Back in 2007, Amy Tenderich, an advocate for diabetes patients, wrote an open letter to Steve Jobs, asking him to have his company create a better insulin pump. Apple didn't bite, but today a pump that meets Tenderich's criteria (smaller, sexier) received FDA clearance.

Tandem Diabetes Care says its t:slim Insulin Delivery System is the smallest insulin pump currently on the market and the first to feature a color touch screen. The device features a rechargeable battery and micro-USB connectivity. Its 300-unit insulin cartridge uses Tandem's proprietary Micro-Delivery Technology.

The company sought input for the design from 4,000 healthcare professionals and diabetes patients.

"...[T]he clear message we heard was, 'make it cool and make it uncomplicated to use,'" Kim Blickenstaff, president and CEO of Tandem Diabetes Care, said in a press release. "'Give us access to the most advanced features without extra effort.'"

—Jamie Hartford

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