How it all began: Melon Merl’s diabetes journey with Dexcom and Tandem t:slim X2
Updated: May 2026 · Guest post by Melon Merl, editorially supervised by the Zuckerschmuck team
Foreword from the Zuckerschmuck team
We would like to sincerely thank Melon Merl, who thanks us both directly and indirectly on her blog. We’re glad we were able to give her an impulse that sustainably changed her life. Congratulations on your beautiful writing, and thank you very much for the inspiration.
The diagnosis and the first pump
Melon Merl tells her story:
“After I was diagnosed in the hospital, my mother read seven books over the next three days and argued with the doctors until we had their agreement that I would receive a pump in the next few days.
That way, I never had to learn how to become a pen user. For all non-diabetics reading this: penner in reference to people with diabetes means PEN INJECTORS, not the kind of “bums” you know. Just so there’s no misunderstanding.
Back to the pump. Since my hospital worked with Medtronic, I received the MiniMed Veo a few days later. As you can probably tell, I chose the purple pump, a decision I still don’t regret.
I loved the pump, and if it were still being produced, I would still recommend it. We also got along really well with Medtronic’s service during the first years.”
Diabetes diaries and the first sensor
“The thing I probably hated most (and I don’t think I’m alone in this) was keeping diabetes diaries. During my first year with diabetes, I didn’t have a sensor yet, so I checked my blood sugar via finger pricks between 12 and 14 times a day. You can probably imagine what my fingers looked like. But that wasn’t even the worst part.
The worst part was constantly writing everything down. The readings here, the food there. When did I make a correction? When did I exercise? And, as befits a well-organized teenager growing up, I naturally started forgetting all of that constantly after a few months. Things became a little easier when I got my first sensor, but not really much. Fortunately, there are now many apps that can replace pen and paper when used with sensors. It is still a little annoying, though.”
My salvation: switching to Dexcom
“After a year (2015), I also got a Medtronic sensor. Unfortunately, I did not get along with it at all. I spoke with other people with diabetes who loved the sensor. Unfortunately, I could not share their experience. If we were ‘lucky,’ the sensor worked properly for two to three days, but that is not particularly good for a sensor that is supposed to last seven days. Of course, a lot of time has passed since then, and I cannot say how well the Medtronic sensor works today. I can only say from my experience that it worked poorly back then, and I have not regretted my decision to switch to Dexcom for a single day.
After meeting someone at a diabetes weekend who raved incredibly about the Dexcom G4, I decided to switch. I did not have much to lose. The only thing that was a bit annoying was that the Dexcom obviously did not send data to my Medtronic pump. Back then, there was also a separate receiver. But considering how incredibly well the Dexcom sensor worked, that was not a problem at all.
After the G4, I wore the G4 Slim for a while, and shortly afterward the G5 came out. I ordered the sensor stickers from Zuckerschmuck. I can highly recommend them. There is a huge selection, including options for other sensors, and beautiful designs. They also hold up really well. Not a single sticker has ever come off for me. I am definitely super happy that I was able to decorate my transmitters with watermelons.”
Switching to the Dexcom G6
“In 2020, I switched to the Dexcom G6. Although the G6 had already been available for a while by then, I waited quite a long time because I had read about people developing allergic skin problems. I generally have major problems with adhesive patches and was afraid that I would not be able to wear the G6 at all. But I am very glad that I eventually dared to try the G6. In the end, I have hardly any problems with the new adhesive patch (no more than I have with all the others), and the sensor is truly amazing.
I especially recommend the G6 in combination with the t:slim pump. But even on its own, the sensor has become a whole lot better, and my favorite feature is that you no longer have to calibrate it. After a two-hour warm-up period, the readings appear on the phone by themselves. That has made my life much easier. I prefer to apply the sensors in the evening. Before, though, that was always annoying because I was usually just falling asleep when the sensor wanted to be calibrated. And anyone who knows Dexcom knows that the “calibrate me” sound is not one you want to be woken up by.
With the G6 now, I can simply go to sleep with a clear conscience, knowing that I'll have readings soon and therefore, of course, alarms too, which are quite nice after a pizza.”
t:slim X2: the first German user
“In spring 2020, I had to face the difficult task of choosing a new insulin pump. My old Medtronic pump had cracks in the insulin compartment, and every day I was afraid it would fall down and break apart. In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic and the first lockdown, it was of course not easy to get in touch with pump representatives and look at new pumps. I didn't want the new Medtronic pump. It was too large for me, and I simply didn't like it.
I think it's very important that, as someone with diabetes, you like your pump. At least as much as possible. In any case, it has to feel right - after all, you spend every minute of the next four years with it. After a lot of research, the first pump I tried on was the mylife YpsoPump. Unfortunately, nothing about it worked for me at all.
After this trial run had gone so badly, I was very frustrated for a while, until we came across the t:slim X2 online. Unfortunately, it was not yet available in Germany at that time. The more videos I watched by a Canadian blogger, the better the pump seemed to me. When the release date for Germany finally drew closer, we contacted VitalAir (Tandem's German distributor). After an appointment with a really lovely representative, I finally decided on this pump. The representative was even kind enough to arrange for me to receive the pump extra quickly so that I could take it on vacation with me. So I can proudly say that I was the first German t:slim X2 pump user.
What changed when switching
“What I also find very pleasant is that the type of catheter has not changed much. Apart from the end of the tube, pretty much everything has stayed the same. The reservoir is a little different. Filling it involves a few more steps than with Medtronic and is also a little more complicated at first. But there’s no need to be afraid of that. After filling it carefully a few times, you quickly get the hang of it. And I think it’s somehow more fun. I often read that this was one of the few negative aspects of the t:slim, which initially put me off a little. Today, though, I can say that it really isn’t worth mentioning.
One major difference that I first had to get used to was the battery. Unlike my old pump, the t:slim is not battery-powered but has a rechargeable battery that needs to be charged every few days. During the first few weeks, I often forgot and then walked around for half an hour with a power bank in my pocket, which I think is a pretty cool solution. By now, though, I have a small charging station in the bathroom and have gotten used to plugging it in while showering. At first, I wasn’t really convinced by the whole “charging with a cable” thing, but by now I’m pretty enthusiastic about it. The fact that it charges with a micro-USB cable is also quite well thought out.
I hardly know anyone who doesn’t own a cable like that. So if the pump is running low while you’re at a friend’s place, it’s no trouble to quickly charge the pump. In case of emergency, you can also put a short cable in your diabetes emergency kit. Then you could even charge the pump using the cigarette lighter in the car.”
Basal-IQ and automatic insulin suspension
“For everyone wearing a Dexcom G6: this is by far my favorite of the new features: Basal-IQ.
I already mentioned above that the G6 has received some great upgrades. Another one is the automatic suspension of insulin delivery. Medtronic has had this for a little longer, but unlike Medtronic, the t:slim is smart enough not to turn itself back on after 30 minutes, but at the moment when the first blood glucose reading is higher than the previous one (meaning you are no longer dropping). Whenever Basal-IQ was activated, you can recognize it on the screen as an area highlighted in red. This great new feature has already given me a lot of sleep. Sometimes, for example when I have over-bolused or exercised, this alone is of course not enough, but it gives you time. In everyday life, it definitely makes things easier.
I can wholeheartedly recommend this pump.
Another small thing that I find makes life much easier is the insulin display in the top-right corner. It is a feature I never missed until the moment I had it for the first time. Since then, I would not want to give it up again. When you insert a fresh reservoir, the pump first needs a few units to be delivered, but after that it displays the insulin amount down to the exact unit. This has already helped me save a lot of insulin. No one likes going to sleep without knowing for sure that the reservoir will not run empty. But if I can see that 17 units are still available and I only need around 12 U for the night, I can go to bed with a clear conscience and not waste 17 perfectly good units. A nice feature for peace of mind.”
Note from the Zuckerschmuck team: Tandem now includes the enhanced Control-IQ feature as standard (predictive in both directions), which includes Basal-IQ and can also automatically deliver small correction boluses.
The clip on the t:slim
“Of course, you can also buy a clip for the pump. Unlike what I knew from Medtronic, the clip is integrated into a case. At first, I briefly thought that was annoying, but that changed very quickly. You hardly notice that the pump has a case, as it is generally very small. It is also nice that this gives it a little more protection if it falls.
Personally, I attach the pump to the outside of the front pocket of my trousers. So I would rather wear it vertically. It was only after I saw an Instagram post a few days later from someone wearing the same pump that I realized this woman was wearing her pump vertically. So I started fiddling with the clip. I noticed that you can easily slide the metal part out and insert it into the other designated vertical or horizontal opening."
Tip from the Zuckerschmuck team: If you find the original clip too sporty, take a look at our brown genuine leather version with clip for the Tandem t:slim X2 or the universal clip case in black genuine leather.
Cavilon: Skin protection before applying the patch
“As mentioned above, I have problems with allergic reactions to all kinds of patches. I've often read that unfortunately this is not uncommon among people with diabetes [1]. That's why I always use ‘Cavilon’ before inserting a new catheter or sensor. It takes a little getting used to, as it sprays everywhere except where you want it to go. But with a little practice, it's a really good skin protectant. An additional nice side effect is that the patches last a very long time because Cavilon has strong adhesive properties.”
Niltac: Remove patches without pain
“On the other hand, with well-adhering patches, there's of course the issue of removing them. Personally, I really don't like the feeling when a catheter or sensor is slowly removed. When you think about the fact that a Teflon tube or a thread is being pulled out of your body, it's pretty unpleasant. That's why I use ‘Niltac’ for removal. Niltac can simply be sprayed onto the patch. After allowing it to work for a few seconds, the patch should come off the skin very easily."
My favorite dextrose
“As everyone knows, people with diabetes aren't made up of 80 percent water like everyone else, but of dextrose. The same of course applies to the contents of their pockets.
I was lucky enough to discover this dextrose while I was still in the hospital. The best-known brand is of course Dextro Energy. But personally, I'm not a fan at all. Especially not after seven years. So my advice to everyone with diabetes: Mivolis raspberry dextrose fizzy lollipops. I proudly ignore the cheeky "for kids" label. Thanks to the additional fizzy ingredient, the lollipops don't taste like dextrose at all. At least I haven't got tired of them yet.
The best thing for me is that I can tell from the taste whether I'm experiencing low blood sugar or not. When I am, they taste incredibly sour to me. But when my level is good, they taste sweet. If any of you have eaten them, let me know - I'm really curious whether it's just me.
Another pleasant fact is that you can get them at any dm store. At least at every one I've been to so far. So even when you're out and about and have forgotten the dextrose."
We are a FAMILY
“I hope I was able to help, inspire you, or give you something to think about. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to write to me. Instagram is also fine."
❓ Frequently asked questions about Dexcom and Tandem
Is switching from Dexcom G6 to G7 worthwhile?
The Dexcom G7 sensor is significantly smaller than the G6, has a shorter warm-up period (30 minutes instead of 2 hours) [2], and integrates the sensor and transmitter into a single component. In the German Dexcom online shop, the G7 sensor, like the G6, has a wear time of 10 days [4]. Whether switching is worthwhile for you depends on your comfort preferences, coverage by your health insurance provider, and compatibility with your pump. You can find Stickers and tapes for the G7 in our G7-Sticker collection [2].
How long will the Dexcom G6 be available?
In Germany, Dexcom says the Dexcom G6 is expected to be discontinued at the end of 2026; after that, availability and stock can no longer be guaranteed [5].
What is the difference between Basal-IQ and Control-IQ on Tandem?
Basal-IQ is the hypo-protection feature: The pump stops the basal rate when the sensor predicts a drop in glucose, and resumes it as soon as the level starts rising again. Control-IQ extends this in both directions: The pump also adjusts the basal rate upward and automatically delivers small correction boluses when a rise in glucose is predicted. Control-IQ is now a standard feature on the t:slim X2 [3].
What accessories are available for the Tandem t:slim X2?
At Zuckerschmuck, we offer protective and carrying solutions for the Tandem t:slim X2: a brown leather case with clip and the universal black clip case. We also offer Stickers for the pump housing and screen-protection films.
What can you do if you are allergic to the adhesive under the sensor?
Adhesive reactions to CGM sensors are documented in the medical literature [1]. Initial options include an underpatch (thin tape between the skin and sensor), skin-protection films such as Cavilon, and gentle adhesive removers such as Niltac. If reactions recur, please talk to your diabetes team about alternatives.
Where can adults get the Tandem t:slim X2 in Germany?
Via VitalAir (the German distribution partner of Tandem Diabetes Care) and through a specialist diabetology practice. The usual indication criteria for insulin pump therapy and coverage by the health insurance provider are required.
Related to this topic
- Sensor holder for Libre and Dexcom G6: Holder options for both sensor families.
- Sticker collection for Libre and G6: Designs that personalize the sensor and reader.
- Diabetes in summer and while traveling: Heat, insulin, and sensors: what matters when you're on the go.
📚 Sources and notes
- Heinemann L, Kamann S. Adhesives Used for Diabetes Medical Devices: A Neglected Risk With Serious Consequences? J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2016;10(6):1211–1215. Available at: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27566734 [Accessed: 14.09.2026].
- Schlüter S, Deiss D, Gehr B et al. Glucose measurement and control in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. DDG practice recommendation. Diabetologie und Stoffwechsel 2025; 20: S144–S160. doi: 10.1055/a-2592-7783. Available at: DDG Practice Recommendations 2025 (PDF) [Accessed: 14.09.2026].
- Tandem Diabetes Care. Support Center: Differences Between Basal-IQ and Control-IQ Technology. Available at: tandemdiabetes.com [Zugriff: 14.09.2026].
- Dexcom. Online shop Germany, Dexcom G7. Available at: dexcom.com/de-de/dexcom-shop/g7 [Accessed: 13.09.2026].
- Dexcom Germany. Frequently asked questions: When will Dexcom G6 be discontinued in Germany? [Accessed: 14.09.2026].
Note: This article is a personal account by guest author Melon Merl and is not a substitute for medical or diabetes care advice. Discuss your choice of insulin pump or CGM system with your diabetes team, as well as reactions to adhesives, sensor detachment, or other unusual occurrences.
Are you interested in the world of Dexcom?
We're pleased that Melon Merl has written such a personal account. You can find current stickers and accessories for Dexcom here:
- Stickers for Dexcom G6 transmitter
- Stickers for Dexcom G7
- Cases for Dexcom G6 reader
- Cases for Dexcom G7 receiver
We look forward to you browsing.
