Control-IQ: How It Works and What You Need to Know About Automated Insulin Delivery

When you're managing Control-IQ, an automated insulin delivery system designed for people with type 1 diabetes that uses real-time glucose data to adjust insulin doses. It's also known as a closed-loop system, it doesn't just remind you to check your blood sugar—it acts on it, day and night. Unlike older insulin pumps that need manual input for every meal or high reading, Control-IQ talks to your continuous glucose monitor (CGM), predicts where your sugar is headed, and quietly gives small amounts of insulin—or pauses it—to keep you in range. This isn’t science fiction. It’s FDA-approved, clinically tested, and used by tens of thousands of people who are tired of constant fingersticks and guesswork.

What makes Control-IQ different isn’t just the tech—it’s how it fits into real life. You still eat, exercise, and sleep like anyone else. But now, your body doesn’t have to fight alone. The system works with insulin pump, a wearable device that delivers insulin through a small tube under the skin technology you may already be using, and pairs with continuous glucose monitor, a sensor that tracks your blood sugar every few minutes without needing a needle data from brands like Dexcom or Freestyle Libre. It doesn’t replace your doctor, but it gives you more control, fewer lows, and more sleep. Studies show users spend up to 70% more time in target range compared to traditional pumps—meaning fewer hospital visits, less stress, and more stability over time.

Control-IQ isn’t for everyone. It’s built for people who want less mental load from diabetes management, not just another gadget. If you’re tired of calculating carbs, timing boluses, or waking up at 3 a.m. to fix a high, this system takes over the heavy lifting. But it does require a prescription, a compatible CGM, and some willingness to learn how it responds to your body. You’ll still need to enter meals and sometimes override it—but the system learns from you, and gets better over time.

Below, you’ll find real-world guides on how Control-IQ compares to other diabetes tech, what to do when it doesn’t behave as expected, how to troubleshoot common errors, and how it fits with other medications and lifestyle choices. Whether you’re just considering it or already using it, these posts give you the no-fluff, practical answers you need.