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  • With Mayo Clinic diabetes educators

    Nancy Klobassa Davidson, R.N., and Peggy Moreland, R.N.

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  • Living with diabetes blog

  • May 5, 2010

    Diabetes product packaging challenges consumers

    By Nancy Klobassa Davidson, R.N., and Peggy Moreland, R.N.

6 comments posted

Controlling Your Diabetes

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Hello fellow bloggers,

This week's blog will be short and sweet. I have a gripe about some of the current methods of packaging. In fact, did you know there is a School of Packaging at Michigan State University? My question is, what does one learn at these packaging schools; how to make life more difficult for the average consumer when it comes to opening products?

The 1982 Chicago Tylenol murders changed the packaging world forever. Seven people died after taking pain-relief capsules that had been laced with potassium cyanide. This horrendous event spurred the onset of tamper proof packaging.

How many of you have been faced with opening the hard plastic seamless sealed packages that blood glucose meters are sold in? One needs a bowie knife to open these packages. I have to wonder how many individuals have been injured attempting to open one. My concern is for those people with diabetes who are faced with dexterity issues from aging, peripheral neuropathy or carpel tunnel syndrome, which can occur frequently in individuals with diabetes.

Manufacturers have made positive strives in improving the ease of opening some packaging; for example, the lipped flip top lids on some of the blood glucose test strips. It's my understanding that the Apple computer company has come up with some innovative new packaging concepts, way to go.

Your ideas or comments?

Have a good week,

Nancy

6 comments posted

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  • July 17, 2012 11:26 a.m.

    Great Post! I appreciate this post as its interesting and informative.... keep posting regarding the same.... Thank you.....

    - Packaging Connections

  • April 25, 2012 7:21 a.m.

    I am always worried about my uncle he is Diabetic person I wanna refer this blog to him I am sure it will be helpful for him. ___________________ Cheap Essay Writing

    - Crolin

  • November 12, 2011 11:45 p.m.

    A few years ago I read an article that stated legislation was on the way to make packaging more realistic... never happened. We all understand pilferage costs all consumers, and we all want better prices. We also understand we don't want our toddlers to get ahold of something that might harm them. I've read accounts of injuries from both the packaging itself (sharp edges and points after having been cut/torn/ripped/blowtorched open), as well as injuries from the "bowie knife" required to open them.

    - Joe

  • September 27, 2010 2:20 p.m.

    I am a diabetic and also a store owner. Unfortunately the sticky fingers of many in society make it necessary for packaging that is resistant to thieves, so I understand the need for even even while risking injury to get to my supplies!

    - Monica

  • May 11, 2010 2:10 p.m.

    I take Imitrex, and it gives me a migraine just trying to open those packages as well. What are the packaging people thinking?

    - Jeanne

  • May 10, 2010 7:51 a.m.

    I hate those hard plastic packages, too, but some of the manufacturers are listening. I had an electronics item recently that had a perforated outline around the back edge of the package, so instead of having to use scissors to try to open it, all I had to do was grab a small tab and pull it back. I thought it was a great idea!

    - Liz

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