Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Dec 1, 2014

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Night time Hypo - Depression!

Exercise is pain to cater for.............

My excuse for not doing enough............ Smile

I often find myself waking up with hypos over night which is fortunate.............my response is to treat with 20g, however I can see myself gorging in snacks, trying to bolus for the extra then waking up high after failing to calculate the right insulin......

Dec 1, 2014

Davey54 8 posts

Topic: General Discussion / WARNING - ensure you have a valid medical exemption certificate

Hi Jimski,
Sorry to hear you're having trouble getting free prescriptions. You need a FP92A Application Form which you can from your GP, they have to fill it in and you sign it and send it off. Wait a couple of weeks to get the card.
It looks like a credit card and it's called a Medical Exemption Certificate and it's valid for 5 years.
This scheme is run by NHS Help With Health Costs.
CONTACT: Website; www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/healthcosts
e-mail; [email protected]
Tel; 0300 3301341 - Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm / Saturday 9am to 3pm
I've been a diabetic for nearly 40 years and have never had to pay for prescriptions. In all that time until last December I've received a declaration form to sign return to them then I get a new certificate back. Last December I got a reminder letter and I did has I've described above. My advise, Jimski, go to your GP to get this sorted out. GOOD LUCK!

Dec 1, 2014

Phil Maskell 194 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Night time Hypo - Depression!

Hi,

Just a quick one, I had a massive hypo last night (several hours cycling, didn't decrease background enough), I am self funding the new Freestyle Libre and it shows I was low from 1:30 to about 5. I didn't wake up though until 5:30, did a real BG test which was 4.1, I guess liver had kicked out some glycogen! Waking like this in the past (very sweaty) and testing I would not have known how low for how long I had been.

Question, if/when others have hypos like this at night how do you feel the next day? What are your BGs like, I am now running about 10 to 11!

Rubbish like this is getting me down, this is why I have funded the Libre, I am finding with massive amounts of exercise (keen cyclist, about 150+ miles a week) I yo-yo BG wise all over and this effects my moods massively, which isn't fair on my family.

Where is the cure that tomorrows world promised in the 80s?

Rant over!

Phil

Dec 1, 2014

CurlyWurly 15 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Help - BG Levels

I wonder about injection sites also? All the injections seem to be in your stomach so I wonder if rotating to your thighs/buttocks etc. for some injections might help.

Nov 30, 2014

Wise Old Owl 1 post

Topic: General Discussion / Help - BG Levels

As DAFNE says, look for a pattern, then make one change at a time and see what happens. Are you on a BASAL BOLUS? is your BASAL lasting the full 22 hours?

There were quite a lot of people on my DAFNE course, with similar readings to you (At the commencement of the course) at the follow up course 6 weeks later everyone had got better readings, following DAFNE advice, so try to find if there is a pattern and try either looking at BASAL or making a change to your ratio, i.e. if one of your ratios is 1:9, try 1:8 and see what happens.

Hope this helps somewhat. javascript:emoticon(' Very Happy

')

Nov 29, 2014

James A 1 post

Topic: General Discussion / Help - BG Levels

Hi Julieann, ive just completed DAFE (graduated on Friday, wow!!) I had very similar readings to readings to you, and my BI was incorrect, moving up in stages of 20% at a time, and a BG check at 3am, (nice!) ive got back into range. Hope you find some Very Happy

thing that works for you

Nov 29, 2014

alturn 78 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Cold and sore throat meds

I've just had first cold/sore throat for several years. I take Paracetamol for the cold, and Bradosol for sore throat, probably advised by chemist or nurse before moving, now used most of current stock.

Here in NE Scotland, Bradosol doesn't seem to be stocked by the local chemists, some doubt it is still available (I will try on-line).

Bradosol sugar-free does not state if it contains artificial sweeteners (I don't have any leaflet) but other sugar-free meds such as Halls are full of them.

What do others use for sore throat?

Thanks

Nov 28, 2014

CurlyWurly 15 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Cheaper needles not as accurate???

I used to use the BD microfine+ 5mm and then my surgery changed them for a 'cheaper' option (Omnican) without my consultation. My pharmacist said I could change them back if I wanted but I thought I'd give it a go and she gave me the option of 4mm or 6mm - I went for the 4mm. Initially I was a bit annoyed with the new needles as (a) the peel off paper seemed a bit flimsy and (b) there was no inner cap to cover the needle.

However - this has absolutely ensured that I only ever use my needles once as I can't leave it on the pen and this has had a massive benefit to my injections (less pain, no bruising) and having the shorter needle has (in my opinion) boosted my insulin absorption and I'm seeing improved results.

Cheaper, yes, and that's probably as compromise on quality but so far it's working for me.

Nov 28, 2014

Jimski 3 posts

Topic: General Discussion / WARNING - ensure you have a valid medical exemption certificate

Hi all,

This is a warning to all those out there who do not have a valid NHS medical exemption certificate for their diabetes.

I recently received a Penalty Charge Notice for Â£124.15 from the Business Services Authority for not having a valid medical exemption certificate. Sadly I was never aware I required one, and certainly haven't needed one since I was diagnosed. The pharmacists I have used over the years have never asked, GPs have never offered and the Business Services Authority has never sent me a letter to warn me these were being actively pursued. On speaking to the BSA, I obviously am able to get an exemption certificate but it will only apply for 30 days prior to receipt. The prescription I am being penalised for is for September so getting a letter on 24th November 2014 is of little use.

Seems a little harsh.

There are others reporting this too through the thread below, where I have contributed too:

http://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/prescription-fine.68038/

Any advice on whether this charge can be avoided would be appreciated too, it would be well worthwhile the surgeries etc... sending out a mailshot to those with chronic illnesses to ensure they get their certificates.

Regards
Jimski

Nov 28, 2014

DianeW 115 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Coca Cola Life

lol Alan. Thanks Judith Anne for clarifying. I've seen absolutely no marketing for this which seems strange for brand like Coke.

Nov 28, 2014

Alan 49 284 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Coca Cola Life

If I want a 'leaf drink' I have a cup of tea.

Nov 28, 2014

Samwise 2 posts

Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / iPhone 4 - BG Targets / QA:CP Ratios

I'm unable to change the default BG targets or QI:CP ratios.

I'm using version 2.0.3 of the app on an iPhone 4 running iOS 7.1.2. Apparently, these are the most up-to-date software versions compatible with the iPhone 4. When I attempt to change a BG target or a QA:CP ratio, the app crashes and the changes don't take effect.

Is there another way of updating these, maybe via the website?

Nov 28, 2014

Annette Bell 72 posts

Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / iPhone 6

Also forgot to say that my lower BG limit is set to 4.5. I think that's everything!

Nov 28, 2014

Judith-Anne 1 post

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Coca Cola Life

The leaf extract is a sweetener. This is for those who want less carbs but don't like the taste of articulate sweeteners or believe they are harmful.

Nov 27, 2014

DianeW 115 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Coca Cola Life

You're right Simon. Well they can have it...what the hell is leaf extract idoing in a drink? I'm all for saving the planet but I'll pass on this.

Nov 27, 2014

JamesW 24 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Coca Cola Life

You could be on to something there. You will notice that the labelling is an "earthy" green too.

Nov 27, 2014

Annette Bell 72 posts

Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / iPhone 6

I would have expected a suggestion of 6 QA with no correction.

Nov 27, 2014

Annette Bell 72 posts

Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / iPhone 6

Forgot to say I entered 5 CP's & got a suggested QA value of 6+0.5 (ratio 1:1.25)

Nov 27, 2014

Annette Bell 72 posts

Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / iPhone 6

I've downloaded the latest update yesterday, and still getting the same problem . I enter a value of e.g. 8.3 and, when I tap the QA it changes to red & "8.300000000000001"! It also gives me a suggested correction in the QA value of +0.5. My settings are CP:QA 1:1.25 at evening meal time, & 1:1 for all the rest, and my upper range level is 8. I therefore shouldn't need to correct for a value of 8.3 as this is only just above my upper limit. My range target is set to 50% & my QA:BG RATIO IS SET TO 1:3. Correction calculation is set to Simple. Calculations are rounded to 0.5. I hope this helps you to see what the problem is. If you need any more info let me know. ðŸ˜€

Nov 27, 2014

Peter 109 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Cheaper needles not as accurate???

I had my repeat prescription changed to an alternative needle as you describe, but haven't had to use them as I switched to a pump before running out of the "old" needles.

Nov 27, 2014

SimonC 78 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Coca Cola Life

I got the feeling that this is aimed at those that think that they have to only eat mung beans grown in totally organic conditions! They are using the natural extract from a leaf to in part sweeten their drink.

It is about 50% sugar and 50% leaf extract - not sure why they didn't use only leaf extract - probably doesn't taste too good.

I reckon it is aimed at new age people that think that by drinking a drink sweetened by leaf extract they are going back to their roots and living just as healthily as the cave man did.

Nov 26, 2014

snow123 13 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Cheaper needles not as accurate???

Just wondered if anyone else has had their usual needles replaced by an alternative by their GP which is more cost effective. It has happened to me and I am finding a couple of problems with them.Firstly they seem more flimsy to put onto the disposable pens. When you do an air shot a additional drop continues to form afterwards on the needle. After injecting sometimes there is some leakage on the skin as if the seal isn't as good. This makes accurate dosage more difficult and it didn't happen with the older alternative needles. I spoke to the pharmacist and other diabetics who also reported similar problems.Please let me know if others have had the same problems and how they overcame it
Thanks

Nov 26, 2014

DianeW 115 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Coca Cola Life

Thanks Simon, so its inbetween full Coke and Diet Coke then. Not sugar free. I wonder why they bother?

Nov 26, 2014

SimonC 78 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Coca Cola Life

I looked online at their web site, and it is a version sweetened with some sugar and some extract from a leaf - so it does contain sugar, about 17g per 250ml

Nov 26, 2014

DianeW 115 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Coca Cola Life

Has anyone seen this new type, the bottle has a green label. It says "lower in calories" or something similar. I couldn't read the nutrition small print unfortunately...can anyone clarify? Thanks.

Dec 1, 2014 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Night time Hypo - Depression! Exercise is pain to cater for............. My excuse for not doing enough............ I often find myself waking up with hypos over night which is fortunate.............my response is to treat with 20g, however I can see myself gorging in snacks, trying to bolus for the extra then waking up high after failing to calculate the right insulin......

Dec 1, 2014 Davey54 8 posts	Topic: General Discussion / WARNING - ensure you have a valid medical exemption certificate Hi Jimski, Sorry to hear you're having trouble getting free prescriptions. You need a FP92A Application Form which you can from your GP, they have to fill it in and you sign it and send it off. Wait a couple of weeks to get the card. It looks like a credit card and it's called a Medical Exemption Certificate and it's valid for 5 years. This scheme is run by NHS Help With Health Costs. CONTACT: Website; www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/healthcosts e-mail; [email protected] Tel; 0300 3301341 - Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm / Saturday 9am to 3pm I've been a diabetic for nearly 40 years and have never had to pay for prescriptions. In all that time until last December I've received a declaration form to sign return to them then I get a new certificate back. Last December I got a reminder letter and I did has I've described above. My advise, Jimski, go to your GP to get this sorted out. GOOD LUCK!

Dec 1, 2014 Phil Maskell 194 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Night time Hypo - Depression! Hi, Just a quick one, I had a massive hypo last night (several hours cycling, didn't decrease background enough), I am self funding the new Freestyle Libre and it shows I was low from 1:30 to about 5. I didn't wake up though until 5:30, did a real BG test which was 4.1, I guess liver had kicked out some glycogen! Waking like this in the past (very sweaty) and testing I would not have known how low for how long I had been. Question, if/when others have hypos like this at night how do you feel the next day? What are your BGs like, I am now running about 10 to 11! Rubbish like this is getting me down, this is why I have funded the Libre, I am finding with massive amounts of exercise (keen cyclist, about 150+ miles a week) I yo-yo BG wise all over and this effects my moods massively, which isn't fair on my family. Where is the cure that tomorrows world promised in the 80s? Rant over! Phil

Dec 1, 2014 CurlyWurly 15 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Help - BG Levels I wonder about injection sites also? All the injections seem to be in your stomach so I wonder if rotating to your thighs/buttocks etc. for some injections might help.

Nov 30, 2014 Wise Old Owl 1 post	Topic: General Discussion / Help - BG Levels As DAFNE says, look for a pattern, then make one change at a time and see what happens. Are you on a BASAL BOLUS? is your BASAL lasting the full 22 hours? There were quite a lot of people on my DAFNE course, with similar readings to you (At the commencement of the course) at the follow up course 6 weeks later everyone had got better readings, following DAFNE advice, so try to find if there is a pattern and try either looking at BASAL or making a change to your ratio, i.e. if one of your ratios is 1:9, try 1:8 and see what happens. Hope this helps somewhat. javascript:emoticon('')

Nov 29, 2014 James A 1 post	Topic: General Discussion / Help - BG Levels Hi Julieann, ive just completed DAFE (graduated on Friday, wow!!) I had very similar readings to readings to you, and my BI was incorrect, moving up in stages of 20% at a time, and a BG check at 3am, (nice!) ive got back into range. Hope you find some thing that works for you

Nov 29, 2014 alturn 78 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cold and sore throat meds I've just had first cold/sore throat for several years. I take Paracetamol for the cold, and Bradosol for sore throat, probably advised by chemist or nurse before moving, now used most of current stock. Here in NE Scotland, Bradosol doesn't seem to be stocked by the local chemists, some doubt it is still available (I will try on-line). Bradosol sugar-free does not state if it contains artificial sweeteners (I don't have any leaflet) but other sugar-free meds such as Halls are full of them. What do others use for sore throat? Thanks

Nov 28, 2014 CurlyWurly 15 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cheaper needles not as accurate??? I used to use the BD microfine+ 5mm and then my surgery changed them for a 'cheaper' option (Omnican) without my consultation. My pharmacist said I could change them back if I wanted but I thought I'd give it a go and she gave me the option of 4mm or 6mm - I went for the 4mm. Initially I was a bit annoyed with the new needles as (a) the peel off paper seemed a bit flimsy and (b) there was no inner cap to cover the needle. However - this has absolutely ensured that I only ever use my needles once as I can't leave it on the pen and this has had a massive benefit to my injections (less pain, no bruising) and having the shorter needle has (in my opinion) boosted my insulin absorption and I'm seeing improved results. Cheaper, yes, and that's probably as compromise on quality but so far it's working for me.

Nov 28, 2014 Jimski 3 posts	Topic: General Discussion / WARNING - ensure you have a valid medical exemption certificate Hi all, This is a warning to all those out there who do not have a valid NHS medical exemption certificate for their diabetes. I recently received a Penalty Charge Notice for Â£124.15 from the Business Services Authority for not having a valid medical exemption certificate. Sadly I was never aware I required one, and certainly haven't needed one since I was diagnosed. The pharmacists I have used over the years have never asked, GPs have never offered and the Business Services Authority has never sent me a letter to warn me these were being actively pursued. On speaking to the BSA, I obviously am able to get an exemption certificate but it will only apply for 30 days prior to receipt. The prescription I am being penalised for is for September so getting a letter on 24th November 2014 is of little use. Seems a little harsh. There are others reporting this too through the thread below, where I have contributed too: http://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/prescription-fine.68038/ Any advice on whether this charge can be avoided would be appreciated too, it would be well worthwhile the surgeries etc... sending out a mailshot to those with chronic illnesses to ensure they get their certificates. Regards Jimski

Nov 28, 2014 DianeW 115 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Coca Cola Life lol Alan. Thanks Judith Anne for clarifying. I've seen absolutely no marketing for this which seems strange for brand like Coke.

Nov 28, 2014 Alan 49 284 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Coca Cola Life If I want a 'leaf drink' I have a cup of tea.

Nov 28, 2014 Samwise 2 posts	Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / iPhone 4 - BG Targets / QA:CP Ratios I'm unable to change the default BG targets or QI:CP ratios. I'm using version 2.0.3 of the app on an iPhone 4 running iOS 7.1.2. Apparently, these are the most up-to-date software versions compatible with the iPhone 4. When I attempt to change a BG target or a QA:CP ratio, the app crashes and the changes don't take effect. Is there another way of updating these, maybe via the website?

Nov 28, 2014 Annette Bell 72 posts	Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / iPhone 6 Also forgot to say that my lower BG limit is set to 4.5. I think that's everything!

Nov 28, 2014 Judith-Anne 1 post	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Coca Cola Life The leaf extract is a sweetener. This is for those who want less carbs but don't like the taste of articulate sweeteners or believe they are harmful.

Nov 27, 2014 DianeW 115 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Coca Cola Life You're right Simon. Well they can have it...what the hell is leaf extract idoing in a drink? I'm all for saving the planet but I'll pass on this.

Nov 27, 2014 JamesW 24 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Coca Cola Life You could be on to something there. You will notice that the labelling is an "earthy" green too.

Nov 27, 2014 Annette Bell 72 posts	Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / iPhone 6 I would have expected a suggestion of 6 QA with no correction.

Nov 27, 2014 Annette Bell 72 posts	Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / iPhone 6 Forgot to say I entered 5 CP's & got a suggested QA value of 6+0.5 (ratio 1:1.25)

Nov 27, 2014 Annette Bell 72 posts	Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / iPhone 6 I've downloaded the latest update yesterday, and still getting the same problem . I enter a value of e.g. 8.3 and, when I tap the QA it changes to red & "8.300000000000001"! It also gives me a suggested correction in the QA value of +0.5. My settings are CP:QA 1:1.25 at evening meal time, & 1:1 for all the rest, and my upper range level is 8. I therefore shouldn't need to correct for a value of 8.3 as this is only just above my upper limit. My range target is set to 50% & my QA:BG RATIO IS SET TO 1:3. Correction calculation is set to Simple. Calculations are rounded to 0.5. I hope this helps you to see what the problem is. If you need any more info let me know. ðŸ˜€

Nov 27, 2014 Peter 109 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cheaper needles not as accurate??? I had my repeat prescription changed to an alternative needle as you describe, but haven't had to use them as I switched to a pump before running out of the "old" needles.

Nov 27, 2014 SimonC 78 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Coca Cola Life I got the feeling that this is aimed at those that think that they have to only eat mung beans grown in totally organic conditions! They are using the natural extract from a leaf to in part sweeten their drink. It is about 50% sugar and 50% leaf extract - not sure why they didn't use only leaf extract - probably doesn't taste too good. I reckon it is aimed at new age people that think that by drinking a drink sweetened by leaf extract they are going back to their roots and living just as healthily as the cave man did.

Nov 26, 2014 snow123 13 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cheaper needles not as accurate??? Just wondered if anyone else has had their usual needles replaced by an alternative by their GP which is more cost effective. It has happened to me and I am finding a couple of problems with them.Firstly they seem more flimsy to put onto the disposable pens. When you do an air shot a additional drop continues to form afterwards on the needle. After injecting sometimes there is some leakage on the skin as if the seal isn't as good. This makes accurate dosage more difficult and it didn't happen with the older alternative needles. I spoke to the pharmacist and other diabetics who also reported similar problems.Please let me know if others have had the same problems and how they overcame it Thanks

Nov 26, 2014 DianeW 115 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Coca Cola Life Thanks Simon, so its inbetween full Coke and Diet Coke then. Not sugar free. I wonder why they bother?

Nov 26, 2014 SimonC 78 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Coca Cola Life I looked online at their web site, and it is a version sweetened with some sugar and some extract from a leaf - so it does contain sugar, about 17g per 250ml

Nov 26, 2014 DianeW 115 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Coca Cola Life Has anyone seen this new type, the bottle has a green label. It says "lower in calories" or something similar. I couldn't read the nutrition small print unfortunately...can anyone clarify? Thanks.