[Diabetes-Talk] Accessible alternative ways of testing blood sugar

[Veronica Elsea]

Terri, with the Dexcom G6, it calibrates itself so you don't have to test twice a day, as you do with the G5. But the alternate testing methods that regular meters emply require vision. You just prick somewhere else and then you have to watch when the clear cap is filled with blood. 
So unfortunately, the only break your fingers could get would come with the wearing of the G6. Mine are thrilled about it. <grin> 
Hang in there.
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: Thursday, September 06, 2018 3:17 PM
To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'
Cc: Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Accessible alternative ways of testing blood sugar

Currently, there's no way to test without poking unless you use a CGM (continueous glucose meter). A CGM is a device that attaches to you and you wear the sensor for 7 days, I believe. It test your glucose levels every couple of minutes, showing what they are doing in real time. The only accessible CGM is the Dexcom, and it's only accessible if using the app.

Medicare just recently agreed to cover the G5 version of Dexcom and its app. There is a G6 version, but, Medicare will not cover it until next year sometime, for some reason. Either is accessible with the app.

With the CGM, you still have to test a couple of times a day to calibrate, but, this is much less than normal. Others on the list have been using the Dexcom for a while and can answer more questions. I am in the process of getting one myself. CGMs are allowing diabetics to lower A1-Cs because, you see in real-time what carbs do to your glucose levels, and it alerts when you are going to high or low, able to correct.

Bridgit

-----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Terri Stimmel via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Thursday, September 6, 2018 4:42 PM
To: Diabetes-talk <Diabetes-Talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Terri Stimmel <princessterri76 at gmail.com>
Subject: [Diabetes-Talk] Accessible alternative ways of testing blood sugar

Hello everyone,

I apologize if these questions have already been asked. I don’t check this email account often. I usually delete messages when I do.

I was wondering, are there any accessible, alternative ways to test blood sugar, and get results, without having to poke yourself?
Or are all these ways still not accessible for someone who is totally blind?

Also, if there are any accessible methods out there, might they be covered by Medicare?

Any help would be very much appreciated. I want to not have to poke my fingers anymore, if at all possible.

Thank you,

Terri

Sent from my iPhone
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