Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Oct 26, 2013

JayBee 587 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes

My first proper taste of peer support was through this exact site but it's great to hear that Diabetes UK setup something more specific.

I'm guessing you're a volunteer for the service? What is it like being one?

...on a related note, is it okay for non-diabetic partners to use the service? I do get worried about my fella because he often gets as frustrated as me, especially with how much he helps me thanks to the DAFNE course. It has made it much easier to share my life with him (which I doubt I would have been able to before the course - I do however appreciate the fact he'd probably try and work something out with me anyway).

I'm sure you'll get some contacts! Smile

Best wishes!

Oct 26, 2013

mum2westiesGill 502 posts

Topic: General Discussion / 7-day waking average

4.3 - bedtime
4.3 - this morning

Oct 26, 2013

Louise1988 69 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes

Just wanted to let you know that I'm now involved in a Peer Support Scheme, set up by Diabetes UK. Have recently received training, and now looking to really promote this new support network. For the days when your sugar levels won't stay in range, or the days you think "why me", we're hoping the Peer Support Scheme will give people somewhere else to turn to. I myself, get frustrated when no one else seems to understand what I'm going through.

If anyone ever wants to chat, or knows someone who is having a hard time with their diabetes, please feel free to email [email protected].

Oct 25, 2013

Googum 15 posts

Topic: General Discussion / 7-day waking average

Went to bed at 4.9 MMOL and was 6.7 MMOL when I awakened

Oct 25, 2013

Googum 15 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Diabetic Neuropathy Bowel Problems

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 Question

Oct 24, 2013

Googum 15 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Accu-Chek Aviva Expert Meters

I have been using a expert for a couple of weeks now and found it excellent so far and a major change from using a mobile BG that i have used since i was diagnosed about three years ago and i also inject after consuming my meal. Very Happy

I also received from from my Dafne course instructor and i programed it my self Very Happy

Oct 23, 2013

Michele Peryer 1 post

Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / How to upload diary from app to website

I've checked my settings in both DAFNE main site, and on my iPhone 5, but the data is not transferring to the main site
I need to take a print & graphs with me to clinic next week. Can you help?
Thanks

Oct 23, 2013

Louise1988 69 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Accu-Chek Aviva Expert Meters

That's great news, Landylara! I get my first HbA1c result next week, since doing DAFNE in August *fingers crossed*

Oct 22, 2013

landylara 14 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Accu-Chek Aviva Expert Meters

Talking meters I have a Glucamen LX plus. I was given it after the DAFNE course as I liked the idea that it tested BG as well as ketones. I have been testing before meals and eating anything and everything. I inject before or after meals depending on what I am eating and if I may not eat it all or if i want more. Around 5 months after the course my HbA1c was 6.6 which i was very pleased with. I have just had my yearly check up and my HbA1c is 44 (6.2). I am so pleased with myself and finding it so easy. Very Happy

Oct 22, 2013

Rafa 99 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Exercise & BG levels

Warwick said:
Rafa said:
Warwick said:
Excellent Rafa. How exciting.

Thanks a million for all the information, much appreciated. Nervous but looking forward to it. Can i ask would you stop and test the BG much during a marathon?

Again, it will come down to what happens in your training. If you are hypoing often in your training, then yes, do test often. If not, then you may find with the excitement and adrenaline, that you are a little more resistant than usual anyway and don't need to. By the time you are halfway around the course you will probably have a good idea of what your BGs are doing and whether you need to keep testing or not.

I ran a half marathon on Sunday, and didn't test until the finish as I felt fine the whole way around. I was 14.5 at the end then, so I'd had a bit too much sports drink on the way around, although I was running faster than in training which possibly also contributed. It is good to have QA available in your bag that you drop off, so that you can correct if need be before starting and afterwards if BGs have gone a bit high. Just try and make sure that the bag is out of sunlight.

If you think that you might go high, then you could have a friend or family member sited at the halfway point with QA, and take it there if necessary.

I tend to have carbs right before the event so I am starting with BGs about 13 (they usually quickly drop). I haven't hypoed in a marathon yet, although I have a couple of times in half marathons and half ironman events and it's always a pain sitting out for 15 minutes while the BGS go back up.

The TRUE Result Twist is a good BG meter for testing during events although not sure if it is available in the UK. It is nice and small, and you can test while walking so you don't lose too much time.

I reviewed it here last week:

http://needcarbs.wordpress.com/2013/10/11/meters-reviewed-nipro-trueresult-twist/

If you can get hold of one, then I recommend it for taking with you as you exercise.

Thanks a lot. Apreciate all the information.

Oct 22, 2013

Warwick 423 posts

Topic: General Discussion / afternoon hypos

Given that the rest of your readings are pretty good, I agree with novorapidboi26 that reducing your lunchtime QA would be the best move here. The goal is to get those afternoon BGs higher than they are, and reducing lunchtime QA will be the most effective way to do it without unbalancing the rest of the day.

Try a unit at a time, and test regularly to see what results you get. You can then either reduce further or get a good idea of how much you need to reduce lunchtime QA by each day.

The beauty of that suggestion is that you can leave your lunchtime QA as is for weekends when you don't have hypos.

I'd be reluctant to change BI, because it can affect the rest of the day. Changing BI is more for when all daily readings are too high or too low.

Oct 21, 2013

youone 102 posts

Topic: General Discussion / afternoon hypos

Hi
Its not uncommon for those on a single shot of BI( Basel) to have hypos midway
As been advised above a chat with your Dafne support nurse would be the 1st option
I'm no longer on MDI which I took a single shot of Basel (30u) seems really high now looking back.
I also did this for the DP which resulted in me not counting 2 CP's at miday in my calculations for the QA
This has come clear on the pod my basel is lower and my IC is higher in fact its 1 to 14g of carb.
This could be a discussion point for you to concider changing to a pump, that way you can reduce the chance of DP and alter your miday IC level.especially when your at work
Also having a different setting for your Basel say between 10am and 2 pm this would help with your hypo issue.

Oct 21, 2013

youone 102 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Fed up

Overlis said:
In fed up of been diabetic, injecting and testing my blood sugars! I know there is nothing I can do about it I've had it 25 years but today today I really wonder wether it's all worth it! Sorry for the down post but actually today not sure why I'm bothered just know that another 25 yrs of this is unfair fed up of always having to check labels when out with friends and popping off all the time! Sorry rant over

Hi
As the previous posts, having a moan is a good thing,
I've had type1 since I was 11 that's 42 years, its not easy can be a right pain, but that's life,
I've seen and done some great things,still hoping to see and do many more.
Someone mentioned a pump, I changed to a pump recently its been super.
I found the best thing is find other type1 diabetics meet up have a chat take up a sport together your not alone
We all go through rough times that's what makes our personality's
Where unique and special people :-)

Oct 20, 2013

Rabia 1 post

Topic: General Discussion / help with counting carbs for pasta

hi,
i been having problems too with my pasta but will defiantly do a trial of splitting the QA and hopefully that can avoid my hypo's.

Oct 20, 2013

rockape671 1 post

Topic: General Discussion / help with counting carbs for pasta

I had the same problem so started to split the dose and it seems to have sorted it. Personally, if I have spag bol, it's normally 7 units of QA, I'll have 5 units immediately before and then 2 units 2 hours later. I also try to avoid exercise immediately after the pasta.

Oct 19, 2013

HelenP 218 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Traveling to China

Hey Sarah,

When I went to China I took a couple of packs of "muesli bars" with known carbs and when meals were late or of uncertain sweetness I chewed on one of these. Basically if you stick to the steamed vegetables and fish, chicken you will not get into much trouble. I also ate the staple kongee (rice porridge) every morning as I found it filled me up and was delicious. As said previously they often finish a meal with fresh fruit. The food bought on the streets can be deceptively sweet. Have a great time.

Helen

Oct 19, 2013

JayBee 587 posts

Topic: General Discussion / help with counting carbs for pasta

When working out the carbs for things like pasta/rice/jacket potatoes, try to do it before it is cooked because when it has been cooked, the water it has retained can vary so it is safer to count it before cooking it.

Hope this helps.

Oct 19, 2013

Warwick 423 posts

Topic: General Discussion / help with counting carbs for pasta

Pasta tends to be digested slowly, so it can be normal to hypo even after taking the correct amount of QA. However, if you don't take the correct amount, then you may find that you avoid the hypo, but your BGs rise after a few hours, so you might want to consider taking two injections 90 minutes apart, and splitting the dose which could avoid both the hypo and the later high BGs.

Oct 19, 2013

jammerd1 1 post

Topic: General Discussion / help with counting carbs for pasta

I would like to hear other peoples advise on pasta i always think i have counted the carbs right but always end up havin a hypo after eating. If people have any tips I would be great full.

Oct 18, 2013

JayBee 587 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Fed up

It might be worth asking your employer to see if they can do more to help you (they are legally supposed to). A diabetic needs a lot of flexibility (which it sounds like you lack it from your comments about work) so it's worth seeing if you can see if they can help you out.

Sometimes asking can lead to a worthwhile role change (it did with me - I'm so glad I spoke up)... or as NRboi has also noted you could then ask your health team about a pump if you wish to go on to that route (it does however mean new insulin regime).

Knowing you have issues at work, potentially daily, messing you around, no wonder you're fed up with your health maintenance. I know I was before getting the help (on a side note though, I'm not one for snacking as I lack confidence in my doses). Best wishes.

Oct 18, 2013

Louise1988 69 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Accu-Chek Aviva Expert Meters

Thanks, Warwick!

Oct 18, 2013

Warwick 423 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Accu-Chek Aviva Expert Meters

https://www.accu-chek.co.uk/gb/customerservice/contactus/index.html - request a case and the data cable.

Where it recommends a dose, scroll down to the bolus line, press the middle button (between the scrolling buttons), use the scrolling button to change the amount, then press the middle button again.

Oct 26, 2013 JayBee 587 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes My first proper taste of peer support was through this exact site but it's great to hear that Diabetes UK setup something more specific. I'm guessing you're a volunteer for the service? What is it like being one? ...on a related note, is it okay for non-diabetic partners to use the service? I do get worried about my fella because he often gets as frustrated as me, especially with how much he helps me thanks to the DAFNE course. It has made it much easier to share my life with him (which I doubt I would have been able to before the course - I do however appreciate the fact he'd probably try and work something out with me anyway). I'm sure you'll get some contacts! Best wishes!

Oct 26, 2013 mum2westiesGill 502 posts	Topic: General Discussion / 7-day waking average 4.3 - bedtime 4.3 - this morning

Oct 26, 2013 Louise1988 69 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Peer Support for People with Diabetes Just wanted to let you know that I'm now involved in a Peer Support Scheme, set up by Diabetes UK. Have recently received training, and now looking to really promote this new support network. For the days when your sugar levels won't stay in range, or the days you think "why me", we're hoping the Peer Support Scheme will give people somewhere else to turn to. I myself, get frustrated when no one else seems to understand what I'm going through. If anyone ever wants to chat, or knows someone who is having a hard time with their diabetes, please feel free to email [email protected].

Oct 25, 2013 Googum 15 posts	Topic: General Discussion / 7-day waking average Went to bed at 4.9 MMOL and was 6.7 MMOL when I awakened

Oct 25, 2013 Googum 15 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Diabetic Neuropathy Bowel Problems 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

Oct 24, 2013 Googum 15 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Accu-Chek Aviva Expert Meters I have been using a expert for a couple of weeks now and found it excellent so far and a major change from using a mobile BG that i have used since i was diagnosed about three years ago and i also inject after consuming my meal. I also received from from my Dafne course instructor and i programed it my self

Oct 23, 2013 Michele Peryer 1 post	Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / How to upload diary from app to website I've checked my settings in both DAFNE main site, and on my iPhone 5, but the data is not transferring to the main site I need to take a print & graphs with me to clinic next week. Can you help? Thanks

Oct 23, 2013 Louise1988 69 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Accu-Chek Aviva Expert Meters That's great news, Landylara! I get my first HbA1c result next week, since doing DAFNE in August fingers crossed

Oct 22, 2013 landylara 14 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Accu-Chek Aviva Expert Meters Talking meters I have a Glucamen LX plus. I was given it after the DAFNE course as I liked the idea that it tested BG as well as ketones. I have been testing before meals and eating anything and everything. I inject before or after meals depending on what I am eating and if I may not eat it all or if i want more. Around 5 months after the course my HbA1c was 6.6 which i was very pleased with. I have just had my yearly check up and my HbA1c is 44 (6.2). I am so pleased with myself and finding it so easy.

Oct 22, 2013 Rafa 99 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Exercise & BG levels Warwick said: Rafa said: Warwick said: Excellent Rafa. How exciting. Thanks a million for all the information, much appreciated. Nervous but looking forward to it. Can i ask would you stop and test the BG much during a marathon? Again, it will come down to what happens in your training. If you are hypoing often in your training, then yes, do test often. If not, then you may find with the excitement and adrenaline, that you are a little more resistant than usual anyway and don't need to. By the time you are halfway around the course you will probably have a good idea of what your BGs are doing and whether you need to keep testing or not. I ran a half marathon on Sunday, and didn't test until the finish as I felt fine the whole way around. I was 14.5 at the end then, so I'd had a bit too much sports drink on the way around, although I was running faster than in training which possibly also contributed. It is good to have QA available in your bag that you drop off, so that you can correct if need be before starting and afterwards if BGs have gone a bit high. Just try and make sure that the bag is out of sunlight. If you think that you might go high, then you could have a friend or family member sited at the halfway point with QA, and take it there if necessary. I tend to have carbs right before the event so I am starting with BGs about 13 (they usually quickly drop). I haven't hypoed in a marathon yet, although I have a couple of times in half marathons and half ironman events and it's always a pain sitting out for 15 minutes while the BGS go back up. The TRUE Result Twist is a good BG meter for testing during events although not sure if it is available in the UK. It is nice and small, and you can test while walking so you don't lose too much time. I reviewed it here last week: http://needcarbs.wordpress.com/2013/10/11/meters-reviewed-nipro-trueresult-twist/ If you can get hold of one, then I recommend it for taking with you as you exercise. Thanks a lot. Apreciate all the information.

Oct 22, 2013 Warwick 423 posts	Topic: General Discussion / afternoon hypos Given that the rest of your readings are pretty good, I agree with novorapidboi26 that reducing your lunchtime QA would be the best move here. The goal is to get those afternoon BGs higher than they are, and reducing lunchtime QA will be the most effective way to do it without unbalancing the rest of the day. Try a unit at a time, and test regularly to see what results you get. You can then either reduce further or get a good idea of how much you need to reduce lunchtime QA by each day. The beauty of that suggestion is that you can leave your lunchtime QA as is for weekends when you don't have hypos. I'd be reluctant to change BI, because it can affect the rest of the day. Changing BI is more for when all daily readings are too high or too low.

Oct 21, 2013 youone 102 posts	Topic: General Discussion / afternoon hypos Hi Its not uncommon for those on a single shot of BI( Basel) to have hypos midway As been advised above a chat with your Dafne support nurse would be the 1st option I'm no longer on MDI which I took a single shot of Basel (30u) seems really high now looking back. I also did this for the DP which resulted in me not counting 2 CP's at miday in my calculations for the QA This has come clear on the pod my basel is lower and my IC is higher in fact its 1 to 14g of carb. This could be a discussion point for you to concider changing to a pump, that way you can reduce the chance of DP and alter your miday IC level.especially when your at work Also having a different setting for your Basel say between 10am and 2 pm this would help with your hypo issue.

Oct 21, 2013 youone 102 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Fed up Overlis said: In fed up of been diabetic, injecting and testing my blood sugars! I know there is nothing I can do about it I've had it 25 years but today today I really wonder wether it's all worth it! Sorry for the down post but actually today not sure why I'm bothered just know that another 25 yrs of this is unfair fed up of always having to check labels when out with friends and popping off all the time! Sorry rant over Hi As the previous posts, having a moan is a good thing, I've had type1 since I was 11 that's 42 years, its not easy can be a right pain, but that's life, I've seen and done some great things,still hoping to see and do many more. Someone mentioned a pump, I changed to a pump recently its been super. I found the best thing is find other type1 diabetics meet up have a chat take up a sport together your not alone We all go through rough times that's what makes our personality's Where unique and special people :-)

Oct 20, 2013 Rabia 1 post	Topic: General Discussion / help with counting carbs for pasta hi, i been having problems too with my pasta but will defiantly do a trial of splitting the QA and hopefully that can avoid my hypo's.

Oct 20, 2013 rockape671 1 post	Topic: General Discussion / help with counting carbs for pasta I had the same problem so started to split the dose and it seems to have sorted it. Personally, if I have spag bol, it's normally 7 units of QA, I'll have 5 units immediately before and then 2 units 2 hours later. I also try to avoid exercise immediately after the pasta.

Oct 19, 2013 HelenP 218 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Traveling to China Hey Sarah, When I went to China I took a couple of packs of "muesli bars" with known carbs and when meals were late or of uncertain sweetness I chewed on one of these. Basically if you stick to the steamed vegetables and fish, chicken you will not get into much trouble. I also ate the staple kongee (rice porridge) every morning as I found it filled me up and was delicious. As said previously they often finish a meal with fresh fruit. The food bought on the streets can be deceptively sweet. Have a great time. Helen

Oct 19, 2013 JayBee 587 posts	Topic: General Discussion / help with counting carbs for pasta When working out the carbs for things like pasta/rice/jacket potatoes, try to do it before it is cooked because when it has been cooked, the water it has retained can vary so it is safer to count it before cooking it. Hope this helps.

Oct 19, 2013 Warwick 423 posts	Topic: General Discussion / help with counting carbs for pasta Pasta tends to be digested slowly, so it can be normal to hypo even after taking the correct amount of QA. However, if you don't take the correct amount, then you may find that you avoid the hypo, but your BGs rise after a few hours, so you might want to consider taking two injections 90 minutes apart, and splitting the dose which could avoid both the hypo and the later high BGs.

Oct 19, 2013 jammerd1 1 post	Topic: General Discussion / help with counting carbs for pasta I would like to hear other peoples advise on pasta i always think i have counted the carbs right but always end up havin a hypo after eating. If people have any tips I would be great full.

Oct 18, 2013 JayBee 587 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Fed up It might be worth asking your employer to see if they can do more to help you (they are legally supposed to). A diabetic needs a lot of flexibility (which it sounds like you lack it from your comments about work) so it's worth seeing if you can see if they can help you out. Sometimes asking can lead to a worthwhile role change (it did with me - I'm so glad I spoke up)... or as NRboi has also noted you could then ask your health team about a pump if you wish to go on to that route (it does however mean new insulin regime). Knowing you have issues at work, potentially daily, messing you around, no wonder you're fed up with your health maintenance. I know I was before getting the help (on a side note though, I'm not one for snacking as I lack confidence in my doses). Best wishes.

Oct 18, 2013 Louise1988 69 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Accu-Chek Aviva Expert Meters Thanks, Warwick!

Oct 18, 2013 Warwick 423 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Accu-Chek Aviva Expert Meters https://www.accu-chek.co.uk/gb/customerservice/contactus/index.html - request a case and the data cable. Where it recommends a dose, scroll down to the bolus line, press the middle button (between the scrolling buttons), use the scrolling button to change the amount, then press the middle button again.