[Diabetes-Talk] Pumps and accessibility

[d m gina]

I think each doctor says it differently.
My heart doctor says I am doing fine with it and my regular doctor who 
is also a diabetic says I am high.
I never ask him what his is loll.
I feel good where it is, I am not hungry.
When it is at six then I do.
O
riginal message:
> My A1-Cs are usually between 6.5 and 7, but during pregnancy, I get them
> down to 6, even though throughout the pregnancy my blood sugars rise, and we
> frequently have to make adjustments to my basal rates.

> A1-Cs over 7.5 are pretty high, but it can be a work in progress. Sometimes,
> to get them in the target range, you have to implement more changes.

> I love salads year-round, and when pregnant, I crave lettuce salads, smile.

> I can't handle a lot of carbs. For holiday meals, I tend to bring veggie
> sides and salads so we have some non-carb choices. I just get tired of every
> dish being carbs, grin. Sweets are not a huge problem for me either. I'm not
> a big sweet eater, though I do enjoy certain goodies like cheesecake. Often
> what I do with treats is to just take a bite from my husband. He doesn't
> mind. I'm good with just a bite of something most the time, so I can have
> the pleasure of eating a treat without eating too much, and usually I don't
> have to bolus when I take just a bite.

> Whenever you feel like adding another carb choice to a meal, opt for a
> protein or low-carb veggie. Carbs will raise glucose levels, while proteins
> help stabilize them. My rule of thumb is to grab for the protein over the
> carbs.

> Bridgit

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Diabetes-Talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of d
> m gina via Diabetes-Talk
> Sent: Tuesday, January 03, 2017 3:37 PM
> To: diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
> Cc: d m gina <dmgina at sero.email>
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Pumps and accessibility

> I rock with the a one c between seven and eight.
> Has nothing to do with having child.
> Glad you are doing well.

> Original message:
>> Yes, me too. My A1-Cs were all over the place, despite my trying. Then
>> I went on the pump, and they have remained pretty stable and in a good
> range.
>> In 12 years, the highest A1-C I've had is 7.5.

>> Off topic, but weirdly, when pregnant, I experience the best A1-Cs
>> ever. Any other mommys experience this? With both my pregnancies, I
>> have gotten my A1-C way down, usually ending up around 6. Not sure why
>> this is, smile. My doctors find it interesting too.

>> BTW, seven weeks to go before baby number 2 arrives, smile.

>> Bridgit

>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Diabetes-Talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>> Behalf Of Veronica Elsea via Diabetes-Talk
>> Sent: Tuesday, January 03, 2017 12:42 PM
>> To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind' <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>> Cc: Veronica Elsea <veronica at laurelcreekmusic.com>
>> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Pumps and accessibility

>> At the risk of one of those dreaded one-word replies on a list, Amen!
>> <grin>

>> Before going on the pump, I spent my first three years as a type 1
>> with an A1C hovering between 13 and 16. I was already blind before
>> diagnosis. Within two month of going on my first pump, I had it down
>> to 7 and I've never looked back. For some reason insulin just never
>> seemed to obsorb like it was supposed to do. So I'll continue to fight
>> through the current state of pumps and do the best I can. And by
>> golly, if sighted people deserve the convenience of having the pump
>> figure things out, then so do I. <grin> Veronica


>> "Guide Dogs, First Hand", Veronica Elsea's classic album is now
>> available on iTunes, along with other music from her and from the Guide
> Dog Glee Club.
>> To learn more, visit:
>> http://www.laurelcreekmusic.com
>>                 Veronica Elsea, Owner
>> Laurel Creek Music Designs
>> Santa Cruz, California
>> Phone: 831-429-6407



>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Diabetes-Talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>> Behalf Of Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter via Diabetes-Talk
>> Sent: Tuesday, January 03, 2017 10:33 AM
>> To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'
>> Cc: Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter
>> Subject: [Diabetes-Talk] Pumps and accessibility

>> While I completely agree with you, Bernie, and it's totally true that
>> no pump is fully accessible, I do think the comments made to Jamie
>> were not that a blind user can use the pump never requiring sighted
>> assistance, just that blind users do use their product, and are
>> experiencing success managing their diabetes.

>> I will say that the only time I require sighted assistance for my pump
>> (and for what it's worth, I'm totally blind) is when adjusting basal
>> rates, and that only happens maybe quarterly, and that's based on me.
>> For other diabetics, basal adjustments could happen more or less
>> frequently, but for me, so far, this is the only assistance I have with my
> pump.

>> Wait, I do prefer to have sighted help filling cartridges. I do it on
>> my own if need be, but I do prefer sighted help. I know Veronica fills
>> her cartridges on her own though. I will have someone fill about a
>> month's worth of cartridges for me at a time though. And for me, a
>> cartridge last about a week.

>> It's ultimately a personal choice to use a pump or not. Some have
>> found the benefits immense, others, not so much. Some start on a pump
>> and eventually go off it, not enjoying it as much as they originally
>> thought. For me, the pump has given me the best control over my
>> diabetes ever. I've been type 1 diabetic for 31 years now and using a
>> pump for 12 years. I started using a pump after I lost my sight. I
>> love the insulin pump, and it has helped me better manage my diabetes.
>> My husband is blind, and I do not have sighted assistance whenever I
>> need it. So accessibility is important and crucial for me, like most
>> of us. Despite the lack of accessibility that should not be so
>> difficult to implement on a pump, I have made it work for several years
> now and I don't often require sighted assistance.

>> I know this discussion goes round and round, but I feel like there has
>> to be something we can do as a collective to make accessibility in
>> medical devices more of an important issue than it is. Not sure what
>> answers exist, and I'm sure it will take a lot of hard work, but it
>> seems we need to be more proactive as a group to make accessibility in
>> the forefront for manufacturers.

>> Okay, my rant for the day, grin.

>> Bridgit

>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Diabetes-Talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>> Behalf Of Bernadette Jacobs via Diabetes-Talk
>> Sent: Tuesday, January 03, 2017 8:50 AM
>> To: Jamie Gurganus <jamielgurganus at gmail.com>
>> Cc: Bernadette Jacobs <bernienfb75 at gmail.com>; Diabetes Talk for the
>> Blind <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Your new president...

>> Jamie, my friend.

>> Don't let any foolish pump wrap tell you that other blind people are
>> using their pumps successfully and independently. There is not one
>> totally accessible pump out there! And that's a fact! Even Veronica
>> and Bridget and other blind pump you service out here will tell you
>> the very same thing. My doctor has been wanting me to use a pump for
>> years and years. Haven't found One that's totally and completely
> accessible yet. My husband agrees with me.
>> He tells me the same thing. He says, honey there's not one accessible
>> pump out there and I don't want you to go on a pump until there is.
>> We may have to bite the bullet at some point, however. And when I do,
>> the first thing I will do is post right here. You, my friend, are in
>> touch with the best. So, still, don't let anycompany's pump REP Tell
>> you that other blind folks are using their products successfully.
>> Because there's not one of us out here The can't do something without
>> sighted assistance. And that's a fact. Have a great day!!

>> Bern



>> Sent from my iPhone

>>> On Jan 3, 2017, at 8:51 AM, Jamie Gurganus <jamielgurganus at gmail.com>
>> wrote:

>>> Veronica,

>>> I am a new subscriber to this site and found it while searching for
>>> other diabetics who are blind and use insulin pumps.  Much like you,
>>> I have been independently using an insulin pump for 18 years.  I am
>>> currently using the Accucheck Spirit, but Roche suddenly chose to not
>>> sell any of their Accucheck pumps any more.  And, like your Cosmo, my
>>> Spirit has about a month left before completely shutting down on me.
>>> I did visit my Diabetic Educator and looked at the options for pumps.
>>> I also decided that the Animas products would be the best, although
>>> not
>> the perfect solution for me.
>>> I also use the Dexcom G5, which my two teenagers help me use.  Even
>>> though it is inaccessible to me, I need to use it to help me detect
>>> my llow blood sugars.  I use my iPhone to know what my blood sugar is
>>> when it
>> alarms me.

>>> So, you and I are going to be learning how to use the Vibe together!
>>> It will be a true test of how well I can memorize things at my age!
>>> I hope that we can keep in  touch and share our experiences of how we
>>> are conquering our new pumps!  The Animas rep assures me that they
>>> have other individuals who are blind or visually impaired and
>>> successfully using their pumps.  However, he could not tell me how I
>>> could contact these people.  I am hoping to find help through
>>> Diabetes
>> Talk.

>>>                Jamie



>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Diabetes-Talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>>> Behalf Of Bernadette Jacobs via Diabetes-Talk
>>> Sent: Tuesday, January 03, 2017 7:15 AM
>>> To: Diabetes Talk for the Blind <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>> Cc: Bernadette Jacobs <bernienfb75 at gmail.com>
>>> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Your new president...

>>> Thanks Veronica!!!

>>> I certainly have to say, you and Bridgit have both taught me so very
> much.
>>> I can't imagine myself using a KNFB reader for something like that.
>>> Although I do love my KNFB reader, it doesn't come without its
>>> limitations either.  And, believe me I had to practice using it to
>>> make it
>> work for me.
>>> I'm not perfect yet.  I can use it to read some of my mail and the kids'
>>> notices they bring home in their bookbags.
>>> But, I'm not sure I'd attempt to use it fore reading an insulin pump?
>>> I think I'd rather have something a bit more fool-proof.  I'm not
>>> that brave.  Especially when my survival is at stake.  Scary.

>>> Talk soon my friend and thank you so much for your vote of confidence.
>>> This means a lot.

>>> Bern

>>> On 1/2/17, Veronica Elsea via Diabetes-Talk
>>> <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>> wrote:
>>>> Bern, I echo the bitter-sweet congratulations. I assure you that we
>>>> do not expect you to be Mike. <grin> I look forward to seeing how
>>>> this list and organization will grow under your leadership. And yes,
>>>> a definite group effort.
>>>> I also look forward to seeing what the new technology will do. In
>>>> the meantime, I am checking out the current pumps as my beloved
>>>> Cozmo finally shrieked out its last system fault alarm. Yikes!
>>>> Someone here mentioned awhile back that there was a blind person
>>>> using an OmniPod with some sort of app. I found out that he was
>>>> actually using a KNFB reader to try and read the screen. I'll
>>>> probably end up with the Animas Vibe but I'm struggling to get
>>>> around that notion of how much I'm losing compared to what I had.
>>>> As for the artificial pancreas, I hope the technology it's based on
>>>> is more accurate than what we have now. Eventually it would be nice
>>>> to have to interact less with stuff, but I'm not so sure I want to
>>>> be in the first round. <grin> Never say never though.
>>>> In the meantime, boy do I appreciate having a place to share
>>>> knowledge, to vent, to brag, to whine and to help each other. I
>>>> really do appreciate all of you and look forward to accomplishing as
>>>> much as we
>>> can together.
>>>> Onward,
>>>> onward! Count me in!
>>>> Veronica


>>>> "Guide Dogs, First Hand", Veronica Elsea's classic album is now
>>>> available on iTunes, along with other music from her and from the
>>>> Guide Dog Glee Club.
>>>> To learn more, visit:
>>>> http://www.laurelcreekmusic.com
>>>>                Veronica Elsea, Owner Laurel Creek Music Designs
>>>> Santa Cruz, California
>>>> Phone: 831-429-6407



>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: Diabetes-Talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>>>> Behalf Of Bernadette Jacobs via Diabetes-Talk
>>>> Sent: Monday, January 02, 2017 8:45 AM
>>>> To: Diabetes Talk for the Blind
>>>> Cc: Bernadette Jacobs
>>>> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Your new president...

>>>> Oh Bridgit!

>>>> Thank you so kindly for your vote of confidence!! You're like a
>>>> breath of fresh air!

>>>> Only trouble is, for Medicare patients, I think that these things are
>>>> so hard, as a matter of fact, too hard to get. You shouldn't have to
>>>> go through denials and appeals and denials and appeals. Too bad the
>>>> system is so broken!! We should not have to fight this hard to
>>>> survive. Just makes me sick!! However, I will be anxious to hear more
>>>> about the artificial pancreas.  I'm always anxious to hear more when
>>>> it comes. Talk very soon.

>>>> Bern



>>>> Sent from my iPhone

>>>>> On Jan 2, 2017, at 9:50 AM, Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter via
>>>>> Diabetes-Talk
>>>> <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:

>>>>> Bernie,

>>>>> Congrats, even though it's a bittersweet congratulations. You will
>>>>> do a fantastic job.

>>>>> On a sidenote, speaking of sharing and learning from each other, I
>>>>> just
>>>> want
>>>>> to say that my doctor continues to bring up the artificial pancreas
>>>>> and
>>>> how
>>>>> it will be available on the market within the year to all diabetics.
>>>>> He believes this will revolutionize diabetes even more than insulin
>>>>> pumps
>>>> have.
>>>>> He's eager and excited for the technology and for me to have the
>>>> opportunity
>>>>> to transition to one. Of course, I'm concerned about accessibility,
>>>>> but nonetheless, this is exciting news, and I'm sure many of us are
>>>>> excited about this technology.

>>>>> The device will use a CGM to constantly monitor blood sugars. As it
>>>>> does this, it will automatically adjust insulin as needed. Little
>>>>> interaction will be necessary for the device.

>>>>> More info about this is available online, but as I learn more, I
>>>>> will continue to share.

>>>>> Happy New Year; may 2017 be fruitful for everyone.

>>>>> Bridgit

>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>> From: Diabetes-Talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>>>>> Behalf Of Bernadette Jacobs via Diabetes-Talk
>>>>> Sent: Sunday, January 01, 2017 1:26 PM
>>>>> To: diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>>>>> Cc: Bernadette Jacobs <bernienfb75 at gmail.com>
>>>>> Subject: [Diabetes-Talk] Your new president...

>>>>> Good Afternoon Everyone!!!

>>>>> Happy New Year!!!

>>>>> Firstly, I'd like to begin by telling you a little bit about myself
>>>>> for those of you who don't know me.  I'm aware, however that most of
>>>>> you
>>> do.
>>>> I
>>>>> am Bernadette Jacobs, formerly, about 18 years ago, Bernadette
>> Krajewski.
>>>> I
>>>>> have been first vice-president now since, I believe, about 2007.
>>>>> Don't hesitate to correct me if somebody out there finds me to be
>>>>> wrong.  At any rate, I did have a one-year break while Sandy Ryan
>>>>> served just last year--2015-2016.  Thank you Sandy.
>>>>> Since the unfortunate passing of our illustrious and fearless leader
>>>>> Mike Freeman's passing, I will do my best to serve you as our
>>>>> Diabetes Action Network's president and your list moderator.

>>>>> I will warn you.  I can't do this all alone, however.  I need all of
>>>>> you
>>>> to
>>>>> work with me and teach me as you have done about our conditions for
>>>>> the
>>>> past
>>>>> so many years.  Most of what I have learned about my own diabetes,
>>>>> I've learned from all of you.  You've been so gracious.  But that's
>>>>> what we're
>>>> in
>>>>> this thing for.  Right????  Helping each other and taking care of
>>>>> each other.  So, I'd like to say, Welcome home and Happy New Year!!!

>>>>> I was diagnosed as a type II diabetic in about March of 1985.  This,
>>>>> of course, was before the age of "pre-diabetes."  I have been
>>>>> insulin
>>>> dependent
>>>>> since 1999 when My husband Bill and I were first married and I
>>>>> became pregnant with the baby we lost in miscarriage.  I have been a
>>>>> member of
>>>> the
>>>>> Diabetes Action Network, (DAN) since its inception in 1985.

>>>>> My mother was a diabetic and I lost my mother to complications of
>>>>> diabetes at the tender age of 13.  She, herself was only 47.  She
>>>>> had three heart attacks, the third of which, resulted in her
>>>>> passing.  I remember it as if were Yesterday.  When I came into DAN,
>>>>> I told it's then president, Ed Bryant, that my mother was a diabetic
>>>>> and died of complications.  He gave
>>>> me
>>>>> that gentle kick in the seat of the pants, "And you are diabetic
> too..."
>>>> Of
>>>>> course, he also recognized I was in that old familiar river,
> "Denial???"
>>>> Ed
>>>>> Bryant, the gentle man he was, took me under his fatherly wing and
>>>>> we
>>>> worked
>>>>> together up until his passing.  Mike came in and we all continued on.
>>>>> I must say, that his passing on December 24, shocked and deeply
>>>>> saddened me just as it has everyone else.

>>>>> Now, everyone, I'd like to take this time to thank you!!  For, it's
>>>>> all of you who've taught me so much about the conditions that we
>>>>> share together.
>>>>> Taught me about insulin pumps, complications, and the heartaches
>>>>> we've suffered together as well as foo the positive bits of news.
>>>>> There are so many of you that I simply can't wait to hear about
>>>>> something new you've learned, discovered and/or whatever else.  It
>>>>> simply warms my heart to the moon and back to hear from you as I
>>>>> feel like we're such a great big
>>>> family.
>>>>> Isn't it wonderful???  I think it's phantabulous!!!  SQUEEEEEZE!!!!!
>>>>> i DO hope that all of you will continue to write in with all your
>>>>> things, both good and bad so that we can all continue to share,
>>>>> learn, and work
>>>> together.
>>>>> I'll miss you if you don't!!

>>>>> Until next time, take care and have a great day!!!

>>>>> Below, I'll be posting my Email, so that you can write me offlist
>>>>> for anything strictly confidential you might need help with.  I will
>>>>> then
>>>> share
>>>>> my cell phone with you that we may continue our work together.

>>>>> Very Warmly,

>>>>> Bernadette M. Jacobs, (Bernie, Bern).

>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> Diabetes-Talk mailing list
>>>>> Diabetes-Talk at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
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>>>>> for
>>>>> Diabetes-Talk:

>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/bkpollpete
>>>> r
>>>> %40gma
>>>>> il.com


>>>>> _______________________________________________
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>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/bernienfb7
>>>> 5
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>>>> il.com

>>>> _______________________________________________
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>>>> 0
>>>> laurel
>>>> creekmusic.com


>>>> _______________________________________________
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>>> nus%40
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> il

> --
> --Dar
> skype: dmgina23
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every saint has a past
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