Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Oct 29, 2013

JayBee 587 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes

Joined in on the hangout and the twitter feed (signed up again especially in fact).
Was nice to be able to hear other diabetics. A very rare occurrence for me.
I am seriously considering volunteering after the chat... so glad it doesn't matter that I'm a full-time worker!

Oct 29, 2013

JayBee 587 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes

I used to do the DAFNE Online twitter feed (the discussion on here is here) before the DAFNE official feed started, and did try to do a Google Plus page but with the restrictions on RSS, it was too time consuming to keep up on a voluntary basis, so I shut it down again. I've had no contact with the FB group since I quit FB before it appeared.

In case any one was having trouble finding it the hangout event is here.

I've heard of a lot of support things in my area, but most of them are for families that have kids with diabetes. Pardon my french, but the options for adult diabetics are pretty crap. I've gone on to Streetlife to try and get an idea if anyone local would be interested in adult diabetic support, but no one replied (got some thumbs up though). Same for on here - nothing materialised (see Norwich meet).

It's pretty sad and I guess I'm kind of jaded after being disappointed so much (I've tried running events for stuff outside diabetes for hobbies too - won't go into that). :/ I do wish you and Diabetes UK all the best with this.

My partner thinks I should really try to join the discussion this evening... see what I get out of it.. is it possible to just sit in and watch if I can make it? That reminds me, I'd best finally get my EyeToy cam set up for doing these hangouts!

Oct 29, 2013

Louise1988 69 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes

It's an interesting experience, G+ hangouts!

On that note, does anyone do anything diabetes-related, other than taking part on here? Facebook? Twitter? Local voluntary groups? Please share what you do, it'd be great to get to know you! Very Happy

Oct 29, 2013

JayBee 587 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes

Cool! I've marked myself as a maybe atm. It'll be my first hangout if I do make it. o_o;;

Have fun to all who do join in either events! Smile

Oct 29, 2013

Louise1988 69 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes

I missed last week's one, JayBee, so I hope to be involved tonight!

Oct 29, 2013

JayBee 587 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes

That is great Louise. Smile

While I think of it, Diabetes UK on Google Plus have been doing regular peer support hangouts. Their next one is this evening at 7pm UK time if I remember correctly - talking about diabetics' thoughts on how the condition is represented in the media (mags, tv, online, etc).

I'd imagine it might get a bit heated ^_^;;

Oct 29, 2013

hypo 18 posts

Topic: General Discussion / 7-day waking average

HI novorapidbo26

No I don't usually feel hypo till BG goes under 4 but I always have a couple of jellybabies if I go under 4.5 and tthat does the trick. I tend to have Highs if I snack between meals but I do like a bar of chocolate.
Regards Jean

Oct 29, 2013

Garry 328 posts

Topic: General Discussion / BG Levels creeping up

Don't worry about your results. They are fine...they are red at the minute, but so what. We are looking for long term control within range. Look to the top right of your diary and on screen you will see BG averages for 7, 14, 30 and 90 days. I find these a big help combined with the content of the Summary View which is hyperlinked at the very top of your diary. Good stuff for you to ponder.
Will take you a long time at somewhat elevated BGs to get your hypo awareness back. It will not happen overnight!
Last time With consultant guidance and review, I reset my body and it took 3 months and albeit that we are all different...I can't imagine that a consultant would want to consider short term HBa1c changes.
Stick with it. Your bloods will still be affected during recovery from illness and may take some time to retrun to normal.
Regards
Garry

Oct 29, 2013

Louise1988 69 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes

I hope we can muster up a strong support network for us people with diabetes Very Happy

I'm not sure if anyone here is on Twitter, but there's a discussion going on tonight, that I'm hosting. The topic of conversation will be blood glucose meters, their functions and reliability. Anyone who wants to join in, or have a nose at what meters people use, and their thoughts on them, follow 'OurDiabetes' . The chat will be taking place 8-9pm. Very Happy

Oct 29, 2013

Louise1988 69 posts

Topic: General Discussion / BG Levels creeping up

Looking for some advice regarding my ratio and insulin regime. For the past 4 months, I have been suffering from constant hypos. This hasn't been helped by my hypo unawareness. Last Monday, I had to fast for 26 hours, due to medical investigations.

I don't know if it's related, but since last Tuesday, the day after my investigations, I've noticed my bg levels have been creeping up. Not stupidly high, but high enough for me to wonder what I need to do to fix things. I was ill for a few days, with a bug, but this ended on Sunday.

I'm on 7 units of Levemir, and then QA Novorapid, which are given with ratios 1:1 for breakfast & lunch, and 1:1.5 for dinner.

At least this means I'll start to feel my hypos (hopefully)! But can anyone give any suggestions to get my levels back within DAFNE guidelines?

Oct 28, 2013

mum2westiesGill 502 posts

Topic: General Discussion / 7-day waking average

novorapidboi26 said:
was snacking all night though, taking bolus doses obviously, but sometimes it just doesn't work out well

Hi NRB,
I like to snack on things like crisps during the evening when watching tv. I've had it suggested to me recently on the Diabetic Support Forum about bolusing to cover these snacks. Although I know that crisps have carbs in I really never think twice about bolusing for them. Have you got an example on what you snacked on & when/how many boluses you did through out the evening?

Oct 28, 2013

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / 7-day waking average

what a result hypo...........

did you feel 'hypo' at that time of the day?

15.2 for me this morning, was snacking all night though, taking bolus doses obviously, but sometimes it just doesn't work out well.......or to be honest, snacking continuously never works out for me..........that's why I love the daily routine of Monday to Friday...... Very Happy

Oct 28, 2013

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes

I have heard of this and think its a great idea...........

Will be interesting to see how you get on, provided you can discuss some typical scenarios you come across without violating any laws...... Very Happy

Oct 28, 2013

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Suggestions

At those levels, its all about ketones..........and you might want to consider the possibility that your normal correction may not be doing the job, so one unit wont be enough for a 2-3 mmol drop.....

Feel better soon........ Sad

Oct 28, 2013

hypo 18 posts

Topic: General Discussion / 7-day waking average

I really enjoy looking through everyone's comments and it helps as we all seem to have problems from time to time
my readings last night before bed were 4.4 and before breakfast this 4.2 however I had a stomach bug over the weekend and on waking saturday mornng it was 19.4 but seems to have settled now

Oct 28, 2013

Warwick 423 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Suggestions

Do you have a meter that can test ketones? If so check ketones, and ensure that they are below 1.5. If they are 1.5 or above, go to hospital immediately.

If you don't have a meter that can test ketones, I'd recommend seeing a doctor ASAP to get your ketones checked. The Abbott Freestyle Optium (AKA Optiium Xceed) is a good meter that tests ketones. I don't know if UK pharmacies sell these, but if they do get one. You will also need ketone testing strips which are different to the blood glucose testing strips that these usually come with.

Read the Sick Day Rules in the DAFNE Course Handbook in the menu to the right for further info.

Stay hydrated with water as much as possible too.

Cheers,
Warwick.

Oct 27, 2013

Mike87 10 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Suggestions

Hi guys. Since half 11 last night 26th October my blood sugars haven't dropped below 20!!!! Any suggestions as I'm feeling rather sick and pretty weak!!!

Oct 26, 2013

Louise1988 69 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes

Hello, yes I am a volunteer for Diabetes UK. I'm still in the process of getting set up, as it's been put into control of myself and one other volunteer. There's so much I want to do, I think my head is going to explode with excitement! Razz

The scheme is aimed at absolutely anyone who is affected by diabetes, whether they have it, or they know someone who has it. Sadly, I don't think there is a lot for diabetics' partners, and this needs to change. I really want to get the word out that this scheme is for anyone affected by diabetes, not just us diabetics! I can imagine my boyfriend contacting a scheme such as this, to vent how crazy I drive him, sometimes!

If anyone's on Facebook, there's a group 'Diabetes Peer Support South East' (ignore the south east bit, there really are no limits to who can ask for help!) I will be updating this group with useful information in the upcoming months, regarding where else people can turn to for help.

Oct 26, 2013

Googum 15 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Diabetic Neuropathy Bowel Problems

Hello Stephen and thanks awfully for the reply,To be honest only thing I use my GP for is my 8 weekly bloods and prescriptions and his phone service but my health care is being taken care of by my diabetic clinic at my local hospital for the time being but I will email my DSN and she can she can ask if it ok for me try it I take a large amount of MEDS at moment but I don't think Normacol granules interact with to many MEDs I take,My main bother and problem with the Neuropathy is pain aspect as well with bowel and think guess the other problems with after effect of bowls and to a extent trying to control my bladder, But I think you could nailed the other problem on head with using normacol granules and thank you so much for the information,Even if you have retired as GP you retain the knowledge and intellect. Am sure many on the site are grateful for that.

Oct 26, 2013

stephenbrowne 37 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Diabetic Neuropathy Bowel Problems

I have not experienced this personally but I have met someone with diabetes who had this problem and managed to get the symptoms improved by the use of Normacol granules ( sterculia without frangula - not Normacol Plus) . This tends to ease diarrhoea by making the stools more formed and it also helps constipation by softening hard stools. Of course we are all very different in our induvidual needs and what helps one person does not always help another. Nevertheless this might be worth a try. I understand this can be bought over the counter from a pharmacy or prescribed by one's GP. ( I am a retired GP and have given up my licence to practice so am speaking now as a fellow patient not as a professional) . Do you feel you could seek your GP's advice? If he is not able to solve your problem he could refer you to a gastroenterologist who might be able to help you. Best wishes .

Oct 29, 2013 JayBee 587 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes Joined in on the hangout and the twitter feed (signed up again especially in fact). Was nice to be able to hear other diabetics. A very rare occurrence for me. I am seriously considering volunteering after the chat... so glad it doesn't matter that I'm a full-time worker!

Oct 29, 2013 JayBee 587 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes I used to do the DAFNE Online twitter feed (the discussion on here is here) before the DAFNE official feed started, and did try to do a Google Plus page but with the restrictions on RSS, it was too time consuming to keep up on a voluntary basis, so I shut it down again. I've had no contact with the FB group since I quit FB before it appeared. In case any one was having trouble finding it the hangout event is here. I've heard of a lot of support things in my area, but most of them are for families that have kids with diabetes. Pardon my french, but the options for adult diabetics are pretty crap. I've gone on to Streetlife to try and get an idea if anyone local would be interested in adult diabetic support, but no one replied (got some thumbs up though). Same for on here - nothing materialised (see Norwich meet). It's pretty sad and I guess I'm kind of jaded after being disappointed so much (I've tried running events for stuff outside diabetes for hobbies too - won't go into that). :/ I do wish you and Diabetes UK all the best with this. My partner thinks I should really try to join the discussion this evening... see what I get out of it.. is it possible to just sit in and watch if I can make it? That reminds me, I'd best finally get my EyeToy cam set up for doing these hangouts!

Oct 29, 2013 Louise1988 69 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes It's an interesting experience, G+ hangouts! On that note, does anyone do anything diabetes-related, other than taking part on here? Facebook? Twitter? Local voluntary groups? Please share what you do, it'd be great to get to know you!

Oct 29, 2013 JayBee 587 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes Cool! I've marked myself as a maybe atm. It'll be my first hangout if I do make it. o_o;; Have fun to all who do join in either events!

Oct 29, 2013 Louise1988 69 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes I missed last week's one, JayBee, so I hope to be involved tonight!

Oct 29, 2013 JayBee 587 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes That is great Louise. While I think of it, Diabetes UK on Google Plus have been doing regular peer support hangouts. Their next one is this evening at 7pm UK time if I remember correctly - talking about diabetics' thoughts on how the condition is represented in the media (mags, tv, online, etc). I'd imagine it might get a bit heated ^_^;;

Oct 29, 2013 hypo 18 posts	Topic: General Discussion / 7-day waking average HI novorapidbo26 No I don't usually feel hypo till BG goes under 4 but I always have a couple of jellybabies if I go under 4.5 and tthat does the trick. I tend to have Highs if I snack between meals but I do like a bar of chocolate. Regards Jean

Oct 29, 2013 Garry 328 posts	Topic: General Discussion / BG Levels creeping up Don't worry about your results. They are fine...they are red at the minute, but so what. We are looking for long term control within range. Look to the top right of your diary and on screen you will see BG averages for 7, 14, 30 and 90 days. I find these a big help combined with the content of the Summary View which is hyperlinked at the very top of your diary. Good stuff for you to ponder. Will take you a long time at somewhat elevated BGs to get your hypo awareness back. It will not happen overnight! Last time With consultant guidance and review, I reset my body and it took 3 months and albeit that we are all different...I can't imagine that a consultant would want to consider short term HBa1c changes. Stick with it. Your bloods will still be affected during recovery from illness and may take some time to retrun to normal. Regards Garry

Oct 29, 2013 Louise1988 69 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes I hope we can muster up a strong support network for us people with diabetes I'm not sure if anyone here is on Twitter, but there's a discussion going on tonight, that I'm hosting. The topic of conversation will be blood glucose meters, their functions and reliability. Anyone who wants to join in, or have a nose at what meters people use, and their thoughts on them, follow 'OurDiabetes' . The chat will be taking place 8-9pm.

Oct 29, 2013 Louise1988 69 posts	Topic: General Discussion / BG Levels creeping up Looking for some advice regarding my ratio and insulin regime. For the past 4 months, I have been suffering from constant hypos. This hasn't been helped by my hypo unawareness. Last Monday, I had to fast for 26 hours, due to medical investigations. I don't know if it's related, but since last Tuesday, the day after my investigations, I've noticed my bg levels have been creeping up. Not stupidly high, but high enough for me to wonder what I need to do to fix things. I was ill for a few days, with a bug, but this ended on Sunday. I'm on 7 units of Levemir, and then QA Novorapid, which are given with ratios 1:1 for breakfast & lunch, and 1:1.5 for dinner. At least this means I'll start to feel my hypos (hopefully)! But can anyone give any suggestions to get my levels back within DAFNE guidelines?

Oct 28, 2013 mum2westiesGill 502 posts	Topic: General Discussion / 7-day waking average novorapidboi26 said: was snacking all night though, taking bolus doses obviously, but sometimes it just doesn't work out well Hi NRB, I like to snack on things like crisps during the evening when watching tv. I've had it suggested to me recently on the Diabetic Support Forum about bolusing to cover these snacks. Although I know that crisps have carbs in I really never think twice about bolusing for them. Have you got an example on what you snacked on & when/how many boluses you did through out the evening?

Oct 28, 2013 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / 7-day waking average what a result hypo........... did you feel 'hypo' at that time of the day? 15.2 for me this morning, was snacking all night though, taking bolus doses obviously, but sometimes it just doesn't work out well.......or to be honest, snacking continuously never works out for me..........that's why I love the daily routine of Monday to Friday......

Oct 28, 2013 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes I have heard of this and think its a great idea........... Will be interesting to see how you get on, provided you can discuss some typical scenarios you come across without violating any laws......

Oct 28, 2013 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Suggestions At those levels, its all about ketones..........and you might want to consider the possibility that your normal correction may not be doing the job, so one unit wont be enough for a 2-3 mmol drop..... Feel better soon........

Oct 28, 2013 hypo 18 posts	Topic: General Discussion / 7-day waking average I really enjoy looking through everyone's comments and it helps as we all seem to have problems from time to time my readings last night before bed were 4.4 and before breakfast this 4.2 however I had a stomach bug over the weekend and on waking saturday mornng it was 19.4 but seems to have settled now

Oct 28, 2013 Warwick 423 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Suggestions Do you have a meter that can test ketones? If so check ketones, and ensure that they are below 1.5. If they are 1.5 or above, go to hospital immediately. If you don't have a meter that can test ketones, I'd recommend seeing a doctor ASAP to get your ketones checked. The Abbott Freestyle Optium (AKA Optiium Xceed) is a good meter that tests ketones. I don't know if UK pharmacies sell these, but if they do get one. You will also need ketone testing strips which are different to the blood glucose testing strips that these usually come with. Read the Sick Day Rules in the DAFNE Course Handbook in the menu to the right for further info. Stay hydrated with water as much as possible too. Cheers, Warwick.

Oct 27, 2013 Mike87 10 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Suggestions Hi guys. Since half 11 last night 26th October my blood sugars haven't dropped below 20!!!! Any suggestions as I'm feeling rather sick and pretty weak!!!

Oct 26, 2013 Louise1988 69 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes Hello, yes I am a volunteer for Diabetes UK. I'm still in the process of getting set up, as it's been put into control of myself and one other volunteer. There's so much I want to do, I think my head is going to explode with excitement! The scheme is aimed at absolutely anyone who is affected by diabetes, whether they have it, or they know someone who has it. Sadly, I don't think there is a lot for diabetics' partners, and this needs to change. I really want to get the word out that this scheme is for anyone affected by diabetes, not just us diabetics! I can imagine my boyfriend contacting a scheme such as this, to vent how crazy I drive him, sometimes! If anyone's on Facebook, there's a group 'Diabetes Peer Support South East' (ignore the south east bit, there really are no limits to who can ask for help!) I will be updating this group with useful information in the upcoming months, regarding where else people can turn to for help.

Oct 26, 2013 Googum 15 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Diabetic Neuropathy Bowel Problems Hello Stephen and thanks awfully for the reply,To be honest only thing I use my GP for is my 8 weekly bloods and prescriptions and his phone service but my health care is being taken care of by my diabetic clinic at my local hospital for the time being but I will email my DSN and she can she can ask if it ok for me try it I take a large amount of MEDS at moment but I don't think Normacol granules interact with to many MEDs I take,My main bother and problem with the Neuropathy is pain aspect as well with bowel and think guess the other problems with after effect of bowls and to a extent trying to control my bladder, But I think you could nailed the other problem on head with using normacol granules and thank you so much for the information,Even if you have retired as GP you retain the knowledge and intellect. Am sure many on the site are grateful for that.

Oct 26, 2013 stephenbrowne 37 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Diabetic Neuropathy Bowel Problems I have not experienced this personally but I have met someone with diabetes who had this problem and managed to get the symptoms improved by the use of Normacol granules ( sterculia without frangula - not Normacol Plus) . This tends to ease diarrhoea by making the stools more formed and it also helps constipation by softening hard stools. Of course we are all very different in our induvidual needs and what helps one person does not always help another. Nevertheless this might be worth a try. I understand this can be bought over the counter from a pharmacy or prescribed by one's GP. ( I am a retired GP and have given up my licence to practice so am speaking now as a fellow patient not as a professional) . Do you feel you could seek your GP's advice? If he is not able to solve your problem he could refer you to a gastroenterologist who might be able to help you. Best wishes .