Talking Glucose Monitors
You might be surprised to learn that glucose testing is nearly 100 years old! Back then, glucose monitoring required a sample of urine and a laboratory at the very least.
Fast forward 60 years or so and blood glucose monitoring could finally be undertaken in your own home. But this was a complicated affair with multiple steps and often inaccurate results. Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) was a great step forward but it still required some useful vision to check the reading.
Living with sight loss can be challenging and exasperating. Living with sight loss and diabetes that needs constant monitoring just adds another complication.Talking glucose monitors have been around since the 1990s. There are now many different models available on the market to buy.
Speaking to your diabetic nurse or GP should always be the first point of call for help, advice and assistance. Similarly, if you are struggling with monitoring your levels because of vision loss then talk to them about a talking glucose monitor.
You might find that your surgery will prescribe you a free talking glucose monitor. However, in our experience each surgery has a different policy about providing them free of charge.
I decided to call two health care suppliers direct - one in Leicester and one in Surrey. Both suppliers were friendly and helpful and they will supply VIPs direct and free of charge. Below are contact details:
- Spirit Health Care Call direct on 0116 286 5000 to request a CareSens N Voice monitor. Their address is Spirit House, Saffron Way, Leicester LE2 6UP
- GlucoRx will supply a GLUCORX NEXUS VOICE METER. Call direct on 01483 755133. They are at Unit 1C Henley Business Park, Pirbright Road, Guildford, Surrey GU3 2DX
Monitors often come with a starter kit which usually includes test strips and lancets. You should then request a prescription from your GP for your further needs.
At Warwickshire Vision Support we encourage all VIPs to use their remaining vision whenever possible. So if you prefer to use your vision rather than a talking monitor here are some useful tips:
- Use extra lighting such as a desk lamp
- Use a hands-free magnifier
- Label medication with bump- ons or other markers that you recognise
- Use a tray or box with good colour contrast for your monitoring and testing equipment.
Article from Warwickshire Vision magazine spring 2020 by Jane Thorn