Juicebox Podcast: Type 1 Diabetes

Episode #1771: Defining Diabetes – Temp Basal
Host: Scott Benner
Guest: Jenny
Date: February 14, 2026

Overview

This episode continues the "Defining Diabetes" series, focusing on demystifying key diabetes management terminology. Scott and recurring guest Jenny dive into the concept of the "Temp Basal" function in insulin pump therapy—what it is, how it works, its variations across pump models, as well as practical tips and common use cases for people living with Type 1 Diabetes.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why Define Diabetes Terminology?

• Scott highlights the importance of understanding diabetes terms:

  “Managing diabetes is difficult, but trying to do it when you don't understand the lingo, that's almost impossible.” (00:11)

• The show's ongoing mission: eliminate fear and empower listeners to take bold steps in managing insulin.

2. Defining "Temp Basal"

• Jenny explains the fundamentals:

  “Temporary basal means that you utilize a temporary adjustment to the basal rate that's running... either an increase by a certain percent or a decrease by a certain percentage and over a certain designated time frame as well.” (02:17)

• Key Points:
  • Exclusive to insulin pump users (“can’t do a temp basil with MDI [Multiple Daily Injections]”)
  • Lets users raise or lower background insulin for a set period
  • Useful for adapting to activities or events that temporarily change insulin needs

3. Temp Basal Across Different Pump Brands

• Tandem/Control IQ:
  • Now allows temp basal adjustments while in automated mode

  “With Control IQ now, you can use a temporary basal while automation is still helping you in the background, which is... phenomenal.” (03:22–03:32)

• Omnipod 5:
  • As of late 2025, cannot run temp basal in automation—only in manual mode
• Twist Pump (DIY Loop):
  • No traditional temp basal; instead, uses a temporary target (called ‘override’)

  “It only allows you to adjust a temporary target. It doesn't allow you to adjust the basal up or down by a percent.” (03:38–04:05)

• Medtronic 670G:
  • Manual mode supports temp basal; automation does not
• Beta Bionics (iLet pump):
  • No user adjustments possible

4. Practical Advice for Setting Temp Basal

• Scott:
  • Cautions about forgetting to end a temp basal, especially when turning off insulin

  “If you set a temp basal, it should have an end time…you don't want it to be off for too long.” (04:43)

• Jenny:
  • Suggests keeping temp basal periods short, reassessing periodically, and never assuming you’ll remember to reset
  • Highlights possible dangers (e.g., accidentally running with insulin off for eight hours)

5. When to Use Temp Basal?

• Illness:
  • Automation may be insufficient during sick days; consider manual temp basal increase (10–30%)

  “You may actually do better by stepping out of automation and using a temporary adjustment up by a 10%, 20%, 30% for, as you said very clearly, a time period to analyze.” (05:17)

• Hormonal Changes or Extended Needs:
  • Tandem is unique in allowing up to 72 hours for a temp basal—useful for long events like illness or hormonal shifts

  “Tandem is the only pump… that allows you a temporary basal as long as 72 hours.” (06:05)

• Steroid Medication:
  • Can require significant, temporary increase in insulin

6. Recap Definition

• Scott:

  "So temp basal is just you temporarily changing your basal either up or down by a certain amount or percentage. And that's how we would define that." (06:22)

• Resources for deeper dives: “Pro Tip Series” and “Bold Beginning Series” on the Juicebox Podcast

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Scott, on understanding diabetes terms:

  “Managing diabetes is difficult, but trying to do it when you don't understand the lingo, that's almost impossible.” (00:11)

• Jenny, defining temp basal:

  “It speaks to definitely those using insulin pumps… You utilize a temporary adjustment to the basal rate that's running, either an increase by a certain percent or a decrease by a certain percentage and over a certain designated time frame as well.” (02:17)

• Jenny, cautioning about end times:

  “You don't want it to be off for too long… even if you think it's a certain amount of time, maybe make it a little shorter, check in again… you don’t want to forget.” (04:43)

• Scott, summarizing:

  “Temp basal is just you temporarily changing your basal either up or down by a certain amount or percentage. And that's how we would define that.” (06:22)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:11–01:00 — The importance of diabetes definitions and available resources
• 02:01–02:46 — Functional definition of Temp Basal
• 03:06–04:16 — Temp basal capability across common insulin pumps
• 04:43–05:16 — Practical advice: setting timers, avoiding accidental insulin gaps
• 05:17–06:13 — When and why to use temp basal (illness, hormones, steroids)
• 06:22 — Succinct definition recap

Summary Table: Temp Basal Support by Pump (as of late 2025)

| Pump Model | Temp Basal in Manual | Temp Basal in Automation | |--------------|---------------------|--------------------------| | Omnipod 5 | Yes | No | | Tandem/Control IQ | Yes | Yes | | Twist Pump (Loop) | Override (target only) | N/A | | Medtronic 670G | Yes | No | | Beta Bionics/iLet | No | No |

Further Learning

Listeners are encouraged to check out earlier episodes in the "Pro Tip Series" and the “Bold Beginning Series” for expanded conversations and real-world examples about using temp basal, managing insulin, and living “Bold with Insulin.”