Inclusion of materials in this publication is for information only and does not imply endorsement by the Diabetes Action Network of the NFB.
Speech About Diabetic Feet
On July 6, 2002, at our annual Diabetes Action Network seminar, held in Louisville, Kentucky, as part of the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind, podiatrist Kenneth B. Rehm, DPM, gave the keynote address, titled: "The Importance of Treating Diabetic Feet." Dr. Rehm limits his practice to the diabetic foot, and he had a great deal of useful information to impart. We recorded his speech, and it is now available, on normal-speed audiocassette, for $2 per copy, from: National Federation of the Blind, Materials Center, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, MD 21230; telephone: (410) 659-9314; Web site: www.nfb.org.
Get the VOICE by e-mail
A new service is now available: You can now receive VOICE OF THE DIABETIC electronically, by e-mail, four times a year. The file will be TXT, and will closely resemble the VOICE files available on the Web at www.nfb.org/voice.htm.
By offering this service, we hope to save money on paper and postage. To receive the VOICE by e-mail, write or call the VOICE office, 1412 I-70 Drive SW, Suite C, Columbia, MO 65203; telephone: (573) 875-8911; e-mail: [email protected]. We'll sign you up.
Free Diabetes Literature
The National Federation of the Blind maintains an extensive literature collection, with free materials on many subjects available in a variety of formats. Twenty-three articles on aspects of diabetes, all previously published in the VOICE, have been assembled into a single volume, available in large print and four-track audiocassette, titled: "Diabetes Action Network Articles." Both formats are free of charge. To order, or to request a complete NFB literature catalog, contact: NFB Materials Center, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, MD 21230; telephone: (410) 659-9314. You may also order by e-mail: [email protected]. The Materials Center is open 8:30 pm to 5 pm, Eastern Time, weekdays.
Full Service Diabetes Supplier
DS Medical Supply is a full-service supplier with a catalog of more than 55,000 items, dealing with diabetes, its complications, and many other medical supplies, delivered to your home. Diabetes products range from glucose monitors by Bayer and LifeScan, and the Accu-Chek VoiceMate talking glucose monitor, strips, lancets and other supplies, to diabetic orthotics/foot care items, and much more. They accept Medicare, private insurance, some HMOs, and, in most states, direct or crossover Medicaid. Contact: DS Medical, 2105 Newport Place, Suite 600, Lawrenceville, GA 30043-5561; telephone: 1-800-722-2604 , Web site: www.dsmedical.com.
Diabetes Information on TV
Northbridge Productions presents a special edition of the national TV series: "Today's Woman." This edition will focus on diabetes, and on advances in diabetes care -- in blood glucose testing, new medications, and insulin delivery systems. What is diabetes? How do you know if you have it? What can you do about it? What new products will make it easier? Education is the answer. For scheduling/airing information, contact: Northbridge Productions; telephone: 1-800-918-5049; Web site: www.northbridge.tv.
Miracle Foot Repair
The healing power of Aloe Vera has been known for centuries.
Many generations have found relief from burns and dry skin. Now you can bring
this power to bear on your diabetic feet, and find relief from the itching and
cracking, with "Miracle Foot Repair." Guaranteed. Available at Walgreens,
or from: Ontel Direct, Dept. VOD, 21 Law Drive, Fairfield, NJ 07004; Web site:
www.ontelproducts.com.
New Talking Blood Glucose Monitor
Roche Diagnostics has developed a new talking blood glucose monitor. Based on the proven Accu-Chek Advantage meter, the Accu-Chek VoiceMate provides the following: Clear, high-quality speech synthesis, talking the user through preparations, test procedures, and results, without the need for sighted assistance; an "insulin vial identifier" which reads Eli Lilly insulin vials and speaks their type, as a safety aid in tactile insulin mixing; a new, improved, "touchable" test strip -- the Accu-Chek Comfort Curve (no more "hanging drop of blood" needed!); no meter cleaning required; and a new, tactile "code-key" system for programming test strip codes. The VoiceMate is the most "blind-friendly" talking glucose monitor available today, and the only one whose regular operations require no sighted assistance at all.
The VoiceMate comes with an adjustable over-the-shoulder carrying case, with meter, voice box, battery, adapter cord, 10 Comfort Curve strips, earphone, insulin check-vial, manual and quick-reference guide (in print), and instructions on audiocassette. Also included is the Accu-Chek Softclix lancing device, and a packet of 10 lancets. The new meter (catalog # 2030802) can now be ordered through any pharmacy (suggested retail price $495-525). To do so, have your pharmacist contact Roche Diagnostics, 9115 Hague Road, Indianapolis, IN 46250; telephone: 1-800-428-5074, For direct purchase, and a price below $500, contact any of the following retailers: Beyond Sight, Inc., Littleton, CO: (303) 795-6455 ($498); Independent Living Aids, Inc., Plainview, NY ($495): 1-800-537-2118; or the National Federation of the Blind Materials Center Baltimore, MD ($475): (410) 659-9314.
Diabetes Supplies
American Diabetic Supply, Inc., will ship your diabetes supplies to your door. They handle all insurance claims and provide free delivery. Folks with Medicare and/or private insurance (no HMOs) may receive supplies with no further cost. For information, contact: American Diabetic Supply, Inc., 400 S. Atlantic Ave., Suite 108, Ormond Beach, FL 32176; telephone: 1-800-453-9033.
Rude Awakening (from the Internet)
Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson went on a camping trip. After a good meal and a bottle of wine they were exhausted and went to sleep.
Some hours later, Holmes awoke and nudged his faithful friend. "Watson, look up and tell me what you see."
Watson replied, "I see millions and millions of stars."
"What does that tell you?"
Watson pondered for a minute. "Astronomically, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets. Astrologically, I observe that Saturn is in Leo. Time wise, I deduce that the time is approximately a quarter past three. Theologically, I can see that the Lord is all-powerful and that we are but insignificant specks of dust. Meteorologically, I suspect we'll have, a beautiful day tomorrow. What does it tell you?"
Holmes was silent for a moment, then spoke --"Watson, you idiot, some rascal has stolen our tent!"
New Voice Program
We have been asked to announce: "Talk the Talk" is a computer program that allows the user to record spoken messages, in an e-mailable format. Recordings can be any length; you can record seminars and lectures - and send them to anyone who can receive attached files. This is not a "voice-to-text" program, but a means to communicate naturally. You do not need the keyboard. Thus, people who are blind or losing vision may find this program a convenient way to let their voice be heard. Price: $29.95, including software, lapel microphone, and user's manual. Contact: Redtin Direct, telephone: (954) 956-7719; Web site: www.redtin.biz.
Consider LANTUS Insulin
LANTUS (Insulin Glargine rDNA), from Aventis Pharmaceuticals, is very different from the "rapid acting" insulin types you hear so much about today. How is this insulin different? LANTUS is a very slow insulin. The company describes it as a "long-acting basal insulin ... providing a relatively constant profile with no pronounced peak, and a glucose-lowering effect for over 24 hours." Company literature states LANTUS is for once-a-day administration, at bedtime, to treat adult patients with type 2 or type 1 diabetes, who require "basal" insulin.
LANTUS is a recombinant DNA insulin analog specifically formulated to provide a long, flat response. Because of its special formulation, LANTUS cannot be mixed in a syringe with any other insulin, so if you wished to take it with Regular, Humalog, or Novolog, you'd have to take two injections.
LANTUS insulin is available now. To find out more, contact: Aventis Pharmaceuticals; telephone: 1-866-452-6887; Web site: http://www.lantus.com.
Diabetic Supplies Online
Pharmacist Bryan Luna, RPh, offers diabetes supplies, including glucose monitors, on line at www.diabeticsupplies.com . This convenient website is simply laid out, and can be accessed in large print, too. For those without the internet, telephone: 1-877-787-7543. They will file your Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance forms. Free product catalog; 30-day money-back guarantee.
Useful Web site
The English Web site www.vipnews.org.uk daily collects news
stories from around the world about blindness and visual impairment issues.
These it presents in a simple, screen-reader-friendly manner. It is also a first-rate
collection of cross-links to world media. And, of course, access is free.
Did You Use Rezulin?
Some diabetics who used the now-banned medication Rezulin experienced complications from the drug. If you used this medication, or were a caregiver for someone who did, you might want to find out more about your legal options. Contact: Dean Spurlock, Attorney, 5601 Bridge Street, Fort Worth, TX 76112; telephone: 1-888-822-3745.
Tax Help
For assistance with completing your year 2002 tax forms, you can telephone the Internal Revenue Service, toll-free: 1-800?829?1040; Web site: www.irs.ustreas.gov/prod/forms_pubs.
Easy Diabetic Cookbook
If you want to prepare healthy diabetic meals, but find most cookbooks just too complicated, you need Linda Coffee and Emily Cale's THE DIABETIC 4 INGREDIENT COOKBOOK. There are over 200 recipes, in all food categories, with complete nutritional and exchange information, each one using four ingredients. The book costs $9.95 (+$2.95 shipping), from: Coffee and Cale, PO Box 2121, Kerrville, TX 78029; telephone: 1-800-757-0838.
Full Service Diabetes Supplier
Access Diabetic Supply promises free delivery, no paperwork, and free in-home training in the use of blood glucose testing devices. Your private insurance is welcome, and they accept Medicare, too. They offer free blood glucose monitors to folks who sign up. Check them out on line: www.diabeticsupply.com or call: 1-800-276-5712.
Diabetic Food Exchange List
The 1995 EXCHANGE LISTS FOR MEAL PLANNING is now available in Braille (74 pages) and on four-track audiocassette. This publication, the result of a joint effort of the American Diabetes Association and the American Dietetic Association, reflects the current emphasis on total carbohydrate intake, rather than restricting specific sugar types. Users find its orientation simple, and its meal plans flexible. Although it is only one of several ways to manage diabetic food intake, the "Exchange List" has been proven to work reliably and well, and will continue to play a pivotal role.
To purchase, make tax deductible checks payable to: National Federation of the Blind. Cost: Braille $10, cassette $2. Order from: National Federation of the Blind, Materials Center, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, MD 21230; telephone: (410) 659-9314.
VOICE Formats
VOICE OF THE DIABETIC is offered in two formats: standard print, and 15/16 IPS
audiocassette ("talking book" speed). Anyone who is currently receiving
the VOICE in print and having difficulty reading it, may receive it on cassette
at no charge. VOICE tapes require the special tape player available free to
the legally blind from Regional Libraries for the Blind and Physically Handicapped,
which can be obtained by telephoning the National Library Service at: 1-800-424-8567.
Periodically we receive requests for the VOICE in Braille or large print. It is not available in either of those formats at this time. View the VOICE on the World Wide Web at: www.nfb.org/voice.htm.
Protect Your Eyes When Jump-Starting Batteries
It seems impossible that a car battery could cause an explosion loud enough to be mistaken for several large firecrackers exploding - or powerful enough to blind or maim someone. However, in fact, improper procedures in jump-starting a dead battery can turn the battery into a lethal bomb, causing thousands of serious eye injuries each year. All vehicle batteries contain sulfuric acid and produce hydrogen and oxygen gases. If the gases come into contact with a spark, flame or lighted cigarette, the battery can explode, sending battery fragments and acid flying.
Every year, dead batteries cause millions of cars and trucks to fail to start. In addition, because vehicle failures seldom happen at a convenient time or spot, motorists and workers should educate themselves on basic auto mechanics and jump-starting procedures before the battery dies. If you don't feel comfortable jump-starting or replacing a dead battery yourself, by all means call a professional, as it is not worth taking the risk.
Businesses and individuals alike should have an emergency plan in place in case a vehicle battery explodes. Most people panic if battery acid splashes into their eye - The immediate thing the injured person should do is to flush the eye with any 'drinkable' liquid on hand, such as water, milk, juice or any soft drink. Every second counts, because the longer the acid stays in the eye, the greater the chances of a serious corneal burn or blindness.
According to statistics, there were an estimated 276,000 product-related eye injuries, which were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms in 2001. Thousands of these injuries were related to automotive products such as antifreeze, cleaners, and chemicals. Automotive-related eye injuries associated with batteries and chargers accounted for the highest total. There are measures of protection that people should follow when working on their vehicles, particularly under the hood. Professionals working in the auto repair business, as well as motorists, are encouraged to wear safety glasses or goggles when jump-starting vehicle batteries.
Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness America is a volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. Focused on promoting a continuum of vision care, Prevent Blindness America touches millions of people each year through public and professional education, certified vision screening training, community and patient service programs and research. These services are made possible through the generous support of the American public. To receive a free Auto Battery Safety sticker call 1-800-331-2020 or visit us on the web at www.preventblindness.org.
Your Day Off?
So you want a day off. Let's take a look at what you are asking for. There are 365 days per year available for work. There are 52 weeks per year in which you already have two days off per week, leaving 261 days available for work. Since you spend 16 hours each day away from work, you have used up 170 days, leaving only 91 days available. You spend 30 minutes each day on coffee break which counts for 23 days each year, leaving only 68 days available.
With a one hour lunch each day, you used up another 46 days, leaving only 22 days available for work. You normally spend two days per year on sick leave. This leaves you only 20 days per year available for work. We are off five holidays per year, so your available working time is down to 15 days. We generously give 14 days vacation per year which leaves only one day available for work and I'll be damned if you are going to take that day off!
Diabetes Supplies
Do you get tired of having to "shop around" for your various diabetes items? "Go to this place for these; to that place for those ..." Do something about it. Check out diabetesstore.com, the leading online source for discount diabetes products. Contact them by telephone: 1-800-891-9399; or Web site: www.diabetesstore.com.
Articles Needed
If you have diabetes, are a family member or friend of a diabetic, or a health professional with an interest in diabetes, we invite you to submit an article for publication in the VOICE OF THE DIABETIC.
Our philosophy regarding diabetes is positive. Do you have an inspiring, enlightening story? We, the Diabetes Action Network of the National Federation of the Blind, seek to show people they are not alone, and do have options, regardless of diabetic complications. If you have experienced ramifications, others, who may be facing the same side effects, could benefit from what you have to say.
Perhaps you have not experienced complications--your unique insight, coping strategies, and lifestyle can still inspire others. Are you a relative, a friend, or a health professional? More than 316,215 VOICE readers could benefit from your story.
For information and article submission guidelines, contact: VOICE OF THE DIABETIC, 1412 I-70 Drive, Suite C, Columbia, MO 65203; telephone: (573) 875-8911.
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MEDICARE REFERENCE CODE CHANGE
Medicare has very specific "code specifications" for the various medical
devices it will fund. For proper reimbursement, you need to use the correct
number. There have always been two such "reference codes" for glucose
monitors: EO607 for conventional glucose monitors, and EO609 for talking blood
glucose meters, or talk boxes for existing meters. This second number has been
changed. For purchase of a talking glucose monitor, or voice synthesizer for
a glucose monitor, the correct specification is now E2100. Don't use EO609 anymore.