Nancy Duncan is a retired senior Diabetes. She was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2005 and wasn’t sure why.
“My relatives in my family had this disease, but they were not diagnosed at the time,” Nancy said. They just said you have sugars, and that’s it.
Over the past 20 years, Nancy has learned how to do just that Manage her condition And she defends herself. When she was first diagnosed, she wasn’t worried about losing her sight because she was already blind. Instead, it was angry Because she will miss her favorite sweets and foods.
Challenges with accessible devices for diabetics
Nancy was also frustrated by the lack of… Accessible devices For blind diabetics. She was able to find information to read about diabetes from National Library for the Blind and People with Disabilities Publications Service And the American Diabetes Association. However, the accessibility ended there.
“When I attended the workshops, they offered devices, but I didn’t have access to any of them,” she said.
I tried using a Speaking glucometer But he had difficulty placing the blood correctly on the tape.
“If you touch the blood in the wrong place, it won’t be effective,” Nancy explained. “The strips were too small.”
Eventually, she went back to using a standard device and relied on a sighted person to read the results.
Find a better device
Nancy wanted a more independent solution. Today, a Continuous glucose monitor.
The device is worn on her arm. Nancy describes the device as being about the size of a penny and having a small needle that she inserts into the skin. Comes with adhesive backing to stay on arm. The device provides audio alerts when blood sugar levels change. It also connects to her smartphone, allowing her to access readings using speech output and share the data with her doctor.
“This device has improved my independence in managing my diabetes,” Nancy said.
Exercise for blind diabetics
Nancy stresses that diabetes management involves more than just using devices. Diet and exercise are also essential.
After her diagnosis, she worked with a personal trainer who had experience supporting blind people.
“A lot of coaches don’t have that experience, and that makes a difference,” she said.
Although she did not lose much weight He practices Help improve blood sugar levels.
Today, she works out at home using equipment like the PhysioStep, which combines the features of an elliptical machine and a recumbent bike.
“I feel better, especially in my joints,” she said.
Vegetarian, blind and diabetic
Nancy was a vegetarian for many years and had to modify her diet to manage her diabetes.
“Vegetarian meals can be high in carbohydrates,” she said.
She now focuses on portion control and balancing carbs with protein. For example, you often combine egg whites with toast for breakfast.
Nancy also uses assistive technology to read food labels and make informed choices.
The importance of self-defense
Nancy encourages others who are blind or visually impaired to advocate for themselves.
When I first ordered a continuous glucose monitor, insurance didn’t cover it. She worked with her doctor to get approval.
She also points out that many diabetes educators are not aware of the needs of people who are blind.
“It’s important to ask questions and push to get the care you need,” she said.
Self-advocacy is advice Nancy gives to all blind and visually impaired diabetics.
