Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Nov 10, 2013

Khrisb 1 post

Topic: General Discussion / Diabetic jokes

Very good to the OP's I only got a one liner but it's good....
They say laughter is the best medicine
But for diabetics my doctor recommends insulin

Nov 10, 2013

Viz 7 posts

Topic: General Discussion / BD Pen Needles

I have just been changed from 8mm to 4mm on advice from my DSN surprising to hear this

Nov 10, 2013

Viz 7 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Carbs n cals app

Hi I have the same thing with my app. Wifi is faster takes a few mins

Nov 9, 2013

Vickyp 137 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Eco Pod program

I've not posted mine back yet as rep said it will probably be free to send them after Xmas so we were told to hold onto the boxes!

Nov 9, 2013

alturn 78 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Milking fingers causes low BG readings

I was doing this on one side of my finger when the site on the other side on same finger (used in the morning) started to give a sample as well - 2 for 1 offer.

XCeed meter can be useful as it requires a smaller sample (and can be topped up within a minute) unlike Xpert which needs larger volume, and if insufficient volume a new strip is required.

Regds, alturn.

Nov 9, 2013

meltow 78 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Milking fingers causes low BG readings

...and sometimes my fingers are wet Shocked

, having just washed them prior to pricking..............does that make any difference to the count? Confused

Nov 9, 2013

alturn 78 posts

Topic: General Discussion / BD Pen Needles

I hope this isn't true. Diabetic nurse moved me onto these as didn't have enough flabby bits for larger needles (think started on 8mm then 6mm) but less of a problem now as have put on some weight.

Will just wait and see as need to stock up in a few weeks.

Regds, alturn.

Nov 9, 2013

StephenJSteele 2 posts

Topic: General Discussion / BD Pen Needles

Alan,

It would be good to know this as I have just changed from 8 to 4 on the advice of the nurse and I will need to stock up.

Cheers

Nov 9, 2013

Alan 49 284 posts

Topic: General Discussion / BD Pen Needles

I normally use 5mm BD Micro-Fine pen needles. When I picked up my prescription a few days ago, my local Lloyd's Pharmacy told me that they couldn't get any 5mm BD needles and that I should get my GP to prescribe an alternative - which I did. I picked up that prescription from Lloyd's today and was told that they could only get the 8mm BD needles. I accepted these because my stock was low. The pharmacist told me that there was a problem with the manufacturer, which was likely to last over a month.

I searched the internet for information and found a forum on diabetes.co.uk that had a topic entitled 'Withdrawal of BD 4mm pen needles'. It appears that BD are going to stop making 4mm pen needles (I didn't know that there were such things) and I wondered whether all the 4mm users were going over to the 5mm variety and causing a shortage.

Has anybody else had these problems?

Is there an alternative manufacturer of 5mm pen needles?

Nov 9, 2013

stephenbrowne 37 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Diabetic Neuropathy Bowel Problems

Hi Googum and youone,
Again I'm replying from my experience of supporting others with this problem rather than personal experience but I'd agree that high fibre diet can be helpful (Normacol is in fact a vegetable fibre from sterculia plant). However I know it can be difficult if one is on other medications which tend to cause constipation ( e.g. some treatments for painful peripheral nerve problems). If one becomes very constipated you can get "spurious diarrhoea" or overflow of liquid stool past some hard stols which haven't cleared. On the other hand "autonomic neuropathy" can also directly cause diarrhoea. I have know loperamide ( Imodium) used judiciously to be helpful in addition to Normacol but of course one has to be very careful not to overdo it and cause constipation.

Nov 9, 2013

youone 102 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Diabetic Neuropathy Bowel Problems

Googum said:
This is a very sensitive subject for many including me,Aim wondering is there any one out there can share information with, I suffer with usual problems associated symptoms with it like constipation and diarrhea,I started to suffer with it six months ago and its getting steadily worse and more acute, Aim wondering how you may cope and deal with it, Please PM if you can

I've had Type1 for 42 years this was a issue for me some times really bad,
the solution for me was diet, yes I know it sounds to simple ,but TBH I was never clear of constipation until I changed my diet and got my hba1c below 8
the usual bran cereals kidney beans, bananas raspberries' etc. worked for me. its not a nice thing really upsetting wish you the best hope you overcome this quickly
Type 1 MDI 42 years
omnipod2 3 months

Nov 9, 2013

JayBee 587 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes

Very valid points guys, and even from the HCP perspective, they are usually worried about legal side, etc especially when giving out too specific medical advice for an individual publically. It's on our own heads if we do it ourselves (though that's why we have disclaimers). My own health team will only allow me to email them rather than contact through this site for that reason.

The main tweet chats I've tried joining in on are mainly the #ourD and #gbdoc ones - though I did hear that Diabetes UK plan to join in on these so another one maybe around the corner to accompany the Google Plus hangouts. I think the #ourD one tends to be tuesdays and is run by Our Diabetes UK and the #gbdoc is run by group of the same name.

The #gbdoc tweet chats can be followed here, and the #ourD chats here, if you don't have a twitter account. You will need an account to join in still though.

Very interested in the coming DUK Google Plus hangout on the 12th November; it's all about stress!

The next #ourD chat is about World Diabetes Day and the next #gbdoc one is about "preparing your diabetes for christmas".

If anyone has been having trouble getting to the #ourD site, it's because they've been hit with a few DoSS attacks lately. No idea why cyber attacks are wanted to happen to things like this (and charities have been hit too I've noticed).

Nov 9, 2013

youone 102 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Eco Pod program

Just been refused at the post office, very unfriendly people behind the glass window
seems I can't send back the nice box full of recycled pods their dangerous.
anyone else had this issue with royal mail
I'm waiting a reply from Mylife omnipod what to do next
the post office customer service passed me to a dead line very un helpful Confused

Nov 9, 2013

youone 102 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Is it normal!

hi
When you say you had 7 at dinner then 24 before walking the dog , was this 4 hrs after your QA if yes then more than likely you missed counted carbs or had a high starch meal.
if it was less than 4 hrs it would mean you still have IOB hence when you took more QA you hypo later.
the 4 hour period is important most hypos happen when you correct before this period is finished
I'm on the omnipod2 now surprising how much this is shown my the device.
as for moods and feeling low, yes its the 1 thing the nurse or doctor can't help you with, I'm always surprised that we aren't given support for this, since this in my opinion is the biggest issue for controlling your hba1c, when your feeling fine its easy but when your down its really hard, especially when other non diabetics (type1) just don't understand.
Did you know it was Diabetic awareness month, I believe the 14th is diabetic day.
where extraordinary and unique people as Louise said we have to stick together Very Happy

Nov 9, 2013

stephenbrowne 37 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Milking fingers causes low BG readings

I think this is a very difficult subject. The volume of blood I obtain from a lancet stab can vary with ambient temperature. If it is a frosty day my hands are cold and it seems difficult to make any blood come out without some pressure or milking even with the deepest depth lancet setting. Having said that I have occasionally been embarrassed to find that what starts as a very tiny blood sample ends up as a spray which can travel 50cm across a table or splattering a book I have been reading. As others have mentioned, even though the result goes down into decimal places the accuracy is probably at best to the nearest mmol/l . I have been pleased with the Contour test strips system for use with the insulin pump or with the Optium Xceed or Freestyle lite as they seem to use a minute volume of blood and give a reading within 5 seconds.

Nov 9, 2013

mum2westiesGill 502 posts

Topic: General Discussion / 7-day waking average

9.2 - 22:44pm - bedtime
10.7 - 07:29am - fasting

lantus decreases:
Tue 29.10 from 24u to 22u
Sat 02.10 from 22u to 20u
Tue 6.11 from 20u to 18u

Nov 8, 2013

Louise1988 69 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes

That's true, and it's worked great for me, too. Not everyone wants the world knowing their problems, that's all.

Nov 8, 2013

Louise1988 69 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Is it normal!

It's really amazing, how many people go through the same feelings. I speak for myself here, but so many times when I've felt down, I've felt like I'm alone in the world and that no one could possibly understand how I'm feeling. Apparently that's not true! Us diabetics have to stick together! Very Happy

Nov 8, 2013

HelenP 218 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Is it normal!

Hi Phil, I have had diabetes for 37 years and I hate it. I am sitting here dying for a cup of coffee but have to wait until I have a fasting blood test!

I rail against it all the time but I also have periods where it does just tick over. You are certainly not alone. I do think personality plays a part. I am told my "adjustment"...my god I hate that word...is typically adolescent!

Helen

Nov 8, 2013

JayBee 587 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Is it normal!

Totally normal. Smile

diabetics are twice as likely to suffer from conditions such as depression so when it gets too much, talking about it can help. I think a lot of diabetics do also have some trouble asking for help (myself included) but DAFNE has encouraged me to speak up as well as feel more in control than I ever did before DAFNE.

I'm glad you have spoken up. You are not alone with your frustrations. We have to do the hard job of replacing a bodily function that is automatic for everyone else. It gets me and my hubby down too.

Glad you have some grasp on what happens when you get unusual results. Well done for keeping at it despite frustrations.

Nov 8, 2013

Stew B 125 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Carbs n cals app

While we're on the subject.. I've had the excellent carbs and cals app on my iPhone for a while. Recently I downloaded an update, and now almost every time I open the app it says that new foods have been added, and it starts an automatic update. This can last some time (especially if it's a 3G or worse, rather than wifi) which means I can't access the app until the update has finished - no good if you're in a restaurant and want to know NOW! Very frustrating - is anyone else having the same problem, and is there any way of holding-off updates until a later, more convenient time?

Nov 8, 2013

alturn 78 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Is it normal!

Phil - you are not alone, I feel like that a lot of the time, even when readings are relatively good, and I've got all my readings from 2005 in a spreadsheet (is that a sign of OCD tendancies?) and still can't always make sense or decide what to adjust.

As for the 24.9, is it possible it was a bad reading? Not always easy to think logically when high, but might have been worth waiting a few minutes and re-testing.

I never correct by more than 4 units or even fewer (but never been near 24) - prefer to try and bring levels down over several injections to avoid over-corrections.

Hope this helps,
alturn

Nov 8, 2013

Alan 49 284 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Milking fingers causes low BG readings

I'm glad to hear that other people 'milk' their fingers as well - thanks for that.

Nov 8, 2013

Alan 49 284 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes

I thought' DAFNE online' was for 'peer support' - you have a problem or a question about your diabetes, you post it in the appropriate Forum and you get lots of useful replies. That's always worked for me.

Nov 10, 2013 Khrisb 1 post	Topic: General Discussion / Diabetic jokes Very good to the OP's I only got a one liner but it's good.... They say laughter is the best medicine But for diabetics my doctor recommends insulin

Nov 10, 2013 Viz 7 posts	Topic: General Discussion / BD Pen Needles I have just been changed from 8mm to 4mm on advice from my DSN surprising to hear this

Nov 10, 2013 Viz 7 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Carbs n cals app Hi I have the same thing with my app. Wifi is faster takes a few mins

Nov 9, 2013 Vickyp 137 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Eco Pod program I've not posted mine back yet as rep said it will probably be free to send them after Xmas so we were told to hold onto the boxes!

Nov 9, 2013 alturn 78 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Milking fingers causes low BG readings I was doing this on one side of my finger when the site on the other side on same finger (used in the morning) started to give a sample as well - 2 for 1 offer. XCeed meter can be useful as it requires a smaller sample (and can be topped up within a minute) unlike Xpert which needs larger volume, and if insufficient volume a new strip is required. Regds, alturn.

Nov 9, 2013 meltow 78 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Milking fingers causes low BG readings ...and sometimes my fingers are wet , having just washed them prior to pricking..............does that make any difference to the count?

Nov 9, 2013 alturn 78 posts	Topic: General Discussion / BD Pen Needles I hope this isn't true. Diabetic nurse moved me onto these as didn't have enough flabby bits for larger needles (think started on 8mm then 6mm) but less of a problem now as have put on some weight. Will just wait and see as need to stock up in a few weeks. Regds, alturn.

Nov 9, 2013 StephenJSteele 2 posts	Topic: General Discussion / BD Pen Needles Alan, It would be good to know this as I have just changed from 8 to 4 on the advice of the nurse and I will need to stock up. Cheers

Nov 9, 2013 Alan 49 284 posts	Topic: General Discussion / BD Pen Needles I normally use 5mm BD Micro-Fine pen needles. When I picked up my prescription a few days ago, my local Lloyd's Pharmacy told me that they couldn't get any 5mm BD needles and that I should get my GP to prescribe an alternative - which I did. I picked up that prescription from Lloyd's today and was told that they could only get the 8mm BD needles. I accepted these because my stock was low. The pharmacist told me that there was a problem with the manufacturer, which was likely to last over a month. I searched the internet for information and found a forum on diabetes.co.uk that had a topic entitled 'Withdrawal of BD 4mm pen needles'. It appears that BD are going to stop making 4mm pen needles (I didn't know that there were such things) and I wondered whether all the 4mm users were going over to the 5mm variety and causing a shortage. Has anybody else had these problems? Is there an alternative manufacturer of 5mm pen needles?

Nov 9, 2013 stephenbrowne 37 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Diabetic Neuropathy Bowel Problems Hi Googum and youone, Again I'm replying from my experience of supporting others with this problem rather than personal experience but I'd agree that high fibre diet can be helpful (Normacol is in fact a vegetable fibre from sterculia plant). However I know it can be difficult if one is on other medications which tend to cause constipation ( e.g. some treatments for painful peripheral nerve problems). If one becomes very constipated you can get "spurious diarrhoea" or overflow of liquid stool past some hard stols which haven't cleared. On the other hand "autonomic neuropathy" can also directly cause diarrhoea. I have know loperamide ( Imodium) used judiciously to be helpful in addition to Normacol but of course one has to be very careful not to overdo it and cause constipation.

Nov 9, 2013 youone 102 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Diabetic Neuropathy Bowel Problems Googum said: This is a very sensitive subject for many including me,Aim wondering is there any one out there can share information with, I suffer with usual problems associated symptoms with it like constipation and diarrhea,I started to suffer with it six months ago and its getting steadily worse and more acute, Aim wondering how you may cope and deal with it, Please PM if you can I've had Type1 for 42 years this was a issue for me some times really bad, the solution for me was diet, yes I know it sounds to simple ,but TBH I was never clear of constipation until I changed my diet and got my hba1c below 8 the usual bran cereals kidney beans, bananas raspberries' etc. worked for me. its not a nice thing really upsetting wish you the best hope you overcome this quickly Type 1 MDI 42 years omnipod2 3 months

Nov 9, 2013 JayBee 587 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes Very valid points guys, and even from the HCP perspective, they are usually worried about legal side, etc especially when giving out too specific medical advice for an individual publically. It's on our own heads if we do it ourselves (though that's why we have disclaimers). My own health team will only allow me to email them rather than contact through this site for that reason. The main tweet chats I've tried joining in on are mainly the #ourD and #gbdoc ones - though I did hear that Diabetes UK plan to join in on these so another one maybe around the corner to accompany the Google Plus hangouts. I think the #ourD one tends to be tuesdays and is run by Our Diabetes UK and the #gbdoc is run by group of the same name. The #gbdoc tweet chats can be followed here, and the #ourD chats here, if you don't have a twitter account. You will need an account to join in still though. Very interested in the coming DUK Google Plus hangout on the 12th November; it's all about stress! The next #ourD chat is about World Diabetes Day and the next #gbdoc one is about "preparing your diabetes for christmas". If anyone has been having trouble getting to the #ourD site, it's because they've been hit with a few DoSS attacks lately. No idea why cyber attacks are wanted to happen to things like this (and charities have been hit too I've noticed).

Nov 9, 2013 youone 102 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Eco Pod program Just been refused at the post office, very unfriendly people behind the glass window seems I can't send back the nice box full of recycled pods their dangerous. anyone else had this issue with royal mail I'm waiting a reply from Mylife omnipod what to do next the post office customer service passed me to a dead line very un helpful

Nov 9, 2013 youone 102 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Is it normal! hi When you say you had 7 at dinner then 24 before walking the dog , was this 4 hrs after your QA if yes then more than likely you missed counted carbs or had a high starch meal. if it was less than 4 hrs it would mean you still have IOB hence when you took more QA you hypo later. the 4 hour period is important most hypos happen when you correct before this period is finished I'm on the omnipod2 now surprising how much this is shown my the device. as for moods and feeling low, yes its the 1 thing the nurse or doctor can't help you with, I'm always surprised that we aren't given support for this, since this in my opinion is the biggest issue for controlling your hba1c, when your feeling fine its easy but when your down its really hard, especially when other non diabetics (type1) just don't understand. Did you know it was Diabetic awareness month, I believe the 14th is diabetic day. where extraordinary and unique people as Louise said we have to stick together

Nov 9, 2013 stephenbrowne 37 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Milking fingers causes low BG readings I think this is a very difficult subject. The volume of blood I obtain from a lancet stab can vary with ambient temperature. If it is a frosty day my hands are cold and it seems difficult to make any blood come out without some pressure or milking even with the deepest depth lancet setting. Having said that I have occasionally been embarrassed to find that what starts as a very tiny blood sample ends up as a spray which can travel 50cm across a table or splattering a book I have been reading. As others have mentioned, even though the result goes down into decimal places the accuracy is probably at best to the nearest mmol/l . I have been pleased with the Contour test strips system for use with the insulin pump or with the Optium Xceed or Freestyle lite as they seem to use a minute volume of blood and give a reading within 5 seconds.

Nov 9, 2013 mum2westiesGill 502 posts	Topic: General Discussion / 7-day waking average 9.2 - 22:44pm - bedtime 10.7 - 07:29am - fasting lantus decreases: Tue 29.10 from 24u to 22u Sat 02.10 from 22u to 20u Tue 6.11 from 20u to 18u

Nov 8, 2013 Louise1988 69 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes That's true, and it's worked great for me, too. Not everyone wants the world knowing their problems, that's all.

Nov 8, 2013 Louise1988 69 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Is it normal! It's really amazing, how many people go through the same feelings. I speak for myself here, but so many times when I've felt down, I've felt like I'm alone in the world and that no one could possibly understand how I'm feeling. Apparently that's not true! Us diabetics have to stick together!

Nov 8, 2013 HelenP 218 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Is it normal! Hi Phil, I have had diabetes for 37 years and I hate it. I am sitting here dying for a cup of coffee but have to wait until I have a fasting blood test! I rail against it all the time but I also have periods where it does just tick over. You are certainly not alone. I do think personality plays a part. I am told my "adjustment"...my god I hate that word...is typically adolescent! Helen

Nov 8, 2013 JayBee 587 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Is it normal! Totally normal. diabetics are twice as likely to suffer from conditions such as depression so when it gets too much, talking about it can help. I think a lot of diabetics do also have some trouble asking for help (myself included) but DAFNE has encouraged me to speak up as well as feel more in control than I ever did before DAFNE. I'm glad you have spoken up. You are not alone with your frustrations. We have to do the hard job of replacing a bodily function that is automatic for everyone else. It gets me and my hubby down too. Glad you have some grasp on what happens when you get unusual results. Well done for keeping at it despite frustrations.

Nov 8, 2013 Stew B 125 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Carbs n cals app While we're on the subject.. I've had the excellent carbs and cals app on my iPhone for a while. Recently I downloaded an update, and now almost every time I open the app it says that new foods have been added, and it starts an automatic update. This can last some time (especially if it's a 3G or worse, rather than wifi) which means I can't access the app until the update has finished - no good if you're in a restaurant and want to know NOW! Very frustrating - is anyone else having the same problem, and is there any way of holding-off updates until a later, more convenient time?

Nov 8, 2013 alturn 78 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Is it normal! Phil - you are not alone, I feel like that a lot of the time, even when readings are relatively good, and I've got all my readings from 2005 in a spreadsheet (is that a sign of OCD tendancies?) and still can't always make sense or decide what to adjust. As for the 24.9, is it possible it was a bad reading? Not always easy to think logically when high, but might have been worth waiting a few minutes and re-testing. I never correct by more than 4 units or even fewer (but never been near 24) - prefer to try and bring levels down over several injections to avoid over-corrections. Hope this helps, alturn

Nov 8, 2013 Alan 49 284 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Milking fingers causes low BG readings I'm glad to hear that other people 'milk' their fingers as well - thanks for that.

Nov 8, 2013 Alan 49 284 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes I thought' DAFNE online' was for 'peer support' - you have a problem or a question about your diabetes, you post it in the appropriate Forum and you get lots of useful replies. That's always worked for me.