Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

May 7, 2015

Chris Salter 8 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Morning BG help!

Hi all, generally happy with my results except for my before breakfast BG. I have tried increasing my night time BI to try and bring my morning results down but have not had any luck. I'm hoping that an outsiders perspective may help, as I have no idea what to do next.... Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

May 7, 2015

Warwick 425 posts

Topic: General Discussion / insulin

Hi Ellen,

There are lots of reasons why your insulin needs can change:

1) Change of season - usually less required in summer than winter, but not always.
2) Exercise activity. I find when I am on holiday and out of my exercise routine that my BI doses almost need to double to have the same effect.
3) Pre-menstrual hormones can cause a blunting of your insulin sensitivity.
4) If the area you are injecting isn't changed on a regular basis, then that part of your body can become much less sensitive to insulin. One of my friends has changed where her pump attaches from her abdomen to her arm, and found that she needs to reduce her doses as her abdomen has been receiving insulin for so long that it is no longer sensitive. Her arm though has no such issue.
5) The insulin may have spoiled and you may find that a fresh pen fixes things.
6) You may need a different basal insulin. I'm on Levemir and have been for over a year, but over the last couple of weeks I am getting painful lumps wherever I inject it. I now inject half of the usual amount into two separate sites which seems to be relieving the issue. Splitting your dose into two (injected at the same time, but in different areas) can increase the absorption.
7) For myself, I find that when I have more carbs than usual, I need more BI to process that overnight. If I cut down on carbs, then I find I need to drop my basal too to avoid hypos.

There are other possibilities too. All the best with it.
Warwick.

May 7, 2015

Warwick 425 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / carb free meal

Also, the body can convert protein into carbs, so if it a high protein meal but low carb, then BGs can rise. If I have nothing but a protein bar with 3g of carb, but 45 g of protein, then I need to inject as much insulin as I would if it was 40 g of carb. If I don't, my BGs rise spectacularly.

May 6, 2015

Stew B 125 posts

Topic: General Discussion / DAFNE to PUMP conversion

Hi David, I gave a pump back after five months. Although I found it straightforward to manage, and it had some advantages, I found some of the practicalities tedious and emotionally I didn't like being reminded 24/7 that I have diabetes.

My diabetes centre were brilliant - I was well supported when I was on the pump, and there was no sense of failure when we agreed that I would come off it.

I've returned to DAFNE and things are fine now!

Stew

May 6, 2015

Stew B 125 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / carb free meal

Could be an indication that your background insulin needs adjusting - may not be taking enough to maintain your levels, hence the rise. However, it would be best to do an overnight check or two before changing.

May 6, 2015

Joan29 3 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / carb free meal

Hi everyone,

i am under the understanding that when having a carb free meal I don't need to inject. So why does my BG rise? any ideas?

May 6, 2015

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / insulin

My approach to insulin doses are you need what you need to keep BG levels steady.............

the matching up of doses to body mass is nothing more than a guide........

as long as your getting what you need that's the main thing.....

ideally you want to get the background as tightly tuned as you can which will mean you can drop down your meal time ratios as well........

May 6, 2015

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / DAFNE to PUMP conversion

I would say the principles are exactly the same apart from the basal adjustment........

counting carbs stays the same, the approach to adjusting your meal time bolus is the same............

basal adjustment is same on some levels but being able to adjust by the hour/half hour makes it a little more challenging if you want to fine tune it.......

how are your basal rates, any issues?

May 6, 2015

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / CGMS

I wear a pump and this process and insertion is similar and it shouldn't hurt...........

If it gets unbearable then you should get it taken out.......

it will need to go back in of course, so speak out if it hurts again........ Smile

May 5, 2015

sawestall27 2 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Jelly Babies

I use 3 jelly babies for 1 cp. Great for when I'm running too.

May 5, 2015

Gerryvbc 3 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Morning Bloods climb steadily

Hi Keith

Just to assure you that you are not the only one with this issue. I have heard something like it called 'Dawn Phenomenon'. Some medics do however deny it exists.

My sugars have always followed the pattern you describe. I keep my levels very tight and to maintain them I start the day with my usual 14 units of Levemir (background) and 4 units of Humalog - assuming I will eat no carbs for breakfast. If I do eat carbs for breakfast, which is rare, then I take additional Humalog (1.5 :1) to compensate. My last HbA1c was 51 so I must doing something right.

I hope you find the answer.

Gerry

May 5, 2015

snow123 13 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Carb petition

It would be so much easier when eating out .it would encourage me to go there rather than some where that didn't.

May 5, 2015

snow123 13 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Carb petition

It would be so much easier when eating out .it would encourage me to go there rather than some where that didn't.

May 4, 2015

Vickyp 137 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Carb petition

Wetherspoons also do a leaflet in their pubs with the info on. I found frankie and bennys to be the worst for info, i complained and was told it was something they were working on for their website but have yet to see this info.

May 4, 2015

Neville COL 23 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Carb petition

I ve got carbs for Wetherspoons menu ( on its web site) Zavvi did do dietary analysis properly, but last time I looked they had revised it and lost the carbs but I m hopeful that they will be back....the info is out there with alittle bit of patience.... Razz

May 4, 2015

Vickyp 137 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Pumps

The minimed works in similar way to omnipod with the bolus wizard and temp basal options. Think all pumps would do something similar. The Medtronic is what my consultant recommended as you can also get a cgm that works with it, but I chose the omnipod as it suited me better. Everyone I've spoken to on a pump (both patch and tubed) says they feel much better after going on a pump and more in control than on MDI.
Which pump to go for would be a personal choice and whether your area offer it.

May 4, 2015

Vickyp 137 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Carb petition

It's also on the boxes of McDonald's food. In Burger King you need to ask for the folder with the info in it that they keep behind the counter -I wrote to Burger King to ask about it! Also think KFC have it on the paper tray liner....I haven't had fast food for almost a year so this is all based on early 2014! Laughing

May 4, 2015

AMcD 38 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Carb petition

McDonald's display all Carbs and other information on the back of the paper tray mat that comes with every eat in order.... bring your magnifying glass though it's in very small text!! Andy

May 4, 2015

AMcD 38 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Pumps

Just started on a pump after 25 years of MDIs. Using a medtronic mini med pump. Easy to use. Has a built in bolus wizard which picks up your BM from the meter that comes with the pump automatically. Input your carbs with a few easy clicks and it will apply preprogrammed ratios and BM targets and calculate corrections. Only on it 2 weeks but so far so good. Has good option also for reducing basal rate which is excellent if you have planned exercise. Very simple to use. Andy

May 4, 2015

keith bohanna 5 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Morning Bloods climb steadily

Thanks Warwick. I went ahead on raising basal and now monitoring to see how it impacts over 2 or 3 days. I was using a different system for logging my diary but have now switched to the Dafne software so I can do as you suggested in future :-)

May 1, 2015

Warwick 425 posts

Topic: General Discussion / CGMS

Hi Tracey, I've only worn one once, and it was painless. If the pain doesn't subside, then I'd strongly suggest removing it and trying a different site.

May 1, 2015

Warwick 425 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Morning Bloods climb steadily

Hello Keith,

Are you able to share your diary with this thread? (See the "Include my Blood Glucose Diary entries between..." fields below.

It is always difficult to make suggestions without seeing this, knowing what kind of insulins you are on, when you are injecting, whether you are exercising etc.

It does sound like your basal could be increased, but I'd want to see your diary before actually stating that.

Thanks,
Warwick.

Apr 30, 2015

Alan 49 284 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Freestyle Libre

Have a look at the 'Cyborg Times' topic in this 'General Discussion' forum - there are lots of user-comments about the Libre there.

Apr 30, 2015

SignyS 1 post

Topic: General Discussion / Freestyle Libre

I can only dream of one Laughing

Do let us know how you get on with it Very Happy

May 7, 2015 Chris Salter 8 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Morning BG help! Hi all, generally happy with my results except for my before breakfast BG. I have tried increasing my night time BI to try and bring my morning results down but have not had any luck. I'm hoping that an outsiders perspective may help, as I have no idea what to do next.... Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

May 7, 2015 Warwick 425 posts	Topic: General Discussion / insulin Hi Ellen, There are lots of reasons why your insulin needs can change: 1) Change of season - usually less required in summer than winter, but not always. 2) Exercise activity. I find when I am on holiday and out of my exercise routine that my BI doses almost need to double to have the same effect. 3) Pre-menstrual hormones can cause a blunting of your insulin sensitivity. 4) If the area you are injecting isn't changed on a regular basis, then that part of your body can become much less sensitive to insulin. One of my friends has changed where her pump attaches from her abdomen to her arm, and found that she needs to reduce her doses as her abdomen has been receiving insulin for so long that it is no longer sensitive. Her arm though has no such issue. 5) The insulin may have spoiled and you may find that a fresh pen fixes things. 6) You may need a different basal insulin. I'm on Levemir and have been for over a year, but over the last couple of weeks I am getting painful lumps wherever I inject it. I now inject half of the usual amount into two separate sites which seems to be relieving the issue. Splitting your dose into two (injected at the same time, but in different areas) can increase the absorption. 7) For myself, I find that when I have more carbs than usual, I need more BI to process that overnight. If I cut down on carbs, then I find I need to drop my basal too to avoid hypos. There are other possibilities too. All the best with it. Warwick.

May 7, 2015 Warwick 425 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / carb free meal Also, the body can convert protein into carbs, so if it a high protein meal but low carb, then BGs can rise. If I have nothing but a protein bar with 3g of carb, but 45 g of protein, then I need to inject as much insulin as I would if it was 40 g of carb. If I don't, my BGs rise spectacularly.

May 6, 2015 Stew B 125 posts	Topic: General Discussion / DAFNE to PUMP conversion Hi David, I gave a pump back after five months. Although I found it straightforward to manage, and it had some advantages, I found some of the practicalities tedious and emotionally I didn't like being reminded 24/7 that I have diabetes. My diabetes centre were brilliant - I was well supported when I was on the pump, and there was no sense of failure when we agreed that I would come off it. I've returned to DAFNE and things are fine now! Stew

May 6, 2015 Stew B 125 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / carb free meal Could be an indication that your background insulin needs adjusting - may not be taking enough to maintain your levels, hence the rise. However, it would be best to do an overnight check or two before changing.

May 6, 2015 Joan29 3 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / carb free meal Hi everyone, i am under the understanding that when having a carb free meal I don't need to inject. So why does my BG rise? any ideas?

May 6, 2015 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / insulin My approach to insulin doses are you need what you need to keep BG levels steady............. the matching up of doses to body mass is nothing more than a guide........ as long as your getting what you need that's the main thing..... ideally you want to get the background as tightly tuned as you can which will mean you can drop down your meal time ratios as well........

May 6, 2015 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / DAFNE to PUMP conversion I would say the principles are exactly the same apart from the basal adjustment........ counting carbs stays the same, the approach to adjusting your meal time bolus is the same............ basal adjustment is same on some levels but being able to adjust by the hour/half hour makes it a little more challenging if you want to fine tune it....... how are your basal rates, any issues?

May 6, 2015 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / CGMS I wear a pump and this process and insertion is similar and it shouldn't hurt........... If it gets unbearable then you should get it taken out....... it will need to go back in of course, so speak out if it hurts again........

May 5, 2015 sawestall27 2 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Jelly Babies I use 3 jelly babies for 1 cp. Great for when I'm running too.

May 5, 2015 Gerryvbc 3 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Morning Bloods climb steadily Hi Keith Just to assure you that you are not the only one with this issue. I have heard something like it called 'Dawn Phenomenon'. Some medics do however deny it exists. My sugars have always followed the pattern you describe. I keep my levels very tight and to maintain them I start the day with my usual 14 units of Levemir (background) and 4 units of Humalog - assuming I will eat no carbs for breakfast. If I do eat carbs for breakfast, which is rare, then I take additional Humalog (1.5 :1) to compensate. My last HbA1c was 51 so I must doing something right. I hope you find the answer. Gerry

May 5, 2015 snow123 13 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Carb petition It would be so much easier when eating out .it would encourage me to go there rather than some where that didn't.

May 5, 2015 snow123 13 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Carb petition It would be so much easier when eating out .it would encourage me to go there rather than some where that didn't.

May 4, 2015 Vickyp 137 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Carb petition Wetherspoons also do a leaflet in their pubs with the info on. I found frankie and bennys to be the worst for info, i complained and was told it was something they were working on for their website but have yet to see this info.

May 4, 2015 Neville COL 23 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Carb petition I ve got carbs for Wetherspoons menu ( on its web site) Zavvi did do dietary analysis properly, but last time I looked they had revised it and lost the carbs but I m hopeful that they will be back....the info is out there with alittle bit of patience....

May 4, 2015 Vickyp 137 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Pumps The minimed works in similar way to omnipod with the bolus wizard and temp basal options. Think all pumps would do something similar. The Medtronic is what my consultant recommended as you can also get a cgm that works with it, but I chose the omnipod as it suited me better. Everyone I've spoken to on a pump (both patch and tubed) says they feel much better after going on a pump and more in control than on MDI. Which pump to go for would be a personal choice and whether your area offer it.

May 4, 2015 Vickyp 137 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Carb petition It's also on the boxes of McDonald's food. In Burger King you need to ask for the folder with the info in it that they keep behind the counter -I wrote to Burger King to ask about it! Also think KFC have it on the paper tray liner....I haven't had fast food for almost a year so this is all based on early 2014!

May 4, 2015 AMcD 38 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Carb petition McDonald's display all Carbs and other information on the back of the paper tray mat that comes with every eat in order.... bring your magnifying glass though it's in very small text!! Andy

May 4, 2015 AMcD 38 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Pumps Just started on a pump after 25 years of MDIs. Using a medtronic mini med pump. Easy to use. Has a built in bolus wizard which picks up your BM from the meter that comes with the pump automatically. Input your carbs with a few easy clicks and it will apply preprogrammed ratios and BM targets and calculate corrections. Only on it 2 weeks but so far so good. Has good option also for reducing basal rate which is excellent if you have planned exercise. Very simple to use. Andy

May 4, 2015 keith bohanna 5 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Morning Bloods climb steadily Thanks Warwick. I went ahead on raising basal and now monitoring to see how it impacts over 2 or 3 days. I was using a different system for logging my diary but have now switched to the Dafne software so I can do as you suggested in future :-)

May 1, 2015 Warwick 425 posts	Topic: General Discussion / CGMS Hi Tracey, I've only worn one once, and it was painless. If the pain doesn't subside, then I'd strongly suggest removing it and trying a different site.

May 1, 2015 Warwick 425 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Morning Bloods climb steadily Hello Keith, Are you able to share your diary with this thread? (See the "Include my Blood Glucose Diary entries between..." fields below. It is always difficult to make suggestions without seeing this, knowing what kind of insulins you are on, when you are injecting, whether you are exercising etc. It does sound like your basal could be increased, but I'd want to see your diary before actually stating that. Thanks, Warwick.

Apr 30, 2015 Alan 49 284 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Freestyle Libre Have a look at the 'Cyborg Times' topic in this 'General Discussion' forum - there are lots of user-comments about the Libre there.

Apr 30, 2015 SignyS 1 post	Topic: General Discussion / Freestyle Libre I can only dream of one Do let us know how you get on with it