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Jan 15, 2015
Peter 109 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Any ideas for Research needed around DAFNE?

As the chairman of the DAFNE Graduate Group (DGG) I have been asked by the DAFNE Executive to reach out to users for any suggestions for research topics around DAFNE which would be of interest to users of the course.

Suggestions for research topics can be added to this thread which will hopefully provoke discussion with other DAFNE users. Alternatively, you can send your suggestions to me by e-mail at [email protected].

All suggestions will be passed to the DAFNE research team for consideration. I will report back later in the year on which suggestions have been adopted.

Many thanks.
 
Jan 15, 2015
stephenbrowne 37 posts

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

Thanks, Helen, for your encouragement and experienced advice. SB
 
Jan 14, 2015
Neville COL 23 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Got the flu, and now high

Similar issues after Christmas with a chest infection, and high blood sugars into the twenties: no ketones strips for my machine, so descended on Boots on Boxing day and invested a fiver in some urine test strips as I thought I might be really ill! no ketones so after a quick e mail to my trainer just went with corrections each meal/overnight. It took about a week to get back into normal range though! Not helped by the fact it was post Christmas, so not feeling well did nt do usual (limited!) exercise! Be patient, DAFNE does work but it takes time! Dont forget your flu jab: hope you had one!
 
Jan 14, 2015
Jono20201 5 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Got the flu, and now high

Phil Maskell said:
I never have in date (don't use them often enough) ketone sticks



I rarely use the blood ketone test, normally just the urine strip. This is the first time since diagnosis I have had ketone's.

Alan Constable said:
Jono - did you have your flu-jab?



Indeed I did, they also have me pneumonia tab too! Two very sore arms that evening....
 
Jan 14, 2015
Alan 49 284 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Got the flu, and now high

Jono - did you have your flu-jab?
 
Jan 14, 2015
BeccyB 50 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Got the flu, and now high

I'm the other way round Phil - I'm vile when I'm hypo! In fact snapping at someone is sometimes my first sign
 
Jan 14, 2015
Phil Maskell 194 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Got the flu, and now high

Hi,

I never have in date (don't use them often enough) ketone sticks, I just assume (I can tell, usually taste it, pear drops, thirst too) when I have BG over 16+ there are going to be issues, I just correct as normal if its food related (bad carb counting). Or try follow DAFNE sick day rules of checking every few hours etc... if I'm ill.

On a side note, who else feels hot and bothered (just clothes rubbing when high makes me irritable), irritable as though they could kill when they're stupidly high 20+

Phil
 
Jan 13, 2015
Jono20201 5 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Got the flu, and now high

Hi all,

I've gotten the flu for the first time since becoming diabetic, and honestly I don't think I have ever felt so ill. The first few days were okay from a BG point of view however today I decided to try and go back to work (started new job a month ago and didn't want to take any more time that I had to) and that wasn't a great decision.

Tested by BG and it was 24, so I took my normal correction dose and then went and did a ketone test (as I always carry one the urine strips with me) and for the first time the strip didn't look like a good colour. I waited an hour and then re-did the test and it was worse. I called the diabetes nurse phone number provided by my local hospital and she said I should follow the DAFNE principle of adding up my last 24h insulin in take and give myself 10% of that and so I did and it worked, I was more/less ketone free - I also went home early.

However, tonight my BG has gone back up to 20mmol, but there are no ketones present. I'll be keeping a close eye on it.

Problems/Questions:

1. When I got home I used my FreeStyle test kit with Ketone strips. Unfortunately I only have 4 left, if I go to my GP tomorrow do you think they can rush a prescription through to get more?

2. Should I use the urine strips as a general guide to see if there is anything at all and then use the machine if there is more than a trace to keep track of it?

3. I'm still fairy new to diabetes, and very new to been ill with it, do you guys have any tips on top of DAFNE principles?
 
Jan 13, 2015
HelenP 218 posts

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

In perspective I did go to Korea 6-8 times with the pump and it only happened once but you then take steps to see that it does not happen again. So booking an aisle seat was my decision and that solved my problem. I have no idea why she did it. I have been to Korea 27 times and spent a total of 2-3 weeks each time so have spent some time getting to know some of the Korean people. Some are very Western and culturally accepting of other viewpoints, others are "very Korean". It is not stupidity it is cultural outlook and working around the issue will always have a better outcome. The pump was obviously very different from anything she had experienced. Helen
 
Jan 13, 2015
mum2westiesGill 502 posts

Topic: General Discussion / BG diary help please (2) (mum2westiesGill diary)

So not posted since 17/11 so the next few posts are the last few weeks of my BGs. Started with a head cold Tues 060115.

Things I can't get to grips with are:
bedtime & fasting or waking testing
snacking during the evenings sometimes with no bolus

Any help in identifying trends or any other help ie with targets & ratios will be greatly appreciated.

Also any help in saying whether I should be reducing or increasing my basal
 
Jan 13, 2015
mum2westiesGill 502 posts

Topic: General Discussion / BG diary help please (2) (mum2westiesGill diary)

So not posted since 17/11 so the next few posts are the last few weeks of my BGs.

Any help in identifying trends or any other help ie with targets & ratios will be greatly appreciated.

Also any help in saying whether I should be reducing or increasing my basal
 
Jan 13, 2015
mum2westiesGill 502 posts

Topic: General Discussion / BG diary help please (2) (mum2westiesGill diary)

So not posted since 17/11 so the next few posts are the last few weeks of my BGs.

Any help in identifying trends or any other help ie with targets & ratios will be greatly appreciated.

Also any help in saying whether I should be reducing or increasing my basal
 
Jan 13, 2015
mum2westiesGill 502 posts

Topic: General Discussion / BG diary help please (2) (mum2westiesGill diary)

So not posted since 17/11 so the next few posts are the last few weeks of my BGs.

Any help in identifying trends or any other help ie with targets & ratios will be greatly appreciated.

Also any help in saying whether I should be reducing or increasing my basal
 
Jan 13, 2015
mum2westiesGill 502 posts

Topic: General Discussion / BG diary help please (2) (mum2westiesGill diary)

So not posted since 17/11 so the next few posts are the last few weeks of my BGs.

Any help in identifying trends or any other help ie with targets & ratios will be greatly appreciated.

Also any help in saying whether I should be reducing or increasing my basal
 
Jan 13, 2015
mum2westiesGill 502 posts

Topic: General Discussion / BG diary help please (2) (mum2westiesGill diary)

So not posted since 17/11 so the next few posts are the last few weeks of my BGs.

Any help in identifying trends or any other help ie with targets & ratios will be greatly appreciated.

Also any help in saying whether I should be reducing or increasing my basal
 
Jan 13, 2015
BeccyB 50 posts

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

That's awful Helen - what a stupid woman! I would've pulled her hair everytime she did it Twisted Evil Laughing

 
Jan 12, 2015
HelenP 218 posts

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

Stephen,
I travel with a "lunch box" style pack filled with all the kit I need and a comprehensive letter from the doctor (on letterhead) listing everything I take and a request to call him if there is ever a problem. He has never been called. The pump company also has an international number that can be called on its paperwork. I also carry a spare pump without the cartridge but with a battery. I suspect the incident at the airport in Singapore was a new (inexperienced) employee determined to follow the rules. As we were late into Singapore (after an 8 hour flight) I became assertive she reacted by becoming more determined.

I have also had a Korean National sitting next to me on a flight to Seoul who could not/would not leave my tubing alone...she kept tugging on it. She had seen me give myself a bolus for a meal (somewhat discretely) and it just started. I called the bilingual cabin staff and explained. Passenger not happy and you always wonder what they have been told as the Koreans always do as the elder person says/ wants (check the Sewol ferry disaster) and are extraordinarily polite to their elders. They offered to move me! I now always book a seat with an aisle on my right and wear the pump on my right hip. Makes things easier. Try a short flight to a friendly destination. I am sure you will be fine. The more of us that fly the more familiar they will become with the gadgetry. Helen
 
Jan 12, 2015
John Marrable 11 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Anaerobic exercise and rising sugar levels

Hello Phil, your reply makes a lot of sense (and is really useful - thanks)

I actually completed reading a book this afternoon called 'your diabetes science experiment' (£6 on Amazon). It talks lots about different types of exercise on blood glucose and confirms that anaerobic tends to increase sugar levels. It makes recommendations for how to test/experiment with QA and Carb requirements when weightlifting- a really good read and aiming to practice the principles in the morning

Kind regards

John
 
Jan 12, 2015
snow123 13 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Accu-Chek Multiclix lancet drum supply

I had the same a while ago but accu chek sent me a smaller pack to be going on with.
 
Jan 12, 2015
Vickyp 137 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Accu-Chek Multiclix lancet drum supply

I had this a while ago now and went to a different pharmacy, in nearby town, as it had a different supplier and no issues....this was probably about 9months ago haven't had any issues since
 
Jan 12, 2015
stephenbrowne 37 posts

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

Hi HelenP, I have been very reluctant to undertake international travel with my insulin pump and backup Humapen and Novopen as well as Feestyle libre. I would not want to become embroiled in altercations at airports. You describe the sort of problem that I am anxious to avoid. Glad you were able to stand your ground successfully. Well done !
 
Jan 12, 2015
DianeW 115 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Accu-Chek Multiclix lancet drum supply

Anyone experience a problem in getting the lancet drums for this finger pricking device? I ordered some on 23rd December and was told today by the pharmacist that she had problems in getting supplies, so that's 3 weeks now. She said to phone Accu-Chek to get "emergency" supplies.
 
Jan 12, 2015
Phil Maskell 194 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Anaerobic exercise and rising sugar levels

Hi,

From what I've found, most exercise (something that gets heart rate going, not just walking) will dump glycogen/glucose for the first hour (or longer if your bigger or more musclar) until muscles/liver have none left, then if you do prolonged exercise your BG will drop as this glucose is used. Non diabetic cyclist train to do this, known as a glycogen ride, they train with little or no sugar on board, a) to burn fat, b) to be better in races when they have extra sugar on board. As diabetics we can't easily do this, but good to know about this sugar dump.

It was strange when I first started exercising a lot, at school I always assumed exercise lowered BG, turns out I wasn't pushing myself enough, coz if you do it goes up! This makes it awkward to control, you need some QA onboard for the first hours dump, but not too much coz prolonged activity, it will drop after. From that point for me I am constantly eating during cycling, not sure you'll have this issue with weight-lifting, but what will happen if take QA for this dump is after the session your muscles will relax and try to replenish the glycogen./glucose which will come from the blood, so hours after a good workout you could go hypo.

I know this is a bit of a ramble, hope it makes sense and helps.

Phil

EDIT: Just realised I waffled on, but didn't really answer your question, yes BG will go up anyway if you push hard enough, so carbs on board will probably make it worse.
 
Jan 11, 2015
meltow 78 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Driving Licence Renewal

Yes, another 3 years has gone by, and the renewal of my licence is now due, and the envelope from DVLA arrived on Saturday. Only 3 forms to complete this time, but once again, a jumbled mess of papers within the envelope. No photo to provide this time, phew! I'm never happy sending off my current licence....... Confused
 
Jan 11, 2015
John Marrable 11 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Anaerobic exercise and rising sugar levels

As I understand it when you perform anaerobic exercise (such as weightlifting) the liver and muscles will produce stored glycogen which converts into glucose for energy causing the blood sugar levels to rise. Would eating carbohydrates prior to this type of exercise stop the liver and muscles producing glycogen (as the glucose can be taken from the carbohydrates) or would the liver and muscles produce glycogen anyway?

Kind regards

John