Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Oct 19, 2014

wigworld 19 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Reheated pasta has less carbs!

I read it as saying you still get the same carbs, they're just released more slowly, so it would be like eating wholemeal pasta rather than regular pasta. I guess it would give you an after-meal curve, rather than an after-meal spike. I think you'd still need the same QA insulin, but you might not need the 'after-dinner nap' from having such a spike in blood glucose.

Oct 19, 2014

Stew B 123 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Reheated pasta has less carbs!

I hadn't seen this - thanks wigworld.

I don't think it's saying less carbs, rather that the cooking /cooling / re-heating process has a significant impact on how the body deals with it. Is this effectively turning it from high to low GI (or the other way round - I can never get my head round all that)?!

For me, it raises the possibility of understanding the inconsistent BG results I get when eating pasta, but it also raises questions. Is there a difference between dried and fresh pasta? What about tinned or frozen ready-meals with pasta in them - do you treat them as cooled and re-heated?

Stew

Oct 18, 2014

wigworld 19 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Reheated pasta has less carbs!

Reheated pasta has less carbs than fresh pasta? Interesting (but makes carb counting even more fiddly)!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-29629761

Oct 18, 2014

sarahg 29 posts

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

Hi everyone, definitely agree that the DVLA should look into the new method, of testing and it would appear to give more data on where you BG levels are heading. Also the fact that it would help with better control for us T1s , so in turn would be good for NHS to allow funding.

I think this kit will be as exciting as my "first chemistry set", when it was urine in a test tube in a wooden test tube-rack in the bathroom ,a few drops of water and a magic tablet that fizzed and changed the solution to a cool blue if you had been good or a rather sickly orange if you had not . Perhaps if I had more blues as child I could ask Santa for this new tech this year.
However I do work in a lab now so still occasionally get to play with test tubes. I will take a look at the site for purchases so thanks for everyone letting us know it is ready to buy. All the best with everyone looking into this new kit and thanks Marke for your posts.

Oct 18, 2014

Peter 103 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Parliamentary Inquiry into Education and Support for Self Management

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Diabetes is conducting a targeted, year-long investigation into the state of diabetes education, learning and support.

The APPG is calling for case studies from people living with diabetes to better understand different types of learning and support available, existing gaps in service and to identify reasons for low uptake when structured education is offered. The submission form (which must be completed in Word format) for can be found here:

APPG Submission Form

Details of where the submission should be sent are included in the document which opens from the link. The deadline for submitting case studies and written evidence is 30th November 2014.

The DAFNE User Action Group (DUAG), of which I am chairman, asks everyone to take this opportunity to influence the thinking of Parliament on the value and benefits of the DAFNE course. At a time when the NHS is facing increasing pressures on costs we are seeing the DAFNE service under threat at a number of centres and user voices are the best way of getting parliamentarians to listen to what's wanted. This includes those of us who have already been trained, and can provide feedback on the course but may also have requirements for refesher courses or additional sessions. In addition it's a great opportunity for those who currently have no access to DAFNE in their local area to press for wider availability of the course across the whole of the UK.

Finally, if you choose to contribute to this survey please consider whether you are also willing to share your input with DUAG. We are frequently asked by the DAFNE Executive for feedback from users and so this gives an opportunity to meet that need as well. If you're happy to share your input, please also send the file to [email protected].

Many thanks and here's to making a big impact on the APPG.

Oct 18, 2014

Peter 103 posts

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

Now on sale here:
Abbott FreeStyle Libre system

The starter pack, containing a reader and two 14-day sensors, shows as costing Â£159.95, but it's offered ex-VAT to all Diabetics bringing cost down to Â£133.29.

Sensors are Â£57.95 each and again offered ex-VAT. Cost of 2 sensors ex-Vat and including postage is Â£101.54

Total cost for first year's operation, assuming its used constantly, comes to around Â£1,350.

Oct 18, 2014

sjohno 37 posts

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

May I suggest that you change your injection sites i.e. try arms and legs and give your stomach a rest. Is your stomach lumpy?

Oct 18, 2014

mum2westiesGill 502 posts

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

"BG diary help please (mum2westiesGill diary)"

Carrying on from my above topic I've finally gone for it & split my lantus/BI on Wed 15/10. I was taking 14u at 10pm ish but I'm now taking 7u at 10pm ish & 7u at 10am ish.

Any help in identifying trends or any help will be greatly appreciated.

TIA

Oct 18, 2014

SimonC 78 posts

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

Marke

Please do continue with your review/blog - I find it very interesting, and yes would like one, but not sure I can afford to buy one myself and fund the sensors - I do think they should be available on the NHS as the data collected by them is of a greater value than just the moment snapshot that finger pricking gets (yes useful, but with obvious limitations), and so they could help reduce longer term complications as the data can be used to greater effect by the HCP's.

I suspect that Abbott would give the reader away free - If the sensors were on the NHS.

I can see that there does need to be some further work done be Abbott re the readings and advising users on the differences between BG and Interstitial Glucose and the relationship - and everyone needs to get Gov dept such as the DVLA to accept leaps forward.

Anyway - keep up the good work - and get your consultant to spread the word - esp to East Berks who seem stuck in the 1980's and really don't appear to embrace anything new.

Oct 17, 2014

CurlyWurly 15 posts

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

Looks like it went on sale to the public today!

Oct 17, 2014

CurlyWurly 15 posts

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

At least this Christmas most adults (T1 diabetics anyway) won't struggle when asking Santa for something - I'm tempted to do that but just a bit concerned about funding the ongoing cost of the sensors.

Oct 16, 2014

Peter 103 posts

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

Mark, I remain convinced that you are testing equipment which will be standard in a few years time. It's as big a change as the move from urine testing to blood glucose monitoring and as such it will take time for the cost to reduce, for the technology to improve and for the likes of the DVLA to "accept" the readings. On the latter point, when I get one (no if in this sentence) then I will not be testing with a monitor before driving and will be happy to argue the case with the DVLA. In my opinion its clear that knowledge of the rate and direction of change in BG gives far more useful information than a slightly more accurate single reading with no information about direction of change.

Anyway, please continue with the updates, even though they're making me jealous javascript:emoticon(' Laughing

')

In terms of questions, do Abbott give any advice on injecting in the same arm as the sensor is attached?

Oct 16, 2014

sarahg 29 posts

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

Hi mark thanks for your review of this kit. I am very interested in this . As I think I would be in a position to self fund this, as it appears to be cheaper than the other CGM out there which just seem to be out of my price range for self funding
I have looked into the other sites about the kit, it appears that the DVLA would not accept results which if this is correct is a real shame, as with the testing regime now in place it would really help out with the extra testing I am finding I now iam doing.
I think that with out funding these new technologies will be out of reach for many, which is a real shame and it does appear to be a post code lottery as to what you get funding on and what kit you can and can't get. Wishing you the best of luck with kit

Oct 16, 2014

marke 655 posts

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

Day 9:
Not a lot to add apart from Abbott have no responded to emails and so I am asking them a load of detailed questions, if you have any
questions let me know and I will add them to my list. I will update people as and when I get answers. The results from the sensor today are a lot closer to my One Touch readings and are generally well within + or - 20%. The most interesting thing from the last few days is that the biggest spike in my BG is after breakfast in the mornings, perhaps I need to change the cereal I eat ? I will try and see what happens.

Oct 15, 2014

marke 655 posts

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

Day 8:
Nothing much to report today and judging by the number of people reading this thread there doesn't seem to be much interest in this type of meter. I would have thought that a CGM meter would appeal to DAFNE graduates given the information it provides but it seems not. I will report on any 'interesting' developments over the next week or so until my sensor shuts down, so the information is there in case people consider getting one in future.

Oct 15, 2014

marke 655 posts

Topic: General Discussion / IBG STAR - reliable readings??

Hi, sort of. The BG star plugged into the bottom of an older iPhone ( the 4 series iPhones) and you installed an app on the phone to access the plugin and act as a meter. The major problem with this is that apple promptly changed the connector on the bottom of the iphone when they released the iPhone 5 which meant you had problems connecting the 'meter'. It was an interesting idea but fatally flawed I believe. That said the accuracy of the meter is independent of how it displays the results i.e via an iPhone app or via its own display.

Oct 15, 2014

Alan 49 280 posts

Topic: General Discussion / IBG STAR - reliable readings??

I know nothing about smart phones - so you'll have to bear with me on this one. Is there now a smart phone that also functions as a BG mater?

Oct 15, 2014

mum2westiesGill 502 posts

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

Hi mdaddison,
Thank you for your reply.

Is there anyone else apart from glen4 & mdaddison who thinks I would be best to try doing a split with my lantus?

Oct 14, 2014

marke 655 posts

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

Days (6 and 7):
Sorry no post yesterday as I spent the evening being entertained by a musical performance at the O2 Very Happy

, however as the saying goes 'a funny thing happened on the way to the forum'... When I tested my BG with my meter at the O2 it said 5.8 when I scanned the sensor with the reader it said 11.2 woah !! sorry thats a huge difference ? One for which I have no explination and worries me slightly. If I trusted the sensor and adjusted accordingly I could have been in trouble. I intend to feed this back to Abbott to try to understand what happened. Today the readings are back in tolerance with my normal meter. If it happens again when I am at home I have dug out a range of meters that I have strips for so I can do a comparision between them all to get an idea of what the correct reading might be by the law of averages.
On another related subject, I was at a Diabetes meeting this evening and a lady said she had phoned Abbott and had been quoted a cost of Â£160 for the meter and Â£57 for the sensor ! I will follow this up with Abbott. For one thing I would never pay for a meter, companies give them away to get you to use their strips/sensors which is where they make money. Second Â£57 is different to Â£48, this could be a VAT issue or jsut an adjustment of price. I will try to find out.
More news tommorow, hopefully Very Happy

Oct 14, 2014

mdaddison 1 post

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

glen4 said:
Your ratios at mid afternoon and your evening meal don't seem high enough! Try taking more insulin!? What about splitting your bi? Its evenly spread throughout the day. It seems to be short lived(running out in the daytime)!

I'd agree with those options. DAFNE advice is to ONLY make one change at a time and I would probably start with splitting the background (if you want to) as that is the basis on which everything else is built. It clearly usage appears to be petering off mid morning onwards. If you get a comfortable split BI then you may need to be less drastic with any changes to your ratios - they may even be right if you let the BI change settle in for a couple of days.

Oct 14, 2014

mum2westiesGill 502 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Kit bags

Don't know if this would be any good
http://www.pouchforall.co.uk/

Oct 14, 2014

mum2westiesGill 502 posts

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

A few more days of my diary.

Can anyone see any trends?

Any help in identifying trends and/or advice on how to improve my control would be greatly appreciated

Should I be altering my ratios & if so how many to alter at once?

Should I be altering my background?

Thank you

Oct 14, 2014

mum2westiesGill 502 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Kit bags

Ditto to what Warwick has just said :-)

Oct 19, 2014 wigworld 19 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Reheated pasta has less carbs! I read it as saying you still get the same carbs, they're just released more slowly, so it would be like eating wholemeal pasta rather than regular pasta. I guess it would give you an after-meal curve, rather than an after-meal spike. I think you'd still need the same QA insulin, but you might not need the 'after-dinner nap' from having such a spike in blood glucose.

Oct 19, 2014 Stew B 123 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Reheated pasta has less carbs! I hadn't seen this - thanks wigworld. I don't think it's saying less carbs, rather that the cooking /cooling / re-heating process has a significant impact on how the body deals with it. Is this effectively turning it from high to low GI (or the other way round - I can never get my head round all that)?! For me, it raises the possibility of understanding the inconsistent BG results I get when eating pasta, but it also raises questions. Is there a difference between dried and fresh pasta? What about tinned or frozen ready-meals with pasta in them - do you treat them as cooled and re-heated? Stew

Oct 18, 2014 wigworld 19 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Reheated pasta has less carbs! Reheated pasta has less carbs than fresh pasta? Interesting (but makes carb counting even more fiddly)! http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-29629761

Oct 18, 2014 sarahg 29 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Hi everyone, definitely agree that the DVLA should look into the new method, of testing and it would appear to give more data on where you BG levels are heading. Also the fact that it would help with better control for us T1s , so in turn would be good for NHS to allow funding. I think this kit will be as exciting as my "first chemistry set", when it was urine in a test tube in a wooden test tube-rack in the bathroom ,a few drops of water and a magic tablet that fizzed and changed the solution to a cool blue if you had been good or a rather sickly orange if you had not . Perhaps if I had more blues as child I could ask Santa for this new tech this year. However I do work in a lab now so still occasionally get to play with test tubes. I will take a look at the site for purchases so thanks for everyone letting us know it is ready to buy. All the best with everyone looking into this new kit and thanks Marke for your posts.

Oct 18, 2014 Peter 103 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Parliamentary Inquiry into Education and Support for Self Management The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Diabetes is conducting a targeted, year-long investigation into the state of diabetes education, learning and support. The APPG is calling for case studies from people living with diabetes to better understand different types of learning and support available, existing gaps in service and to identify reasons for low uptake when structured education is offered. The submission form (which must be completed in Word format) for can be found here: APPG Submission Form Details of where the submission should be sent are included in the document which opens from the link. The deadline for submitting case studies and written evidence is 30th November 2014. The DAFNE User Action Group (DUAG), of which I am chairman, asks everyone to take this opportunity to influence the thinking of Parliament on the value and benefits of the DAFNE course. At a time when the NHS is facing increasing pressures on costs we are seeing the DAFNE service under threat at a number of centres and user voices are the best way of getting parliamentarians to listen to what's wanted. This includes those of us who have already been trained, and can provide feedback on the course but may also have requirements for refesher courses or additional sessions. In addition it's a great opportunity for those who currently have no access to DAFNE in their local area to press for wider availability of the course across the whole of the UK. Finally, if you choose to contribute to this survey please consider whether you are also willing to share your input with DUAG. We are frequently asked by the DAFNE Executive for feedback from users and so this gives an opportunity to meet that need as well. If you're happy to share your input, please also send the file to [email protected]. Many thanks and here's to making a big impact on the APPG.

Oct 18, 2014 Peter 103 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Now on sale here: Abbott FreeStyle Libre system The starter pack, containing a reader and two 14-day sensors, shows as costing Â£159.95, but it's offered ex-VAT to all Diabetics bringing cost down to Â£133.29. Sensors are Â£57.95 each and again offered ex-VAT. Cost of 2 sensors ex-Vat and including postage is Â£101.54 Total cost for first year's operation, assuming its used constantly, comes to around Â£1,350.

Oct 18, 2014 sjohno 37 posts	Topic: General Discussion / BG diary help please (2) (mum2westiesGill diary) May I suggest that you change your injection sites i.e. try arms and legs and give your stomach a rest. Is your stomach lumpy?

Oct 18, 2014 mum2westiesGill 502 posts	Topic: General Discussion / BG diary help please (2) (mum2westiesGill diary) "BG diary help please (mum2westiesGill diary)" Carrying on from my above topic I've finally gone for it & split my lantus/BI on Wed 15/10. I was taking 14u at 10pm ish but I'm now taking 7u at 10pm ish & 7u at 10am ish. Any help in identifying trends or any help will be greatly appreciated. TIA

Oct 18, 2014 SimonC 78 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Marke Please do continue with your review/blog - I find it very interesting, and yes would like one, but not sure I can afford to buy one myself and fund the sensors - I do think they should be available on the NHS as the data collected by them is of a greater value than just the moment snapshot that finger pricking gets (yes useful, but with obvious limitations), and so they could help reduce longer term complications as the data can be used to greater effect by the HCP's. I suspect that Abbott would give the reader away free - If the sensors were on the NHS. I can see that there does need to be some further work done be Abbott re the readings and advising users on the differences between BG and Interstitial Glucose and the relationship - and everyone needs to get Gov dept such as the DVLA to accept leaps forward. Anyway - keep up the good work - and get your consultant to spread the word - esp to East Berks who seem stuck in the 1980's and really don't appear to embrace anything new.

Oct 17, 2014 CurlyWurly 15 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Looks like it went on sale to the public today!

Oct 17, 2014 CurlyWurly 15 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) At least this Christmas most adults (T1 diabetics anyway) won't struggle when asking Santa for something - I'm tempted to do that but just a bit concerned about funding the ongoing cost of the sensors.

Oct 16, 2014 Peter 103 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Mark, I remain convinced that you are testing equipment which will be standard in a few years time. It's as big a change as the move from urine testing to blood glucose monitoring and as such it will take time for the cost to reduce, for the technology to improve and for the likes of the DVLA to "accept" the readings. On the latter point, when I get one (no if in this sentence) then I will not be testing with a monitor before driving and will be happy to argue the case with the DVLA. In my opinion its clear that knowledge of the rate and direction of change in BG gives far more useful information than a slightly more accurate single reading with no information about direction of change. Anyway, please continue with the updates, even though they're making me jealous javascript:emoticon('') In terms of questions, do Abbott give any advice on injecting in the same arm as the sensor is attached?

Oct 16, 2014 sarahg 29 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Hi mark thanks for your review of this kit. I am very interested in this . As I think I would be in a position to self fund this, as it appears to be cheaper than the other CGM out there which just seem to be out of my price range for self funding I have looked into the other sites about the kit, it appears that the DVLA would not accept results which if this is correct is a real shame, as with the testing regime now in place it would really help out with the extra testing I am finding I now iam doing. I think that with out funding these new technologies will be out of reach for many, which is a real shame and it does appear to be a post code lottery as to what you get funding on and what kit you can and can't get. Wishing you the best of luck with kit

Oct 16, 2014 marke 655 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Day 9: Not a lot to add apart from Abbott have no responded to emails and so I am asking them a load of detailed questions, if you have any questions let me know and I will add them to my list. I will update people as and when I get answers. The results from the sensor today are a lot closer to my One Touch readings and are generally well within + or - 20%. The most interesting thing from the last few days is that the biggest spike in my BG is after breakfast in the mornings, perhaps I need to change the cereal I eat ? I will try and see what happens.

Oct 15, 2014 marke 655 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Day 8: Nothing much to report today and judging by the number of people reading this thread there doesn't seem to be much interest in this type of meter. I would have thought that a CGM meter would appeal to DAFNE graduates given the information it provides but it seems not. I will report on any 'interesting' developments over the next week or so until my sensor shuts down, so the information is there in case people consider getting one in future.

Oct 15, 2014 marke 655 posts	Topic: General Discussion / IBG STAR - reliable readings?? Hi, sort of. The BG star plugged into the bottom of an older iPhone ( the 4 series iPhones) and you installed an app on the phone to access the plugin and act as a meter. The major problem with this is that apple promptly changed the connector on the bottom of the iphone when they released the iPhone 5 which meant you had problems connecting the 'meter'. It was an interesting idea but fatally flawed I believe. That said the accuracy of the meter is independent of how it displays the results i.e via an iPhone app or via its own display.

Oct 15, 2014 Alan 49 280 posts	Topic: General Discussion / IBG STAR - reliable readings?? I know nothing about smart phones - so you'll have to bear with me on this one. Is there now a smart phone that also functions as a BG mater?

Oct 15, 2014 mum2westiesGill 502 posts	Topic: General Discussion / BG diary help please (mum2westiesGill diary) Hi mdaddison, Thank you for your reply. Is there anyone else apart from glen4 & mdaddison who thinks I would be best to try doing a split with my lantus?

Oct 14, 2014 marke 655 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Days (6 and 7): Sorry no post yesterday as I spent the evening being entertained by a musical performance at the O2 , however as the saying goes 'a funny thing happened on the way to the forum'... When I tested my BG with my meter at the O2 it said 5.8 when I scanned the sensor with the reader it said 11.2 woah !! sorry thats a huge difference ? One for which I have no explination and worries me slightly. If I trusted the sensor and adjusted accordingly I could have been in trouble. I intend to feed this back to Abbott to try to understand what happened. Today the readings are back in tolerance with my normal meter. If it happens again when I am at home I have dug out a range of meters that I have strips for so I can do a comparision between them all to get an idea of what the correct reading might be by the law of averages. On another related subject, I was at a Diabetes meeting this evening and a lady said she had phoned Abbott and had been quoted a cost of Â£160 for the meter and Â£57 for the sensor ! I will follow this up with Abbott. For one thing I would never pay for a meter, companies give them away to get you to use their strips/sensors which is where they make money. Second Â£57 is different to Â£48, this could be a VAT issue or jsut an adjustment of price. I will try to find out. More news tommorow, hopefully

Oct 14, 2014 mdaddison 1 post	Topic: General Discussion / BG diary help please (mum2westiesGill diary) glen4 said: Your ratios at mid afternoon and your evening meal don't seem high enough! Try taking more insulin!? What about splitting your bi? Its evenly spread throughout the day. It seems to be short lived(running out in the daytime)! I'd agree with those options. DAFNE advice is to ONLY make one change at a time and I would probably start with splitting the background (if you want to) as that is the basis on which everything else is built. It clearly usage appears to be petering off mid morning onwards. If you get a comfortable split BI then you may need to be less drastic with any changes to your ratios - they may even be right if you let the BI change settle in for a couple of days.

Oct 14, 2014 mum2westiesGill 502 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Kit bags Don't know if this would be any good http://www.pouchforall.co.uk/

Oct 14, 2014 mum2westiesGill 502 posts	Topic: General Discussion / BG diary help please (mum2westiesGill diary) A few more days of my diary. Can anyone see any trends? Any help in identifying trends and/or advice on how to improve my control would be greatly appreciated Should I be altering my ratios & if so how many to alter at once? Should I be altering my background? Thank you

Oct 14, 2014 mum2westiesGill 502 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Kit bags Ditto to what Warwick has just said :-)