Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Nov 8, 2014

Trish Skidmore 18 posts

I'm type 1 and have been on dafne 14 years, I am going to book a refresher, but in the meantime can anyone remind me how to cover snacks in between meals, such as couple of biscuits or chocolate.

Nov 8, 2014

Alan 49 284 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Swollen ankles

When I had swollen ankles I went to my GP and she prescribed water tablets - which reduced the swelling. I would recommend a visit to your GP, Beccy.

Nov 7, 2014

Garry 328 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / LOW INSULIN INTAKE

Keep up the exercise alanG. I love my bike rides 3 or 4 times a week. They have reduced my insulin needs significantly over the last months. Afraid I am a little more insulin resistant than you after 35 years and am jealous. My lowest ratio throughout the day is 2:1.
Helps if you record your pre-driving BG every time. You need to avoid DVLC getting involved. Please record a BG before every meal or what do you base your QA and BI on?
Very happy to see your results are so good. Reminder to myself....Keep up the exercise.
Regards
Garry

Nov 7, 2014

marke 681 posts

Topic: Site Development / Forum search

yes you can, it already exists Very Happy

Look under the forum name and the number of posts, the next line starts 'Search the DAFNE Online Forums'. It does what it says on the tin Wink

Nov 7, 2014

alanG 11 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / LOW INSULIN INTAKE

I attach a few days recent diary, which are fairly typical of my lifestyle pattern.
I have had diabetes for 18 months, and went on a DAFNE course about 6 months ago.
Using the tools from that, I have ended up taking 2 BI units in the morning, 10 units in the evening.
As I am reasonably active, golf, garden, exercise bike, and proper bike - weather acceptable, and I am trying to lose some weight, I have determined that if I have low carb breakfast and lunch, I can maintain good blood glucose levels without any QA insulin at all.
If I do have a more substantial breakfast or lunch, I take QA insulin at a ratio of 0.5:1.
We eat our main meal around 5 - 6 pm. I have been using a ratio of 0.75:1, which compensates for "grazing" in the evening. As winter is now setting in I have been on the exercise bike in the evening rather than watching crummy tv, and have now dropped the evening ratio to 0.5.
My blood glucose levels are good, including a long-term level around 42-44 over the last 12 months.
I have had occasion where I am out and about, and may have some reasonable carb intake without insulin correction - bacon sandwich while out shopping, couple of beers and a few crisps after a meeting, but when I check my sugar levels later there is no significant impact.
I am clearly confused (but happy) at my low insulin requirements, and wonder if other members have a similar experience, which would settle me down a little.
I also wonder if I am still producing some insulin that is supplementing my injections, although I recognise that any "honeymoon" period should have ended by now.

Nov 7, 2014

Vickyp 137 posts

Topic: General Discussion / INSULIN SENSITIVITY

I am 2.5 years after diagnosis and use tiny amounts of insulin. I have had a pump for a year due to sensitivity.
On MDI QA+BI I averaged 15units/day!
On the pump (after a very recent increase in insulin need) I now average 4.5units/day total insulin...tiny amounts.
I've had tests that show I do still produce some insulin but small amounts which are sporadically released. Am not classed as honeymooning as have a relatively rare form and not your 'typical' diabetes. My endo said that honeymooning would last a year at the most.

Nov 7, 2014

BeccyB 50 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Swollen ankles

I've noticed recently that my feet/ankles are sometimes swollen at the end of the day and am wondering if there's anything extra I need to be doing other than normal foot checks and usual advice like putting your feet up etc?

I'm guessing there's nothing to be done to help the condition itself other than controlling glucose levels.

Nov 7, 2014

BeccyB 50 posts

Topic: Site Development / Forum search

Could we have a search function on the forums? Would be useful to check if someone has already asked a similar question. Maybe just a keyword search so you could see all the posts about a subject, like 'pumps' or 'neuropathy'

A massive thanks to those of you that keep this site running and developing, it's such a valuable resource x

Nov 7, 2014

alanG 11 posts

Topic: General Discussion / INSULIN SENSITIVITY

I attach a few days recent diary, which are fairly typical of my lifestyle pattern.
I have had diabetes for 18 months, and went on a DAFNE course about 6 months ago.
Using the tools from that, I have ended up taking 2 BI units in the morning, 10 units in the evening.
As I am reasonably active, golf, garden, exercise bike, and proper bike - weather acceptable, and I am trying to lose some weight, I have determined that if I have low carb breakfast and lunch, I can maintain good blood glucose levels without any QA insulin at all.
If I do have a more substantial breakfast or lunch, I take QA insulin at a ratio of 0.5:1.
We eat our main meal around 5 - 6 pm. I have been using a ratio of 0.75:1, which compensates for "grazing" in the evening. As winter is now setting in I have been on the exercise bike in the evening rather than watching crummy tv, and have now dropped the evening ratio to 0.5.
My blood glucose levels are good, including a long-term level around 42-44 over the last 12 months.
I have had occasion where I am out and about, and may have some reasonable carb intake without insulin correction - bacon sandwich while out shopping, couple of beers and a few crisps after a meeting, but when I check my sugar levels later there is no significant impact.
I am clearly confused (but happy) at my low insulin requirements, and wonder if other members have a similar experience, which would settle me down a little.
I also wonder if I am still producing some insulin that is supplementing my injections, although I recognise that any "honeymoon" period should have ended by now.

Nov 6, 2014

sarahg 29 posts

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

I have found this kit such a great help, for me the devices we have had over the years has always changed, and on the most part improved our care, from glass syringes to plastic ones and urine testing to blood montering. This kit is allowing more help, when at the gym and wanting to check while on the cross trainer, or in a meeting and wanting a quick check . However the best thing is tthe indication the direction your glucose level is going it is by far the best improvement to my control. As for accuracy, all equipment has a tolerances ,I have found the new kit to read slightly lower than my traditional kit, I am like most users i am testing traditionally for driving and before bed, but my fingers are really enjoying the break for the pre meal times and pre and post gym checks. I hope that over time the problems that people have had with new kit will be ironed out.

Nov 6, 2014

BeccyB 50 posts

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

I think a lot of people would find the change daunting and want to stick to the blood glucose as it's all so new with relatively little knowledge around it. marke has mentioned being in IT as am I so I think we're naturally attracted to playing with the latest gadget Very Happy

At the end of the day it's given us all more choice in how we look after ourselves which must be a positive.

Nov 6, 2014

BeccyB 50 posts

Topic: General Discussion / How long do carbs take to 'process'

Thanks guys. Will have to start noting what I'm eating rather than just the carbs!

Nov 6, 2014

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

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

you have all sold quite well actually........it does make sense about the accuracy of a finger test too.........

Nov 6, 2014

marke 681 posts

Topic: General Discussion / How long do carbs take to 'process'

Hi, I think the reason that there is nothing that tells you is that there is no straightforward answer. Everyone is different and food is processed by their bodies differently, so any answer for you may not apply to me and vice-versa. There are also lots of other factors like previous exercise and illness etc,etc, bummer huh ? Life would be so much simplier if it was all consistent and everyone was the same.
The only real answer is experimentation to see how things work for you . The GI will give you some idea but it is a guide not a hard and fast rule.

Nov 6, 2014

marke 681 posts

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

why would you do it ? Because there is no better way, you can't test BG continuously in a cost effective manner. You can, almost, do it with these kind of devices. The fact that it may be 10 mins out from your actual BG is largely irrelevant because we can't accurately test BG anyway. All a finger prick does is give you a rough estimate, so why not use something that is no worse BUT lets you view post meal spikes and the general pattern of your BG. I'm not entirely sure why it confuses people, but then I have been lucky enough to be able to use one for two weeks and seen the benefit.

On the negative side, abbott don't see that holding all the data on the meter only as being a problem, they confirmed this to me in an email this week. Personnally I find this amazing and very poor, they might have a great new device but their software support is worse than rubbish in my opinion and is putting me off using the device in the long term. Manybe the next company to release one will be more enlightened.

Lastly the response on injecting near the sensor site was 'I am not aware of any specific research done on injections around the area of insertion of the sensor. It should be discussed each time with a healthcare proffessional each time before injection. It seems to be advisable to inform HCP before any medical procedure that such a sensor is been placed.' Not a very good response in my opinion. Others have praised the Abbott support, my experience is that its not very good at all but maybe I'm asking the wrong questions Confused

Nov 6, 2014

marke 681 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Tell them about DAFNE !!

Just added a news item that I would like you to read ! its here

Nov 6, 2014

stephenbrowne 37 posts

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

Having been on it for nearly 2 weeks I've found it quite helpful. At times it is within 0.1 mmol/l of the Countour link finger prick result. I find it an advantage that you get a graph as well as an arrow indicating the rate of change of the blood sugar reading , i.e. steady , rising slowly, rising rapidly, falling slowly, falling rapidly. This makes it easy to avoid hypos while exercising as one can take appropriate amounts of rapid release CHO in good time. Usually when sugars are going low I have found the Freestyle libre gives a lower reading than the finger prick so this gives good warning. I have not found the 5-10 min delay much of a problem but I always use a finger prick test before driving or meals.

Nov 6, 2014

HelenP 218 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pumps

We are on the old money so it was 7.6.

I spoke to someone with the CGM and her HbA1c has gone from the mid 7s to the low 6s. She has it on all the time and says that once you get used to it you are reluctant to take it off. Does acknowledge the time difference but says it is the trend function that she really likes. Initially was only going to use it to fine tune the basals but now with the specialist's help is thrilled with the increasingly good HbA1cs. Consecutive days with all readings well within target. Failures with the pump and you are alerted to these much more quickly especially during the night.

My hypos are not a problem as I get "silent migraines" when BG gets to about 3.8 and sometimes as early as 4.2. They are the best sort of migraines and totally reliable as a hypo warning. Tesselation pattern in my L eye graduating to blind spots but no pain.

I also think it is a lot of money but I want to be in better health when I am older!

Helen

Nov 6, 2014

BeccyB 50 posts

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

Is a 5-10 minute delay that relevant generally? If I have to get my kit out and do a blood test I would do it before the food was being served so my kit wasn't on the table in the way, with the FGM being easier and less faff I can scan those few minutes later so they are effectively measuring at the same time...

I can see that if you are doing strenuous exercise or something that will cause a rapid change it could matterl but for the everyday stuff my level a few minutes ago is more than enough info

Nov 6, 2014

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

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

any meter with a delay [libre, CGM], just seems to be confusing for people...............why would you do it.......

these things are good for getting a good basal insulin delivery, what else........?

Nov 6, 2014

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pumps

What was your last HbA1c?

It seems like a lot of money to me............

I still cant get on board with having a CGM full time unless you need it to identify hypos if your unaware of them.........

The readings you get aren't in real time and you need to calibrate the CGM regularly with blood glucose results.........

They would be good for overnight testing as well especially if your on a pump as you can program your basal every half hour........

so good in the short term yeah..........

but for constant use, I don't see why........... Smile

Nov 6, 2014

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / How long do carbs take to 'process'

are you asking if your mid morning snack has left your system by lunch?

did you take insulin for your snack? If not then you should correct.....

I tend to think a meal as lasting the same as my insulin, so 4 hours..........a snack may be less, but if its mid morning, its very likely still going to be working......however, if you have gave yourself insulin for it, the insulin will also be working away, and so then you wouldn't correct your pre lunch BG.......

Nov 6, 2014

BeccyB 50 posts

Topic: General Discussion / How long do carbs take to 'process'

Does anyone know how long carbs take to get into your system?

I often have a mid-morning snack and then I don't know if it's all been absorbed yet when I get my lunchtime glucose level and whether I need to factor it in to any corrections. I know it will depend on the GI value but would be handy to have a rough idea for either end of the scale.

I had a quick hunt online but could only find lists of 'quick' and 'slow' foods not an idea of how slow 'slow' actually is!

Any info much appreciated...

Beccy

Nov 5, 2014

HelenP 218 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pumps

Hi Novorapidboi!

The pump is technically 4 years old although about two years ago I was given an updated version. My private health fund "believes" I still have the original. Here in Australia if you have private health insurance often your health fund will pay for the pump thinking it will cost them less in the long run. So the fund paid the $AUD7000
and if I can persuade them to replace it I will get a new one when mine is 5 years old and technically out of warranty. The pump I have has the CGM function so what I have to buy is the receiver ($AUD810), the transmitter ($AUD580) and a pack of 5 sensors ($AUD410). I am told by the company that the sensors last 7 days but trawling the net tells me that by fiddling with the pump you can persuade it to restart on the existing sensor as if it is new and get another 7 days. People have recorded that they have had them last for as long as 30 days but a significant number report a life of between 20-25 days. Therefore price is expected to be between $12 and $4 a day just for the sensors. Problems with keeping it in place seems to be another issue... The tape gunk etc will add to the cost. So $AUD1000 to start and them the daily cost of the sensors!

Another issue I have is that the companies seem to lose interest in you once they have their money so when I am due for a new one I was thinking of changing to a Medtronic (we seem to have only two types available here).

The health fund will not come to the party with the CGM but I am having increasing difficulty keeping the BGs "flat" and my HbA1c is slowly rising. so I thought I would look at the CGM. Something to do with age/insulin sensitivity? Feeling very frustrated.

Helen

Nov 5, 2014

BeccyB 50 posts

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

Bit of an update to the last post - I'm now on Day 5 and the latest Libre result is still about 3mmol/l below my usual meter. I also did blood test using the libre with the same finger prick (I already use a freestyle meter so have the right strips) and interestingly it matched exactly to the 'normal' libre result which could suggest they are right about the shorter delay between the 2 types of reading.

I'm still left with the dilema of which machine do I trust - if the libre says I'm 6.0 do I celebrate at being in target, or correct because I'm probably actually at 9ish. I guess most people would be able to trust their feelings when dropping low and see which machine reflects it, unfortunately I've been uncontrolled for ages so if my results is 3.0 is it a true hypo or just me feeling low at 6.0 because I've been high for so long!! Confused

Nov 8, 2014 Trish Skidmore 18 posts	Topic: General Discussion / snacks I'm type 1 and have been on dafne 14 years, I am going to book a refresher, but in the meantime can anyone remind me how to cover snacks in between meals, such as couple of biscuits or chocolate.

Nov 8, 2014 Alan 49 284 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Swollen ankles When I had swollen ankles I went to my GP and she prescribed water tablets - which reduced the swelling. I would recommend a visit to your GP, Beccy.

Nov 7, 2014 Garry 328 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / LOW INSULIN INTAKE Keep up the exercise alanG. I love my bike rides 3 or 4 times a week. They have reduced my insulin needs significantly over the last months. Afraid I am a little more insulin resistant than you after 35 years and am jealous. My lowest ratio throughout the day is 2:1. Helps if you record your pre-driving BG every time. You need to avoid DVLC getting involved. Please record a BG before every meal or what do you base your QA and BI on? Very happy to see your results are so good. Reminder to myself....Keep up the exercise. Regards Garry

Nov 7, 2014 marke 681 posts	Topic: Site Development / Forum search yes you can, it already exists Look under the forum name and the number of posts, the next line starts 'Search the DAFNE Online Forums'. It does what it says on the tin

Nov 7, 2014 alanG 11 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / LOW INSULIN INTAKE I attach a few days recent diary, which are fairly typical of my lifestyle pattern. I have had diabetes for 18 months, and went on a DAFNE course about 6 months ago. Using the tools from that, I have ended up taking 2 BI units in the morning, 10 units in the evening. As I am reasonably active, golf, garden, exercise bike, and proper bike - weather acceptable, and I am trying to lose some weight, I have determined that if I have low carb breakfast and lunch, I can maintain good blood glucose levels without any QA insulin at all. If I do have a more substantial breakfast or lunch, I take QA insulin at a ratio of 0.5:1. We eat our main meal around 5 - 6 pm. I have been using a ratio of 0.75:1, which compensates for "grazing" in the evening. As winter is now setting in I have been on the exercise bike in the evening rather than watching crummy tv, and have now dropped the evening ratio to 0.5. My blood glucose levels are good, including a long-term level around 42-44 over the last 12 months. I have had occasion where I am out and about, and may have some reasonable carb intake without insulin correction - bacon sandwich while out shopping, couple of beers and a few crisps after a meeting, but when I check my sugar levels later there is no significant impact. I am clearly confused (but happy) at my low insulin requirements, and wonder if other members have a similar experience, which would settle me down a little. I also wonder if I am still producing some insulin that is supplementing my injections, although I recognise that any "honeymoon" period should have ended by now.

Nov 7, 2014 Vickyp 137 posts	Topic: General Discussion / INSULIN SENSITIVITY I am 2.5 years after diagnosis and use tiny amounts of insulin. I have had a pump for a year due to sensitivity. On MDI QA+BI I averaged 15units/day! On the pump (after a very recent increase in insulin need) I now average 4.5units/day total insulin...tiny amounts. I've had tests that show I do still produce some insulin but small amounts which are sporadically released. Am not classed as honeymooning as have a relatively rare form and not your 'typical' diabetes. My endo said that honeymooning would last a year at the most.

Nov 7, 2014 BeccyB 50 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Swollen ankles I've noticed recently that my feet/ankles are sometimes swollen at the end of the day and am wondering if there's anything extra I need to be doing other than normal foot checks and usual advice like putting your feet up etc? I'm guessing there's nothing to be done to help the condition itself other than controlling glucose levels.

Nov 7, 2014 BeccyB 50 posts	Topic: Site Development / Forum search Could we have a search function on the forums? Would be useful to check if someone has already asked a similar question. Maybe just a keyword search so you could see all the posts about a subject, like 'pumps' or 'neuropathy' A massive thanks to those of you that keep this site running and developing, it's such a valuable resource x

Nov 7, 2014 alanG 11 posts	Topic: General Discussion / INSULIN SENSITIVITY I attach a few days recent diary, which are fairly typical of my lifestyle pattern. I have had diabetes for 18 months, and went on a DAFNE course about 6 months ago. Using the tools from that, I have ended up taking 2 BI units in the morning, 10 units in the evening. As I am reasonably active, golf, garden, exercise bike, and proper bike - weather acceptable, and I am trying to lose some weight, I have determined that if I have low carb breakfast and lunch, I can maintain good blood glucose levels without any QA insulin at all. If I do have a more substantial breakfast or lunch, I take QA insulin at a ratio of 0.5:1. We eat our main meal around 5 - 6 pm. I have been using a ratio of 0.75:1, which compensates for "grazing" in the evening. As winter is now setting in I have been on the exercise bike in the evening rather than watching crummy tv, and have now dropped the evening ratio to 0.5. My blood glucose levels are good, including a long-term level around 42-44 over the last 12 months. I have had occasion where I am out and about, and may have some reasonable carb intake without insulin correction - bacon sandwich while out shopping, couple of beers and a few crisps after a meeting, but when I check my sugar levels later there is no significant impact. I am clearly confused (but happy) at my low insulin requirements, and wonder if other members have a similar experience, which would settle me down a little. I also wonder if I am still producing some insulin that is supplementing my injections, although I recognise that any "honeymoon" period should have ended by now.

Nov 6, 2014 sarahg 29 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) I have found this kit such a great help, for me the devices we have had over the years has always changed, and on the most part improved our care, from glass syringes to plastic ones and urine testing to blood montering. This kit is allowing more help, when at the gym and wanting to check while on the cross trainer, or in a meeting and wanting a quick check . However the best thing is tthe indication the direction your glucose level is going it is by far the best improvement to my control. As for accuracy, all equipment has a tolerances ,I have found the new kit to read slightly lower than my traditional kit, I am like most users i am testing traditionally for driving and before bed, but my fingers are really enjoying the break for the pre meal times and pre and post gym checks. I hope that over time the problems that people have had with new kit will be ironed out.

Nov 6, 2014 BeccyB 50 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) I think a lot of people would find the change daunting and want to stick to the blood glucose as it's all so new with relatively little knowledge around it. marke has mentioned being in IT as am I so I think we're naturally attracted to playing with the latest gadget At the end of the day it's given us all more choice in how we look after ourselves which must be a positive.

Nov 6, 2014 BeccyB 50 posts	Topic: General Discussion / How long do carbs take to 'process' Thanks guys. Will have to start noting what I'm eating rather than just the carbs!

Nov 6, 2014 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) you have all sold quite well actually........it does make sense about the accuracy of a finger test too.........

Nov 6, 2014 marke 681 posts	Topic: General Discussion / How long do carbs take to 'process' Hi, I think the reason that there is nothing that tells you is that there is no straightforward answer. Everyone is different and food is processed by their bodies differently, so any answer for you may not apply to me and vice-versa. There are also lots of other factors like previous exercise and illness etc,etc, bummer huh ? Life would be so much simplier if it was all consistent and everyone was the same. The only real answer is experimentation to see how things work for you . The GI will give you some idea but it is a guide not a hard and fast rule.

Nov 6, 2014 marke 681 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) why would you do it ? Because there is no better way, you can't test BG continuously in a cost effective manner. You can, almost, do it with these kind of devices. The fact that it may be 10 mins out from your actual BG is largely irrelevant because we can't accurately test BG anyway. All a finger prick does is give you a rough estimate, so why not use something that is no worse BUT lets you view post meal spikes and the general pattern of your BG. I'm not entirely sure why it confuses people, but then I have been lucky enough to be able to use one for two weeks and seen the benefit. On the negative side, abbott don't see that holding all the data on the meter only as being a problem, they confirmed this to me in an email this week. Personnally I find this amazing and very poor, they might have a great new device but their software support is worse than rubbish in my opinion and is putting me off using the device in the long term. Manybe the next company to release one will be more enlightened. Lastly the response on injecting near the sensor site was 'I am not aware of any specific research done on injections around the area of insertion of the sensor. It should be discussed each time with a healthcare proffessional each time before injection. It seems to be advisable to inform HCP before any medical procedure that such a sensor is been placed.' Not a very good response in my opinion. Others have praised the Abbott support, my experience is that its not very good at all but maybe I'm asking the wrong questions

Nov 6, 2014 marke 681 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Tell them about DAFNE !! Just added a news item that I would like you to read ! its here

Nov 6, 2014 stephenbrowne 37 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Having been on it for nearly 2 weeks I've found it quite helpful. At times it is within 0.1 mmol/l of the Countour link finger prick result. I find it an advantage that you get a graph as well as an arrow indicating the rate of change of the blood sugar reading , i.e. steady , rising slowly, rising rapidly, falling slowly, falling rapidly. This makes it easy to avoid hypos while exercising as one can take appropriate amounts of rapid release CHO in good time. Usually when sugars are going low I have found the Freestyle libre gives a lower reading than the finger prick so this gives good warning. I have not found the 5-10 min delay much of a problem but I always use a finger prick test before driving or meals.

Nov 6, 2014 HelenP 218 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pumps We are on the old money so it was 7.6. I spoke to someone with the CGM and her HbA1c has gone from the mid 7s to the low 6s. She has it on all the time and says that once you get used to it you are reluctant to take it off. Does acknowledge the time difference but says it is the trend function that she really likes. Initially was only going to use it to fine tune the basals but now with the specialist's help is thrilled with the increasingly good HbA1cs. Consecutive days with all readings well within target. Failures with the pump and you are alerted to these much more quickly especially during the night. My hypos are not a problem as I get "silent migraines" when BG gets to about 3.8 and sometimes as early as 4.2. They are the best sort of migraines and totally reliable as a hypo warning. Tesselation pattern in my L eye graduating to blind spots but no pain. I also think it is a lot of money but I want to be in better health when I am older! Helen

Nov 6, 2014 BeccyB 50 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Is a 5-10 minute delay that relevant generally? If I have to get my kit out and do a blood test I would do it before the food was being served so my kit wasn't on the table in the way, with the FGM being easier and less faff I can scan those few minutes later so they are effectively measuring at the same time... I can see that if you are doing strenuous exercise or something that will cause a rapid change it could matterl but for the everyday stuff my level a few minutes ago is more than enough info

Nov 6, 2014 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) any meter with a delay [libre, CGM], just seems to be confusing for people...............why would you do it....... these things are good for getting a good basal insulin delivery, what else........?

Nov 6, 2014 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pumps What was your last HbA1c? It seems like a lot of money to me............ I still cant get on board with having a CGM full time unless you need it to identify hypos if your unaware of them......... The readings you get aren't in real time and you need to calibrate the CGM regularly with blood glucose results......... They would be good for overnight testing as well especially if your on a pump as you can program your basal every half hour........ so good in the short term yeah.......... but for constant use, I don't see why...........

Nov 6, 2014 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / How long do carbs take to 'process' are you asking if your mid morning snack has left your system by lunch? did you take insulin for your snack? If not then you should correct..... I tend to think a meal as lasting the same as my insulin, so 4 hours..........a snack may be less, but if its mid morning, its very likely still going to be working......however, if you have gave yourself insulin for it, the insulin will also be working away, and so then you wouldn't correct your pre lunch BG.......

Nov 6, 2014 BeccyB 50 posts	Topic: General Discussion / How long do carbs take to 'process' Does anyone know how long carbs take to get into your system? I often have a mid-morning snack and then I don't know if it's all been absorbed yet when I get my lunchtime glucose level and whether I need to factor it in to any corrections. I know it will depend on the GI value but would be handy to have a rough idea for either end of the scale. I had a quick hunt online but could only find lists of 'quick' and 'slow' foods not an idea of how slow 'slow' actually is! Any info much appreciated... Beccy

Nov 5, 2014 HelenP 218 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pumps Hi Novorapidboi! The pump is technically 4 years old although about two years ago I was given an updated version. My private health fund "believes" I still have the original. Here in Australia if you have private health insurance often your health fund will pay for the pump thinking it will cost them less in the long run. So the fund paid the $AUD7000 and if I can persuade them to replace it I will get a new one when mine is 5 years old and technically out of warranty. The pump I have has the CGM function so what I have to buy is the receiver ($AUD810), the transmitter ($AUD580) and a pack of 5 sensors ($AUD410). I am told by the company that the sensors last 7 days but trawling the net tells me that by fiddling with the pump you can persuade it to restart on the existing sensor as if it is new and get another 7 days. People have recorded that they have had them last for as long as 30 days but a significant number report a life of between 20-25 days. Therefore price is expected to be between $12 and $4 a day just for the sensors. Problems with keeping it in place seems to be another issue... The tape gunk etc will add to the cost. So $AUD1000 to start and them the daily cost of the sensors! Another issue I have is that the companies seem to lose interest in you once they have their money so when I am due for a new one I was thinking of changing to a Medtronic (we seem to have only two types available here). The health fund will not come to the party with the CGM but I am having increasing difficulty keeping the BGs "flat" and my HbA1c is slowly rising. so I thought I would look at the CGM. Something to do with age/insulin sensitivity? Feeling very frustrated. Helen

Nov 5, 2014 BeccyB 50 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Bit of an update to the last post - I'm now on Day 5 and the latest Libre result is still about 3mmol/l below my usual meter. I also did blood test using the libre with the same finger prick (I already use a freestyle meter so have the right strips) and interestingly it matched exactly to the 'normal' libre result which could suggest they are right about the shorter delay between the 2 types of reading. I'm still left with the dilema of which machine do I trust - if the libre says I'm 6.0 do I celebrate at being in target, or correct because I'm probably actually at 9ish. I guess most people would be able to trust their feelings when dropping low and see which machine reflects it, unfortunately I've been uncontrolled for ages so if my results is 3.0 is it a true hypo or just me feeling low at 6.0 because I've been high for so long!!