[Diabetes-talk] Accessible insulin pumps.

Mon Oct 29 18:30:41 UTC 2012

Hi.  Bill Lewis here.  I discovered by chance a testing technique to know 
where the testing spot is located, after I removed the lancet and picked up 
the meter and testing strip.  Try this:

Choose the finger on the hand you plan to sample.  Place the thumb tip of 
that hand on the finger pad of that finger to be used as the reference 
locator for the needle prick.

Next, with the thumbtip on the finger pad, place the lancet tip on the 
finger pad, where you want to sample.  Then, slide the thumbtip in gentle 
contact with the poised lancet.  The needle prick should be located about 
one-quarter inch, or so, in front of the thumbtip, after you press te button 
for the needle test, then move the lancet away and pick up the glucose 
monitor with the strip already inserted and saying to place a blood sample 
on the blood strip.

Now, touch the flat side of the strip against the tip of the thumb and 
slowly slide it from the thumb toward the finger tip across the finger pad. 
About only one-quarter inch from the thumbtip the strip should make contact 
with the blood drop and say, "Now testing."  If at first you don't succeed 
at locating the sample, relocate the strip again the thumbtip and try again.

To avoid unwanted frustration as you learn this locator technique, prepare 
your hands as thoroughly, as you can, to have the hand warm and ready to go. 
After a few experiences, using the thumb locator technique, you will find it 
easier and easier to locate the blood sample in reference to the distance 
from the thumbtip.

This technique works well for me.  Good luck.  If necessary, have a sighted 
person watch your first attempt or so to help you, if needed, with 
observations about the distance factor and angle for the strip in best 
locating the spot.

Bill

-----Original Message----- 
From: Sandi Ryan
Sent: Friday, October 26, 2012 3:26 PM
To: Diabetes Talk for the Blind
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] Accessible insulin pumps.

I'd sure be interested in that product.  I've been poking myself for two
years now, and it still seems pretty much a miracle when I hit the strip
right the first time.  And I do so hate poking myself more than I have to!

Sandi

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jerry Munden" <JerryMunden at carolina.rr.com>
To: "'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, October 26, 2012 1:25 PM
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] Accessible insulin pumps.

> Hello NFB DAN Members:
>
> I saw your email about accessible insulin pumps and glucose meters and I 
> wanted to ask a question.  My name is Jerry Munden and I had the privilege 
> of working with the top NFB accessibility experts and Prodigy several 
> years ago to develop the Prodigy Voice meter which received the NFB + AFB 
> Access Awards.  I am no longer working with Prodigy but I have recently 
> received a patent pending on a new product I developed to help a blind 
> person apply blood to the test strip quickly, easily, and consistently. 
> Does a product like this, selling for $10 or $12 sound like something that 
> would be helpful and you would use?  I have not produced it yet so this is 
> not a sales pitch - I just want your feedback on accessible products.
>
> I am working on several blind accessibilty projects and as the recipient 
> of the 2011 NFB Bolotin Award I appreciate your feedback as I seek to help 
> increase independence for people that live with blindness.
>
> Thank you,
>
> Jerry Munden
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Bridgit Pollpeter" <bpollpeter at hotmail.com>
> To: "'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Friday, October 26, 2012 11:55 AM
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] Accessible insulin pumps.
>
>
>> Linda,
>>
>> Welcome.
>>
>> First, Prodigy makes a fully accessible meter that allows you to
>> independently test, repeat if you didn't hear it, set all the settings
>> and peruse past glucose records. There's the Prodigy Voice, which is the
>> better one, and another Prodigy meter that talks as well, but I do not
>> find it as blind-friendly even though it's been made with blind people
>> in mind.
>>
>> As for accessible insulin pumps... I've been on a pump for almost ten
>> years, and I love it. However, there's no fully accessible pump. For
>> years, companies have teased us with potential accessible pumps, but as
>> of yet, it's still a pipe-dream. At best, you use a pump with audio
>> features, not talking, but beep sounds, that allow you to navigate
>> menues. Here's how I use mine, and keep in mind that I'm totally blind:
>>
>> Each time I press a button, there is a beep. This lets me know I have
>> indeed pressed the button. I have either memorized certain menus or I
>> follow written directions to access the proper menus. I simply count,
>> and it isn't as tedious as it sounds. My particular pump, which
>> unfortunately is no longer manufactured, has four buttons: left, right
>> and up, down. There's also a bolus button on the side of my pump which I
>> use for meals.
>>
>> This probably doesn't make much sense in written form. Pumps are not for
>> everyone, and some doubt the ability to function a pump that's not fully
>> accessible in terms of a talking pump, but from my personal experience,
>> I have had the best control of glucose levels since using a pump, and
>> I've never had problems with the pump due to my own inability to
>> function it.
>>
>> Things I have sighted people help with are filling the cartridges, which
>> can be done when blind, and some people do including myself when
>> necessary, I just prefer sighted help for this. I also need help setting
>> my basal rates, which are the rates set up throughout the day delivered
>> hourly, or however my doctor and I establish them. During my recent
>> pregnancy, I had various rates set throughout the day to accommodate for
>> my increasing glucose levels due to the pregnancy. Setting the basal
>> rates is a bit tedious without sighted help. Beyond these two functions
>> though, I do everything else on my own.
>>
>> Two pumps I have played with that are good are the Medtronic and the
>> Animas. There are other pumps on the market, but since I haven't had the
>> opportunity to play with any of them, I can't speak to their
>> accessibility or general functioning.
>>
>> Sorry if none of this makes sense. I've been up with a spitty baby for a
>> few hours now and not quite awake, grin! There are others on the list
>> who may be able to better answer your question.
>>
>> Sincerely,
>> Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter
>> Read my blog at:
>> http://blogs.livewellnebraska.com/author/bpollpeter/
>>
>> "History is not what happened; history is what was written down."
>> The Expected One- Kathleen McGowan
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Diabetes-talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
>> Of limestone lady
>> Sent: Friday, October 26, 2012 9:51 AM
>> To: diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>> Subject: [Diabetes-talk] Accessible insulin pumps.
>>
>>
>> My name is Linda, and I live in Canada, and hope to find some other
>> canadians here.
>> A friend of mine told me about this list, and that I might be able to
>> find answers to my questions here.
>> the subject line says it all I guess. I'm looking for info about blind
>> friendly insulin pumps, which can be had in Canada.
>> I may not have to go that route, but if I do, I want to be armed with
>> as much information as I can get.
>> I know that a few years ago, there was a review of a talking pump in
>> access world, but I guess it was too buggy, and must have been pulled
>> from the market.
>> Sure hope to get info here, and maybe, info about talking glucometers
>> available in Canada. I have one but it isn't completely accessible.
>> Linda.
>>
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>>
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>
>
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