Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Jun 20, 2014

avanella 9 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Contact lens

Need advise, Does contact lens effects diabetic patient eyes?

Jun 20, 2014

HelenP 218 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Diabetic burnout

Hi Sharon...oh do I get diabetic burnout but it is usually associated with a stretch of difficulty running OK BGs. While things are going smoothly I am OK but when they begin to go haywire (winter for example) I become quite snarky at the whole thing. Fortunately it usually is not too prolonged and I can work my way through it... All the best with the group.

Glen4 I think is is just exhaustion having to deal with what you have to deal with if you are working hard at managing the diabetes. I appreciate that some people think it is all OK and everything is easy but I fight against it! I am told my accommodation of the demands is typically adolescent! I think it has more to do with personality and our coping strategies.

Helen

Jun 19, 2014

Teanosugar 25 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Burning Palm

I read a lot of people experiencing weird physical stuff on this forum which may or may not be to do with their diabetes. I think it's great that we have some place to go when we've got problems. My present gripe is that for two days my left palm feels like it's burning or that I've slapped something really hard two minutes ago and it's still recovering. I have no problem with my feet, legs or my right hand and arm. It's just my left hand. There is no sign of damage and I do martial arts so I could've just knocked it a few days ago. It's not painful; just really annoying. I spoke to a nurse at the hospital today and he told me that he doesn't think it's neuropathy and it could just be a trapped nerve. Ride it out for a few days and see my GP if it persists. I'm pretty sure it's not neuropathy, but I wondered if anyone else has experienced this or something similar? If you have experienced neuroathy, how did it affect you? Just gaging this situation because it may be the very early signs!

I think it's more common to start with problems with the feet and legs and not just one hand. Weird though, right?

Jun 19, 2014

Warwick 423 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Background Insulin Update

Thanks Marke,

Very interesting. I moved to twice-daily basal insulin (Lantus) about 6 months after the DAFNE course because it was running out after about 20 hours. I have since switched to twice-daily Levemir and I am finding that that really works well for me.

Cheers,
Warwick.

Jun 19, 2014

Warwick 423 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Fasting

As long as you continue to take basal insulin and monitor your BGs at the usual times, you would probably be fine. Obviously if you have hypos, you'll need to stop fasting. If your BGs start going high, then take correctional QA as you would if you were not fasting. You shouldn't underake any strenuous activity that could plunge your BG too low.

In terms of ketones, if your BGs start climbing to above 17, or above 13 for two consecutive "mealtime" readings, then test for ketones. And if any ketones start showing up, then as I am sure you can already work out, abandon the fast.

If you do try fasting, just start with a short fast, and see how you body responds.

Jun 19, 2014

SimonC 78 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Bionic Pancreas

I agree with you - I would love to be on the UK trial - as there will be one, but I suspect that our beloved NHS won't be able to afford it except for a few cases - my counter argument is it is far more cost effective to spend on a device such as this rather than spend a lot more on putting right complications further down the line.

Jun 18, 2014

Simon 578 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Bionic Pancreas

http://www.iflscience.com/health-and-medicine/scientists-develop-bionic-pancreas-type-1-diabetics

Scientists are currently working on a bionic pancreas, seems like a more automated way of diabetes management. It's 3+ years away but I'd certainly like to give it a go.

Jun 18, 2014

marke 681 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Background Insulin Update

The following link contains an update from the DAFNE Executive Team on Background Insulin's and DAFNE. You can find it here : BackgroundInsulininDAFNE.pdf
Apologies if it is too technical I did try to get the to get them to put it in 'user' terms and it is more straight forward then is was !

Jun 18, 2014

Lizzie 87 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Important DAFNE question

Does your HCP use DAFNE Online ?

I think one of them does but not often

Do you think HCP's should be involved in/contribute to DAFNE Online or should it graduate led ?

It is very important to get a HCP perspective on things, and also from their side for them to understand what we do day-to-day. We only get to see HCPs for brief appointments, so the risk is we don't understand each other. This leads to them suggesting actions or treatments which might be inappropriate for us as individuals, and us not understanding why they suggest things or how to explain. It leads to entrenchment and separation between the HCPs and diabetics, when we should all be working together as a team.

The HCP hour on the DAFNE course was helpful as it allowed us to speak to the doctor as a person, without rushing or being constrained by the tick-box approach of a normal appointment. We could ask them anything and they would give their reply and explain why.

What other apps / social media do you use / find useful with relation to your Diabetes ?

Apps: the DAFNE one obviously. Mysugr is great, I love the presentation of it. and Carbs and Cals which is vital due to the images of portion size which can be hard to judge with a text-based resource like the DAFNE handbook - who knows what 100g of something looks like?

Social: diabetessupport website and a US based one called Daily Strength.

Jun 18, 2014

Lizzie 87 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Fasting

Don't worry, I am not planning to do anything, I am just asking out of curiosity. I know DAFNE allows you to skip meals,but does it allow fasting? I am curious because one of my friends from work is doing a 3-day fast and I was discussing it with him. Obviously it would need to be under close supervision. But is it theoretically possible within the DAFNE regime? What about the risk of ketones?

Jun 15, 2014

BigD49 2 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Help!!

Hi, I went for a dafne review on Friday and they suggested the same thing about the insulin. They gave me a new cartridge straight away and am happy o say things have returned to normal. thank for your replies. Very Happy

Jun 15, 2014

Elvie 6 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Menopause

Having reluctantly admitted to myself that I a going through the menopause I was wondering if any other ladies of a certain age could tell me if it's affected their diabetes. I've now realised that breaking out in a boiling sweat is not necessarily a hypo! Any advice on if/how it affects blood sugars would be appreciated.

Jun 15, 2014

Muna A H 34 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Forgot Bi

Thanks for the reply Warwick. It is good to know just in case it happens again Smile

Jun 15, 2014

Warwick 423 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Help!!

How old is your insulin? Could it have been recently affected by heat? Is it discoloured at all?

I'd try a fresh batch of insulin and see if that helps. Sometimes I get the odd vial that just seems to have gone bad

Also, if you are female, you can have higher BGs in the days preceding a period.

Cheers,
Warwick.

Jun 15, 2014

Warwick 423 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Forgot Bi

Hi Muna,

In that situation, I'd have done what you did, but also taken correctional QA to get the BGs down to normal levels as quickly as possible.

Cheers,
Warwick.

Jun 14, 2014

Muna A H 34 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Forgot Bi

Hi all,

Yesterday around lunch time my BG level was 17.1, I then later discovered that I forgot my 12 units morning BI. I decided to inject 8 units of BI instead of 12 as it was almost midday and had the night one a bit later than the usual. However my BG level remained high til almost dinner time. I am not sure if I took the right decision of injecting less BI. Embarassed

What do other people think?

Thanks

Muna

Jun 14, 2014

Muna A H 34 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Struggling with emotions

Yes I agree, it is hard to change overnight, but also never too late to change. You are still young Smile

Jun 13, 2014

glen4 46 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Struggling with emotions

Yeah, but it's hard to change overnight! Surprised

Jun 13, 2014

Muna A H 34 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Struggling with emotions

Hi glen4,

I really try to view type one diabetic positively rather than negatively because if I think about it negatively I will live unhealthy life. I think we are lucky enough to have the proper treatment to manage our type one diabetic where we can expect to live healthier lives than diabetic people did in the past where they had no treatment at all.

Cheers
Muna Wink

Jun 12, 2014

glen4 46 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Diabetic burnout

Diabetic burnout!? I've not heard that before! Could it be a drained/ withdrawn feeling or tiredness from having lots of highs + lows?

Jun 12, 2014

glen4 46 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Struggling with emotions

I've been a type 1 diabetic for nearly 30 years. I was diagnosed in 1985. I was 5 years old. I had a very strict + rather 1 dimensional upbringing/outlook on it! I wish I had done Dafne or had something similar or support from HCP's when I was a younger child! Instead of being kept in the dark feeling isolated, sorry for myself! It would've saved many problems over the years + made me more confident + outgoing! Even though I've attended Dafne + now have the control back in my grasp- I still put up a barrier + appear hostile! Sad

Jun 11, 2014

Sharon doodle 15 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Diabetic burnout

Hi folks, I have been doing lots of research on diabetic burnout. This occurs in people who have been diabetic for years and get overwhelmed and frustrated by the daily challenges of diabetes.
I have suffered from degrees of this for years and am finally coming to terms with it.

I have set up a Facebook group called 'type 1 diabetic burnout support group'. Come along and find us, we are all there to share experiences and help each other, there are lovely people in the group.

Thanks, Sharon

Jun 11, 2014

Muna A H 34 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Struggling with emotions

Hi Sharon,

I was going through some discussions that were posted on the forum and your topic got my attention.

I truly believe that most if not all diabetic people especially type one, experienced the same emotional feelings as you did. It is very normal. When I was diagnosed in 1999, I had very little knowledge about the condition. The more I learned about it the more I was depressed. Lots of things in my life changed or were effected since then. But fortunately I had lots of family support and also I was strong enough to accept and live my life just like a normal person.....well almost. DAFNE was great opportunity for me to learn heaps, to meet other people with the same condition, to communicate with wonderful educators and to share knowledge and experiences.

You can always talk to your educators regarding your feelings or diabetic or any other issues that are related, they are great support.

Cheers

Muna Very Happy

Jun 20, 2014 avanella 9 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Contact lens Need advise, Does contact lens effects diabetic patient eyes?

Jun 20, 2014 HelenP 218 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Diabetic burnout Hi Sharon...oh do I get diabetic burnout but it is usually associated with a stretch of difficulty running OK BGs. While things are going smoothly I am OK but when they begin to go haywire (winter for example) I become quite snarky at the whole thing. Fortunately it usually is not too prolonged and I can work my way through it... All the best with the group. Glen4 I think is is just exhaustion having to deal with what you have to deal with if you are working hard at managing the diabetes. I appreciate that some people think it is all OK and everything is easy but I fight against it! I am told my accommodation of the demands is typically adolescent! I think it has more to do with personality and our coping strategies. Helen

Jun 19, 2014 Teanosugar 25 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Burning Palm I read a lot of people experiencing weird physical stuff on this forum which may or may not be to do with their diabetes. I think it's great that we have some place to go when we've got problems. My present gripe is that for two days my left palm feels like it's burning or that I've slapped something really hard two minutes ago and it's still recovering. I have no problem with my feet, legs or my right hand and arm. It's just my left hand. There is no sign of damage and I do martial arts so I could've just knocked it a few days ago. It's not painful; just really annoying. I spoke to a nurse at the hospital today and he told me that he doesn't think it's neuropathy and it could just be a trapped nerve. Ride it out for a few days and see my GP if it persists. I'm pretty sure it's not neuropathy, but I wondered if anyone else has experienced this or something similar? If you have experienced neuroathy, how did it affect you? Just gaging this situation because it may be the very early signs! I think it's more common to start with problems with the feet and legs and not just one hand. Weird though, right?

Jun 19, 2014 Warwick 423 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Background Insulin Update Thanks Marke, Very interesting. I moved to twice-daily basal insulin (Lantus) about 6 months after the DAFNE course because it was running out after about 20 hours. I have since switched to twice-daily Levemir and I am finding that that really works well for me. Cheers, Warwick.

Jun 19, 2014 Warwick 423 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Fasting As long as you continue to take basal insulin and monitor your BGs at the usual times, you would probably be fine. Obviously if you have hypos, you'll need to stop fasting. If your BGs start going high, then take correctional QA as you would if you were not fasting. You shouldn't underake any strenuous activity that could plunge your BG too low. In terms of ketones, if your BGs start climbing to above 17, or above 13 for two consecutive "mealtime" readings, then test for ketones. And if any ketones start showing up, then as I am sure you can already work out, abandon the fast. If you do try fasting, just start with a short fast, and see how you body responds.

Jun 19, 2014 SimonC 78 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Bionic Pancreas I agree with you - I would love to be on the UK trial - as there will be one, but I suspect that our beloved NHS won't be able to afford it except for a few cases - my counter argument is it is far more cost effective to spend on a device such as this rather than spend a lot more on putting right complications further down the line.

Jun 18, 2014 Simon 578 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Bionic Pancreas http://www.iflscience.com/health-and-medicine/scientists-develop-bionic-pancreas-type-1-diabetics Scientists are currently working on a bionic pancreas, seems like a more automated way of diabetes management. It's 3+ years away but I'd certainly like to give it a go.

Jun 18, 2014 marke 681 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Background Insulin Update The following link contains an update from the DAFNE Executive Team on Background Insulin's and DAFNE. You can find it here : BackgroundInsulininDAFNE.pdf Apologies if it is too technical I did try to get the to get them to put it in 'user' terms and it is more straight forward then is was !

Jun 18, 2014 Lizzie 87 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Important DAFNE question Does your HCP use DAFNE Online ? I think one of them does but not often Do you think HCP's should be involved in/contribute to DAFNE Online or should it graduate led ? It is very important to get a HCP perspective on things, and also from their side for them to understand what we do day-to-day. We only get to see HCPs for brief appointments, so the risk is we don't understand each other. This leads to them suggesting actions or treatments which might be inappropriate for us as individuals, and us not understanding why they suggest things or how to explain. It leads to entrenchment and separation between the HCPs and diabetics, when we should all be working together as a team. The HCP hour on the DAFNE course was helpful as it allowed us to speak to the doctor as a person, without rushing or being constrained by the tick-box approach of a normal appointment. We could ask them anything and they would give their reply and explain why. What other apps / social media do you use / find useful with relation to your Diabetes ? Apps: the DAFNE one obviously. Mysugr is great, I love the presentation of it. and Carbs and Cals which is vital due to the images of portion size which can be hard to judge with a text-based resource like the DAFNE handbook - who knows what 100g of something looks like? Social: diabetessupport website and a US based one called Daily Strength.

Jun 18, 2014 Lizzie 87 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Fasting Don't worry, I am not planning to do anything, I am just asking out of curiosity. I know DAFNE allows you to skip meals,but does it allow fasting? I am curious because one of my friends from work is doing a 3-day fast and I was discussing it with him. Obviously it would need to be under close supervision. But is it theoretically possible within the DAFNE regime? What about the risk of ketones?

Jun 15, 2014 BigD49 2 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Help!! Hi, I went for a dafne review on Friday and they suggested the same thing about the insulin. They gave me a new cartridge straight away and am happy o say things have returned to normal. thank for your replies.

Jun 15, 2014 Elvie 6 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Menopause Having reluctantly admitted to myself that I a going through the menopause I was wondering if any other ladies of a certain age could tell me if it's affected their diabetes. I've now realised that breaking out in a boiling sweat is not necessarily a hypo! Any advice on if/how it affects blood sugars would be appreciated.

Jun 15, 2014 Muna A H 34 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Forgot Bi Thanks for the reply Warwick. It is good to know just in case it happens again

Jun 15, 2014 Warwick 423 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Help!! How old is your insulin? Could it have been recently affected by heat? Is it discoloured at all? I'd try a fresh batch of insulin and see if that helps. Sometimes I get the odd vial that just seems to have gone bad Also, if you are female, you can have higher BGs in the days preceding a period. Cheers, Warwick.

Jun 15, 2014 Warwick 423 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Forgot Bi Hi Muna, In that situation, I'd have done what you did, but also taken correctional QA to get the BGs down to normal levels as quickly as possible. Cheers, Warwick.

Jun 14, 2014 Muna A H 34 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Forgot Bi Hi all, Yesterday around lunch time my BG level was 17.1, I then later discovered that I forgot my 12 units morning BI. I decided to inject 8 units of BI instead of 12 as it was almost midday and had the night one a bit later than the usual. However my BG level remained high til almost dinner time. I am not sure if I took the right decision of injecting less BI. What do other people think? Thanks Muna

Jun 14, 2014 Muna A H 34 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Struggling with emotions Yes I agree, it is hard to change overnight, but also never too late to change. You are still young

Jun 13, 2014 glen4 46 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Struggling with emotions Yeah, but it's hard to change overnight!

Jun 13, 2014 Muna A H 34 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Struggling with emotions Hi glen4, I really try to view type one diabetic positively rather than negatively because if I think about it negatively I will live unhealthy life. I think we are lucky enough to have the proper treatment to manage our type one diabetic where we can expect to live healthier lives than diabetic people did in the past where they had no treatment at all. Cheers Muna

Jun 12, 2014 glen4 46 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Diabetic burnout Diabetic burnout!? I've not heard that before! Could it be a drained/ withdrawn feeling or tiredness from having lots of highs + lows?

Jun 12, 2014 glen4 46 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Struggling with emotions I've been a type 1 diabetic for nearly 30 years. I was diagnosed in 1985. I was 5 years old. I had a very strict + rather 1 dimensional upbringing/outlook on it! I wish I had done Dafne or had something similar or support from HCP's when I was a younger child! Instead of being kept in the dark feeling isolated, sorry for myself! It would've saved many problems over the years + made me more confident + outgoing! Even though I've attended Dafne + now have the control back in my grasp- I still put up a barrier + appear hostile!

Jun 11, 2014 Sharon doodle 15 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Diabetic burnout Hi folks, I have been doing lots of research on diabetic burnout. This occurs in people who have been diabetic for years and get overwhelmed and frustrated by the daily challenges of diabetes. I have suffered from degrees of this for years and am finally coming to terms with it. I have set up a Facebook group called 'type 1 diabetic burnout support group'. Come along and find us, we are all there to share experiences and help each other, there are lovely people in the group. Thanks, Sharon

Jun 11, 2014 Muna A H 34 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Struggling with emotions Hi Sharon, I was going through some discussions that were posted on the forum and your topic got my attention. I truly believe that most if not all diabetic people especially type one, experienced the same emotional feelings as you did. It is very normal. When I was diagnosed in 1999, I had very little knowledge about the condition. The more I learned about it the more I was depressed. Lots of things in my life changed or were effected since then. But fortunately I had lots of family support and also I was strong enough to accept and live my life just like a normal person.....well almost. DAFNE was great opportunity for me to learn heaps, to meet other people with the same condition, to communicate with wonderful educators and to share knowledge and experiences. You can always talk to your educators regarding your feelings or diabetic or any other issues that are related, they are great support. Cheers Muna