DAFNE and Insulin Pumps.

Hi To Everyone,
I did DAFNE about 7yrs ago and for the past 5yrs I've been using a Insulin Pump with very few problems and quite good results. However, I've now been invited to attend a new DAFNE course especially for pump users.
My problem is, the itineraries for the old and new DAFNE courses look the same, and I'm not sure I want waste time attending if I'm not going to learn anything new. They've also made it very clear that this course has a waiting list, and, it costs a £1,000 a patient.

I'd like to know, has anyone heard of this NEW DAFNE COURSE FOR PUMP USERS and if so, is it worthwhile attending or just a waste of time?

Sorry for rambling before I got to the question.
Davey54

All education is worth it in my opinion, but for a pump veteran like yourself, no, I cant see what information they could give you that would be new and useful..........

your already making your own adjustments to dose with a pump orientated approach to the DAFNE principles probably..........


can you think of anything.......?

Hi Novorapidboi26,
I agree that all education is a good thing, having said that, I can't think of any good reason to do this course. I've been a Type 1 Diabetic for nearly 41yrs and, with the way things have changed and the introduction of technology over the years, you have to learn to keep up. I'm happy to learn, providing it's something new.
I also understand from some Healthcare Professionals that young teenage diabetics a reluctant listen and learn about their condition, treatment, technology etc. I find that difficult to understand or accept. Things are far better now than when I started at 16yrs old. They need to get a grip!!

Thanks For Your Reply
Davey54

I did DAFNE about 10 years ago and did it again in May of this year. I have to say it was well worth attending. Things have changed dramatically over the last 10 years. There were techniques I had forgotten and while my HbA1C was always pretty good it has much improved since May. I think you can never have enough information on the management of your Diabetes.

I started carbohydrate counting 48 years ago at diagnosis and started a pump 3 years ago. I attended DAFNE 2 years ago. I wondered how helpful it would be and in fact I was the only one innthe group on a pump. Nevertheless I found it helpful and encouraging. One can learn much from others withvtype 1 diabetes and. I realised in a new way that we are all individuals and no two people with type 1 diabetes have exactly the same needs or experience. I think it would have been very helpful if I had had the opportunity to meet others on a pump. Some of the advice in the group needed modification for pump users but those running the group were very good and seemed to understand issues relating to pump use.

I. Have just completed Dafne Pumpers course. Brilliant and very worthwhile. Been Type 1 for 52 years on mdi but have been On Pump for only 4 months. I have learnt so much on this course and now need to put it into practice.

I just did a DAFNE refresher (Lewisham Hospital, London) and learned a couple of interesting things:
1) Type 1s who continuously record BG/CP info have a lower HbA1c than those who don't
2) There is no such thing as a 24hr BI insulin which remains active for 24hrs, hence the prevalence of Type 1s being advised to move to splitting BI dose.

Please tell me your thoughts?

Both things have had an enormous impact on the way I'm managing my condition, starting with The DAFNE online App.

F

Felix Glenn said:
I just did a DAFNE refresher (Lewisham Hospital, London) and learned a couple of interesting things:
1) Type 1s who continuously record BG/CP info have a lower HbA1c than those who don't
2) There is no such thing as a 24hr BI insulin which remains active for 24hrs, hence the prevalence of Type 1s being advised to move to splitting BI dose.

Please tell me your thoughts?

Both things have had an enormous impact on the way I'm managing my condition, starting with The DAFNE online App.

F

Thanks, Novorapidboi,
I can't tell you how reassuring it is have a posting exchange with someone!
The background split dose really works for me! I was advised by my Specialist Diabetic Nurse to transfer from one daily dose of Lantus to 2 of Insulatard so I take Insulatard 16 in the morning and 10 at night: Morning BGs are sooo much more stable and the nightime Hypers are retreating. Thank you, Insulatard!
Felix