Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Jun 20, 2015

Amanda Wilby 2 posts

Hello I've been type one for 35 years and had been type 1for 13 years when I fell pregnant with my first daughter. I was told them that any babies in had may be big but both my daughters were under 8lbs. I had near perfect pregnancies and deliveries and I'm not just saying that to reassure you. I heard many scary stories about diabetes and pregnancy but I remained positive tried very hard to keep stable blood sugar but didn't always succeed
My daughters are now 22 and 19. The eldest is in her 4th year university training to be a veterinary surgeon and my youngest a hairdresser just about to join a cruise ship to work around the world. They are both fit healthy and intelligent competent individuals. One warning - if you breast feed have snacks - it uses so much energy and I often found myself hypo until I became used to it. You will be absolutely fine. Congratulations. How very exciting x

Jun 20, 2015

Dan Melbourne 7 posts

Topic: Site Development / Timezone setting?

Or... an even better suggestion... client-side time-zone detection via Javascript. http://thisbythem.com/blog/clientside-timezone-detection/

Jun 20, 2015

Dan Melbourne 7 posts

Topic: Site Development / Timezone setting?

When entering dates online I notice that the default time is a very different timezone to mine. (I presume a UK timezone??) It'd be great to be able to set my local timezone in my account profile so that the default time and date is 'now' for me.

Jun 20, 2015

Dan Melbourne 7 posts

Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / .25 ratio on iPhone?

I've just started using the DAFNE Mobile app on my iPhone 6 -- fantastic app! However, I've run into a problem: when I did my DAFNE course the nurse educator found that the correct QA:CP ratio for me was 0.75:1. With 0.5 my BGs were too high and with 1 they were too low. This is fine when working it out manually (with final calculation rounded to nearest 1.0, given I use a 1.0 unit pen) but I can't set this up in the app because it will only accept 0.5 increments. I understand that 0.5 increments is the lowest DAFNE 'officially' goes, but in my case, 0.75 is what I need to take to keep sugars stable. My 12/12 BI dose is right -- my sugars remain stable overnight between BB and BF reading.

Jun 18, 2015

ketostix pla... 25 posts

Topic: General Discussion / think I cracked dawn phenomenon

Just in reply to all the posts. I have tried missing meal and monitoring and endless amounts of 3am tests and early morning tests and tests just spike erratically post between 5am - 7.30am with no particular pattern. I am also on split background with dose adjustments and tweaks made over the years (dafne now going on 5 years) to try to reduce phenomenon impact with no joy. I have been diabetic for 38 years now and I am of the believe we are all individual and what works for one may not work for all. This approach may not be suitable for all but for me it does, and for last two weeks morning test has been on target 7-8 with only twice being 10 (I could have only dreamed of tests like that at the beginning of the year). As far as pump approach, I was offered to go on waiting list due to phenomena, but I did decline as for me personally I don't like idea of being attached and injections are a way of life now, and also guy at work got pump and not been good advert for me as he always fiddling with it, and don't like look of tube hanging out as I am very clumsy. I am really upbeat at moment and can't wait for my next hb1ac test at checkup!

Jun 18, 2015

AMcD 38 posts

Topic: General Discussion / think I cracked dawn phenomenon

I know that during my DAFNE programme some people on MDI s had their BI split into 2 rather than giving it in all one dose. Just wonder if this approach has been tried as some of the BI marketed to last 24 hrs has been found not to be the case.... of course if your BI is taken in the evening or night this would not be the cause.... its hard to try and assist without knowing all of the facts and everyone reacts differently to meds.can you provide any more info?? Andy

Jun 18, 2015

marke 646 posts

Topic: General Discussion / think I cracked dawn phenomenon

Hi, I wish I was part of the 'pump sales team' Very Happy

( although the comment has probably been taken out of context), I have similar issues, my consultant has said he wants me to go on a pump but there is no money to do it so I have to wait.
Sorry but I also disagree that its another health issue, if it is then I have the same thing ! I am also struggling to find a solution and for reasons I cannot explain eating in the evening DOES affect my BG the next morning. Of course a Freestyle libre would help provide more consistent evidence. I had a trial one for 28 days and it showed the classic Dawn Phenomenon, but not every night which is why I'm not 100% convinced a pump will fix it but it certainly won't make it worse. I'm not sure I can handle the smoothie with raw veg in it though Sad

the fruit and nut I would love though.

Jun 18, 2015

marke 646 posts

Topic: General Discussion / GLUCOMEN BLOOD GLUCOSE METER

Hi, If you want to email me using the contact us at the bottom of the page or use the message inbox in the right-hand menu and let me know where in SE Kent you are. I live in SE Kent, I am also involved in Diabetes UK and attended the PCT ( as then was) and CCG ( as they are now) sessions on selecting meters. It was made crystal clear in these meetings that Type 1's could continue to use their current meters and would NOT be forced to change. This is not general policy in the area and my GP gave me an option to change but did not try to force me in any way. I have contacts in the structures of the local CCG's were I am, I would be happy to help in anyway I can to stop this happening, its NOT acceptable that anyone should be forced to change their meter, its short sighted and stupid and really annoys me Twisted Evil

Jun 18, 2015

Susanf 29 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Pregnancy

Hi KarinaC,

Firstly congrats Very Happy

My HbA1c was around 9.2 when I got pregnant with my daughter. With the help of my diabetes team that was down to 5.2 within a month or so. You might need to reduce it slower than this. In Ireland we attend the consultant every 2 weeks and they did a fructosamine test. Like you I was very apprehensive as my HbA1c was certainly not ideal when I got pregnant. The management of my diabetes wasnt easy but SOOOO worth all the effort. I had a beautiful baby girl who is now 7.

Hope this helps

Susan

Jun 18, 2015

KarinaC 1 post

Topic: General Discussion / Pregnancy

Im a type 1 diabetic (diagnosed in 1995) i did the dafne course in march an its been working great. My hbaic has come down from 10.9 to 9.2 in the past few months which is really great for me personally. Ive also got retinopathy so i need to reduce my hba1c very slowly. I have just found out im pregnant. We were planning for this and attending the pre preg clinic but obviously i wanted to be down alot further than this before it happened.although im extremely excited im also quite scared an nervous. Any advice would be appreciated Smile

Jun 18, 2015

Susanf 29 posts

Topic: General Discussion / think I cracked dawn phenomenon

JayBee - I am not part of a Pump Sales Team - I am a pump user and have found it very effective in the management of some of the quirks of diabetes. Have you spoken to your diabetes team about it?

Jun 18, 2015

Susanf 29 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Glucophage

Hi Garry/HelenP,

Many thanks for your reply - apologies for the confusion with regard to the drug. I started on one 500mg per day for a week now up to 2 x 500mg per day for 3 weeks or until all symptoms disappear. I then have to go to 1000mg twice a day. They seem to be making a difference as my overall insulin requirements have dropped by about 30%. My QA:CP ratio has gone from 1 unit of insulin per 3g of carbs to 1 unit of insulin for 7.5g of carbs. Will be interesting to see how I go when I increase to the 1000mg twice a day. My diabetes nurse said not to move onto this until I am completely symptom free on the current dose.

Thanks again for your replies.

K Rgds,

Susan

Jun 18, 2015

suec 5 posts

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

I am eagerly awaiting first delivery, put first order in last week, seemed to be about 4 months from going on waiting list.

Jun 18, 2015

HelenP 218 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Glucophage

Hi Susan,

I have been taking Metformin now for about 6 months. Initially I was on one tablet (500mg) a day. After a short spell this was upped to three a day. On the one tablet I noticed no difference but on the three I noticed my total insulin dose per day had reduced somewhat (7%). However i experienced severe abdominal discomfort and problems with my bowels. I reduced the Metformin to two tablets a day and sure enough the insulin demand went back up but the abdominal stuff disappeared. I will see my specialist in about 10 days and one question I plan to ask him is whether or not it is worth continuing! It is winter here and insulin demand goes up (less salads) so I may wait until summer.

I am also on a pump.

All the best, Helen

Jun 17, 2015

AMcD 38 posts

Topic: General Discussion / think I cracked dawn phenomenon

Pump sales team??? I have recently moved to a pump. I had dawn phenomenon also and solved it very easily by increasing BI rate from 3 am to 7 am. Only trying to share my experiences which is what the forum is for. There is always more than one solution to any problem. ....

Jun 17, 2015

JayBee 582 posts

Topic: General Discussion / think I cracked dawn phenomenon

I'm glad you're happy with your work so far. Smile

Good work!

I'd imagine that your evening meal would not effect the dawn period though unless you were high over night post evening meal?
If you don't take 4 hours odd to digest food, it might be suggesting another health problem in the background (not dawn).
If not high post evening meal, are you correcting with your evening meal and finding you still rise during the night?

Are you able to share your BG diary to provide a clearer picture?

Sorry that the only replies you've had so far are pump sales people. Not everyone has the choice with their health team which some don't appreciate.

Take care.

Jun 17, 2015

JayBee 582 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Stinging insulin

Changing the needle every time can make a great difference too if you don't already.

Jun 17, 2015

Garry 328 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Glucophage

Sorry to show my ignorance Susanf. Needed me to look up Glucorpharge...afraid I only knew it as Metformin.
Might get you some more feedback now.
I'm not on a pump, but I find 2 x 500mg Metformin a day have helped me combat insulin resistance, in a limited way. Been using it for nearly 3 years now. I have been able to reduce my QA:CP ratios across the day by -0.5. Took some 4 or 5 days for me to be sure of it's positive influence and to reduce my QA. Through experimentation upping the dose, I discovered my personal limit...it's nickname is 'Metf*rtin' and it had that affect upon me at higher doses Embarassed

I was originally advised that I could take up to 3g per day by my Diabetologist but stay at 1g a day without any problems.
Hope that gives you some confidence.
Regards
Garry

Jun 17, 2015

Frazer 16 posts

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

Got my email yesterday to say I can order one next week!

Jun 17, 2015

Susanf 29 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Glucophage

Anyone

Jun 15, 2015

Pat N 12 posts

Topic: General Discussion / GLUCOMEN BLOOD GLUCOSE METER

Hello All,

Your advice would be greatly appreciated.

I have been using my Abbots Freestyle Optium glucose meter for many years, I have also a spare that gets used if i forget and leave the other at work.

Today i received a letter from my GP informing me that i will now have to upgrade to a Glucomen Areo (different make) as they will no longer prescribe other test strips. Sad

Has anyone else had this happen to them? what was the outcome or what do they think of the new meter.

Dose the Areo take keytone test strips? (will i now need to use to different meters.)

Maybe its just the NHS way of forcing the other meter company's to reduce the test strip prices.

I am not sure if this is just happening in the South East Kent PCT., We no longer have DAFNE here its the post code lottery.

I look forward to your comments.

Jun 15, 2015

Susanf 29 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Weight

Hi Natalie, Just wondering how you are doing as I am having similar problems Very Happy

Jun 15, 2015

Susanf 29 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Glucophage

Hi, I have Type 1 on an insulin pump. I have recently started taking Glucophage to help improve insulin resistance. Can you tell me how long it takes before you see some improvement and has it helped anyone else Very Happy

Thanks Susan

Jun 14, 2015

Sean_H 1 post

Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Correction dose of QA on app

I have a similar problem. The correction does not not show if I have an over target BG when I add an entry. I'm using version 1.2.282 on Android. I spoke to my dietician and her app shows the correction but she has version 2.?.??? on an I-phone. I deleted the app from my phone & re-installed it but got the same version - 1...... I've tried different ratios in the correction settings but no change. I'm back using the paper diary.

Jun 20, 2015 Amanda Wilby 2 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Pregnancy Hello I've been type one for 35 years and had been type 1for 13 years when I fell pregnant with my first daughter. I was told them that any babies in had may be big but both my daughters were under 8lbs. I had near perfect pregnancies and deliveries and I'm not just saying that to reassure you. I heard many scary stories about diabetes and pregnancy but I remained positive tried very hard to keep stable blood sugar but didn't always succeed My daughters are now 22 and 19. The eldest is in her 4th year university training to be a veterinary surgeon and my youngest a hairdresser just about to join a cruise ship to work around the world. They are both fit healthy and intelligent competent individuals. One warning - if you breast feed have snacks - it uses so much energy and I often found myself hypo until I became used to it. You will be absolutely fine. Congratulations. How very exciting x

Jun 20, 2015 Dan Melbourne 7 posts	Topic: Site Development / Timezone setting? Or... an even better suggestion... client-side time-zone detection via Javascript. http://thisbythem.com/blog/clientside-timezone-detection/

Jun 20, 2015 Dan Melbourne 7 posts	Topic: Site Development / Timezone setting? When entering dates online I notice that the default time is a very different timezone to mine. (I presume a UK timezone??) It'd be great to be able to set my local timezone in my account profile so that the default time and date is 'now' for me.

Jun 20, 2015 Dan Melbourne 7 posts	Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / .25 ratio on iPhone? I've just started using the DAFNE Mobile app on my iPhone 6 -- fantastic app! However, I've run into a problem: when I did my DAFNE course the nurse educator found that the correct QA:CP ratio for me was 0.75:1. With 0.5 my BGs were too high and with 1 they were too low. This is fine when working it out manually (with final calculation rounded to nearest 1.0, given I use a 1.0 unit pen) but I can't set this up in the app because it will only accept 0.5 increments. I understand that 0.5 increments is the lowest DAFNE 'officially' goes, but in my case, 0.75 is what I need to take to keep sugars stable. My 12/12 BI dose is right -- my sugars remain stable overnight between BB and BF reading.

Jun 18, 2015 ketostix pla... 25 posts	Topic: General Discussion / think I cracked dawn phenomenon Just in reply to all the posts. I have tried missing meal and monitoring and endless amounts of 3am tests and early morning tests and tests just spike erratically post between 5am - 7.30am with no particular pattern. I am also on split background with dose adjustments and tweaks made over the years (dafne now going on 5 years) to try to reduce phenomenon impact with no joy. I have been diabetic for 38 years now and I am of the believe we are all individual and what works for one may not work for all. This approach may not be suitable for all but for me it does, and for last two weeks morning test has been on target 7-8 with only twice being 10 (I could have only dreamed of tests like that at the beginning of the year). As far as pump approach, I was offered to go on waiting list due to phenomena, but I did decline as for me personally I don't like idea of being attached and injections are a way of life now, and also guy at work got pump and not been good advert for me as he always fiddling with it, and don't like look of tube hanging out as I am very clumsy. I am really upbeat at moment and can't wait for my next hb1ac test at checkup!

Jun 18, 2015 AMcD 38 posts	Topic: General Discussion / think I cracked dawn phenomenon I know that during my DAFNE programme some people on MDI s had their BI split into 2 rather than giving it in all one dose. Just wonder if this approach has been tried as some of the BI marketed to last 24 hrs has been found not to be the case.... of course if your BI is taken in the evening or night this would not be the cause.... its hard to try and assist without knowing all of the facts and everyone reacts differently to meds.can you provide any more info?? Andy

Jun 18, 2015 marke 646 posts	Topic: General Discussion / think I cracked dawn phenomenon Hi, I wish I was part of the 'pump sales team' ( although the comment has probably been taken out of context), I have similar issues, my consultant has said he wants me to go on a pump but there is no money to do it so I have to wait. Sorry but I also disagree that its another health issue, if it is then I have the same thing ! I am also struggling to find a solution and for reasons I cannot explain eating in the evening DOES affect my BG the next morning. Of course a Freestyle libre would help provide more consistent evidence. I had a trial one for 28 days and it showed the classic Dawn Phenomenon, but not every night which is why I'm not 100% convinced a pump will fix it but it certainly won't make it worse. I'm not sure I can handle the smoothie with raw veg in it though the fruit and nut I would love though.

Jun 18, 2015 marke 646 posts	Topic: General Discussion / GLUCOMEN BLOOD GLUCOSE METER Hi, If you want to email me using the contact us at the bottom of the page or use the message inbox in the right-hand menu and let me know where in SE Kent you are. I live in SE Kent, I am also involved in Diabetes UK and attended the PCT ( as then was) and CCG ( as they are now) sessions on selecting meters. It was made crystal clear in these meetings that Type 1's could continue to use their current meters and would NOT be forced to change. This is not general policy in the area and my GP gave me an option to change but did not try to force me in any way. I have contacts in the structures of the local CCG's were I am, I would be happy to help in anyway I can to stop this happening, its NOT acceptable that anyone should be forced to change their meter, its short sighted and stupid and really annoys me

Jun 18, 2015 Susanf 29 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Pregnancy Hi KarinaC, Firstly congrats My HbA1c was around 9.2 when I got pregnant with my daughter. With the help of my diabetes team that was down to 5.2 within a month or so. You might need to reduce it slower than this. In Ireland we attend the consultant every 2 weeks and they did a fructosamine test. Like you I was very apprehensive as my HbA1c was certainly not ideal when I got pregnant. The management of my diabetes wasnt easy but SOOOO worth all the effort. I had a beautiful baby girl who is now 7. Hope this helps Susan

Jun 18, 2015 KarinaC 1 post	Topic: General Discussion / Pregnancy Im a type 1 diabetic (diagnosed in 1995) i did the dafne course in march an its been working great. My hbaic has come down from 10.9 to 9.2 in the past few months which is really great for me personally. Ive also got retinopathy so i need to reduce my hba1c very slowly. I have just found out im pregnant. We were planning for this and attending the pre preg clinic but obviously i wanted to be down alot further than this before it happened.although im extremely excited im also quite scared an nervous. Any advice would be appreciated

Jun 18, 2015 Susanf 29 posts	Topic: General Discussion / think I cracked dawn phenomenon JayBee - I am not part of a Pump Sales Team - I am a pump user and have found it very effective in the management of some of the quirks of diabetes. Have you spoken to your diabetes team about it?

Jun 18, 2015 Susanf 29 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Glucophage Hi Garry/HelenP, Many thanks for your reply - apologies for the confusion with regard to the drug. I started on one 500mg per day for a week now up to 2 x 500mg per day for 3 weeks or until all symptoms disappear. I then have to go to 1000mg twice a day. They seem to be making a difference as my overall insulin requirements have dropped by about 30%. My QA:CP ratio has gone from 1 unit of insulin per 3g of carbs to 1 unit of insulin for 7.5g of carbs. Will be interesting to see how I go when I increase to the 1000mg twice a day. My diabetes nurse said not to move onto this until I am completely symptom free on the current dose. Thanks again for your replies. K Rgds, Susan

Jun 18, 2015 suec 5 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) I am eagerly awaiting first delivery, put first order in last week, seemed to be about 4 months from going on waiting list.

Jun 18, 2015 HelenP 218 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Glucophage Hi Susan, I have been taking Metformin now for about 6 months. Initially I was on one tablet (500mg) a day. After a short spell this was upped to three a day. On the one tablet I noticed no difference but on the three I noticed my total insulin dose per day had reduced somewhat (7%). However i experienced severe abdominal discomfort and problems with my bowels. I reduced the Metformin to two tablets a day and sure enough the insulin demand went back up but the abdominal stuff disappeared. I will see my specialist in about 10 days and one question I plan to ask him is whether or not it is worth continuing! It is winter here and insulin demand goes up (less salads) so I may wait until summer. I am also on a pump. All the best, Helen

Jun 17, 2015 AMcD 38 posts	Topic: General Discussion / think I cracked dawn phenomenon Pump sales team??? I have recently moved to a pump. I had dawn phenomenon also and solved it very easily by increasing BI rate from 3 am to 7 am. Only trying to share my experiences which is what the forum is for. There is always more than one solution to any problem. ....

Jun 17, 2015 JayBee 582 posts	Topic: General Discussion / think I cracked dawn phenomenon I'm glad you're happy with your work so far. Good work! I'd imagine that your evening meal would not effect the dawn period though unless you were high over night post evening meal? If you don't take 4 hours odd to digest food, it might be suggesting another health problem in the background (not dawn). If not high post evening meal, are you correcting with your evening meal and finding you still rise during the night? Are you able to share your BG diary to provide a clearer picture? Sorry that the only replies you've had so far are pump sales people. Not everyone has the choice with their health team which some don't appreciate. Take care.

Jun 17, 2015 JayBee 582 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Stinging insulin Changing the needle every time can make a great difference too if you don't already.

Jun 17, 2015 Garry 328 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Glucophage Sorry to show my ignorance Susanf. Needed me to look up Glucorpharge...afraid I only knew it as Metformin. Might get you some more feedback now. I'm not on a pump, but I find 2 x 500mg Metformin a day have helped me combat insulin resistance, in a limited way. Been using it for nearly 3 years now. I have been able to reduce my QA:CP ratios across the day by -0.5. Took some 4 or 5 days for me to be sure of it's positive influence and to reduce my QA. Through experimentation upping the dose, I discovered my personal limit...it's nickname is 'Metf*rtin' and it had that affect upon me at higher doses I was originally advised that I could take up to 3g per day by my Diabetologist but stay at 1g a day without any problems. Hope that gives you some confidence. Regards Garry

Jun 17, 2015 Frazer 16 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Got my email yesterday to say I can order one next week!

Jun 17, 2015 Susanf 29 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Glucophage Anyone

Jun 15, 2015 Pat N 12 posts	Topic: General Discussion / GLUCOMEN BLOOD GLUCOSE METER Hello All, Your advice would be greatly appreciated. I have been using my Abbots Freestyle Optium glucose meter for many years, I have also a spare that gets used if i forget and leave the other at work. Today i received a letter from my GP informing me that i will now have to upgrade to a Glucomen Areo (different make) as they will no longer prescribe other test strips. Has anyone else had this happen to them? what was the outcome or what do they think of the new meter. Dose the Areo take keytone test strips? (will i now need to use to different meters.) Maybe its just the NHS way of forcing the other meter company's to reduce the test strip prices. I am not sure if this is just happening in the South East Kent PCT., We no longer have DAFNE here its the post code lottery. I look forward to your comments.

Jun 15, 2015 Susanf 29 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Weight Hi Natalie, Just wondering how you are doing as I am having similar problems

Jun 15, 2015 Susanf 29 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Glucophage Hi, I have Type 1 on an insulin pump. I have recently started taking Glucophage to help improve insulin resistance. Can you tell me how long it takes before you see some improvement and has it helped anyone else Thanks Susan

Jun 14, 2015 Sean_H 1 post	Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Correction dose of QA on app I have a similar problem. The correction does not not show if I have an over target BG when I add an entry. I'm using version 1.2.282 on Android. I spoke to my dietician and her app shows the correction but she has version 2.?.??? on an I-phone. I deleted the app from my phone & re-installed it but got the same version - 1...... I've tried different ratios in the correction settings but no change. I'm back using the paper diary.