Diabetes and Insurance

 Knowledge of available resources.  Establish open communication with an Endocrinologist.  Know how to advocate for specific needs.  Know what benefits and services are available through insurance.  Know about accessible glucose monitors and necessary testing supplies.  Preauthorization Letters

 Insurance companies often offer a small selection of specific glucose monitors, medications, and testing supplies.  Many of the offered glucose monitors and supplies are not fully accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.  Clients will need to be able to tell their Endocrinologists why they need a specific glucose monitor that may not be offered normally through insurance.

 The client will need to ask their Endocrinologist or other medical professional to write a Preauthorization Letter stating that the client is visualy impaired or blind, that the client needs a Talking Glucose Monitor, and document specific reasoning.  The Preauthorization Letter should be sent to the client’s insurance company in order to be approved to receive an accessible glucose monitor and the necessary testing supplies.

OneTouch Ultra 2 Accu-Chek Aviva Pictured: a teardrop shaped glucose Monitor with a glossy screen and large numbers. Pictured: a black teardrop shaped Glucose monitor with large numbers.

 Small buttons without tactile markings  Glare  Small, visual logs/menus  No audio feedback when testing blood glucose levels  Difficulty with applying blood samples to test strips

One Touch Ultra 2Accu-Chek Aviva

 They require coding in order to provide accurate test results.  Often difficult to apply blood samples.  Often difficult to determine how to insert into glucose monitor.  Often provide inaccurate test results or errors when insufficient amounts of blood are applied.

 Fully accessible  Audible prompts talk the user through all set-ups, step-by- step, including audible test results, meter status, averages, and memory records with date and time.  Stores up to 450 test results  Allows for multiple testing sites  No coding necessary when using test strips

Taking Insulin

Count-a-doseInsulin Pens

Insulin PumpsHow Does It Work?  Insulin pumps are small computerized devices that deliver insulin, a hormone that helps the body use glucose for energy. The beta cells of the pancreas make insulin. When the body cannot make enough insulin, it is taken by injection or through use of an insulin pump in two ways: In a steady measured and continuous dose (the "basal" insulin) -or- As a surge ("bolus an extra amount of insulin taken to cover an expected rise in blood glucose, often related to a meal or snack") dose, at your direction, around mealtime.

 Needle Caps (for Insulin Pens)  Syringes (for clients using vials of insulin)  Blood Sugar Log Books  Lancets  Sharps Containers  Oral Medications used to manage Diabetes  Supplies for use with the Insulin Pumps

 Humalog U-200 Kwikpen. (n.d.). Retrieved April 12, 2016, from Humalog:  Insulin Pumps. (n.d.). Retrieved April 12, 2016, from American Diabetes Association: pumps.html  OneTouch Ultra 2 Meter. (n.d.). Retrieved April 8, 2016, from OneTouch:  Printable Blood Sugar Tracker Large Print. (n.d.). Retrieved April 12, 2016, from Free Printable Medical Forms :  Prodigy Count-a-dose for the Low Vision Diabetic. (n.d.). Retrieved April 12, 2016, from MaxiAids:  Prodigy Voice Talking Blood Glucose Monitor. (n.d.). Retrieved April 8, 2016, from MaxiAids:

 Humalog U-200 Kwikpen. (n.d.). Retrieved April 12, 2016, from Humalog:  Insulin Pumps. (n.d.). Retrieved April 12, 2016, from American Diabetes Association: pumps.html  OneTouch Ultra 2 Meter. (n.d.). Retrieved April 8, 2016, from OneTouch:  Printable Blood Sugar Tracker Large Print. (n.d.). Retrieved April 12, 2016, from Free Printable Medical Forms :  Prodigy Count-a-dose for the Low Vision Diabetic. (n.d.). Retrieved April 12, 2016, from MaxiAids:  Prodigy Voice Talking Blood Glucose Monitor. (n.d.). Retrieved April 8, 2016, from MaxiAids: