[Diabetes-talk] Any Suggestions... and Insulin Pens...
The Jacobs' Family
bandbjacobs at verizon.net
Sat Jan 24 03:07:21 UTC 2009
Yah Guys!!! I'm doubling up on this one. First of all, I'd like to discuss
the "Voice" cases. I know it's a little bulkier. But when I'm traveling,
I've simply invested in another small travel bag... Ya know, like the small
bags one can buy for cosmetics/shaving materials, and such? I just toss the
thing right into my briefcase. If I'm doing short distances, where I might
be out for just a few hours, I simply throw the meter in the cheap case with
the strips and supplies I need for just a few hours in my purse. If I'm
flying somewhere, I simply have a larger insulated bag in which I can stick
my meter and all of my supplies, along with my meds for the week or so, like
going to Convention. I never allow my meds and those things under the belly
in luggage in case the luggage gets lost. I have even gotten a signed note
from my doctor, on their letterhead that states that I'm a diabetic and that
I "NEED" a separate carry-on for my meds and supplies. We were okay, even
when Bill and I traveled abroad to get both children in China and Thailand.
I simply showed the doctor's note and no questions were asked after that,
(Thankfully!!!) My bag was large enough, of course, because Bill also has
injected meds...Not for diabetes, of course. Besides, having one of those
travel bags just helps me keep all that stuff more organized. Can't stand
it when it's not organized!!! Gotta have everything together!!!
Now folks, onto the Insulin Pens... Let me forewarn you folks about
something I learned the hard way. For example: I happen to use Novo Log
70/30. When I was using the pens, sure, I found the pens to be extremely
accurate. One thing about the pens, however, is that each pen contains 300
units of insulin. So, if you add that up, in a box of five pens, one has
1500 units. So, in mathematical terms, you have 1500 units there.
Now, if one simply purchases the good "old fashioned" vials of insulin, one
will find that each vial contains an even 1000 units of insulin. If one
uses two vials of insulin--2000 units monthly, the bill runs about 400
bucks. For a box of five pens, the price is nearly 1200 bucks. That's 2/3
higher than using the vials. If anyone canwatch what one spends for
insurance purposes, especially when one has to live by the limitations
placed upon one by the insurance companies, if one uses the pens, one
reaches the coverage limitations real, real fast! Unfortunately folks, one
gets more for the money using the old vials and syringes. I guess it
depends on what one is willing to sacrifice...Convenience, or stretching the
meds for the amount of money one can spend. Nobody tells ya that though.
So, I just figure it's my duty. I'm trying to prevent as many of you from
hitting that hard school of knocks the way I did!!!
Bern
----- Original Message -----
From: <diabetes-talk-request at nfbnet.org>
To: <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2009 1:00 PM
Subject: Diabetes-talk Digest, Vol 18, Issue 15
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> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. Re: Any suggestions appreciated (dmgina)
> 2. Re: Pharmacology of Glargine (dmgina)
> 3. Re: Insulin pens (Mike Freeman)
> 4. Re: Insulin pens (Mike Freeman)
> 5. Re: Insulin pens (dmgina)
> 6. Re: Any suggestions appreciated (Mike Freeman)
> 7. Re: Pharmacology of Glargine (Mike Freeman)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:42:59 -0700
> From: "dmgina" <dmgina at qwest.net>
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] Any suggestions appreciated
> To: "Diabetes Talk for the Blind" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Message-ID: <587C3B34FE0E4C9A871FF477917987A0 at DG28KX51>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
> reply-type=original
>
> I put my machine in a different case for the same reasons.
> I also turn off the speech.
> that helps some but it will beep.
> I would love to see a case where I could put my pin in the same case, and
> not have to carry around two cases.
> that just drives me nuts.
>
> --Dar
> www.mypowermall.com/biz/home/5779
> Every saint has a past
> every sinner has a future
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "David Anspach" <danspach at tampabay.rr.com>
> To: "'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2009 7:31 PM
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] Any suggestions appreciated
>
>
>> Hello everyone,
>> I can attest to the same results with the Prodigy Voice as Mike does
>> below.
>> I have had my meter since late last summer and have had very consistent
>> readings throughout. I have taken this meter on a few trips and it works
>> great. The only thing I can say that I don't like about the meter is it's
>> relatively flimsy case. The case is not sturdy enough to prevent the
>> meter
>> from being turned on accidentally while being stored in a carry on bag,
>> back
>> pack etc. Outside of that, I highly recommend this meter. I know that
>> Executive Products makes a great line of leather cases for cell phones,
>> mp3
>> players and more, but I'm wondering if anyone has thought to contact them
>> about making a sturdier case for the Voice?
>>
>> Dave
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org
>> [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Mike Freeman
>> Sent: Tuesday, January 20, 2009 10:52 PM
>> To: Diabetes Talk for the Blind
>> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] Any suggestions appreciated
>>
>> Hi.
>>
>> At first, Prodigy had some quality control problems with meter
>> manufacture.
>> However, my experience is that these were solved relatively quickly
>> except
>> for a calendar software glitch that no longer matters as we're past
>> February
>> 29, 2008. I have had consistent results with the Voice, the only
>> inconsistencies being an occasional reading that is too low, not to high,
>> because of insufficient blood.
>>
>> I believe I know what your problem is re strip insertion. I suspect
>> you're
>> just aiming generally at the slot and inserting the strip. This can give
>> inconsistent results as you discovered. The *right* way to do this is to
>> make sure as you insert the strip that it is *all* the way to the bottom
>> of
>> the squarish slot side of the clamshell so that it rests on the plastic
>> at
>> the bottom of the square as it goes in. I had problems initially until I
>> discovered this. I haven't had a misfire in hundreds of tests since. The
>> system isn't quite as foolproof as the slot in the Autocode but the added
>> accessibility is worth it and, as I say, if you make sure the strip
>> slides
>> in resting on the plastic, i.e., held in the squared groove, I'm certain
>> you'll get consistent results every time.
>>
>> Mike Freeman
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Nefertiti Matos Olivares" <nmatos at panix.com>
>> To: <blind-diabetics at yahoogroups.com>
>> Sent: Tuesday, January 20, 2009 11:26 AM
>> Subject: [Diabetes-talk] Any suggestions appreciated
>>
>>
>> List:
>>
>> My experience with the Prodigy Voice meter has been questionable at
>> best.
>> I write this E-mail to whoever may have a suggestion(s) for my problem.
>> As
>> a preface, my apologies for the longish explanation.
>>
>> My mother purchased the Prodigy Voice for me close to a year ago. At
>> first, it seemed like a good way to give my vision-impaired eyes a rest
>> from the hard-to-see meter I had at the time. Other than being a bit
>> difficult to get it to respond once a strip was inserted, (usually took
>> 2-4 removals and reinsertions to get the Prodigy functioning) I was
>> pretty
>> satisfied. That quickly changed when, due to over-dosing Insulin, I
>> experienced several frightening lows.
>>
>> Thinking that I had perhaps altered something in myself to cause the
>> lows,
>> I decided to double-check with my previous meter. The Contour gave
>> consistent results which were on average 50-60 points lower than the
>> Prodigy. The contour numbers were what both my Diabetes team and I had
>> come to expect of my diet and Insulin therapy.
>>
>> Because I wanted to continue using the Prodigy, my doctor suggested that
>> I
>> call the supplier and explain the situation. My explanation was received
>> with a "Hmm.That's odd. Well how's about we send you a new meter while
>> we
>> look into this issue?" I accepted and a week later I had a brand-new
>> meter
>> in my hands.
>>
>> Being of a suspicious nature, I tested the morning after with both
>> meters.
>> There was a big difference in readings. I have repeated the process for
>> weeks now and the result remains the same. I hesitate to use the Prodigy
>> as my main meter for obvious reasons.
>>
>> Might any of you fine people have a suggestion as to what I ought to do
>> next? I am this close to returning the meter and the loads of strips I
>> have but I just wanted to run it by more experienced diabetics first.
>>
>> Thank you for taking the time to read and respond should you be so
>> inclined.
>>
>> Nef
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
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>> .com
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
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>> mpabay.rr.com
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
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>>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:44:10 -0700
> From: "dmgina" <dmgina at qwest.net>
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] Pharmacology of Glargine
> To: "Diabetes Talk for the Blind" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Message-ID: <CB1CE51376244502863834DE61C2A21A at DG28KX51>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
> reply-type=original
>
> Ok I didn't understand all of this,
> can you put it into English for me please?
> thanks,
>
> --Dar
> www.mypowermall.com/biz/home/5779
> Every saint has a past
> every sinner has a future
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Mike Freeman" <k7uij at panix.com>
> To: <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2009 7:26 PM
> Subject: [Diabetes-talk] Pharmacology of Glargine
>
>
>> Hi, everyone!
>>
>> Yesterday, I was looking at the lantus website, http://www.lantus.com and
>> became intrigued by the pharmacology of lantus. This long-lasting basal
>> insulin, when injected, has a pH of 4 which makes it mildly acidic. Under
>> this circumstance, lantus is water-soluble and thus is injected easily.
>> Once under the skin, however, the solution is almost immediately
>> nutralized (pH of 7) and is no longer water-soluble and thus comes out as
>> a precipitate that releases its insulin over the next 24 hours.
>>
>> My hat is off to whomever came up with this clever notion of how to make
>> a
>> long-lasting, peakless insulin. Wish I had that kind of imagination!
>>
>> Mike Freeman
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Diabetes-talk mailing list
>> Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> Diabetes-talk:
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/dmgina%40qwest.net
>>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:13:45 -0800
> From: Mike Freeman <k7uij at panix.com>
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] Insulin pens
> To: diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
> Message-ID: <20090123031345.k7uij at panix.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
>
> HMMM! I don't quite get it. Run through that again.
>
> Mike
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "catdancing" <catdancing at sbcglobal.net>
> To: "Diabetes Talk for the Blind" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Date: Monday, Jan 19, 2009 6:33:16
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] Insulin pens
>
>>
>>
>> also with an insulin pen if u don't have the amount u need left in the
>> pen
>> the instructions say to throw it away and start a new one that could get
>> expensive.or u can open a new pen an withdrawl the rest of what is needed
>> for your injection.this is done before placing the needle on the new
>> pen.this in on the pens that aredisposable not the refillable cartridge
>> ones. but the same procedure using a different cartridge can be used with
>> the cartridge pens. i have used both.
>> Debbie
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "cheryl echevarria" <cherylandmaxx at hotmail.com>
>> To: "Diabetes Talk for the Blind" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Monday, January 19, 2009 4:38 AM
>> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] Insulin pens
>>
>>
>> > There are also disposable recepticles that I get from the pharmacy
>> > which
>> > is safer than just uncrewing the top of the pen, it is put out b-d and
>> > on
>> > the top of the contained are 2 holes one is to get rip of the screw top
>> > of
>> > the pen and the part that covered the needles the other hole is to
>> > stick
>> > the pen it self at a 45 degress angle and insert the needles, which has
>> > the threads that match the needle and you twist to uncrew the needle
>> > and
>> > it falls into the container without sticking yourself.
>> >
>> > Cheryl Echevarria
>> > Treasurer
>> > National Federation of the Blind Greater Long Island Chapter
>> > Member NAGDU, NYAGDU and DAN
>> > ----- Original Message -----
>> > From: Mike Freeman<mailto:k7uij at panix.com>
>> > To: Diabetes Talk for the Blind<mailto:diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>> > Sent: Monday, January 19, 2009 12:56 AM
>> > Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] Insulin pens
>> >
>> >
>> > Diane:
>> >
>> > I can give you a generic answer but to be truly helpful, it might be
>> > nice to know what aspects of insulin pens and pen use you are
>> > wondering
>> > about.
>> >
>> > In general, insulin pens look like and are about the size of an
>> > old-fashioned fountain pen. You take the cap half off and the exposed
>> > end has threads upon which you screw an insulin pen needle assembly.
>> > You
>> > then tug on this assembly a bit and the needle cap comes off, leaving
>> > only a slim plastic cylinder covering the needle. You pull this off
>> > exposing the needle.
>> >
>> > On the other end of the pen is a dial which you turn to set the dose.
>> > Usually, there's one click per unit of insulin although some pens
>> > click
>> > in half-units and some in two-unit steps.
>> >
>> > To give yourself a shot, manufacturers tell you to dial in 2 units and
>> > then push the plunger (usually part of the dial apparatus) and insulin
>> > will squirt into the air. This is to get rid of air in the needle.
>> > However, if one is giving oneself a dose over 5 units, it is possible
>> > to
>> > dispense with the air shot even though manufacturers don't recommend
>> > it
>> > (yet some engineers working for manufacturers will say this also).
>> >
>> > You then dial up the dose, pinch up your skin, insert the needle and
>> > push down the plunger just as you do with a syringe. You then put the
>> > larger needle cap on, unscrew the needle, put the pen cap back on and
>> > voila, it looks like a fountain pen again.
>> >
>> > Pens come in two flavors -- disposable and refillable. The refillable
>> > pens have cartridges which you put in the pens and use until the
>> > insulin
>> > in the cartridge has been used, whereupon you throw the used
>> > cartridges
>> > away and insert new full ones. The exact mechanism of cartridge
>> > insertion depends upon which pen you're using.
>> >
>> > Disposable pens are pre-filled; you use them until all the insulin is
>> > gone and throw them away.
>> >
>> > Pens can have rapid-acting, intermediate-acting and long-acting or
>> > basal
>> > insulins; exactly what insulins are available in what pens can be
>> > garnered from the manufacturer. I'm pretty certain that Novo Nordisk's
>> > Novolog comes in both disposable pens and cartridges for the NovoPen
>> > III; one can get a Novolin 70/30 mix for the NovoPen III "Penfill"
>> > cartridges also.
>> >
>> > Lilly has Humalog in disposable pens and Sonophie Aventis has lantus
>> > available in a cartridge pen (the OptiClik) and in a disposable (the
>> > SoloStar).
>> >
>> > In the beginning, I think many Americans were worried that insulin
>> > pens
>> > might be inaccurate; in truth, they are ininv* accurate and are
>> > extremely convenient to use. Diabetics in Europe have been using them
>> > for years; they're just now really catching on over here in the
>> > States.
>> >
>> > That's a general overview. I highly recommend pens. I own a
>> > Count-a-dose
>> > so could use syringes if I had to but I'm quite content with pens.
>> >
>> > Let me know what I haven't answered.
>> >
>> > HTH!
>> >
>> > Mike
>> >
>> > ----- Original Message -----
>> > From: "Diane"
>> > <dianefilipe at peoplepc.com<mailto:dianefilipe at peoplepc.com>>
>> > To: "Diabetes Talk for the Blind"
>> > <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org<mailto:diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>>
>> > Sent: Sunday, January 18, 2009 5:33 PM
>> > Subject: [Diabetes-talk] Insulin pens
>> >
>> >
>> > I know we have discussed this subject many times, but often you don't
>> > pay attention until it begins to impact your life. My Dad is looking
>> > into the pens, and I was just wondering what y'all can tell me about
>> > them.
>> > Thank you!
>> > Diane
>> > _______________________________________________
>> > Diabetes-talk mailing list
>> > Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org<mailto:Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>> >
>> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org<http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org>
>> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> > Diabetes-talk:
>> >
>> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/k7uij%40panix.com<http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/k7uij%40panix.com>
>> >
>> >
>> > _______________________________________________
>> > Diabetes-talk mailing list
>> > Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org<mailto:Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>> >
>> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org<http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org>
>> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> > Diabetes-talk:
>> >
>> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/cherylandmaxx%40hotmail.com<http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/cherylandmaxx%40hotmail.com>
>> > _______________________________________________
>> > Diabetes-talk mailing list
>> > Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
>> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> > Diabetes-talk:
>> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/catdancing%40sbcglobal.net
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Diabetes-talk mailing list
>> Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> Diabetes-talk:
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/k7uij%40panix.com
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 4
> Date: Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:13:49 -0800
> From: Mike Freeman <k7uij at panix.com>
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] Insulin pens
> To: diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
> Message-ID: <20090123031349.k7uij at panix.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
>
> I get the purpose of the second hole. But why the first?
>
> The only times I've stuck myself were when Mr. Coordination here poked
> himself in the hand on the way to giving an injection! (grin)
>
> Mike
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "cheryl echevarria" <cherylandmaxx at hotmail.com>
> To: "Diabetes Talk for the Blind" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Date: Monday, Jan 19, 2009 3:10:07
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] Insulin pens
>
>>
>>
>> There are also disposable recepticles that I get from the pharmacy which
>> is safer than just uncrewing the top of the pen, it is put out b-d and on
>> the top of the contained are 2 holes one is to get rip of the screw top
>> of the pen and the part that covered the needles the other hole is to
>> stick the pen it self at a 45 degress angle and insert the needles, which
>> has the threads that match the needle and you twist to uncrew the needle
>> and it falls into the container without sticking yourself.
>>
>> Cheryl Echevarria
>> Treasurer
>> National Federation of the Blind Greater Long Island Chapter
>> Member NAGDU, NYAGDU and DAN
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: Mike Freeman<mailto:k7uij at panix.com>
>> To: Diabetes Talk for the Blind<mailto:diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Monday, January 19, 2009 12:56 AM
>> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] Insulin pens
>>
>>
>> Diane:
>>
>> I can give you a generic answer but to be truly helpful, it might be
>> nice to know what aspects of insulin pens and pen use you are wondering
>> about.
>>
>> In general, insulin pens look like and are about the size of an
>> old-fashioned fountain pen. You take the cap half off and the exposed
>> end has threads upon which you screw an insulin pen needle assembly.
>> You
>> then tug on this assembly a bit and the needle cap comes off, leaving
>> only a slim plastic cylinder covering the needle. You pull this off
>> exposing the needle.
>>
>> On the other end of the pen is a dial which you turn to set the dose.
>> Usually, there's one click per unit of insulin although some pens click
>> in half-units and some in two-unit steps.
>>
>> To give yourself a shot, manufacturers tell you to dial in 2 units and
>> then push the plunger (usually part of the dial apparatus) and insulin
>> will squirt into the air. This is to get rid of air in the needle.
>> However, if one is giving oneself a dose over 5 units, it is possible
>> to
>> dispense with the air shot even though manufacturers don't recommend it
>> (yet some engineers working for manufacturers will say this also).
>>
>> You then dial up the dose, pinch up your skin, insert the needle and
>> push down the plunger just as you do with a syringe. You then put the
>> larger needle cap on, unscrew the needle, put the pen cap back on and
>> voila, it looks like a fountain pen again.
>>
>> Pens come in two flavors -- disposable and refillable. The refillable
>> pens have cartridges which you put in the pens and use until the
>> insulin
>> in the cartridge has been used, whereupon you throw the used cartridges
>> away and insert new full ones. The exact mechanism of cartridge
>> insertion depends upon which pen you're using.
>>
>> Disposable pens are pre-filled; you use them until all the insulin is
>> gone and throw them away.
>>
>> Pens can have rapid-acting, intermediate-acting and long-acting or
>> basal
>> insulins; exactly what insulins are available in what pens can be
>> garnered from the manufacturer. I'm pretty certain that Novo Nordisk's
>> Novolog comes in both disposable pens and cartridges for the NovoPen
>> III; one can get a Novolin 70/30 mix for the NovoPen III "Penfill"
>> cartridges also.
>>
>> Lilly has Humalog in disposable pens and Sonophie Aventis has lantus
>> available in a cartridge pen (the OptiClik) and in a disposable (the
>> SoloStar).
>>
>> In the beginning, I think many Americans were worried that insulin pens
>> might be inaccurate; in truth, they are ininv* accurate and are
>> extremely convenient to use. Diabetics in Europe have been using them
>> for years; they're just now really catching on over here in the States.
>>
>> That's a general overview. I highly recommend pens. I own a
>> Count-a-dose
>> so could use syringes if I had to but I'm quite content with pens.
>>
>> Let me know what I haven't answered.
>>
>> HTH!
>>
>> Mike
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Diane"
>> <dianefilipe at peoplepc.com<mailto:dianefilipe at peoplepc.com>>
>> To: "Diabetes Talk for the Blind"
>> <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org<mailto:diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>>
>> Sent: Sunday, January 18, 2009 5:33 PM
>> Subject: [Diabetes-talk] Insulin pens
>>
>>
>> I know we have discussed this subject many times, but often you don't
>> pay attention until it begins to impact your life. My Dad is looking
>> into the pens, and I was just wondering what y'all can tell me about
>> them.
>> Thank you!
>> Diane
>> _______________________________________________
>> Diabetes-talk mailing list
>> Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org<mailto:Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org<http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org>
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> Diabetes-talk:
>>
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/k7uij%40panix.com<http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/k7uij%40panix.com>
>>
>>
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>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 5
> Date: Thu, 22 Jan 2009 20:24:11 -0700
> From: "dmgina" <dmgina at qwest.net>
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] Insulin pens
> To: "Diabetes Talk for the Blind" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Message-ID: <9A6ABDA3C5024B07A6C06A3B809B45AE at DG28KX51>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
> reply-type=original
>
> Well now,
> If I run out on a pin I just use that.
> I don't like sticking myself all of the time.
> Unless it is one unit.
> I do ok with that though.
>
> --Dar
> www.mypowermall.com/biz/home/5779
> Every saint has a past
> every sinner has a future
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Mike Freeman" <k7uij at panix.com>
> To: <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2009 8:13 PM
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] Insulin pens
>
>
>> HMMM! I don't quite get it. Run through that again.
>>
>> Mike
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "catdancing" <catdancing at sbcglobal.net>
>> To: "Diabetes Talk for the Blind" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>> Date: Monday, Jan 19, 2009 6:33:16
>> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] Insulin pens
>>
>>>
>>>
>>> also with an insulin pen if u don't have the amount u need left in the
>>> pen
>>> the instructions say to throw it away and start a new one that could
>>> get
>>> expensive.or u can open a new pen an withdrawl the rest of what is
>>> needed
>>> for your injection.this is done before placing the needle on the new
>>> pen.this in on the pens that aredisposable not the refillable cartridge
>>> ones. but the same procedure using a different cartridge can be used
>>> with
>>> the cartridge pens. i have used both.
>>> Debbie
>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>> From: "cheryl echevarria" <cherylandmaxx at hotmail.com>
>>> To: "Diabetes Talk for the Blind" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>> Sent: Monday, January 19, 2009 4:38 AM
>>> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] Insulin pens
>>>
>>>
>>> > There are also disposable recepticles that I get from the pharmacy
>>> > which
>>> > is safer than just uncrewing the top of the pen, it is put out b-d and
>>> > on
>>> > the top of the contained are 2 holes one is to get rip of the screw
>>> > top
>>> > of
>>> > the pen and the part that covered the needles the other hole is to
>>> > stick
>>> > the pen it self at a 45 degress angle and insert the needles, which
>>> > has
>>> > the threads that match the needle and you twist to uncrew the needle
>>> > and
>>> > it falls into the container without sticking yourself.
>>> >
>>> > Cheryl Echevarria
>>> > Treasurer
>>> > National Federation of the Blind Greater Long Island Chapter
>>> > Member NAGDU, NYAGDU and DAN
>>> > ----- Original Message -----
>>> > From: Mike Freeman<mailto:k7uij at panix.com>
>>> > To: Diabetes Talk for the Blind<mailto:diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>> > Sent: Monday, January 19, 2009 12:56 AM
>>> > Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] Insulin pens
>>> >
>>> >
>>> > Diane:
>>> >
>>> > I can give you a generic answer but to be truly helpful, it might be
>>> > nice to know what aspects of insulin pens and pen use you are
>>> > wondering
>>> > about.
>>> >
>>> > In general, insulin pens look like and are about the size of an
>>> > old-fashioned fountain pen. You take the cap half off and the exposed
>>> > end has threads upon which you screw an insulin pen needle assembly.
>>> > You
>>> > then tug on this assembly a bit and the needle cap comes off, leaving
>>> > only a slim plastic cylinder covering the needle. You pull this off
>>> > exposing the needle.
>>> >
>>> > On the other end of the pen is a dial which you turn to set the dose.
>>> > Usually, there's one click per unit of insulin although some pens
>>> > click
>>> > in half-units and some in two-unit steps.
>>> >
>>> > To give yourself a shot, manufacturers tell you to dial in 2 units
>>> > and
>>> > then push the plunger (usually part of the dial apparatus) and
>>> > insulin
>>> > will squirt into the air. This is to get rid of air in the needle.
>>> > However, if one is giving oneself a dose over 5 units, it is possible
>>> > to
>>> > dispense with the air shot even though manufacturers don't recommend
>>> > it
>>> > (yet some engineers working for manufacturers will say this also).
>>> >
>>> > You then dial up the dose, pinch up your skin, insert the needle and
>>> > push down the plunger just as you do with a syringe. You then put the
>>> > larger needle cap on, unscrew the needle, put the pen cap back on and
>>> > voila, it looks like a fountain pen again.
>>> >
>>> > Pens come in two flavors -- disposable and refillable. The refillable
>>> > pens have cartridges which you put in the pens and use until the
>>> > insulin
>>> > in the cartridge has been used, whereupon you throw the used
>>> > cartridges
>>> > away and insert new full ones. The exact mechanism of cartridge
>>> > insertion depends upon which pen you're using.
>>> >
>>> > Disposable pens are pre-filled; you use them until all the insulin is
>>> > gone and throw them away.
>>> >
>>> > Pens can have rapid-acting, intermediate-acting and long-acting or
>>> > basal
>>> > insulins; exactly what insulins are available in what pens can be
>>> > garnered from the manufacturer. I'm pretty certain that Novo
>>> > Nordisk's
>>> > Novolog comes in both disposable pens and cartridges for the NovoPen
>>> > III; one can get a Novolin 70/30 mix for the NovoPen III "Penfill"
>>> > cartridges also.
>>> >
>>> > Lilly has Humalog in disposable pens and Sonophie Aventis has lantus
>>> > available in a cartridge pen (the OptiClik) and in a disposable (the
>>> > SoloStar).
>>> >
>>> > In the beginning, I think many Americans were worried that insulin
>>> > pens
>>> > might be inaccurate; in truth, they are ininv* accurate and are
>>> > extremely convenient to use. Diabetics in Europe have been using them
>>> > for years; they're just now really catching on over here in the
>>> > States.
>>> >
>>> > That's a general overview. I highly recommend pens. I own a
>>> > Count-a-dose
>>> > so could use syringes if I had to but I'm quite content with pens.
>>> >
>>> > Let me know what I haven't answered.
>>> >
>>> > HTH!
>>> >
>>> > Mike
>>> >
>>> > ----- Original Message -----
>>> > From: "Diane"
>>> > <dianefilipe at peoplepc.com<mailto:dianefilipe at peoplepc.com>>
>>> > To: "Diabetes Talk for the Blind"
>>> > <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org<mailto:diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>>
>>> > Sent: Sunday, January 18, 2009 5:33 PM
>>> > Subject: [Diabetes-talk] Insulin pens
>>> >
>>> >
>>> > I know we have discussed this subject many times, but often you don't
>>> > pay attention until it begins to impact your life. My Dad is looking
>>> > into the pens, and I was just wondering what y'all can tell me about
>>> > them.
>>> > Thank you!
>>> > Diane
>>> > _______________________________________________
>>> > Diabetes-talk mailing list
>>> > Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org<mailto:Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>> >
>>> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org<http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org>
>>> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> > Diabetes-talk:
>>> >
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>>> >
>>> >
>>> > _______________________________________________
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>>> >
>>> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org<http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org>
>>> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> > Diabetes-talk:
>>> >
>>> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/cherylandmaxx%40hotmail.com<http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/cherylandmaxx%40hotmail.com>
>>> > _______________________________________________
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>>> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> > Diabetes-talk:
>>> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/catdancing%40sbcglobal.net
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
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>>
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>>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 6
> Date: Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:35:47 -0800
> From: "Mike Freeman" <k7uij at panix.com>
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] Any suggestions appreciated
> To: "Diabetes Talk for the Blind" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Message-ID: <58720F2D5B924C47ACF1A6E3514E3CB5 at owner96190708e>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
> http://www.ExecutiveProductsInc.com
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Joyce Porter" <joyce.m.porter at verizon.net>
> To: "'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2009 2:52 AM
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] Any suggestions appreciated
>
>
> What is the website for Executive Leather? I find that my Prodigy turns
> on
> in my purse or my briefcase but other than that I really like this
> meter.
> Mine works perfectly and it goes everywhere with me.
> Joyce
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org
> [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of David Anspach
> Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2009 9:31 PM
> To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] Any suggestions appreciated
>
> Hello everyone,
> I can attest to the same results with the Prodigy Voice as Mike does
> below.
> I have had my meter since late last summer and have had very consistent
> readings throughout. I have taken this meter on a few trips and it works
> great. The only thing I can say that I don't like about the meter is
> it's
> relatively flimsy case. The case is not sturdy enough to prevent the
> meter
> from being turned on accidentally while being stored in a carry on bag,
> back
> pack etc. Outside of that, I highly recommend this meter. I know that
> Executive Products makes a great line of leather cases for cell phones,
> mp3
> players and more, but I'm wondering if anyone has thought to contact
> them
> about making a sturdier case for the Voice?
>
> Dave
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org
> [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Mike Freeman
> Sent: Tuesday, January 20, 2009 10:52 PM
> To: Diabetes Talk for the Blind
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] Any suggestions appreciated
>
> Hi.
>
> At first, Prodigy had some quality control problems with meter
> manufacture.
> However, my experience is that these were solved relatively quickly
> except
> for a calendar software glitch that no longer matters as we're past
> February
> 29, 2008. I have had consistent results with the Voice, the only
> inconsistencies being an occasional reading that is too low, not to
> high,
> because of insufficient blood.
>
> I believe I know what your problem is re strip insertion. I suspect
> you're
> just aiming generally at the slot and inserting the strip. This can give
> inconsistent results as you discovered. The *right* way to do this is to
> make sure as you insert the strip that it is *all* the way to the bottom
> of
> the squarish slot side of the clamshell so that it rests on the plastic
> at
> the bottom of the square as it goes in. I had problems initially until I
> discovered this. I haven't had a misfire in hundreds of tests since. The
> system isn't quite as foolproof as the slot in the Autocode but the
> added
> accessibility is worth it and, as I say, if you make sure the strip
> slides
> in resting on the plastic, i.e., held in the squared groove, I'm certain
> you'll get consistent results every time.
>
> Mike Freeman
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Nefertiti Matos Olivares" <nmatos at panix.com>
> To: <blind-diabetics at yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Tuesday, January 20, 2009 11:26 AM
> Subject: [Diabetes-talk] Any suggestions appreciated
>
>
> List:
>
> My experience with the Prodigy Voice meter has been questionable at
> best.
> I write this E-mail to whoever may have a suggestion(s) for my problem.
> As
> a preface, my apologies for the longish explanation.
>
> My mother purchased the Prodigy Voice for me close to a year ago. At
> first, it seemed like a good way to give my vision-impaired eyes a rest
> from the hard-to-see meter I had at the time. Other than being a bit
> difficult to get it to respond once a strip was inserted, (usually took
> 2-4 removals and reinsertions to get the Prodigy functioning) I was
> pretty
> satisfied. That quickly changed when, due to over-dosing Insulin, I
> experienced several frightening lows.
>
> Thinking that I had perhaps altered something in myself to cause the
> lows,
> I decided to double-check with my previous meter. The Contour gave
> consistent results which were on average 50-60 points lower than the
> Prodigy. The contour numbers were what both my Diabetes team and I had
> come to expect of my diet and Insulin therapy.
>
> Because I wanted to continue using the Prodigy, my doctor suggested that
> I
> call the supplier and explain the situation. My explanation was received
> with a "Hmm.That's odd. Well how's about we send you a new meter while
> we
> look into this issue?" I accepted and a week later I had a brand-new
> meter
> in my hands.
>
> Being of a suspicious nature, I tested the morning after with both
> meters.
> There was a big difference in readings. I have repeated the process for
> weeks now and the result remains the same. I hesitate to use the Prodigy
> as my main meter for obvious reasons.
>
> Might any of you fine people have a suggestion as to what I ought to do
> next? I am this close to returning the meter and the loads of strips I
> have but I just wanted to run it by more experienced diabetics first.
>
> Thank you for taking the time to read and respond should you be so
> inclined.
>
> Nef
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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> Diabetes-talk:
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> .com
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> Diabetes-talk:
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> mpabay.rr.com
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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> Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
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> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> Diabetes-talk:
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> r%40verizon.net
>
>
> --
> No virus found in this incoming message.
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> 12:00
> AM
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>
> _______________________________________________
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>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 7
> Date: Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:53:12 -0800
> From: "Mike Freeman" <k7uij at panix.com>
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] Pharmacology of Glargine
> To: "Diabetes Talk for the Blind" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Message-ID: <7753539E9AA542ADAD17689CBE803FBD at owner96190708e>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
> MMM ... hafta think about that one.
>
> Mike
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "dmgina" <dmgina at qwest.net>
> To: "Diabetes Talk for the Blind" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2009 12:44 PM
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] Pharmacology of Glargine
>
>
> Ok I didn't understand all of this,
> can you put it into English for me please?
> thanks,
>
> --Dar
> www.mypowermall.com/biz/home/5779
> Every saint has a past
> every sinner has a future
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Mike Freeman" <k7uij at panix.com>
> To: <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2009 7:26 PM
> Subject: [Diabetes-talk] Pharmacology of Glargine
>
>
>> Hi, everyone!
>>
>> Yesterday, I was looking at the lantus website, http://www.lantus.com
>> and
>> became intrigued by the pharmacology of lantus. This long-lasting
>> basal
>> insulin, when injected, has a pH of 4 which makes it mildly acidic.
>> Under
>> this circumstance, lantus is water-soluble and thus is injected
>> easily.
>> Once under the skin, however, the solution is almost immediately
>> nutralized (pH of 7) and is no longer water-soluble and thus comes out
>> as
>> a precipitate that releases its insulin over the next 24 hours.
>>
>> My hat is off to whomever came up with this clever notion of how to
>> make a
>> long-lasting, peakless insulin. Wish I had that kind of imagination!
>>
>> Mike Freeman
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Diabetes-talk mailing list
>> Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> Diabetes-talk:
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/dmgina%40qwest.net
>>
>
>
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>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> _______________________________________________
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> Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
>
>
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