Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Sep 7, 2024

Annette Bell 72 posts

Topic: Site Development / On line carb counter

I know how you feel about the DUAG. It started off with lots of ideas and ambitions but nothing actually seemed to happen. Shame, it could have been a good resource. It was nice to have met you and the other members. I’m glad you’re still operating the website. Take care! Annette

Sep 7, 2024

Annette Bell 72 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Libre Link 2 alarm signal loss in the night

I think, but I’m not sure, that when I had a Libre I could turn off signal loss alarms but keep the low and high alarms switched on. Signal loss usually rights itself once signal is restored. I now use a Dexcom 1 and only tend to get signal loss alarms if I leave my phone in another room!

Sep 4, 2024

marke 686 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Libre Link 2 alarm signal loss in the night

For me, I would want to fix the signal loss. The idea of CGM is to warn you if you are going too low or too high. If you are not really concerned about this , why do you wear the Libre ? Just curious not being critical in any way. I need mine as I can go low overnight and have been woken by the CGM multiple times because I was going low and needed a Hypo Treatment. That's why for me personally, fixing the signal loss is most important.

Turning it off does in effect put you back to just finger pricking but as you will have seen having worn a Libre, 4 times a day misses a huge amount of information that could be used to better manage your diabetes. In theory the data should all appear when the signal is restored, I don't know how much data a Libre can hold though before some is over ridden and you lose it completely.

Sep 2, 2024

Reg 15 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Libre Link 2 alarm signal loss in the night

Thanks for taking the trouble to reply Mark

I just wondered if it makes too much difference to switch it off during the signal loss alarm at night as it's no difference to someone who doesn't have a sensor and just finger pricks during the day?

Sep 2, 2024

marke 686 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Libre Link 2 alarm signal loss in the night

I use a Dexcom G6 rather than a Libre but its pretty much the same thing. I also read a lot of Reddit forums on the Dexcom and a lot of Dexcom G7 users have complained about similar issues. The explination makes sense. If the phone is on the other side of your body on a nightstand, the Bluetooth signal gets attenuated ( or absorbed) by the body and so doesn't reach your phone. The G7 like a Libre is a small disk which doesn't contain much space for a transmitter or a battery, so the bluetooth has a relatively short range, which when added to the body absortion causes the signal loss.
Personally I am now lucky enough to have a Tandem T:Slim2 pump which also links to the dexcom, since I keep the pump on my waste band on the same side as the Dexcom , the signal has a lot less distance to travel and so I don't get signal loss errors Laughing

Sep 2, 2024

marke 686 posts

Topic: Site Development / On line carb counter

Hi Annette,
We have had quite a discussion with the current DAFNE Programme Team. As you say they no longer provide a carb book ( except in one instance , the Closed Loop Pump Course). They told us to remove the Carb Counting stuff we have and use Carbs & Cals. We can't do this as we don't have permission to use Carbs & Cals data on our site as its copyrighted and a charged for App ( with In-App purchases). We are therefore going to keep it until we are forced to remove it. Anyone can add values to our Carb area , these can be filtered out of people don't want to see user added values.

I have no idea what happened to the DUAG as I left it years ago. I know it was carrying on until a couple of years ago as we got feedback that someone on it was complaining about our site. The complaints were never made to us and we have no idea what they were. It just convinced me even more that I took the correct decision to step down form the DUAG. It never seemed to really go anywhere or have much an effect on the DAFNE Programme. In theory it was a good idea in reality I don't think it ever happened Sad

Aug 22, 2024

Reg 15 posts

Topic: General Discussion / LibreLink2 Alarm notifications

A bit late to the party but I have had similar experience but on the one hand turning off the Alarm defeats the object, but on the other hand, people who only finger prick are in a similar position I guess? Is it that important at night?

Aug 21, 2024

Reg 15 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Libre Link 2 alarm signal loss in the night

I would be interested to know of others experience with Libre Link 2 with the loss of signal alarm going off in the night. Very frustrating but is there any harm in switching this off at night as it is no different to Diabetics who are relying on finger pricking and are not doing this during the night?

Aug 20, 2024

Annette Bell 72 posts

Topic: Site Development / On line carb counter

I’m not sure if you know, but they don’t seem to be giving out DAFNE’s own carb books any more. At the refresher course they gave us the Carbs&Cals book and recommended that we download the accompanying app. so maybe they’re not bothering updating any more? I was remembering our DUAG meetings the other day. Are they still a thing? x

Aug 20, 2024

marke 686 posts

Topic: Site Development / On line carb counter

Hi,
Its updated if we are provided updates. We haven't been provided any for a while, so I will email the DAFNE Management Team and see if they have forgotted about us again Sad

Jul 29, 2024

Annette Bell 72 posts

Topic: Site Development / On line carb counter

Hi! Is the carb counting book on the app updated regularly? e.g. the CP value of jacket potatoes is different from the value given on my recent DAFNE refresher course. 🤔

Jun 19, 2024

lucy1gus2 13 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Lucozade alternative

Morning all
Has anyone tried Todds Enerzade as an alternative to Lucozade. Manufactured in Belfast and claimed by customers to be an alternaive to the changed Lucozade formula and with no artificial sweeteners.
Unfortunately not available locally at present

Jun 9, 2024

BillyH 3 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Own meals

I was having difficulty in working out carbs and insulin requirements and was constantly having to work out corrections by either exercise (for highs) or additional insulin (for lows).
Then I was introduced to the practise of reducing total carbs by the amount of fibre in food. If food has 20g carbs and 5g of fibre, I calculate insulin using 15g carbs. My control is amazing, averaging 98% in range over a three month period.
Reducing carbs by fibre is not the only part of the calculation and I still get highs and lows, but much less often and if I'm really clever, I can predict and anticipate them.
The most important part of my routine it is essential to know exactly what I am eating - If I can't weight it or find a nutritional value, I don't eat it. And, knowing what foods will trigger a high or low regardless of my routine - white bread and white potatoes are definitely out as they cause very rapid spikes for me.

Jun 5, 2024

Warwick 425 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Sick day rules

BI. It might take a day or two for the changes to appear, so watch out for hypos during that period.

May 27, 2024

BillyH 3 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Libre Freestyle 2

If you get false reading that cannot be explained its important to notify the manufacturer to allow them to look into it. If necessary they will tell you to change the sensor and send a free replacement. When using Freestyle Libre 2, Abbott often asked me to return the sensor to them for checking but Dexcom has never asked for a return.
When calling you will be asked for information about sensor, transmitter (if appropriate), activities around the times of errors, and the time of error and finger prick result. All manufacturers have a 'tolerance' level for errors and will advise if that applies.
Both Abbott and Dexcom have told me it is important for them to receive information about erroneous readings as it helps identify common issues or if there is a problem with a batch of sensors.
Making the phone calls are very beneficial for the user too. When I changed from Libre 2 to Dexcom G6 it was on the advice of Abbott because, they said, I might not be suited to Libre, and I am moving from Dexcom G6 to G7 following advice from Dexcom who identified the construction of the G7 might suit me better. Both manufacturers are more than happy to receive any calls regarding their products.

May 27, 2024

BillyH 3 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Dextro energy tablets

I use three means to dealing with hypos.
The first is Rapilose gel for a rapid and excessive drop in glucose levels. These are prescribed by my GP.
The second is Dextro tablets which I use if I notice a hypo approaching or my G6 warns me of approaching imminent low.
The final is flapjack bars which I use if I am going to undertake an activity such as gardening that might lead to a hypo. If my BG is around 5.8 upwards and I have to do something strenuous I will judge how long it will take and vary the size of flapjack accordingly but never more than 50g at any one time.
I find using different means allows me to deal with the hypo, or potential hypo, in a way that allows me to continue my activities safely and I don't have to worry about overtreating.

May 24, 2024

Reg 15 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Sick day rules

If you have increased BI and QA for minor illness, which one do you reduce first when you are feeling better and your BG is back in range

Apr 18, 2024

Warwick 425 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Dextro energy tablets

We can all respond differently, so it would probably be worth treating a few hypos with one, and then a few hypos with the other and seeing if you notice any difference between the two for you personally.

For myself, something liquid like juice or soft drink tends to act fastest, but most of the time I use jelly beans as those are sufficient. I have used Dextro in the past, but jelly beans tend to be much cheaper for much the same BG rise response so I stick with those. I'm not familiar with Lift chews.

Mar 25, 2024

Reg 15 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Dextro energy tablets

Are Dextro any better than say Lift fast acting glucose chews when at risk of a Hypo?

Jan 21, 2024

Warwick 425 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Increase of insulin needed after Covid-19

Thanks Ruth.

A1C of 49 is rocking it. Nice one.

Jan 19, 2024

RuthM 2 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Increase of insulin needed after Covid-19

Thank you for your reply Warwick. There doesn't seem to be a night time pattern at the moment. I have increased my Basal Levemir from 12U when I get up to 14U and from 5U when I go to bed to 7U. I found that my BG were higher after I had Covid the 1st time in Nov 2021 but wasn't sure enough to directly blame Covid. It happened again when I got it in October 2023 and is still unpredictable. Sometimes BG rises steadily when I am in bed and other times drops down and the Libre alarm wakes me. I will try to do as you suggest and eat earlier so I have 4 clear hours before bed to do the test. My HbA1C in 2020 was 43mmol/L or 61% which concerned the medics as too low and in the end I was allowed to have Libre on NHS to try to raise it. It was tricky to get used to higher BG levels after 30+ years trying to keep it low but now its 49mmol/L or 6.6% estimated on my Libre report. I do find my BG rises by 2-3 as soon as I get up in the morning without eating which I always thought was the 'dawn phenomenon'. Its a learning curve and we are fortunate to have all this tec at our disposal!

Sep 7, 2024 Annette Bell 72 posts	Topic: Site Development / On line carb counter I know how you feel about the DUAG. It started off with lots of ideas and ambitions but nothing actually seemed to happen. Shame, it could have been a good resource. It was nice to have met you and the other members. I’m glad you’re still operating the website. Take care! Annette

Sep 7, 2024 Annette Bell 72 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Libre Link 2 alarm signal loss in the night I think, but I’m not sure, that when I had a Libre I could turn off signal loss alarms but keep the low and high alarms switched on. Signal loss usually rights itself once signal is restored. I now use a Dexcom 1 and only tend to get signal loss alarms if I leave my phone in another room!

Sep 4, 2024 marke 686 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Libre Link 2 alarm signal loss in the night For me, I would want to fix the signal loss. The idea of CGM is to warn you if you are going too low or too high. If you are not really concerned about this , why do you wear the Libre ? Just curious not being critical in any way. I need mine as I can go low overnight and have been woken by the CGM multiple times because I was going low and needed a Hypo Treatment. That's why for me personally, fixing the signal loss is most important. Turning it off does in effect put you back to just finger pricking but as you will have seen having worn a Libre, 4 times a day misses a huge amount of information that could be used to better manage your diabetes. In theory the data should all appear when the signal is restored, I don't know how much data a Libre can hold though before some is over ridden and you lose it completely.

Sep 2, 2024 Reg 15 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Libre Link 2 alarm signal loss in the night Thanks for taking the trouble to reply Mark I just wondered if it makes too much difference to switch it off during the signal loss alarm at night as it's no difference to someone who doesn't have a sensor and just finger pricks during the day?

Sep 2, 2024 marke 686 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Libre Link 2 alarm signal loss in the night I use a Dexcom G6 rather than a Libre but its pretty much the same thing. I also read a lot of Reddit forums on the Dexcom and a lot of Dexcom G7 users have complained about similar issues. The explination makes sense. If the phone is on the other side of your body on a nightstand, the Bluetooth signal gets attenuated ( or absorbed) by the body and so doesn't reach your phone. The G7 like a Libre is a small disk which doesn't contain much space for a transmitter or a battery, so the bluetooth has a relatively short range, which when added to the body absortion causes the signal loss. Personally I am now lucky enough to have a Tandem T:Slim2 pump which also links to the dexcom, since I keep the pump on my waste band on the same side as the Dexcom , the signal has a lot less distance to travel and so I don't get signal loss errors

Sep 2, 2024 marke 686 posts	Topic: Site Development / On line carb counter Hi Annette, We have had quite a discussion with the current DAFNE Programme Team. As you say they no longer provide a carb book ( except in one instance , the Closed Loop Pump Course). They told us to remove the Carb Counting stuff we have and use Carbs & Cals. We can't do this as we don't have permission to use Carbs & Cals data on our site as its copyrighted and a charged for App ( with In-App purchases). We are therefore going to keep it until we are forced to remove it. Anyone can add values to our Carb area , these can be filtered out of people don't want to see user added values. I have no idea what happened to the DUAG as I left it years ago. I know it was carrying on until a couple of years ago as we got feedback that someone on it was complaining about our site. The complaints were never made to us and we have no idea what they were. It just convinced me even more that I took the correct decision to step down form the DUAG. It never seemed to really go anywhere or have much an effect on the DAFNE Programme. In theory it was a good idea in reality I don't think it ever happened

Aug 22, 2024 Reg 15 posts	Topic: General Discussion / LibreLink2 Alarm notifications A bit late to the party but I have had similar experience but on the one hand turning off the Alarm defeats the object, but on the other hand, people who only finger prick are in a similar position I guess? Is it that important at night?

Aug 21, 2024 Reg 15 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Libre Link 2 alarm signal loss in the night I would be interested to know of others experience with Libre Link 2 with the loss of signal alarm going off in the night. Very frustrating but is there any harm in switching this off at night as it is no different to Diabetics who are relying on finger pricking and are not doing this during the night?

Aug 20, 2024 Annette Bell 72 posts	Topic: Site Development / On line carb counter I’m not sure if you know, but they don’t seem to be giving out DAFNE’s own carb books any more. At the refresher course they gave us the Carbs&Cals book and recommended that we download the accompanying app. so maybe they’re not bothering updating any more? I was remembering our DUAG meetings the other day. Are they still a thing? x

Aug 20, 2024 marke 686 posts	Topic: Site Development / On line carb counter Hi, Its updated if we are provided updates. We haven't been provided any for a while, so I will email the DAFNE Management Team and see if they have forgotted about us again

Jul 29, 2024 Annette Bell 72 posts	Topic: Site Development / On line carb counter Hi! Is the carb counting book on the app updated regularly? e.g. the CP value of jacket potatoes is different from the value given on my recent DAFNE refresher course. 🤔

Jun 19, 2024 lucy1gus2 13 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Lucozade alternative Morning all Has anyone tried Todds Enerzade as an alternative to Lucozade. Manufactured in Belfast and claimed by customers to be an alternaive to the changed Lucozade formula and with no artificial sweeteners. Unfortunately not available locally at present

Jun 9, 2024 BillyH 3 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Own meals I was having difficulty in working out carbs and insulin requirements and was constantly having to work out corrections by either exercise (for highs) or additional insulin (for lows). Then I was introduced to the practise of reducing total carbs by the amount of fibre in food. If food has 20g carbs and 5g of fibre, I calculate insulin using 15g carbs. My control is amazing, averaging 98% in range over a three month period. Reducing carbs by fibre is not the only part of the calculation and I still get highs and lows, but much less often and if I'm really clever, I can predict and anticipate them. The most important part of my routine it is essential to know exactly what I am eating - If I can't weight it or find a nutritional value, I don't eat it. And, knowing what foods will trigger a high or low regardless of my routine - white bread and white potatoes are definitely out as they cause very rapid spikes for me.

Jun 5, 2024 Warwick 425 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Sick day rules BI. It might take a day or two for the changes to appear, so watch out for hypos during that period.

May 27, 2024 BillyH 3 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Libre Freestyle 2 If you get false reading that cannot be explained its important to notify the manufacturer to allow them to look into it. If necessary they will tell you to change the sensor and send a free replacement. When using Freestyle Libre 2, Abbott often asked me to return the sensor to them for checking but Dexcom has never asked for a return. When calling you will be asked for information about sensor, transmitter (if appropriate), activities around the times of errors, and the time of error and finger prick result. All manufacturers have a 'tolerance' level for errors and will advise if that applies. Both Abbott and Dexcom have told me it is important for them to receive information about erroneous readings as it helps identify common issues or if there is a problem with a batch of sensors. Making the phone calls are very beneficial for the user too. When I changed from Libre 2 to Dexcom G6 it was on the advice of Abbott because, they said, I might not be suited to Libre, and I am moving from Dexcom G6 to G7 following advice from Dexcom who identified the construction of the G7 might suit me better. Both manufacturers are more than happy to receive any calls regarding their products.

May 27, 2024 BillyH 3 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Dextro energy tablets I use three means to dealing with hypos. The first is Rapilose gel for a rapid and excessive drop in glucose levels. These are prescribed by my GP. The second is Dextro tablets which I use if I notice a hypo approaching or my G6 warns me of approaching imminent low. The final is flapjack bars which I use if I am going to undertake an activity such as gardening that might lead to a hypo. If my BG is around 5.8 upwards and I have to do something strenuous I will judge how long it will take and vary the size of flapjack accordingly but never more than 50g at any one time. I find using different means allows me to deal with the hypo, or potential hypo, in a way that allows me to continue my activities safely and I don't have to worry about overtreating.

May 24, 2024 Reg 15 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Sick day rules If you have increased BI and QA for minor illness, which one do you reduce first when you are feeling better and your BG is back in range

Apr 18, 2024 Warwick 425 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Dextro energy tablets We can all respond differently, so it would probably be worth treating a few hypos with one, and then a few hypos with the other and seeing if you notice any difference between the two for you personally. For myself, something liquid like juice or soft drink tends to act fastest, but most of the time I use jelly beans as those are sufficient. I have used Dextro in the past, but jelly beans tend to be much cheaper for much the same BG rise response so I stick with those. I'm not familiar with Lift chews.

Mar 25, 2024 Reg 15 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Dextro energy tablets Are Dextro any better than say Lift fast acting glucose chews when at risk of a Hypo?

Jan 21, 2024 Warwick 425 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Increase of insulin needed after Covid-19 Thanks Ruth. A1C of 49 is rocking it. Nice one.

Jan 19, 2024 RuthM 2 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Increase of insulin needed after Covid-19 Thank you for your reply Warwick. There doesn't seem to be a night time pattern at the moment. I have increased my Basal Levemir from 12U when I get up to 14U and from 5U when I go to bed to 7U. I found that my BG were higher after I had Covid the 1st time in Nov 2021 but wasn't sure enough to directly blame Covid. It happened again when I got it in October 2023 and is still unpredictable. Sometimes BG rises steadily when I am in bed and other times drops down and the Libre alarm wakes me. I will try to do as you suggest and eat earlier so I have 4 clear hours before bed to do the test. My HbA1C in 2020 was 43mmol/L or 61% which concerned the medics as too low and in the end I was allowed to have Libre on NHS to try to raise it. It was tricky to get used to higher BG levels after 30+ years trying to keep it low but now its 49mmol/L or 6.6% estimated on my Libre report. I do find my BG rises by 2-3 as soon as I get up in the morning without eating which I always thought was the 'dawn phenomenon'. Its a learning curve and we are fortunate to have all this tec at our disposal!