My name is Ramzi Abulhaj and I have been a Type 2 diabetic for 13 years. I wanted to begin blogging on this particular website because there seems to be an abundance of information here and it is nice to join a group of fellow diabetics who have also experienced all aspects of the disease.

 I have struggled with lifestyle changes and the many diabetes-related complications that come with the disease. Not only me, but my entire family history has unfortunately been touched by diabetes. My grandfather eventually lost his sight from diabetes, and my mother and father, who were both diabetics experienced complications as well. Although it wasn't easy witnessing the adverse effects diabetes had on my family, I was able to learn many things about the struggles people encounter while trying to manage their diabetes.

I was able to see the lack of versatility in diabetes management products and how people losing their vision were not able to test their blood sugar independently. I knew there had to be an easier and better way for people battling diabetic retinopathy. My brother, who is also my business partner, and I decided that the only way a blind person would be able to test their blood without sighted assistance was if there was an audible feedback. Our vision for an audible meter, accompanied by the help of the National Federation of the Blind and American Foundation for the Blind, brought the fully audible Prodigy Voice® blood glucose monitor. This meter not only put Prodigy® on the map as a leader in the medical devices industry, but also helped millions of blind diabetics.

I recently sent a large number of my staff to attend the 2010 American Association of Diabetes Educators show in San Antonio, TX. One of my staff members informed me of a woman who wanted to give me a message. The lady was completely blind and had been a diabetic for almost 20 years. She told my staff member that the Prodigy Voice® has helped the blind diabetic community more than I know, and that she was so grateful that someone took the time to develop a product that was accessible to the blind population. My staff member told me that the lady was very emotional and adamant that her message be delivered. I appreciate her sincerity and I think about this moment from time to time, people like her motivate me to create more accessible products, which is exactly what I am doing now.

Thanks Mydiabetescentral for listening to my introduction and I plan on writing many more blogs about my experiences as a Type 2 diabetic and also as President of a major manufacturer of diabetes management supplies.