Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Aug 4, 2014

novorapidboi26 1,818 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 655 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 103 posts

Topic: Questions ? / 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 103 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 434 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 ? / 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 434 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 434 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 434 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 1, 2014

xbethanyx 1 post

Topic: Questions ? / High BG after evening meals

Levemir is only around a 12 hour insulin so yes you will need more to cover at night.

Aug 1, 2014

Garry 328 posts

Topic: Questions ? / High BG after evening meals

Welcome to the forum Rob0611 Smile

Try 1.5 and with knowledge and experience of several days of results 1,5 may suit you. As you are relatively insulin sensitive though, there is no reason that you can't use some in-between value for your ratio at this time of day..say 1.3. Experience will tell you.
Regards
Garry

Jul 31, 2014

Rob0611 1 post

Topic: Questions ? / High BG after evening meals

For the past few days I've noticed that even after 4-5 hours after my evening meals my BG levels have been running quite high (above 10) and sometimes have risen overnight.

Normally I only take 3 units of levemir on a morning and have a ratio of roughly 0.75:1 for novorapid.

From what I can gather I may need to start taking levemir on an evening to bring the overnight rise under control, but I'm not quite sure how to address the post-evening meal rise.

I tried a 1:1 ratio for my evening meal tonight which partially worked - rather than being around 12, my BG was 10 - so I could raise this to 1.5:1 and see how that goes. Alternatively, I could take a unit of levemir with my meal also as it may be possible that the 3 units I take on a morning have started to wear off by evenings as I take only a small dose.

What do you think would be the best course to take?

Jul 31, 2014

Rafa 99 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Travel

Looking for some help please. Flying to New York next month from Dublin and have no problem with my background insulin. Will take my normal morning dose and then half my evening one at 5pm local time and the other half when going to bed. I am just a bit lost as when coming back. I will be flying from Orlando at 8pm in the evening and then landing in Dublin at 0925 so flight of just over eight hours. Any advice please?

Jul 31, 2014

Rafa 99 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Alcohol, carb counting and insulin doses

I find i have to take 1 unit for every two pints or four bottles to maintain my bg level correctly. Recently started to drink bottles of peroni and have found i need to take a unit for every two bottles. On the other hand if i drink wine i find i can run low the following morning. I would take no units either when drinking wine.

Jul 30, 2014

Muna A H 34 posts

Topic: General Discussion / High in the morning

For some nights especially If I am not working the following day, I stay up as late as 2:00, so I check my sugar then. On that night around 1:30am I was 4.7 which as you said was Ideal and I was 4.3 at 9:10pm the day before.

I did another check, today around 2:45am I was 6.1, again I was awake till that late, then at 7:30am I was 9.1. Does the sleeping patterns effect my BG levels??? Because this is not usual for me to stay up till late.

Thanks

Jul 30, 2014

ajay 1 post

Topic: General Discussion / eating

Hi fi iv been searching all forums for someone with this problem I was diagnosed feb 2013 and have since got the worst sweet tooth I eat all things I shouldn't icecream being my major its as though I cant stop myself someone suggested to me its a psychological issue as I know I shouldn't it would seem im quite alone in this problem
Gaining weight fast
Mand

Jul 30, 2014

novorapidboi26 1,818 posts

Topic: General Discussion / High in the morning

sounds like the dawn phenomenon, or at least its partially responsible.........

make sure your background dose is holding you steady from bed till 3 am...........

you cant stop dawn phenomenon, but you can tackle it by getting up as early as possible and getting food in your stomach as soon as you can, this will tell the liver its assistance is no longer required......

when you woke at 1:30am at 4.7, did you feel low.....? a 4.7 is ideal..........what was your BG before bed that night.......

Aug 4, 2014 novorapidboi26 1,818 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 655 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 103 posts	Topic: Questions ? / 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 103 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 434 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 ? / 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 434 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 434 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 434 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

Aug 1, 2014 xbethanyx 1 post	Topic: Questions ? / High BG after evening meals Levemir is only around a 12 hour insulin so yes you will need more to cover at night.

Aug 1, 2014 Garry 328 posts	Topic: Questions ? / High BG after evening meals Welcome to the forum Rob0611 Try 1.5 and with knowledge and experience of several days of results 1,5 may suit you. As you are relatively insulin sensitive though, there is no reason that you can't use some in-between value for your ratio at this time of day..say 1.3. Experience will tell you. Regards Garry

Jul 31, 2014 Rob0611 1 post	Topic: Questions ? / High BG after evening meals For the past few days I've noticed that even after 4-5 hours after my evening meals my BG levels have been running quite high (above 10) and sometimes have risen overnight. Normally I only take 3 units of levemir on a morning and have a ratio of roughly 0.75:1 for novorapid. From what I can gather I may need to start taking levemir on an evening to bring the overnight rise under control, but I'm not quite sure how to address the post-evening meal rise. I tried a 1:1 ratio for my evening meal tonight which partially worked - rather than being around 12, my BG was 10 - so I could raise this to 1.5:1 and see how that goes. Alternatively, I could take a unit of levemir with my meal also as it may be possible that the 3 units I take on a morning have started to wear off by evenings as I take only a small dose. What do you think would be the best course to take?

Jul 31, 2014 Rafa 99 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Travel Looking for some help please. Flying to New York next month from Dublin and have no problem with my background insulin. Will take my normal morning dose and then half my evening one at 5pm local time and the other half when going to bed. I am just a bit lost as when coming back. I will be flying from Orlando at 8pm in the evening and then landing in Dublin at 0925 so flight of just over eight hours. Any advice please?

Jul 31, 2014 Rafa 99 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Alcohol, carb counting and insulin doses I find i have to take 1 unit for every two pints or four bottles to maintain my bg level correctly. Recently started to drink bottles of peroni and have found i need to take a unit for every two bottles. On the other hand if i drink wine i find i can run low the following morning. I would take no units either when drinking wine.

Jul 30, 2014 Muna A H 34 posts	Topic: General Discussion / High in the morning For some nights especially If I am not working the following day, I stay up as late as 2:00, so I check my sugar then. On that night around 1:30am I was 4.7 which as you said was Ideal and I was 4.3 at 9:10pm the day before. I did another check, today around 2:45am I was 6.1, again I was awake till that late, then at 7:30am I was 9.1. Does the sleeping patterns effect my BG levels??? Because this is not usual for me to stay up till late. Thanks

Jul 30, 2014 ajay 1 post	Topic: General Discussion / eating Hi fi iv been searching all forums for someone with this problem I was diagnosed feb 2013 and have since got the worst sweet tooth I eat all things I shouldn't icecream being my major its as though I cant stop myself someone suggested to me its a psychological issue as I know I shouldn't it would seem im quite alone in this problem Gaining weight fast Mand

Jul 30, 2014 novorapidboi26 1,818 posts	Topic: General Discussion / High in the morning sounds like the dawn phenomenon, or at least its partially responsible......... make sure your background dose is holding you steady from bed till 3 am........... you cant stop dawn phenomenon, but you can tackle it by getting up as early as possible and getting food in your stomach as soon as you can, this will tell the liver its assistance is no longer required...... when you woke at 1:30am at 4.7, did you feel low.....? a 4.7 is ideal..........what was your BG before bed that night.......