When shopping for a new cell phone or even a
car, there are dozens of features to explore and choices to make. The same
is true of shopping for medical products that will help manage a chronic
disease. For many people with diabetes, it can be difficult to determine
which products are right for them. But help is on the way: Diabetes Forecast, the
consumer magazine of the American
Diabetes Association, is publishing its annual Consumer Guide in the
January 2010 issue. In this guide, Diabetes Forecast lays out dozens of
products, with side-by-side comparisons, photos and even a special section
about products that are on the horizon. Don't miss this annual resource to
help determine which products fit your personal needs.
This year's Consumer Guide offers expert tips on how to evaluate many types
of diabetes products, which are divided into the following categories:
Meters - Over 50 blood glucose (sugar) meters are examined with
information about the required size of the blood sample, battery type,
whether or not coding is necessary and contact information to learn more
about each product. There are also call-out boxes that list blood glucose
meters with audio features, backlight, data storage and the ability to
withstand extremely high or low temperatures, as well as how to pick a
meter for children and people with special needs.
Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) - These are among the newest
tools for blood glucose monitoring, with three CGMs currently on the U.S.
market. Diabetes Forecast looks at each one, its multiple pieces,
range, warm-up time, calibration requirements, sensor duration and other
features to help readers determine a good match.
Insulin Pumps & Infusion Sets - Insulin pumps all have the same
basic function, but it's all the various features and functions that make
for a good fit based on personal preference. The 2010 Consumer Guide
details the basics about insulin pumps, then compares the pumps and their
features as well as the infusion sets that are compatible with each insulin
pump.
Insulin Pens - Many types of insulin are now available in a discreet
pen-like form. Diabetes Forecast compares these pens, with their
different types of insulin, with details about dosage size and increments
as well as whether or not an insulin pen is disposable or reusable.
Aids for People on Insulin Therapy - Because administering insulin
must be done in a precise manner with a precise dose, there are several
products for insulin users that aim to help make the process easier, such
as syringe magnifiers, injection ports and needle-stabilizing devices.