Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Apr 23, 2014

Teanosugar 25 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Travelling Abroad

I've traveled a lot round Europe with type 1 and I normally find it's coming back that is a pain. People in overseas airports are a nightmare when it comes to explaining about needles, medication etc. My additional advice is as follows:

- If possible, get a doctor's note on NHS headed paper saying that you're diabetic and need to carry medication with you which may include liquid form medication (my specialist did this for free)
- Take out insurance through Diabetes UK and declare all your pre-existing conditions
- Carry with you your insurance emergency telephone number and other telephone numbers of people back home who you may need to ring in crisis
- Know the emergency telephone numbers such as the police, ambulance etc.
- Know the telephone number for the British Embassy in Brazil
- Learn some useful, relevant phrases in Brazilian Portuguese such as how to say sugar, diabetic etc.
- Take more than enough of every single type of medication you use; even if you've not used it in ages. Particularly if you have medication for stomach troubles.
- If you're going with a friend, relative partner etc. make sure they know how to treat a hypo properly. Many people don't and it could save lives!
- Buy a guidebook for the place you're visiting

While some of these may sound a little over the top, they are all important. It will give you peace of mind, too.

Boa viagem! :-)

Apr 23, 2014

Warwick 425 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Multiple Hypos - struggling to regain control

Hi Emmeline,

Given that you seem to be having two separate issues - hypos and highs, it is a little hard to make a helpful suggestion. Are you still on holiday? If it is a long term holiday, then keeping your DAFNE diary up-to-date should help you to spot trends, and you can then work out when more frequent testing might be in order to identify when you are trending downwards or upwards before it becomes an issue.

Apr 21, 2014

glen4 46 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Multiple Hypos - struggling to regain control

As we were told on our Dafne course- ' hypos breed more hypos over the following 24 hours! Maybe reduce your ratios before + after exercise! How much BI are you taking? If you are exercising in the morning- reduce your Bi if you are on a split dose! Whilst exercising carry some carb gels, jelly babies are fast acting if you feel low!

Apr 19, 2014

stephenbrowne 37 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Diabetic Neuropathy Bowel Problems

Hello Googum,
So pleased to hear you have been able to make some progress with a very challenging and painful problem. I can quite understand issues with poor control despite one's best efforts. I have found the pump an enormous help in the past 18 months though it is still a challenge at times to get things right. I do hope you have good progress with getting sorted for a pump.
Best wishes,

Stephen

Apr 19, 2014

Googum 15 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Diabetic Neuropathy Bowel Problems

Hello Stephen i hope you are well

I thought i would let you know how things are going,

I found that your recommendations have worked well,I have seen my pain neurologist and my endo and DSN,Put me on a new regime,Am taking a dose of 60Mg of duloxetine X2 a day,Gabapentin am taking 900Mg three times a day,Tramadol and am dependent on minimum of 50Mg up to three times a day up to maximum of 300mg,Also have a backup of slow release morphine if my neuropathy is getting shall way say acute on any given day it does happen,Also my honeymoon with my pancreas had ended so increase in usage of basel and bulous is a new regime also stephen over past few months it seems am going on to a pump,My A1C went from 42% average to 60% in matter of months, Shocked

,As ones Bg been high my bowels etc and pain has been constant and symptomatic anyway i hope everything settles down for me,

Apr 18, 2014

Emmeline 1 post

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Multiple Hypos - struggling to regain control

Hi,

I am hoping someone can help me, I am on holiday and have had multiple hypos in quick succession, including ones at night, now my sugar levels are constantly high no matter what I do.

When you have had multiple hypos does it make it harder to get control back and is there anything I should be doing to get myself back to normal?

I have figured out what has caused the hypos, I am exercising at high altitude and after a little research have found out that altitude can increase your risk of hypos and obviously exercise does the same, so now all I need to do is get control back ASAP.

Any help would be much appreciated

Emmeline

Apr 18, 2014

JayBee 587 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Levemir clogging needles

No, because I change the needle every time. Insulin solidifying in the needle is one of the reasons you're told to change it every time, as well as more apparent things, like injecting comfort (each use loses its lubrication some more and the needle loses its sharpness with each use).

All the best to you.

Apr 16, 2014

adamrea 3 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Travelling Abroad

Garry and Michael. Thankyou so much for your quick response.interesting points you make very good to know. I had a look at the wallets just now online, looks like exactly what I need. I do indeed want to avoid any nasty prices incase I need replacement stuff so I will certainly use your tips.
Interesting note in terms of time adjustments that is one for me to think of and plan.i guess part of the doses will be judging and seeing what suits my needs.
You have certainly put my mind at ease in relation to the trip. Thankyou once again !!

Adam

Apr 16, 2014

Garry 328 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Travelling Abroad

Good point michaelj makes adamrea...as I forgot to mention how temperature can affect your BG meter and test strips.
Might be 15 or 16 years ago...couldn't get my meter to work after several days of high temperatures in the south of France.
The Pharmacist in the nearest large village was very helpful though, explaining that he had had lots of experience of test strip failures that summer and he supplied me with new strips off his air-conditioned pharmacy shelf. Don't remember the exact cost...but it was painful!
Regards
Garry

Apr 16, 2014

michaelj 45 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Travelling Abroad

Adam,
Travelling abroad needn't be a big problem as I've been to New Zealand three times plus other parts of the world including America and not had any problems. Firstly get yourself some Frio cool wallets as they are very good at keeping Insulin at reasonable temperatures in hot climates when travelling. Can be got from the Medical shop on Amazon. Insulin can go off if it gets to hot.
I usually keep my watch at UK time for the first 24 hours so I can gradually change to local time.You may have to take your basal in smaller but more often doses until you change time completely. Take Bolus when you eat.as per normal
I've never had a problem with injections or blood testing on an aircraft but if you get funny looks from other passengers use the loo's they are usually clean enough, or do as I do and ignore them. Keep all medication and testing gear with you including spares. Most important as stuff does go astray
You may find you will need to increase your insulin as holidays tend to be more about relaxation (unless you plan to climb to the statue of Christ.) Test strips have a temperature limitation so check yours and get a small cool pack or bag to keep them in if you think they may be affected.
Don't bother with diabetic meals on aircraft as they are usually prepared by someone who has no idea what you need. There will be enough carbohydrate for your short term needs on the meal tray.
Get yourself some Glucojuice from Boots the Chemist for fast acting blood sugar raising (these are not large and easy to carry) and some of their flap jack bars in their healthy eating range good for short term lunch or meal fixes.
It will pay to mention you are carrying sharps when you check in and again when you go through security. They don't usually worry, but if you tell them, you forestall any problems if they decide to pick on your bag.
Can't think of anything else at the moment so enjoy yourself, and try not to worry.

Apr 16, 2014

Garry 328 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Travelling Abroad

Welcome adamrea Smile

You can take your medication with you on board. Declare your sharps at the desk when checking in though. Best carry a covering letter from your Health care Professionals too. I have killed my spare insulin in the past when travelling, through too high temperatures, so now use a Frio insulin wallet. Buy from Frio direct and it may be a little cheaper, as think it is VAT free. Boon is, the wallet just needs soaking in water to activate the cooling gel. Make sure it is not enclosed so the water can evaporate - the latent heat of evaporation does the cooling and will keep your pens cool enough in elevated temperatures. Good instructions with the product. Other makes out there also.
If in a hotel with a drinks fridge in your room, you can keep spare insulins in there whilst out and about. Use caution however and satisfy yourself that the fridge will not overchill your pens/phials. Put a glass of water in there overnight as a check to make sure the temperature is suitable. Must be no lower than 3Â° C...so make sure no mushy water in the glass next morning. Use the top of the fridge which is normally the warmest.
Almost sure that you will need alter doses whilst you are away, for lots of reasons...temperature, foods, exercise...or lack of it!
Keep an eye on your bloods for sure, but most of all have a good time and enjoy yourself.
Regards
Garry

Apr 16, 2014

adamrea 3 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Travelling Abroad

Good Afternoon All

I am due to go on my first holiday since finding i am a type 1 diabetic. I am travelling to Brazil in early june and was wondering if anyone can offer advice into what i need to do.

- Can i take medication on the plane?
- Will my QA & BI need to be adjusted due to temperatures?

Any other travel advice would be great

Many Thanks

Adam

Apr 15, 2014

Nita 7 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Counting Carbohydrates

Hi
I weigh my food when at home, where possible I take my lunch from home as it is measured. I use the DAFNE online when out and about to check the portion size and estimate the weight and usually up the CP by a little. But it is hard. Like sometimes I eat noodle and there is only uncooked noodles hence the carb's/CP are hard to calculate. I have started to use the online diary as it also works out your Average. Wish we could sometimes add / calculate the cabs more easily.

Nita

Apr 14, 2014

celinep 3 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Counting Carbohydrates

thanks guys for your help

kind regards
celinep

Apr 14, 2014

Stew B 125 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / blood glucose monitoring diaries

I've bought DAFNE diaries from the DAFNE UK website a couple of times, and have taken the opportunity to get spare and up-dated carb portion booklets too (they're not expensive). The service is really good!

Apr 13, 2014

susanh 20 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / blood glucose monitoring diaries

Hi Glen4,

You can order DAFNE diaries through the shop page on the DAFNE UK website (http://www.dafne.uk.com/DAFNE_Shop-64.html).

For anyone in Australia, you can find out how to order more DAFNE diaries by visiting the OzDAFNE website (http://www.dafne.org.au/adults-with-type-1-diabetes/dafne-graduates/resource-ordering).

Cheers,
Susan

Apr 13, 2014

joanne78 8 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Levemir clogging needles

I use the BD 6mm but have also tried larger needles with no success i too thought it may be the needle but apparently its not. The ones i tried were 8mm. I defiantly think it has to be the insulin as this is this is the second pen ive used but the same result of no insulin unless i change needles

Apr 13, 2014

Alan 49 284 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Levemir clogging needles

Hello Joanne,
Yes I'm still getting the 'clogging' problem if I try to re-use a needle. I have to use a new needle for each Levemir injection. I'm glad in a way, that you're getting the same problem - I thought it was just me!
As you can see from my previous posting, I tried using my spare Novopen 4, which was OK for a couple of days, but then it started clogging.
I use BD Micro-Fine 5mm pen needles - what needles do you use?

Apr 13, 2014

joanne78 8 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Levemir clogging needles

Hi alan,
Ive been looking for an answer to the same problem (levemir clogging). I changed from lantus a few months ago and havent been able use the same needle twice when having a morning and evening dosage. I frustrates me alot as i originally thought that it was a faulty echo pen so i got a new one and the same problem occured. With lantus i used to use the needle several times (at least 3 times) before changing it now i change every single time as when you prime it nothing comes out, i hope to get an answer to this puzzling problem

Apr 13, 2014

marke 686 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Stem Cell Research

We have received the following request, which maybe you can help with !!

I am a final year Biology undergraduate at Edinburgh University, currently doing a project to evaluate the fact sheets about stem cell research on the website www.eurostemcell.org.
One of the fact sheets is about how stem cell science could help Type 1 diabetes in the future, so I would be really interested to get feedback from people with Type 1 diabetes and their family and friends.
Would you be willing to circulate my survey around your members? It only takes about 15 minutes and all respondents can enter a prize draw to win a Â£100 Amazon voucher. The deadline for entering is 24/4/14.

Here is the link:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/factsheet_evaluation

Apr 23, 2014 Teanosugar 25 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Travelling Abroad I've traveled a lot round Europe with type 1 and I normally find it's coming back that is a pain. People in overseas airports are a nightmare when it comes to explaining about needles, medication etc. My additional advice is as follows: - If possible, get a doctor's note on NHS headed paper saying that you're diabetic and need to carry medication with you which may include liquid form medication (my specialist did this for free) - Take out insurance through Diabetes UK and declare all your pre-existing conditions - Carry with you your insurance emergency telephone number and other telephone numbers of people back home who you may need to ring in crisis - Know the emergency telephone numbers such as the police, ambulance etc. - Know the telephone number for the British Embassy in Brazil - Learn some useful, relevant phrases in Brazilian Portuguese such as how to say sugar, diabetic etc. - Take more than enough of every single type of medication you use; even if you've not used it in ages. Particularly if you have medication for stomach troubles. - If you're going with a friend, relative partner etc. make sure they know how to treat a hypo properly. Many people don't and it could save lives! - Buy a guidebook for the place you're visiting While some of these may sound a little over the top, they are all important. It will give you peace of mind, too. Boa viagem! :-)

Apr 23, 2014 Warwick 425 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Multiple Hypos - struggling to regain control Hi Emmeline, Given that you seem to be having two separate issues - hypos and highs, it is a little hard to make a helpful suggestion. Are you still on holiday? If it is a long term holiday, then keeping your DAFNE diary up-to-date should help you to spot trends, and you can then work out when more frequent testing might be in order to identify when you are trending downwards or upwards before it becomes an issue.

Apr 21, 2014 glen4 46 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Multiple Hypos - struggling to regain control As we were told on our Dafne course- ' hypos breed more hypos over the following 24 hours! Maybe reduce your ratios before + after exercise! How much BI are you taking? If you are exercising in the morning- reduce your Bi if you are on a split dose! Whilst exercising carry some carb gels, jelly babies are fast acting if you feel low!

Apr 19, 2014 stephenbrowne 37 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Diabetic Neuropathy Bowel Problems Hello Googum, So pleased to hear you have been able to make some progress with a very challenging and painful problem. I can quite understand issues with poor control despite one's best efforts. I have found the pump an enormous help in the past 18 months though it is still a challenge at times to get things right. I do hope you have good progress with getting sorted for a pump. Best wishes, Stephen

Apr 19, 2014 Googum 15 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Diabetic Neuropathy Bowel Problems Hello Stephen i hope you are well I thought i would let you know how things are going, I found that your recommendations have worked well,I have seen my pain neurologist and my endo and DSN,Put me on a new regime,Am taking a dose of 60Mg of duloxetine X2 a day,Gabapentin am taking 900Mg three times a day,Tramadol and am dependent on minimum of 50Mg up to three times a day up to maximum of 300mg,Also have a backup of slow release morphine if my neuropathy is getting shall way say acute on any given day it does happen,Also my honeymoon with my pancreas had ended so increase in usage of basel and bulous is a new regime also stephen over past few months it seems am going on to a pump,My A1C went from 42% average to 60% in matter of months, ,As ones Bg been high my bowels etc and pain has been constant and symptomatic anyway i hope everything settles down for me,

Apr 18, 2014 Emmeline 1 post	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Multiple Hypos - struggling to regain control Hi, I am hoping someone can help me, I am on holiday and have had multiple hypos in quick succession, including ones at night, now my sugar levels are constantly high no matter what I do. When you have had multiple hypos does it make it harder to get control back and is there anything I should be doing to get myself back to normal? I have figured out what has caused the hypos, I am exercising at high altitude and after a little research have found out that altitude can increase your risk of hypos and obviously exercise does the same, so now all I need to do is get control back ASAP. Any help would be much appreciated Emmeline

Apr 18, 2014 JayBee 587 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Levemir clogging needles No, because I change the needle every time. Insulin solidifying in the needle is one of the reasons you're told to change it every time, as well as more apparent things, like injecting comfort (each use loses its lubrication some more and the needle loses its sharpness with each use). All the best to you.

Apr 16, 2014 adamrea 3 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Travelling Abroad Garry and Michael. Thankyou so much for your quick response.interesting points you make very good to know. I had a look at the wallets just now online, looks like exactly what I need. I do indeed want to avoid any nasty prices incase I need replacement stuff so I will certainly use your tips. Interesting note in terms of time adjustments that is one for me to think of and plan.i guess part of the doses will be judging and seeing what suits my needs. You have certainly put my mind at ease in relation to the trip. Thankyou once again !! Adam

Apr 16, 2014 Garry 328 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Travelling Abroad Good point michaelj makes adamrea...as I forgot to mention how temperature can affect your BG meter and test strips. Might be 15 or 16 years ago...couldn't get my meter to work after several days of high temperatures in the south of France. The Pharmacist in the nearest large village was very helpful though, explaining that he had had lots of experience of test strip failures that summer and he supplied me with new strips off his air-conditioned pharmacy shelf. Don't remember the exact cost...but it was painful! Regards Garry

Apr 16, 2014 michaelj 45 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Travelling Abroad Adam, Travelling abroad needn't be a big problem as I've been to New Zealand three times plus other parts of the world including America and not had any problems. Firstly get yourself some Frio cool wallets as they are very good at keeping Insulin at reasonable temperatures in hot climates when travelling. Can be got from the Medical shop on Amazon. Insulin can go off if it gets to hot. I usually keep my watch at UK time for the first 24 hours so I can gradually change to local time.You may have to take your basal in smaller but more often doses until you change time completely. Take Bolus when you eat.as per normal I've never had a problem with injections or blood testing on an aircraft but if you get funny looks from other passengers use the loo's they are usually clean enough, or do as I do and ignore them. Keep all medication and testing gear with you including spares. Most important as stuff does go astray You may find you will need to increase your insulin as holidays tend to be more about relaxation (unless you plan to climb to the statue of Christ.) Test strips have a temperature limitation so check yours and get a small cool pack or bag to keep them in if you think they may be affected. Don't bother with diabetic meals on aircraft as they are usually prepared by someone who has no idea what you need. There will be enough carbohydrate for your short term needs on the meal tray. Get yourself some Glucojuice from Boots the Chemist for fast acting blood sugar raising (these are not large and easy to carry) and some of their flap jack bars in their healthy eating range good for short term lunch or meal fixes. It will pay to mention you are carrying sharps when you check in and again when you go through security. They don't usually worry, but if you tell them, you forestall any problems if they decide to pick on your bag. Can't think of anything else at the moment so enjoy yourself, and try not to worry.

Apr 16, 2014 Garry 328 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Travelling Abroad Welcome adamrea You can take your medication with you on board. Declare your sharps at the desk when checking in though. Best carry a covering letter from your Health care Professionals too. I have killed my spare insulin in the past when travelling, through too high temperatures, so now use a Frio insulin wallet. Buy from Frio direct and it may be a little cheaper, as think it is VAT free. Boon is, the wallet just needs soaking in water to activate the cooling gel. Make sure it is not enclosed so the water can evaporate - the latent heat of evaporation does the cooling and will keep your pens cool enough in elevated temperatures. Good instructions with the product. Other makes out there also. If in a hotel with a drinks fridge in your room, you can keep spare insulins in there whilst out and about. Use caution however and satisfy yourself that the fridge will not overchill your pens/phials. Put a glass of water in there overnight as a check to make sure the temperature is suitable. Must be no lower than 3Â° C...so make sure no mushy water in the glass next morning. Use the top of the fridge which is normally the warmest. Almost sure that you will need alter doses whilst you are away, for lots of reasons...temperature, foods, exercise...or lack of it! Keep an eye on your bloods for sure, but most of all have a good time and enjoy yourself. Regards Garry

Apr 16, 2014 adamrea 3 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Travelling Abroad Good Afternoon All I am due to go on my first holiday since finding i am a type 1 diabetic. I am travelling to Brazil in early june and was wondering if anyone can offer advice into what i need to do. - Can i take medication on the plane? - Will my QA & BI need to be adjusted due to temperatures? Any other travel advice would be great Many Thanks Adam

Apr 15, 2014 Nita 7 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Counting Carbohydrates Hi I weigh my food when at home, where possible I take my lunch from home as it is measured. I use the DAFNE online when out and about to check the portion size and estimate the weight and usually up the CP by a little. But it is hard. Like sometimes I eat noodle and there is only uncooked noodles hence the carb's/CP are hard to calculate. I have started to use the online diary as it also works out your Average. Wish we could sometimes add / calculate the cabs more easily. Nita

Apr 14, 2014 celinep 3 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Counting Carbohydrates thanks guys for your help kind regards celinep

Apr 14, 2014 Stew B 125 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / blood glucose monitoring diaries I've bought DAFNE diaries from the DAFNE UK website a couple of times, and have taken the opportunity to get spare and up-dated carb portion booklets too (they're not expensive). The service is really good!

Apr 13, 2014 susanh 20 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / blood glucose monitoring diaries Hi Glen4, You can order DAFNE diaries through the shop page on the DAFNE UK website (http://www.dafne.uk.com/DAFNE_Shop-64.html). For anyone in Australia, you can find out how to order more DAFNE diaries by visiting the OzDAFNE website (http://www.dafne.org.au/adults-with-type-1-diabetes/dafne-graduates/resource-ordering). Cheers, Susan

Apr 13, 2014 joanne78 8 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Levemir clogging needles I use the BD 6mm but have also tried larger needles with no success i too thought it may be the needle but apparently its not. The ones i tried were 8mm. I defiantly think it has to be the insulin as this is this is the second pen ive used but the same result of no insulin unless i change needles

Apr 13, 2014 Alan 49 284 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Levemir clogging needles Hello Joanne, Yes I'm still getting the 'clogging' problem if I try to re-use a needle. I have to use a new needle for each Levemir injection. I'm glad in a way, that you're getting the same problem - I thought it was just me! As you can see from my previous posting, I tried using my spare Novopen 4, which was OK for a couple of days, but then it started clogging. I use BD Micro-Fine 5mm pen needles - what needles do you use?

Apr 13, 2014 joanne78 8 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Levemir clogging needles Hi alan, Ive been looking for an answer to the same problem (levemir clogging). I changed from lantus a few months ago and havent been able use the same needle twice when having a morning and evening dosage. I frustrates me alot as i originally thought that it was a faulty echo pen so i got a new one and the same problem occured. With lantus i used to use the needle several times (at least 3 times) before changing it now i change every single time as when you prime it nothing comes out, i hope to get an answer to this puzzling problem

Apr 13, 2014 marke 686 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Stem Cell Research We have received the following request, which maybe you can help with !! I am a final year Biology undergraduate at Edinburgh University, currently doing a project to evaluate the fact sheets about stem cell research on the website www.eurostemcell.org. One of the fact sheets is about how stem cell science could help Type 1 diabetes in the future, so I would be really interested to get feedback from people with Type 1 diabetes and their family and friends. Would you be willing to circulate my survey around your members? It only takes about 15 minutes and all respondents can enter a prize draw to win a Â£100 Amazon voucher. The deadline for entering is 24/4/14. Here is the link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/factsheet_evaluation