RESOURCE GUIDE TO AIDS AND APPLIANCES Published by the Diabetics Division of the National Federation of the Blind Formatted in large print, cassette, or Braille ($2 per copy) Order from: National Federation of the Blind Materials Center 1800 Johnson Street Baltimore, MD 21230 Telephone: (410) 659-9314 Blind diabetics and those losing vision can continue to be independent. The blind can and do accurately draw up insulin, monitor blood glucose levels, etc. Limitations are usually self-imposed, and often all that is needed to overcome negative thinking is simply to know where to go for information. This list of products helps diabetics to self-manage their diabetes. Some equipment (i.e. audio output devices) has been adapted for the blind. By using alternative techniques and products, the blind can control their diabetes as efficiently as do their sighted peers. The Resource Guide is a compilation of companies and individuals offering products and/or information to help diabetics, especially blind diabetics, self manage their diabetes. Listing of products is for information only and does not imply endorsement by the Diabetics Division of the NFB. The prices listed are subject to change and, for the most part, do not include handling charges. Please let us know the instruments for diabetes management with which you are familiar. Feedback from diabetics and health professionals is important in determining effectiveness of products. This list is arranged under six subject categories: General and Miscellaneous, Automatic Insulin Injection Systems, Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems, Syringe Magnifiers, Insulin Pumps, and Large Distributors of Diabetes Equipment and/or Supplies. Each category is alphabetized by vendor name. GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS Becton Dickinson Consumer Products, One Becton Drive, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417-1883; phone: 1-800-237-4554. B-D Home Sharps Container: 1.5 qt. leak-proof container holds 70 to 100 used syringes for safe disposal. Suggested retail price: $2.22. B-D Safe-Clip: Safely removes and stores used syringe needles prior to disposal. Suggested retail price: $3.10. Boehringer Mannheim Corporation, 9115 Hague Road, Indianapolis, IN 46250-0100; phone: 1-800-428-5074; fax: (317) 576-3070. Accu-Drop Blood Sample Device: Uses ChemStrip BG test strips. May aid placement of blood on strip. Suggested retail price: $13. Carolyn's Catalog, P.O. Box 14577, Bradenton, FL 34280-4577; phone: 1-800-648-2266. Adaptive equipment distributor; free catalog (standard print only). Digital Blood Pressure Meter: Easy to read large LCD readout; automatic power-off function. Cost: $54.95. Diabetic Insulcap, Inc., P.O. Box 34347, Las Vegas, NV 89133-4347; phone: (702) 363-0426. Insulcap: A color-coded, tactile-cue-equipped plastic fitting that attaches to the insulin vial, guides syringe insertion, holds needle at correct depth. Sold in sets of 2, (one blue and smooth, one orange and knobbed, to aid differentiation). Suggested retail price: $7.95. Easier Ways, Inc., 1049 Rock Hill Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21229; phone: (410) 659-0232. Adaptive equipment distributor; free catalog in print, cassette, or 5 1/4 computer disk; Braille catalog costs $10. Adjustable Liquid Measure: This syringe measures two teaspoons or less; can be used by individuals without vision; desired amount can be drawn by measuring tactually. Cassette instructions included. Cost: $4.99. Fishburne Enterprises, 43550 Cactus Valley Road, Hemet, CA 92543; phone: (909) 765-9276. Free print catalog and samples on request; training cassette costs $3.95. Fishburne Alphabet: A tactile alphabet designed to provide simple touch identification for household and personal items; does not replace Braille, but may be a good alternative for people with severe diabetic neuropathy. Cost: $0.39 to $50; "Starter Kit": $19.95. George Wright Industries, 3741 Faulkner Drive, Apt. 301, Lincoln, NE 68516; phone: (402) 423-3253. Inject Aid Syringe/Vial Holder: Enables tactile draw-up of preset dose; requires sighted aid to reset. Combines vial and syringe into a single unit; accepts all syringe types/sizes. For two types of insulin, use two Inject Aid holders. Cost: $7.95 each. Independent Living Aids, Inc., 27 East Mall, Plainview, NY 11803-4404; phone: 1-800-537-2118. Adaptive equipment distributor; free catalog on tape or in print. Dibet-Kit: Container holds up to 2 vials and 6 disposable syringes; sanitary and impact proof. Cost: $6.95. Jordan Medical Enterprises, 12555 Garden Grove Boulevard, Suite 507, Garden Grove, CA 92643; phone: 1-800-541-1193. Count-A-Dose Insulin Measuring Device: Gauge calibrated for use with U-100 vials and B-D 1/2cc (low dose) syringes only. By turning a thumb-wheel, clicks are heard and felt for each one-unit increment measured; holds 1 or 2 vials of insulin for mixing; needle penetrates vial stopper automatically. Print and excellent cassette instructions provided. Suggested retail price: $49.95. Janet Lee, Blindness: Learning in New Dimensions, 100 E. 22nd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55404; phone: (612) 872-0100. Sample Insulin Gauge: Fits over syringe plunger, enables non-sighted insulin measurement. A sample gauge will be sent upon request and receipt of an insulin syringe. Lighthouse Consumer Products, 36-02 Northern Boulevard, Long Island City, NY 11101-1614; telephone: 1-800-829-0500. Adaptive equipment distributor; free catalog in large print, Braille or cassette. Syringe Support: Insulin measuring gauge; uses B-D 100 unit syringe; each full turn of measuring wheel draws two units. Uses tactile prompt (set screw with raised ridge); no click cue. Instructions (standard print only) for this Canadian product are bilingual. Of most utility for those who draw doses over 10 units. Cost: $19.95. LS & S Group, P.O. Box 673, Northbrook, IL 60065; phone: 1-800-468-4789. Adaptive equipment distributor; catalog free in print (on cassette costs $3, applicable toward first purchase). Large Print Simplified Register for Diabetes: Register contains 128 entry blanks for diabetes records. Cost: $2.95 each, or 3 for $7.50. Thermakit Insulin Container: Insulated container reduces agitation, protects against temperature fluctuations. Holds two insulin vials and two syringes (any brand). Cost: $2.49. Pill-Alert: Interval timer/alarm pillbox can be set to beep every 4 to 16 hours; LCD display; battery included. Cost: $9.95. LHS-3 talking scale: 300 Lb. capacity; LED and voice readout. Loud, clear voice. Requires 9 volt battery (not included). Cost: $73.75 Maxi Aids, 42 Executive Boulevard, Box 3209, Farmingdale, NY 11735; phone: 1-800-522-6294. Adaptive equipment distributor; free print catalog; cassette costs $2.50, which can be applied toward a purchase of $25 or more. Insulin-Aid: Unbreakable insulin vial holder with strong magnetic back. Cost: $14.99. Identi-Med RX Labels: Tactile identification for prescription medications. Starter box with 96 labels. Cost: $36. Tel-Weight Talking Food Scale: Up to 11 lb. (5kg) load capacity; controlled speaker volume; large LCD display; reads gm or oz. units, runs on 4 AA batteries (not included) or optional AC adapter. Cost: $69.95. Med-Safe Systems, Inc., 4665 North Avenue, Oceanside, CA 92056-3590; phone: 1-800-268-2001. Insulin Syringe and Lancet Disposal System: Resembles a tissue box, holds up to 100 used syringes. Starter kit, with decorative cover & 3 refills, retails for $15.85. Refills sold separately in sets of 3. Suggested retail price: $8.95. Medicool, Inc., 23761 Madison Street, Torrance, CA 90505; phone: 1-800-433-2469; in CA, call: 1-800-654-1565. Insulin Protector Case: A specially designed case that will keep insulin cool for up to 16 hours while traveling; also holds syringes, swabs, or test strips. Cost: $32.45. Meditec, Inc., 3322 S. Oneida Way, Denver, CO 80224; phone: (303) 758-6978. Holdease: Needle guide and syringe/vial holder; holds syringe and vial together for filling operation, use with Insulgage (below) for non-sighted filling. Works with all U-100 syringes. Cost: $12.75. Insulgage: Flat plastic insulin gauge slips onto B-D or Monoject 1cc or 1/2cc syringe, allows tactile draw-up of preset dose. Many sizes available; one per Insulgage. Available in several formats; Braille with raised numbers Insulgage costs $9.45. National Federation of the Blind, Materials Center, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, MD 21230; phone: (410) 659-9314. Adaptive equipment distributor; free product and literature catalogs in large print or Braille. Count-A-Dose Insulin Measuring Gauge: Calibrated for use with B-D 1/2cc (low-dose) syringes. By turning a thumb-wheel, clicks are heard and felt for each one-unit increment measured. Holds one or two vials of insulin for mixing; needle penetrates bottle stopper automatically. Print and cassette instructions provided. Cost: $40. NFB Materials Center has a small supply of the older, now discontinued, 1cc/100 unit model. Similar operation, but uses B-D 100 unit syringe, and each click of the thumb-wheel draws two units. No audio instructions. Price $40. Talking Blood Pressure Meter: Unit gives systolic/diastolic and pulse readings, both spoken and on oversize LCD display. Portable, runs on four AA batteries (included). Large print instructions. Cost: $165 with standard size cuff. Small cuffs cost $15, large cuffs $20 each. Talking Clinical Thermometer: Provides audible readout of body temperature. Cassette instructions. Cost: $49. Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Inc., 100 Overlook Center, Suite 200, Princeton, NJ 08540; phone: 1-800-727-6500. Novo Nordisk states: "None of our devices are recommended for use by blind or visually impaired persons without sighted aid." Both products use PenNeedle disposable needles (sold separately). Novolin Pen Insulin Delivery System: Made of durable plastic; uses Novolin cartridges, regular, NPH, or 70/30 human insulin. Measures insulin in even increments from 2 to 36 units. A click is heard for each two units of insulin drawn. Difficulties have been reported with the reliability of the click for measuring purposes. Suggested retail price, excluding insulin cartridge: $40. Novolin Prefilled: Disposable dial-a-dose syringe holds 150 units of R, 70/30, or N human insulin; measures 2 to 58 units in two-unit increments. Suggested retail price (packet of 5 syringes): $19.10. Owen Mumford, Inc., 849 Pickens Industrial Drive, Suite 12, Marietta, GA 30062; phone: 1-800-421-6936. Autopen Insulin Delivery System: Made in England; uses Novolin insulin cartridges and needles; two models; one that clicks for each unit drawn, from one to 16 units; and the other that clicks at each two-unit increment, with a range of 2 to 32 units. Suggested retail price: $33.50. Palco Labs, Inc., 8030 Soquel Avenue, #104, Santa Cruz, CA 95062; phone: 1-800-346-4488; fax: (408) 476-1114. Insul-Tote: All-weather insulated tote transports insulin, meter, and strips. Four models. Suggested retail price: $20-$25. Load-Matic: Tactile insulin measuring device, accepts B-D 100 unit syringe; aligns needle with vial stopper; two separate controls (one for single unit and the other for ten unit increments); tactile prompt to confirm dose setting. Cassette instructions. Individuals with neuropathy may have difficulty with the one unit scale, and it is possible to unintentionally "short-stroke" the ten unit loading lever and draw an incomplete dose. Suggested retail price: $49.95. Science Products, Box 888, Southeastern, PA 19399; phone: 1-800- 888-7400. Free print catalog. Good Health Combo: This three-unit talking health kit monitors blood pressure and takes temperature. Same voice box works with both blood pressure monitor and thermometer. Both measuring units present readings in spoken and extra large (about 2 inches high) LCD display. The blood pressure monitor gives date, time, systolic/ diastolic, and pulse readings; comes with a printer and rechargeable battery; stores 7 readings; weighs 29 oz.; the temperature monitor weighs 5 oz. Purchased separately, thermometer comes with a cable and is voice ready; has large LCD display but has no voice. Blood pressure monitor can also be purchased separately and works as described above. Suggested retail price for Good Health Combo: $595. Suggested retail price for X-tra Large Display Digi-Temp Thermometer: $195. Suggested retail price for Talking blood pressure monitor: $495. Cheryl Smith, Resource Library Chairwoman, Diabetics Division, National Federation of the Blind, 7717 Eastern Avenue, Apt. B, Dallas, TX 75209; phone: (214) 352-4974. Cyclosporine Stopper Sleeve: Enables blind diabetics to independently draw up cyclosporine (immunosuppressive drug that prevents transplant recipient's body from rejecting the new organ). Instructions available in print or on audiocassette. Send SASE; please include $2 for the tape, payable to National Federation of the Blind. Unit-Calibration-Aid, P.O. Box 1000, Hope, British Columbia, Canada V0X ILO; phone: (604) 869-5648. Uni-Cal-Aid Tactile Insulin Measuring Device: Allows tactile draw-up of preset insulin doses; has two presets; uses all syringe types; requires sighted aid to change presets. Cost: $25 U.S., or $30 Canadian. Whittier Medical, Inc., 865 Turnpike Street, North Andover, MA 01845; phone: 1-800-645-1115. Truhand: Insulin bottle holder, accepts 1/2cc and 1cc syringes; magnifies entire scale 3X; mixing possible; unit holds one vial at a time. Cost: $29.95. AUTOMATIC INSULIN INJECTION SYSTEMS Health-Mor Personal Care Corp., 185 E. North Street, Bradley, IL 60915; phone: 1-800-991-4464. AdvantaJet Needle-Free Injection System: Automatic jet-stream injection system; tactile detents for each unit drawn. Price includes training, 24-hour help line, free loaner. Suggested retail price: $795. Jordan Medical Enterprises, 12555 Garden Grove Boulevard, Suite 507, Garden Grove, CA 92643; phone: 1-800-541-1193. Instaject: Shatterproof combination insulin injector/blood lancet device; fits all sizes/brands of insulin syringes (except Monoject) without adapters. Can be adjusted for depth of needle penetration; fits in palm of hand; fits many lancets. Suggested retail price: $49.95. Medi-Ject, 1840 Berkshire Lane, Minneapolis, MN 55441; phone: 1-800-328-3074. Medi-Jector (MJ6): Needle-free injector, measures in 1/2 unit increments; tactile and visual cues. With practice, should be suitable for independent use by the blind. Two versions: adult and pediatric. Cost: $595. Owen Mumford, Inc., 849 Pickens Industrial Drive, Suite 12, Marietta, GA 30062; phone: 1-800-421-6936. Autoject 2: An update of the Autojector. Two models (fixed-needle or disposable-needle syringes); system injects the needle at a prescribed depth; incorporates safety lock. Uses all syringe types. Suggested retail price: $42.50. Palco Labs, Inc., 8030 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062; phone: 1-800-346-4488; fax: (408) 476-1114. Inject-Ease: Can be used with most low dosage syringes; with B-D syringes, cap can be left on needle while loading device. Five-year warranty. Suggested retail price: $32.50. Sherwood Medical, Consumer Department, 1831 Olive Street, St. Louis, MO 63103; phone: (314) 621-7788. Free information pamphlet available. Monoject Injectomatic: Requires use of Monoject syringes. When pressed against injection site, needle is injected. Two sizes: 1 cc (100 unit syringes) or 1/2cc (50 unit syringes). Suggested retail price: $23. Vitajet Corporation, 27075 Cabot Road, #102, Laguna Hills, CA 92653; phone: (714) 582-0713. Vitajet: Needle-free insulin injector; delivers from 2 to 50 units; adjustable jet pressure; some capacity for mixing insulins; raised dosage scale and some tactile cues facilitate low-vision administration. Three year warranty. Cost: $695. BLOOD GLUCOSE MONITORING SYSTEMS A: Glucometers with Voice Enunciation Home Diagnostics, Inc., 2300 NW 55th Court, Suite 110, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309; phone: 1-800-342-7226; fax: (908) 542-6754. Diascan Partner: Enunciates instructions and results; user-friendly. The only talking meter that allows blood to be "painted" onto the test strip; all others require a hanging drop of blood. One small eight ounce unit; easy-to-understand voice announces calibration setting; easy to clean; over-the-shoulder adjustable tote bag and instructions on cassette and in print included. Suggested retail price: $399. LifeScan, Inc., 1051 S. Milpitas Boulevard, Milpitas, CA 05035; phone: 1-800-227-8862. One Touch Profile: Successor to the One Touch II; same strips, operating instructions, and accuracy; features vastly expanded internal memory and functions. Offered by many suppliers. Suggested retail price: $100 to $120. Lighthouse Consumer Products, 36-02 Northern Boulevard, Long Island City, NY 11101-1614; phone: 1-800-829-0500. Touch-n-Talk: Voice box unit for LifeScan One Touch II meter; enunciates instructions and results; attaches to glucometer by patchcord; requires 9 volt battery (not included). Large print and cassette instructions for voice module provided. Voice module costs $219.95. Lighthouse also sells the LifeScan One Touch II glucometer for $149.95, or the pair for $369.90. Optional AC adapter for Touch-n-Talk costs $11.95. LS & S Group, P.O. Box 673, Northbrook IL 60065; phone: 1- 800-468-4789. LHS-7: Voice box unit for the Lifescan Profile; enunciates instructions and results; requires 9 volt battery (not included) or AC adapter (supplied). Small unit, attaches with velcro to base of meter; uses meter controls. English only, two volume settings. Instructions in standard print only. Cost: $199. Note: Voice synthesizers designed for the Profile glucometer will not work with the One Touch II. LS & S Group also offers the One Touch Profile meter for $149.00, or the pair (meter and voice box) for $334.95. National Federation of the Blind, Materials Center, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, MD 21230; phone: (410) 659-9314. LifeScan One Touch II with Voice Touch: Enunciates instructions and results; voice module firmly attaches to glucometer (other voice units link by patchcord); large print and cassette instructions explain voice module; easy to clean; 9 volt battery included. Glucometer costs $120, voice module costs $219 (total: $339). Optional AC adaptor costs $12. Science Products, Box 888, Southeastern, PA 19399; phone: 1-800-888-7400. Digi-Voice Deluxe Module: Voice synthesizer unit for LifeScan One Touch II Meter; enunciates instructions and results; attaches to glucometer by patchcord; charger and rechargeable 9 volt battery included; cassette instructions for voice module provided. Cost: $275. Mini-Digi-Voice Module: Similar, smaller voice box for One Touch II, available with AC adapter for $219 or 9V only for $199. Science Products also produces a Mini-Digi-Voice for the LifeScan One Touch Profile, at the same price. NOTE: Voice Synthesizer units designed for the LifeScan One Touch II will NOT work with the LifeScan Profile. Sure Drop: Blood collector/dropper device; two models--one for LifeScan One Touch II, the other for Profile; slips over the meter; helps accurately place blood droplet for a glucose reading. Coated metal. Cost: $24.95. Smart Dot, 2655 West Central Avenue, Toledo, OH 43606; phone: 1-800-984-1137. Smart Dot: Blood collector/dropper device; attaches to strip holder of LifeScan Basic, One Touch II, or Profile; helps accurately place blood droplet for a glucose reading. Plastic. Cost: $10.95. Technology for Independence, Inc. (TFI), The Schrafft Center Annex, 529 Main Street, Boston, MA 02129; phone: 1-800-331- 8255. Voice-Touch Module: Speech module for the LifeScan One Touch II; clamps below glucometer. Available in many languages; solid and well-made. Cost: $219. Optional AC adapter costs $19. TFI also offers the LifeScan One Touch II glucometer. Cost: $135. NOTE: Units designed for use with the LifeScan One Touch II will NOT work with the Profile. B: Large Print (non-talking) Glucometers Bayer Corporation, Diagnostics Division, Elkhart, IN 46515; phone: 1-800-348-8100. Glucometer Elite: Large display; no timing, wiping, or cleaning. Suggested retail price: $100. Boehringer Mannheim Corporation, 9115 Hague Road, Indianapolis, IN 46250-0100; phone: 1-800-428-5074; fax: (317) 576-3070. Accu-Chek Advantage: Large LCD readout; simple, easy to clean. Suggested retail price: $50. Home Diagnostics, Inc. (address above) Diascan Ultra: Large LCD readout; simple cleaning procedure. Suggested retail price: $40 to $60. LifeScan, Inc. (address above) One Touch Basic: Simple and reliable procedures; large LCD readout; easy to clean. Suggested retail price: $60. MediSense, Inc., 266 Second Avenue, Waltham, MA 02154; phone: 1-800-527-3339. Precision QID: Large LCD readout; simplified operating drill; uses both Medi-Sense strips and Precision QID Microflo strips, the latter allowing strip to be touched and machine to be moved while testing. Suggested retail price: $70 to $90. INSULIN MAGNIFIERS Apothecary Products, Inc., 11531 Rupp Drive, Burnsville, MN 55337-1295; phone: (612) 890-1940. Ezy-Dose Syringe Magnifier: Fits 1cc and 1/2cc syringes. Clips to syringe barrel; magnifies scale 2X. Suggested retail price: $3.98. Becton Dickinson Consumer Products, One Becton Drive, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417-1883; phone: 1-800-237-4554. Magniguide: Attaches to insulin vial; magnifies syringe scale 2.5X; fits all syringe sizes. Suggested retail price: $4.50. Cemco, P.O. Box 31, Scandia, MN 55073; phone: (612) 433- 3374; fax: (612) 433-3457. Syringe Magnifier: Clips onto and magnifies one inch of syringe 2X; three sizes to fit 1cc, 1/2cc or 1/3cc syringe. Cost: $5, $42 doz. Palco Labs, Inc., 8030 Soquel Avenue, #104, Santa Cruz, CA 95062; phone: 1-800-346-4488; fax: (408) 476-1114. Insul-eze 6000: Low-vision syringe loading device with built-in 2X magnifier. Most syringe types; 100U, 50U, 33U sizes; insulins may be mixed. Price: $11. INSULIN PUMPS Disetronic Medical Systems, Inc., 5201 E. River Road, Suite 312, Minneapolis, MN 55421-1014; phone: 1-800-688-4578. H-Tron V Insulin Pump: Insulin delivery system mimics natural pancreas; requires training to use; suitable for use by highly motivated diabetics; user can program two types of insulin delivery methods: "Basal" rate and "Bolus" dose; weighs less than 3.5 oz. including batteries; acoustic signals for Stop, Run, Bolus, Basal Rate, Reduction, Warnings, and Alarms. Various information displays on LCD readout; uses two 3 volt silver oxide batteries. Most insurance companies will pay a portion of costs; requires operating supplies; average annual supply expense listed by company: $940. Insulin pump cost: $3,995. LARGE DISTRIBUTORS OF DIABETES EQUIPMENT AND/OR SUPPLIES These distributors have retail sales outlets in their respective locations. All offer free catalogs. Diabetes Self-Care, (formerly Sugar-Free Center) 3601 Thirlane Road, N.W., Suite 4, Roanoke, VA 24019; phone: 1-800-258-9559. Full line of diabetes equipment and pharmaceuticals; phone and in-home training; direct billing of insurance claims. Diabetes Supplies, 6505 Rockside Road, Suite 325, Independence, OH 44131; phone: 1-800-622-5587. $3.50 handling charge. Sales tax on applicable items in Ohio. No third party insurance carriers accepted. Home Service Medical, Inc., P.O. Box 59024, Minneapolis, MN 55459-9685; phone: 1-800-876-6540. $3 handling charge on orders under $100; no charge on larger orders. Sales tax charged in Minnesota except on insulin and syringes. Third party insurance carriers accepted on a qualified basis. Medicare accepted nationally, Medicaid in Minnesota only. Liberty Medical Supply, 3595 S.W. Corporate Parkway, Palm City, FL 34990; phone: 1-800-762-8026. More than 100 different items stocked. Medicare or private insurance accepted. Most orders shipped free. St. Louis Medical Supply, 10821 Manchester Road, Kirkwood, MO 63122; phone: 1-800-950-6020; in MO call: (314) 821-7355; fax: (314) 821-5102. $4.25 handling charge for all orders. Sales tax on all MO orders except insulin. Stadtlanders, 600 Penn Center Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15235-5810; phone: 1-800-238-7828. Stadtlanders pharmacy program offers medication, delivery and insurance billing services. Diabetics, organ transplant recipients, and others are provided with free express medication delivery anywhere in the U.S. THE DIABETICS DIVISION OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND A SUPPORT AND INFORMATION NETWORK The Diabetics Division of the National Federation of the Blind is a support and information network for all diabetics, especially those who are blind or are losing vision. Many of our members have experienced ramifications of diabetes such as blindness, amputation, nerve damage, heart problems, kidney disease, etc. Others have experienced no chronic complications, but want to utilize our services, learn more about diabetes, and be part of a caring support group. In addition to reaching out to fellow diabetics who may be finding it difficult to cope with problems that accompany diabetes, we provide support and information to interested persons. The principal medium of our support network is our free quarterly news magazine, Voice of the Diabetic. Each issue contains personal, candid stories written by diabetics, friends, health care professionals, and others who share experiences and expertise on diabetes and its complications. Emphasizing the importance of good diabetes control, proper diet, and independence, this upbeat outreach publication shows diabetics that they have options regardless of the side effects of diabetes. Regular features include a medical Q and A column, a "Recipe Corner," and a resource column of aids and appliances. Members of the NFB Diabetics Division enjoy priority services and unique benefits such as: free subscription to the Voice, automatic access to committees covering all aspects of diabetes, free counseling concerning all facets of blindness and diabetes as well as access to diabetics who have experienced complications. The Voice is free to any interested person upon request and is available in standard print and/or on audiocassette (recorded @ 15/16 IPS for the blind)