Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Aug 7, 2014

Rafa 99 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Just finished my course today. ..

Welcome. Like the others it was life changing for me.

Aug 7, 2014

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Just finished my course today. ..

is it wrong I haven't acclimatized to the new HbA1c...............

it has to be a percentage for me..........;)

Aug 5, 2014

Pauline Hayes 1 post

Topic: General Discussion / Coeliac&Type 1

Hi i've been diabetic for over 22 years, first Gestational Diabetes, first child then totally disappeared,2nd pregnancy an diabetes returned both time on insulin. 5-6 Weeks after 2nd child was born i was rushed into hospital apparently the diabetes had returned i was unaware of this.

This time the said Type 2, but until June 2012 i had not seen a diabetic specialist and had poor care from Gp etc,when i finally saw the specialist he said he presumed i'd always been type 1,as i had never fitted in the type 2 bracket.

I did the DAFNE Course and started Carb counting and things have changed/improved loads, last month saw the specialist again he did extra blood test just to make sure he wasn't missing anything,results back i'm also Coeliac...oh the joys!!!!
Reading about it and apparently its very common amongst Type 1's,anyone offer any advice,? At the minute it all seems bait daunting having to educate myself again on different things i can no longer eat!

Aug 5, 2014

Alan 49 284 posts

Topic: General Discussion / BEER AFTER DINNER

Yes, strong lagers are usually low in sugar and the higher alcohol content in them (as Warwick says) can lower your BG - so possibly a 'double whammy'. Beers like bitter or Guiness certainly contain more CPs, which should be counted.

Aug 5, 2014

Muna A H 34 posts

Topic: General Discussion / High in the morning

Thanks

Aug 4, 2014

Storm 6 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Just finished my course today. ..

I'm the same I did my course in May this year and my HbA1c has went from 94 to 61 in the space of six weeks my control is great now. Very Happy

Aug 4, 2014

Stew B 125 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Just finished my course today. ..

I did my course in 2007 and it was a genuine life-changer. I'm sure it will be like that for you - good luck!

Stew

Aug 4, 2014

Stew B 125 posts

Topic: General Discussion / BEER AFTER DINNER

Depends on the beer and the quantity. I don't worry about the odd half, but will include it in carbs total if I have beer with a meal, and certainly inject for one or more pints of Guinness.

Stew

Aug 4, 2014

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / BEER AFTER DINNER

everyone is different so just test your blood after it and see what happens, you might find you need some help......

if you can it would be wise to get the insulin in with the pre meal dose......

Aug 4, 2014

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / High in the morning

Sleeping patterns will effect your BG levels I suppose as there will be different levels of hormones swimming about......

Aug 4, 2014

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Just finished my course today. ..

welcome aboard.......

I felt and still do feel the way you do now about finally having your eyes open.....

Aug 3, 2014

sjohno 37 posts

Topic: General Discussion / PolyPhotonix Medical

Very interesting read in the Business Sunday Times which I read in my local gym. Have to subscribe to read the full article so here's a snippet:

http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/business/Tech_and_Media/article1442113.ece

and here's the actual manufacturer:

http://www.polyphotonix.com/medical.php

Aug 2, 2014

marke 686 posts

Topic: General Discussion / How much do Steroids increase BG?

Hi, please DO NOT miss a does of prednisolone, it is not a drug you can experiment with. Steriods are a serious drug and you should always follow the dosage instructions. Warick is correct in that it will vary from person to person and unfortunately its effects are not linear either. The problem with Steriods is they cause insulin resistance and as I said it can vary all over the place. I had the pleasure of taking them for 2-3 months for Nephrotic syndrome ( another auto-immune disease) and had great fun with BG levels going haywire.
You just have to manage best you can and try to adjust your doses accordingly.

Another important point, that no one told me, if/when you stop taking them (usually you are weaned off of them) you insulin sensitivity can come back with a bang. Had my only severe hypo coming off steriods.

Aug 2, 2014

Peter 109 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Dawn Phenomenon

Probably also worth thinking about the timing of your basal insulin, its type and whether your taking it once or twice a day. For many, including me, having Levemir twice a day works best. Definitely worth talking through with your healthcare team if you're still having problems.

Aug 2, 2014

Peter 109 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Good carb counting resource?

Gymbob, Through my role on DUAG I have access to a list of all the locations in the UK and Ireland which offer DAFNE Courses. If you want information on other trusts in your area which offer eduction, then let me know where you live and I'll tell you whether there are any alternatives. Most trusts offer a 5 day DAFNE course, with some offering the 5x1 day version you mention. Perhaps a 5 day version would be easier in holidays?
NB. You can send a message direct to me if you'd prefer to keep your location private.

Aug 2, 2014

Warwick 425 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Injuries and high BGLs

I know that illness tends to lead to higher blood glucose levels due to the blunting effect of the stress hormones produced in response.

Has anyone found the same with injuries?

I had a cycle accident last night which lead to my entire right side being very sore, with bruising. No broken bones (that I know of ;-) ), but extreme tenderness as a result. Since then, my BGs have been settling happily around 14. Usually, I have pretty good control. I might get one high reading like that, but not for the entire day.

I'm just interested to know if anyone else has found similar after getting injured?

I've upped my basal insulin and will monitor the levels closer.

Thanks,
Warwick.

Aug 1, 2014

Muna A H 34 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / The 2 hour check

DAFNE suggests checking BG level before breakfast or when getting up, before meals and before bed. The QA peaks between 2.5 and 5 hours and lasts to eight hours. However, I personally like to check my levels three hours after each meals, before and after exercising as it gives me an idea where my level is.

Muna

Aug 1, 2014

Warwick 425 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Just finished my course today. ..

Welcome millwallgayn. DAFNE counts for me as a life-changing experience, and these forums are superb for gaining knowledge on how to tackle our everyday challenge of managing blood glucose levels. The forums tend to contain a wealth of experience and good advice, so enjoy searching them, and don't be shy to ask questions if you can't find info on what you want to know.

Aug 1, 2014

Warwick 425 posts

Topic: General Discussion / How much do Steroids increase BG?

It will likely differ for each person. If you were able to miss a dose of Prednisolone, you could compare what happens to your BGs when you do take it compared with when you don't. I don't know how comfortable you would be with missing a dose though, so that would only be an option if it wasn't going to cause other health issues.

Aug 1, 2014

Warwick 425 posts

Topic: General Discussion / BEER AFTER DINNER

A couple of beers probably won't trouble the BGs too much, three or more might. Monitor a little more frequently after drinking as the liver tends to prioritise processing the alcohol which can lead to hypos later in the night.

Aug 1, 2014

millwallgayn 1 post

Topic: General Discussion / Just finished my course today. ..

all I can say is wow! wow! so scared yet excited about finally feeling in control....hope to become accustomed to DAFNE and forums etc soon! met some truly inspirational women over the last few days so feeling inspired and motivated

Aug 1, 2014

JontyW 3 posts

Topic: General Discussion / How much do Steroids increase BG?

No I haven't since I'm unable to email my diabetes consultant and have never had a need to contact my DSN since I 'seem' to know all the answers. But I do have her email/phone no. so will try on Monday.

It is an interesting question that few people know the answer to I suspect. I vaguely remember someone on another forum saying that she was advised that it was 1mmol/L per 20 mg, but I may be wrong.

Thanks for the reply anyway ....

Aug 1, 2014

geordiesgirl 16 posts

Topic: General Discussion / How much do Steroids increase BG?

have you asked your diabetes nurse specialist or your consultant ? they should be able to help you

Aug 1, 2014

JontyW 3 posts

Topic: General Discussion / How much do Steroids increase BG?

Hello,

This is my first post, and although not a DAFNE graduate, I've been T1 for 45 years and managed to keep my BG pretty well controlled and so have no complications, even after this long time.

In April 2013 I was diagnosed with another autoimmune disease called Vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels) and so I now have to take steroids (Prednisolone) and also an immuno-suppressant (Azathioprine - Imuran) to stop my immune system from attacking me.

Two years ago I taught myself detailed carb counting / bolus adjustment and record everything on a detailed spreadsheet, and have achieved HbA1c levels of about 6.5% since then. I no longer take a BI since Lantus caused me ovrer night hypos, and so just do QA Humalog per meal.

BUT ... I have to have increased bolus dosage to cover the total BG, which is made of:-
1) to cover raised BG from variable inflammation (slowly reducing as drugs take affect)
2) to cover raised BG from Prednisolone dosage of 15mg currently
3) to cover carbs based on known IC Ratio at each meal

So .. my question is ..."How much BG will increase due to 15mg of Predisolone steroid"?

Thank you .... Jonty

Aug 1, 2014

Muna A H 34 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Travel

Hi Rafa,

I have the same concern as I will be traveling in few months. It will be almost twenty two hours flight. I am planning to take my morning and night BI doses according to the local time in Sydney. That is seven o'clock in the morning and seven o'clock at night, so I will not change the time in my watch during the flight. But when I get there I will adjust the doses according to their local time but still not sure how to do that as there is a big difference with the time . I will check with my educator and take her advice Very Happy

Muna

Aug 7, 2014 Rafa 99 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Just finished my course today. .. Welcome. Like the others it was life changing for me.

Aug 7, 2014 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Just finished my course today. .. is it wrong I haven't acclimatized to the new HbA1c............... it has to be a percentage for me..........;)

Aug 5, 2014 Pauline Hayes 1 post	Topic: General Discussion / Coeliac&Type 1 Hi i've been diabetic for over 22 years, first Gestational Diabetes, first child then totally disappeared,2nd pregnancy an diabetes returned both time on insulin. 5-6 Weeks after 2nd child was born i was rushed into hospital apparently the diabetes had returned i was unaware of this. This time the said Type 2, but until June 2012 i had not seen a diabetic specialist and had poor care from Gp etc,when i finally saw the specialist he said he presumed i'd always been type 1,as i had never fitted in the type 2 bracket. I did the DAFNE Course and started Carb counting and things have changed/improved loads, last month saw the specialist again he did extra blood test just to make sure he wasn't missing anything,results back i'm also Coeliac...oh the joys!!!! Reading about it and apparently its very common amongst Type 1's,anyone offer any advice,? At the minute it all seems bait daunting having to educate myself again on different things i can no longer eat!

Aug 5, 2014 Alan 49 284 posts	Topic: General Discussion / BEER AFTER DINNER Yes, strong lagers are usually low in sugar and the higher alcohol content in them (as Warwick says) can lower your BG - so possibly a 'double whammy'. Beers like bitter or Guiness certainly contain more CPs, which should be counted.

Aug 5, 2014 Muna A H 34 posts	Topic: General Discussion / High in the morning Thanks

Aug 4, 2014 Storm 6 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Just finished my course today. .. I'm the same I did my course in May this year and my HbA1c has went from 94 to 61 in the space of six weeks my control is great now.

Aug 4, 2014 Stew B 125 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Just finished my course today. .. I did my course in 2007 and it was a genuine life-changer. I'm sure it will be like that for you - good luck! Stew

Aug 4, 2014 Stew B 125 posts	Topic: General Discussion / BEER AFTER DINNER Depends on the beer and the quantity. I don't worry about the odd half, but will include it in carbs total if I have beer with a meal, and certainly inject for one or more pints of Guinness. Stew

Aug 4, 2014 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / BEER AFTER DINNER everyone is different so just test your blood after it and see what happens, you might find you need some help...... if you can it would be wise to get the insulin in with the pre meal dose......

Aug 4, 2014 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / High in the morning Sleeping patterns will effect your BG levels I suppose as there will be different levels of hormones swimming about......

Aug 4, 2014 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Just finished my course today. .. welcome aboard....... I felt and still do feel the way you do now about finally having your eyes open.....

Aug 3, 2014 sjohno 37 posts	Topic: General Discussion / PolyPhotonix Medical Very interesting read in the Business Sunday Times which I read in my local gym. Have to subscribe to read the full article so here's a snippet: http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/business/Tech_and_Media/article1442113.ece and here's the actual manufacturer: http://www.polyphotonix.com/medical.php

Aug 2, 2014 marke 686 posts	Topic: General Discussion / How much do Steroids increase BG? Hi, please DO NOT miss a does of prednisolone, it is not a drug you can experiment with. Steriods are a serious drug and you should always follow the dosage instructions. Warick is correct in that it will vary from person to person and unfortunately its effects are not linear either. The problem with Steriods is they cause insulin resistance and as I said it can vary all over the place. I had the pleasure of taking them for 2-3 months for Nephrotic syndrome ( another auto-immune disease) and had great fun with BG levels going haywire. You just have to manage best you can and try to adjust your doses accordingly. Another important point, that no one told me, if/when you stop taking them (usually you are weaned off of them) you insulin sensitivity can come back with a bang. Had my only severe hypo coming off steriods.

Aug 2, 2014 Peter 109 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Dawn Phenomenon Probably also worth thinking about the timing of your basal insulin, its type and whether your taking it once or twice a day. For many, including me, having Levemir twice a day works best. Definitely worth talking through with your healthcare team if you're still having problems.

Aug 2, 2014 Peter 109 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Good carb counting resource? Gymbob, Through my role on DUAG I have access to a list of all the locations in the UK and Ireland which offer DAFNE Courses. If you want information on other trusts in your area which offer eduction, then let me know where you live and I'll tell you whether there are any alternatives. Most trusts offer a 5 day DAFNE course, with some offering the 5x1 day version you mention. Perhaps a 5 day version would be easier in holidays? NB. You can send a message direct to me if you'd prefer to keep your location private.

Aug 2, 2014 Warwick 425 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Injuries and high BGLs I know that illness tends to lead to higher blood glucose levels due to the blunting effect of the stress hormones produced in response. Has anyone found the same with injuries? I had a cycle accident last night which lead to my entire right side being very sore, with bruising. No broken bones (that I know of ;-) ), but extreme tenderness as a result. Since then, my BGs have been settling happily around 14. Usually, I have pretty good control. I might get one high reading like that, but not for the entire day. I'm just interested to know if anyone else has found similar after getting injured? I've upped my basal insulin and will monitor the levels closer. Thanks, Warwick.

Aug 1, 2014 Muna A H 34 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / The 2 hour check DAFNE suggests checking BG level before breakfast or when getting up, before meals and before bed. The QA peaks between 2.5 and 5 hours and lasts to eight hours. However, I personally like to check my levels three hours after each meals, before and after exercising as it gives me an idea where my level is. Muna

Aug 1, 2014 Warwick 425 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Just finished my course today. .. Welcome millwallgayn. DAFNE counts for me as a life-changing experience, and these forums are superb for gaining knowledge on how to tackle our everyday challenge of managing blood glucose levels. The forums tend to contain a wealth of experience and good advice, so enjoy searching them, and don't be shy to ask questions if you can't find info on what you want to know.

Aug 1, 2014 Warwick 425 posts	Topic: General Discussion / How much do Steroids increase BG? It will likely differ for each person. If you were able to miss a dose of Prednisolone, you could compare what happens to your BGs when you do take it compared with when you don't. I don't know how comfortable you would be with missing a dose though, so that would only be an option if it wasn't going to cause other health issues.

Aug 1, 2014 Warwick 425 posts	Topic: General Discussion / BEER AFTER DINNER A couple of beers probably won't trouble the BGs too much, three or more might. Monitor a little more frequently after drinking as the liver tends to prioritise processing the alcohol which can lead to hypos later in the night.

Aug 1, 2014 millwallgayn 1 post	Topic: General Discussion / Just finished my course today. .. all I can say is wow! wow! so scared yet excited about finally feeling in control....hope to become accustomed to DAFNE and forums etc soon! met some truly inspirational women over the last few days so feeling inspired and motivated

Aug 1, 2014 JontyW 3 posts	Topic: General Discussion / How much do Steroids increase BG? No I haven't since I'm unable to email my diabetes consultant and have never had a need to contact my DSN since I 'seem' to know all the answers. But I do have her email/phone no. so will try on Monday. It is an interesting question that few people know the answer to I suspect. I vaguely remember someone on another forum saying that she was advised that it was 1mmol/L per 20 mg, but I may be wrong. Thanks for the reply anyway ....

Aug 1, 2014 geordiesgirl 16 posts	Topic: General Discussion / How much do Steroids increase BG? have you asked your diabetes nurse specialist or your consultant ? they should be able to help you

Aug 1, 2014 JontyW 3 posts	Topic: General Discussion / How much do Steroids increase BG? Hello, This is my first post, and although not a DAFNE graduate, I've been T1 for 45 years and managed to keep my BG pretty well controlled and so have no complications, even after this long time. In April 2013 I was diagnosed with another autoimmune disease called Vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels) and so I now have to take steroids (Prednisolone) and also an immuno-suppressant (Azathioprine - Imuran) to stop my immune system from attacking me. Two years ago I taught myself detailed carb counting / bolus adjustment and record everything on a detailed spreadsheet, and have achieved HbA1c levels of about 6.5% since then. I no longer take a BI since Lantus caused me ovrer night hypos, and so just do QA Humalog per meal. BUT ... I have to have increased bolus dosage to cover the total BG, which is made of:- 1) to cover raised BG from variable inflammation (slowly reducing as drugs take affect) 2) to cover raised BG from Prednisolone dosage of 15mg currently 3) to cover carbs based on known IC Ratio at each meal So .. my question is ..."How much BG will increase due to 15mg of Predisolone steroid"? Thank you .... Jonty

Aug 1, 2014 Muna A H 34 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Travel Hi Rafa, I have the same concern as I will be traveling in few months. It will be almost twenty two hours flight. I am planning to take my morning and night BI doses according to the local time in Sydney. That is seven o'clock in the morning and seven o'clock at night, so I will not change the time in my watch during the flight. But when I get there I will adjust the doses according to their local time but still not sure how to do that as there is a big difference with the time . I will check with my educator and take her advice Muna