bolus with at least 50% of the insulin given at the start of the bolus (before eating) to help post meal glucose levels with more slowly absorbed meals like pizza, if needed.
Sleep schedule. Remember to set up the sleep activity schedule for the hours that you are usually asleep. Sleep schedule should start 2 hours after your last meal of the day. You can set different schedules for weekends and holidays.
Hypo treatment. Avoid big hypo treatments, the system will also be ‘treating’ the low glucose levels. Wait 15 minutes before repeating hypo treatments.
Persistent hypoglycaemia. If you have persistent hypos which do not respond to treatment, contact the team for help and advice by calling the emergency number
Give corrections for high glucose levels. Give the amount recommended by the bolus calculator, when glucose levels are above 9mmol/L. Remember the system may already have given an automatic correction. If no insulin is recommended follow this advice too.
High glucose levels with ketones. Follow the step-by-step guide to managing high glucose levels and ketones. Remember ketones mean act fast.
Cannula changes. Remember to change cannulas every 2–3 days. High glucose levels that do not respond to corrections are a sign of cannula failure.
Exercise activity setting. You can use this when you want to reduce the amount of insulin on board to avoid hypoglycaemia e.g., during physical activity or exercise, going shopping with friends or school trips. The ideal time to start this is 2 hours before the activity. See the guide to managing activity on hybrid closed loop systems.
Correction boluses during activity. The pump will only give an automated correction bolus once every hour. To stop the pump from giving an automated correction during sport/activity, deliver a tiny bolus of 0.05units before you start. The pump will not give an automated correction in the next hour.
Removing the pump. When you remove (disconnect) the pump for a shower or bath or for contact sports, remember to stop the insulin. This stops the pump delivering basal or correction insulin that you won’t get, which could prevent corrections later. You can stop the insulin for 15, 30, 45 or 60 minutes after which the pump will alarm to remind you to turn the insulin back on.
Managing illness. We recommend having an illness profile for use in case of high glucose levels with ketones when you are unwell. An illness profile with higher basal rates and stronger correction factor will help you manage high glucose levels when unwell.
Sensor connectivity. Wear your pump and sensor on the same side of the body (we call this in line of sight) with the screen facing out to maximise the connection between the sensor and the pump. If you are using a G6 sensor, make sure the transmitter is within its 6-month warranty period. Reach out to Dexcom for support with sensor issues patientcareuk
Minimise the sensor warm up time. If you are using G7 sensors, insert your new sensor before the end of your 12-hour grace period. Leave the new sensor to warm up for 30 minutes before ending your old sensor. Once you start your new sensor, you should then get glucose values immediately, rather than having go in manual mode for 30 minutes.
This helps us to help you. Share your data through Tandem Source or Glooko. Sharing your data means;
- you will always have a record of your latest system settings,
- if you need help or advice, the team can see your data to help you faster and more effectively,
- you can monitor your time in range which helps you to get the most from the technology.
Use the Tandem Mobile app for ease of sharing data and remote bolusing.
Emergency mobile: 07940 476811
Email: uclh.
Further information and fact sheets can be found on our Children and Young People’s Diabetes web page at www.
Page last updated: 29 January 2026
Review due: 30 January 2028