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

Fri Sep 7 03:22:19 UTC 2018

The G5 version of Dexcom is covered by Medicare. Sometime next year, the G6 will be as well.

Yes, you insert the sensors yourself at home. My understanding is that the G6 sensors are much easier to insert for anyone using them, sighted and blind. No, the sensors for the G5 are different from the G6.

Bridgit

-----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Estelnalissi via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Thursday, September 6, 2018 9:41 PM
To: Diabetes Talk for the Blind <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Estelnalissi <airadil at dslextreme.com>
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Accessible alternative ways of testing blood sugar

Dear Veronica,

Can you tell me a ballpark price for the Dexcom G6? I'm seeing my Endo tomorrow to discuss it. I'm wondering if I could afford the G6 since it isn't covered by Medicare. Can you implant the sensor into your arm yourself? How does it stay in without falling out? Do the G5 and G6 use the same kinds of sensors? Probably not, but I can hope. Can the doctor's office see your readings or just you? Can the doctor see the results when you are in his office so you don't have to keep a log?

There is so much I don't know.

Always with love,

Lissi

-----Original Message-----
From: Veronica Elsea via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Thursday, September 06, 2018 10:04 PM
To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'
Cc: Veronica Elsea
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Accessible alternative ways of testing blood sugar

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

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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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