It’s time for an insulin pump that is safe for vision-impaired people
How much longer must diabetics who are blind or partially sighted live in fear before manufacturers make an insulin pump that anyone can use safely and independently?
Many diabetics with sight loss are afraid of giving themselves too little or too much insulin, resulting in liver, kidney or brain damage, putting them into a coma or even worse.
For far too long, thousands of individuals have been unable to use insulin pumps safely and independently. Diabetics with sight loss often complain to CNIB about the inaccessibility of insulin pumps — and the inaction by manufacturers to address the issue.
In the summer, we conducted research on the accessibility of insulin devices where we surveyed people living with diabetes and sight loss, caregivers and medical professionals.
An astounding 65 per cent of respondents reported being fearful of causing self-harm by incorrectly administering their insulin doses or not being able to operate the devices safely.
Our research has also shown that one in five people with sight loss have been advised by insulin pump manufacturers or health care workers that they should not use certain devices, as they are deemed not safe.
In Canada alone, there are 750,000 people living with diabetic retinopathy, the leading cause of blindness among working-age Canadians, ages 20 to 65.
With such a strong link between sight loss and diabetes, manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure anyone can use their devices. if their insulin pumps were accessible, diabetics who are blind or partially sighted could manage their diabetes safely and independently.
When asked how an accessible insulin pump would improve their lives, survey respondents cited improved health outcomes and safety, reduced stress and anxiety, increased independence and confidence, increased control over blood glucose levels, and improved ease of condition management.
So, what would make an insulin pump accessible for diabetics with sight loss?
For starters, audio or tactile feedback — such as beeps, tones and vibrations — when pressing buttons or administering insulin.
The addition of visual feedback, including high contrast displays or magnification options, would be tremendously beneficial, and tech-savvy diabetics would like to see their insulin pumps integrated with their smartphones or computers.
The time has come to make this right. CNIB is urging manufacturers to develop accessible insulin pumps — using universal design principles — that anyone can use safely and independently. Diabetics with sight loss deserve better.