The following diabetic resources and devices can help blind and visually impaired persons manage their own diabetes safely and successfully. While there are currently many devices on the market, this guide describes ones we have found particularly useful. Many of them are available for demonstration by appointment at CSBPS, so you may choose the devices best suited to your own needs. Some devices are available for purchase at the CSBPS store, SightConnection. Additional information on diabetes and diabetes support groups may be obtained through the American Diabetes Association at (206) 282-4616 or (800) 628-8808. Or call us at (206) 525-5556 or (800) 458-4888.

Agencies

Community Services for the Blind and Partially Sighted

9709 Third Ave NE #100
Seattle, WA 98115-2027
(206) 525-5556
(800) 458-4888
sightconnection.com
CSBPS provides a variety of programs and services to help visually impaired persons with diabetes remain independent: instruction in how to use adaptive diabetic devices, training in safe and independent travel, skills for independent living, low vision service, counseling and support groups, volunteer assistance, and SightConnection an adaptive aids store. For more information call CSBPS and ask to speak with a rehabilitation specialist.

American Diabetes Association (ADA)
Washington Association of Diabetes Educators (WADE)

557 Roy Street, Lower Level
Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 282-4616
(800) 628-8808
diabetes.org
Provides educational literature, lending library, patient and professional educational programs, referral services, and summer camps for children with diabetes.

National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse

1 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3560
(301) 654-3327
(800) 860-8747
www.niddk.nih.gov
To contact the Agency: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/tools/mail.htmThis program provides information on current research and free outreach program kits for diabetics called “Do Your Level Best.”

Lily Care Patient Assistance Program

(800) 545-6962
Program that allows insulin-dependent diabetic clients with low income to apply to get their insulin provided at no charge on a monthly basis. Call for an application. Prescribing doctor should call to get appointment.

Diabetes Management Devices

Blood Glucose Meters with Large Display Screens

These meters beep when testing begins and ends, and memory can be downloaded. For Accu-Chek Advantage and Glucometer Elite, capillary action draws blood into strip, automatically starting the test when enough blood has been drawn into the strip. Calibration of these two meters is done with a code strip, which eliminates the need to visually set the code.

Accu-Chek Advantage by Roche (800) 858-8072

• Test strips are touchable and unwrapped.
• Has a memory of 100 readings.

Prestige IQ by Home Diagnostics (800) 342-7226

• Large, easy to read display
• Test strips require a small amount of blood
• Can save 365 different readings
• One button coding, using large print display

One Touch Profile by LifeScan (800) 227-8862

• Records insulin type and dosage.
• Must clean blood drop area of test strip if touched.
• Meter must be visually calibrated with each new vial of strips.
• Requires drop of blood (versus capillary action).
• Results on display screen with corresponding time and date.
• Memory of 250 readings.

Talking Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems

The world of talking blood glucose meters is currently going through a shift. The information below is the most up-to-date, as of the date of this printing. However, it may be best to contact CSBPS directly for more specifics on available meters.

Insurance Coverage

• Most private health insurance plans cover the cost of talking glucose meters
• Medicare Part B covers 80% of the cost of talking glucose meters and, typically supplemental insurance will cover the remaining 20%

Accu-Chek Voicemate by Roche (800) 959-8072

• Code key results in auditory feedback for coding of test strips
• Identifies ‘repeat’ feature
• Volume control and earpiece
• Comes with instructional audio cassette
• Very easy for visually impaired people to use

**This glucose meter is being phased out and is no longer being produced. However, Roche will continue to provide service and support and strips should be available for the next four to six years. Roche is working on a replacement.

Prodigy and Prodigy AutoCode by Diagnostic Devices Inc. (800) 366-5901

• Uses only 0.6 microliters of blood
• Get results in 6 seconds
• Alternate site testing
• Inexpensive
• Available in English and Spanish
• The Autocode meter codes the meter when strips are inserted

Advocate Blood Glucose Monitor (800) 990-9826

• Uses only 0.7 microliters of blood
• Get results in 7 seconds
• Alternate site testing
• Inexpensive
• Available in English and Spanish
• Will need sighted-assistance to code the meter

The Prodigy, Prodigy Autocode and Advocate all have the following drawbacks:

• No ability to audibly repeat the test results
• No ability to audibly repeat the test results in the memory

Magnification Devices

These syringe magnifiers are best suited for the individual who is still able to read large print. Both can be used for mixing insulin; both allow interchange of insulin bottles without removal of syringe. The needle guide is designed so that the needle automatically penetrates the bottle. The insulin bottle snaps securely on to the magnifier and is held in place. At this time, insurance companies do not cover these devices.

Syringe Magni-Guide (Magnifier and Needle Guide) by Becton-Dickinson

• Magnification is 1.7 times larger
• Works with B-D 0.3, 0.5, and 1.0 cc syringes

Insul-Eze by Palco (800) 346-4488

• Magnification is 2 times larger.
• Fits most insulin bottles, including: Novo, Eli Lilly and Aventis Lantus
• Works with 25, 30, 50-unit syringes by Becton-Dickinson, Terumo and others.

Syringe Support/Insulin Drawing & Measuring Devices

These devices allow syringe loading for a person who is blind or visually impaired.

Count-A-Dose by Jordan Enterprises

• Unit for B-D 0.5 cc insulin syringes fills in one-unit increments. Also available for 1.0 cc and 40 units.
• Makes a distinctive click that can be heard and felt with each increment.
• Holds 1 or 2 bottles of any brand of U-100 insulin for easy mixing.
• Designed so syringe needle penetrates each bottle safely and automatically.
• Includes instructions on cassette and in large print.