Online BG Diaries

Using the comments bit is what we're having to do right now... I feel it's easy to be ignored there when getting feedback, but that's me...

You're lucky to not have to check for ketones much Simon! Your control must be excellent!

I also use an Optium Xceed meter to test for Ketones. Very easy to use with digital value given using a specific test strip ... can recommend. Software called Co-Pilot is available free from Abbot, once registered as a an Optium Xceed meter user, and downloads meter to computer through a specific USB lead and will log ketone info too.
Regards
Garry

No JWo I just never have ketostix to hand and my meter doesn't do ketones (does it test your blood for them at the same time as glucose? pretty cool if so). I'm still not clear if a numeric field is the right way to go - if you used ketostix would you put the mg/dl value in? I'm only asking as it's easier to decide on this up front than change our database later.

There's two different types of test strips, one for blood glucose and one for ketones.

http://www.abbottdiabetescare.co.uk/your-products/optium-xceed/testing-strips

I also have a Optium Xceed but I need the keytone strips so infrequently that when I reach for them they are out of date...and I feel too sick to go out and get more! And when you are well ... Helen

It doesn't surprise me that most of us are rather neglectful of our ketone checking - I rarely did it pre-DAFNE myself.... but that was pre-DAFNE, not now.

It can be a big help for when your sick or to give you advance warning when an illness is coming...

I've had this happen to me from the common cold I had very recently. Unfortunately the spells of ketones and good sugar levels were confusing at first - then the cold kicked in and all became clear and things got resolved very quickly because I responded accordingly!

You may be finding that you're taking a lot longer to recover from illness simply because you're not dealing with your ketones when ill properly.
The DAFNE sick day rules are very much ketones dependant after all - it does make sense to check for them (and record them!).

I'm happy to use the traditional - / + symbols at the moment considering I use the stix. Shall have to see what the conversion is for the machine test strips later perhaps... if I get a machine like my DAFNE nurse suggested after my common cold spell (hinted that I may be ketones sensitive? Not sure what that means exactly).

With how this discussion is going, can I point out this:

Page 11 of the DAFNE Guidebook (under Metabolic Control):

It is important to test for ketones when:

* Blood glucose levels are consistently over 13 mmol/l.
* Any blood glucose level over 17 mmol/l (even if this appears to be a rare occurrence).
* If feeling unwell and symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) are present.

It is always important to have some ketone testing strips available at home in case they are needed.

To test for ketones, pass the Ketostix� test strip through the stream of urine then wait 15 seconds before comparing the colour to the chart.

There is also a machine available that can test for ketones in the blood - the Medisense Optium� sensor. Ketone test electrodes are used in the same way as glucose test electrodes once the sensor is calibrated, giving a result in 30 seconds.

If ketones are present refer to the section on coping when you are ill.

NOTE: Check the "use by" date on your ketone strips regularly to ensure they are still in date. If not, get a new supply from your GP.

OK guys you can now add your Ketone information to the online diary!

Works well.
Thanks to you again Simon.
Regards
Garry

Many thanks! <3