Category: Health and Wellness
I have type 2 Diabetes and need to track my sugar levels. Now that my visionh isn't what it used to be it is much harder to accomplish this daily necessity. Is there anyone who has found a completely independant method for performing the glucose test? I know they make talking meters but you still have to get the blood right on that little spot. Obviously you need vision to do that. If anyone has any suggestions I'm all ears. Thanks. djmom
No you don't. My friend has one and she uses it just fine.
Troy
It might seem hard to believe since you are used to using your vision for things, but you actually don't have to see to get your blood in the right spot. The Accu-Chek Comfort Curve strips that come with the Accu-Chek glucometer have a curve that you can easily feel, and a little bump within that curve that you can rub your finger on to get the blood on the right spot. And a new glucometer called the Prodigy talks without having to be placed inside a VoiceMate which makes it much more convenient to use. The strips that come with it don't have the curve, but again there is a little bump you can feel. It does take practice, but you can learn to do this all by feel. We have rehab teachers where I work who teach people to do this without vision as well as measure insulin and inject insulin without vision. So it can be done.
Hang in there.
Like you've been told, it is possible with a talking meter to learn to test your own blood. I also inject 4 times a day without any assistance.
Thanks so much for all your help. I have been injecting Insulin on my own for quite some time now, but didn't know there were meters that I could actually use to track my sugar levels on my own. Donna (djmom)
The Prodigy is a relatively inexpensive way to go. If you order it from speaktome.com, you can hear a short demonstration, and you can get a box of test strips with the code number in braille on the box if you order from there. If you are placing a first time order for the unit itself and get the package deal, it includes a box of the test strips plus a CD with instructions. And replacement boxes of test strips also come with the Braille code on the box. The only thing about the prodigy that is not yet accessible is the memory function. You cannot presss the button and get verbal readouts of your past sugar readings, but if you have vision left and can read large print, you may be able to read the display.