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�������������������������� NINE YEARS
AS A VISUALLY‑IMPAIRED PUMPER��������� ���������������������������� ��������� by
Anne Whittington, MBA, MSN, RN, CDE �Board Member,
American Association of Diabetes Educators ���������������������������������� ���� Initially
I was on the MiniMed 504 insulin pump.� I found its buttons cumbersome (for my rheumatoid arthritis) and the contrast poor on the pump's display screen.�
In 1993, I switched to the Disetronic pump.� Its audible alarms, and the crisp contrast on its screen met my
needs well. ���� Beginning
in 1997, I was anxiously awaiting the release of MiniMed's new 507c pump.� Their discussion about interfacing with a home blood glucose monitor was very appealing.� But
in 1998, when I decided the time had come to replace my five year old (but fully functional) Disetronic pumps, I examined, through customer service representatives, the new 507c. ���� I found
the background color on the 507c's display screen was greenish‑blue (not the customary gray
of most LCDs).� Even
though my visual acuity is fair, my contrast vision is extremely poor.� In order for me to read the numbers, I needed the room to be completely darkened.�
Given that most of the time, I am wanting to read my pump
in a well‑lit room (since I function very poorly in
the dark), I opted for the Disetronic pump. ���� The take‑home
message is, before making your selection of the best pump for you, consult your diabetes team members.� These�
team members go beyond your doctor, and include nurse, dietitian, blind rehab specialist, diabetes educator, and whoever else may be assisting you in
learning about the pump and its day to day operation.� Also, please speak with customer service representatives from the
major companies before you select a pump.� Explain your needs as a blind person.� Both
Disetronic and MiniMed have very helpful service personnel. |
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