Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Jul 17, 2015

Stew B 125 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Half unit pens

Like alturn for several years I used a "child's" pen that delivers in half-units - quite a snazzy pattern! More recently I've got a NovoPen Echo via my GP. It too delivers in half-units, but has an excellent feature which lets you check a display on the top of the pen which tells you what your last dose was and (in increments of 15 minutes) when you took it. This has been invaluable, because with a busy lifestyle I've several times found myself pen-in-hand wondering whether or not I have injected!

I would not want to go back to pens which deliver only in single-units, as others have said it's a great help when you get into more complex ratios.

Jul 17, 2015

SimonC 78 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Half unit pens

Lilly do one - I use it with my Humalog - can't remember the name they give the pen, but they look like expensive fountain pens.

My ratios are 1.5 - 1 for lunch and evening, which often means I get a dose of ?.5 units, so the 1/2 unit pen is great.

Jul 17, 2015

Caveseboy 3 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Totally confused

Hi All,
First time posting on here looking for help/advice.
I have been diagnosed as Type 1 for almost 2 years now and completed DAFNE just under 6 months ago. I seem to be stuck at a level of about 10.5 to 12 for most of my readings. I may get the occasional high 16+ or manage to get Reading down to about a 9 but averaging a 12. I know the DAFNE principles and try to apply them but it seems like the bigger correction I do the less sensitive I am to Novo Rapid. For example couple of days ago I was at 12.1 breakfast and had 4CPs so took 4+2 QA and at lunch I was 9.7 seems to be correct yet yesterday I was 15.6 at lunch had 11CPs and took 11+9 QA (split 10 and 10 in 2 sites) yet only a 10.6 at tea. So the more correction I do the less sensitive I seem to be.

Also I have NEVER had a hypo either. Can sometimes get my reading do to 5 - 7 had a lowest reading of 4.8 not sure how I can make massive corrections and still not drop my levels down to the hypo area.
Cheers

Jul 17, 2015

Bigtimegrumps 1 post

Topic: General Discussion / Half unit pens

Hi Dunk,
I'm also insulin sensitive and on the same ratio as you, myself and another member of the class were given half unit pens by the nurse running our course.
The pen I was given is called the NovoPen Echo, it's for quick acting insulin, I remain on a standard unit pen for my BI.
It really does make a difference, looking back through my diary I can see plenty of occasions where my CP's were 9, 5 and 3, so with a standard pen I'd have had to eat a little extra or less.
The DAFNE course is all about giving you the freedom to eat what you want and a half unit pen has definitely benefited me.
It's worth getting in contact with your diabetes team, especially if using a full unit pen is causing you to hypo.

Jul 17, 2015

alturn 78 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Half unit pens

I've had 1/2 unit pens for several years - I was more sensitive to insulin then than now but still use 1/2 units for QA. BI is now much higher so don't use 1/2 increments. One of mine is a child's version (only one the nurse had) with a patterned finish, and I'm not embarrased to use it...

Jul 16, 2015

dunkers7 24 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Half unit pens

Seems I got pretty insulin sensitive to bolus, I'm on a 0.5u : 1CP ratio for QA insulin right now.

After doing some basal testing to work out why a few hypos were happening, it turns out that 1u of QA for 1CP really is in fact too much for me!

I've read that half unit pens are available, anyone using them? I'd expect using a half unit pen is more cost effective for the NHS than me ending up having to eat more carbs to balance the books?

Jul 16, 2015

Sammie 2 posts

Topic: General Discussion / New diarys

I think im going to have to dig around and make lots of calls just to get a new 1, thanks for the reply Very Happy

Jul 16, 2015

alturn 78 posts

Topic: General Discussion / New diarys

Think I got some from meter supplier when ordering new batteries etc on-line. This was some time ago so situation may have changed and may depend on company.

Jul 15, 2015

Sammie 2 posts

Topic: General Discussion / New diarys

Hello I was wondering if anybody is able to tell me where I can get some new BG diaries from please, although Northampton General is my area im actually miles away Question

Jul 14, 2015

Paul Patterson 7 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Chocolate confusion

I took 3 units and my BG before bed were 10.1 - I was happy with that and woke up with a BG of 12.1 so I am happy in understanding I calculating it pretty well Smile

Jul 14, 2015

JamesW 24 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Chocolate confusion

I had attempted at answering this earlier but got a bit confused with my weights and measures, hence getting rid of that answer and coming up with this one.

The facts that you have indicated are: 1 bar of chocolate weighs 250g and contains ten servings, hence a serving size is 25g. So far so good.

What are the parameters of the stated carbohydrate values? Are they per 100g or per serving (25g)?

If per 100g then the entire bar contains 41.25g of carbohydrate (16.5 * 2.5). This seems a bit low for a 250g chocolate bar to me.

If the values are per serving, then the entire bar contains 165g of carbohydrate (16.5 * 10 (portions)). That would be nearer the mark I suppose.

The bit that I can't comment on is the pieces versus serving. You say that you have 6 pieces, is that 6 servings (150g)?

Using

total carb value of bar / total no. of servings * servings you have eaten = amount of consumed carbs

Option 1

41.25 / 10 * 6 = 24.75 which is close to your stated number

Option 2

165 / 10 * 6 = 99 which is quite a bit different

The questions therefore are, what are the carb values based on (per 100g or per serving), how many pieces in a serving and if you did take 3u to cover your chocolate eating, how did it go?

Jul 14, 2015

Carolin 83 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / morning BI

Hi,
It's advisable to try to be as consistent as possible with the timings of your BI doses, although the DAFNE guidance is 'on rising' and 'on retiring', i.e. as you get up and as you go to bed; ensuring that there's at least 7 hours between the night-time and morning doses.
Therefore there's no reason why you shouldn't take it at 6am as long as your night dose was before 11pm.
Hope that helps?
Carolin

Jul 14, 2015

Paul Patterson 7 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Chocolate confusion

From time to time I like a bit of chocolate and as I've just done the DAFNE coure in Auckland here I am now aware of Carb Portion counting, the packaging says servings per bar 10. Serving size 25g

it is a 250g block. %50 Coca

Carbs: = 16.5g
-sugars 14.4g

I can't understand how many CPs this is - I had 6 pieces off the block so is that classed closed to 10 per bar = 25g calculating that is 2.5 CPs?

I'm on 1:1 ration so 3 units?

Jul 12, 2015

Linda flash 13 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Diary entry

Thoughts?

Jul 12, 2015

Linda flash 13 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Needle Bins

My local council collect and provide sharps bins

Jul 12, 2015

ruthhiggins 3 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / morning BI

hi, crazy question, if I wake at 6am stay up for a few minutes before going back to bed till 7am, should I take my BI. TIA

Jul 10, 2015

Paul Patterson 7 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Attn Simon Fisher - RE: The DAFNE app

I guess if you could add in your planned exercise time which then would calculate the percentage does drop 10% 20% etc?

Jul 10, 2015

Simon 578 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Attn Simon Fisher - RE: The DAFNE app

Hi Paul,

Glad to hear your finding the app useful... Do you mean that the planned exercise section is missing? How do you envisage this working?

Jul 10, 2015

stephenbrowne 37 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter)

I've also occasionally found after fitting a new sensor that the readings linger in the hypoglycaemic range for several hours even though the Contour Next finger prick readings are up to 7 or 8. This appears to be particularly so if I have failed to get up early enough when a change is due and I am unable to trace several hours on the old sensor. Not sure why this should be the case and I'm unable to think of a scientific reason. Often there is no problem. I was hoping to see a webinar on the Freestyle website.

Jul 10, 2015

Frazer 16 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter)

suec - re your comments about early morning results being way out I have found the same thing. 7am this morning Libre said 2.8 Accu-check mobile said 8.1. Similar difference yesterday morning, Libre 6.9 Accu-check mobile 12.9. The Libre seems to catch up an hour later. I spoke to Abbotts and they can't really explain it but they are sending some test strips to use with the Libre to compare the sensor v's a BG test using the same machine. This is my first sensor which runs out in 2 days time so will be interesting to see if the issue continues with a different sensor.
On the swimming front I tried a few days ago with no problems. I swam for longer than 30 mins (the time limit recommended by Abbott), I dried the sensor with a towel every now and then and it worked fine. Abbott have confirmed that the sensor must be dried every 30 mins, just lifting your arm out of the water is not sufficient.

Jul 10, 2015

brianna 2 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Needle Bins

Do you know that used needles and other sharps are hazardous to people and even pets if it's not disposed

properly because they can injure people and spread infections that can caused serious conditions such as

Hepatitis and HIV. Bare in mind to be very careful in throwing sharp objects. Make sure it's safe and

always keep out from children.

Impact-Hygiene - Sharps
http://impacthygiene.com.au/sharps-disposal

Jul 10, 2015

brianna 2 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Sharps Disposal: Medical Waste and Syringe Collection

Used needles and other sharps are hazardous to people and pets if not disposed of safely because they can

injure people and spread infections that cause serious health conditions. The most common infections are

Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Impact Hygiene - Sharps
http://impacthygiene.com.au/sharps-disposal/

Jul 9, 2015

Peter 109 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter)

Warwick, Just had a look and Dexcom G4 CGM is available in the UK. Starter pack is advertised at Â£1325 including 4 sensors. Spare sensors come in packs of 4 for Â£250. That makes it twice the cost of the Libre even assuming that the Dexcom sensor lasts 21 days as you report.

Jul 9, 2015

ruthhiggins 3 posts

Topic: General Discussion / highs

Thanks Warick and Gary, Ive been working last few days so only replying now though I read your message a few days ago and increased my morning lantus from 10 to 12. I cant believe it worked!!! I used to take 30 units before dafne now I take 20 in total . I used to take big amounts of insulin when I saw highs and bad habits made me think that differences of 1-2 units done nothing. the 2 units extra def worked, i had not been snacking for the first 3 weeks as I was trying to know if my ratio was correct. Id love to record my diary and hoping to get the time soon !!! I am also ''taking it easy on myself'' too as when I first saw highs I thought I should just give up hope of having good bloods.

Jul 17, 2015 Stew B 125 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Half unit pens Like alturn for several years I used a "child's" pen that delivers in half-units - quite a snazzy pattern! More recently I've got a NovoPen Echo via my GP. It too delivers in half-units, but has an excellent feature which lets you check a display on the top of the pen which tells you what your last dose was and (in increments of 15 minutes) when you took it. This has been invaluable, because with a busy lifestyle I've several times found myself pen-in-hand wondering whether or not I have injected! I would not want to go back to pens which deliver only in single-units, as others have said it's a great help when you get into more complex ratios.

Jul 17, 2015 SimonC 78 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Half unit pens Lilly do one - I use it with my Humalog - can't remember the name they give the pen, but they look like expensive fountain pens. My ratios are 1.5 - 1 for lunch and evening, which often means I get a dose of ?.5 units, so the 1/2 unit pen is great.

Jul 17, 2015 Caveseboy 3 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Totally confused Hi All, First time posting on here looking for help/advice. I have been diagnosed as Type 1 for almost 2 years now and completed DAFNE just under 6 months ago. I seem to be stuck at a level of about 10.5 to 12 for most of my readings. I may get the occasional high 16+ or manage to get Reading down to about a 9 but averaging a 12. I know the DAFNE principles and try to apply them but it seems like the bigger correction I do the less sensitive I am to Novo Rapid. For example couple of days ago I was at 12.1 breakfast and had 4CPs so took 4+2 QA and at lunch I was 9.7 seems to be correct yet yesterday I was 15.6 at lunch had 11CPs and took 11+9 QA (split 10 and 10 in 2 sites) yet only a 10.6 at tea. So the more correction I do the less sensitive I seem to be. Also I have NEVER had a hypo either. Can sometimes get my reading do to 5 - 7 had a lowest reading of 4.8 not sure how I can make massive corrections and still not drop my levels down to the hypo area. Cheers

Jul 17, 2015 Bigtimegrumps 1 post	Topic: General Discussion / Half unit pens Hi Dunk, I'm also insulin sensitive and on the same ratio as you, myself and another member of the class were given half unit pens by the nurse running our course. The pen I was given is called the NovoPen Echo, it's for quick acting insulin, I remain on a standard unit pen for my BI. It really does make a difference, looking back through my diary I can see plenty of occasions where my CP's were 9, 5 and 3, so with a standard pen I'd have had to eat a little extra or less. The DAFNE course is all about giving you the freedom to eat what you want and a half unit pen has definitely benefited me. It's worth getting in contact with your diabetes team, especially if using a full unit pen is causing you to hypo.

Jul 17, 2015 alturn 78 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Half unit pens I've had 1/2 unit pens for several years - I was more sensitive to insulin then than now but still use 1/2 units for QA. BI is now much higher so don't use 1/2 increments. One of mine is a child's version (only one the nurse had) with a patterned finish, and I'm not embarrased to use it...

Jul 16, 2015 dunkers7 24 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Half unit pens Seems I got pretty insulin sensitive to bolus, I'm on a 0.5u : 1CP ratio for QA insulin right now. After doing some basal testing to work out why a few hypos were happening, it turns out that 1u of QA for 1CP really is in fact too much for me! I've read that half unit pens are available, anyone using them? I'd expect using a half unit pen is more cost effective for the NHS than me ending up having to eat more carbs to balance the books?

Jul 16, 2015 Sammie 2 posts	Topic: General Discussion / New diarys I think im going to have to dig around and make lots of calls just to get a new 1, thanks for the reply

Jul 16, 2015 alturn 78 posts	Topic: General Discussion / New diarys Think I got some from meter supplier when ordering new batteries etc on-line. This was some time ago so situation may have changed and may depend on company.

Jul 15, 2015 Sammie 2 posts	Topic: General Discussion / New diarys Hello I was wondering if anybody is able to tell me where I can get some new BG diaries from please, although Northampton General is my area im actually miles away

Jul 14, 2015 Paul Patterson 7 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Chocolate confusion I took 3 units and my BG before bed were 10.1 - I was happy with that and woke up with a BG of 12.1 so I am happy in understanding I calculating it pretty well

Jul 14, 2015 JamesW 24 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Chocolate confusion I had attempted at answering this earlier but got a bit confused with my weights and measures, hence getting rid of that answer and coming up with this one. The facts that you have indicated are: 1 bar of chocolate weighs 250g and contains ten servings, hence a serving size is 25g. So far so good. What are the parameters of the stated carbohydrate values? Are they per 100g or per serving (25g)? If per 100g then the entire bar contains 41.25g of carbohydrate (16.5 * 2.5). This seems a bit low for a 250g chocolate bar to me. If the values are per serving, then the entire bar contains 165g of carbohydrate (16.5 * 10 (portions)). That would be nearer the mark I suppose. The bit that I can't comment on is the pieces versus serving. You say that you have 6 pieces, is that 6 servings (150g)? Using total carb value of bar / total no. of servings * servings you have eaten = amount of consumed carbs Option 1 41.25 / 10 * 6 = 24.75 which is close to your stated number Option 2 165 / 10 * 6 = 99 which is quite a bit different The questions therefore are, what are the carb values based on (per 100g or per serving), how many pieces in a serving and if you did take 3u to cover your chocolate eating, how did it go?

Jul 14, 2015 Carolin 83 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / morning BI Hi, It's advisable to try to be as consistent as possible with the timings of your BI doses, although the DAFNE guidance is 'on rising' and 'on retiring', i.e. as you get up and as you go to bed; ensuring that there's at least 7 hours between the night-time and morning doses. Therefore there's no reason why you shouldn't take it at 6am as long as your night dose was before 11pm. Hope that helps? Carolin

Jul 14, 2015 Paul Patterson 7 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Chocolate confusion From time to time I like a bit of chocolate and as I've just done the DAFNE coure in Auckland here I am now aware of Carb Portion counting, the packaging says servings per bar 10. Serving size 25g it is a 250g block. %50 Coca Carbs: = 16.5g -sugars 14.4g I can't understand how many CPs this is - I had 6 pieces off the block so is that classed closed to 10 per bar = 25g calculating that is 2.5 CPs? I'm on 1:1 ration so 3 units?

Jul 12, 2015 Linda flash 13 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Diary entry Thoughts?

Jul 12, 2015 Linda flash 13 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Needle Bins My local council collect and provide sharps bins

Jul 12, 2015 ruthhiggins 3 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / morning BI hi, crazy question, if I wake at 6am stay up for a few minutes before going back to bed till 7am, should I take my BI. TIA

Jul 10, 2015 Paul Patterson 7 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Attn Simon Fisher - RE: The DAFNE app I guess if you could add in your planned exercise time which then would calculate the percentage does drop 10% 20% etc?

Jul 10, 2015 Simon 578 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Attn Simon Fisher - RE: The DAFNE app Hi Paul, Glad to hear your finding the app useful... Do you mean that the planned exercise section is missing? How do you envisage this working?

Jul 10, 2015 stephenbrowne 37 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) I've also occasionally found after fitting a new sensor that the readings linger in the hypoglycaemic range for several hours even though the Contour Next finger prick readings are up to 7 or 8. This appears to be particularly so if I have failed to get up early enough when a change is due and I am unable to trace several hours on the old sensor. Not sure why this should be the case and I'm unable to think of a scientific reason. Often there is no problem. I was hoping to see a webinar on the Freestyle website.

Jul 10, 2015 Frazer 16 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) suec - re your comments about early morning results being way out I have found the same thing. 7am this morning Libre said 2.8 Accu-check mobile said 8.1. Similar difference yesterday morning, Libre 6.9 Accu-check mobile 12.9. The Libre seems to catch up an hour later. I spoke to Abbotts and they can't really explain it but they are sending some test strips to use with the Libre to compare the sensor v's a BG test using the same machine. This is my first sensor which runs out in 2 days time so will be interesting to see if the issue continues with a different sensor. On the swimming front I tried a few days ago with no problems. I swam for longer than 30 mins (the time limit recommended by Abbott), I dried the sensor with a towel every now and then and it worked fine. Abbott have confirmed that the sensor must be dried every 30 mins, just lifting your arm out of the water is not sufficient.

Jul 10, 2015 brianna 2 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Needle Bins Do you know that used needles and other sharps are hazardous to people and even pets if it's not disposed properly because they can injure people and spread infections that can caused serious conditions such as Hepatitis and HIV. Bare in mind to be very careful in throwing sharp objects. Make sure it's safe and always keep out from children. Impact-Hygiene - Sharps http://impacthygiene.com.au/sharps-disposal

Jul 10, 2015 brianna 2 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Sharps Disposal: Medical Waste and Syringe Collection Used needles and other sharps are hazardous to people and pets if not disposed of safely because they can injure people and spread infections that cause serious health conditions. The most common infections are Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Impact Hygiene - Sharps http://impacthygiene.com.au/sharps-disposal/

Jul 9, 2015 Peter 109 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Warwick, Just had a look and Dexcom G4 CGM is available in the UK. Starter pack is advertised at Â£1325 including 4 sensors. Spare sensors come in packs of 4 for Â£250. That makes it twice the cost of the Libre even assuming that the Dexcom sensor lasts 21 days as you report.

Jul 9, 2015 ruthhiggins 3 posts	Topic: General Discussion / highs Thanks Warick and Gary, Ive been working last few days so only replying now though I read your message a few days ago and increased my morning lantus from 10 to 12. I cant believe it worked!!! I used to take 30 units before dafne now I take 20 in total . I used to take big amounts of insulin when I saw highs and bad habits made me think that differences of 1-2 units done nothing. the 2 units extra def worked, i had not been snacking for the first 3 weeks as I was trying to know if my ratio was correct. Id love to record my diary and hoping to get the time soon !!! I am also ''taking it easy on myself'' too as when I first saw highs I thought I should just give up hope of having good bloods.