Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Jan 8, 2013

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

I am just back from an appointment at the Ophthalmology clinic because my recent eye photographs had spotted 'observable maculopathy'. But after lots of drops and eye poking I was told there is no maculopathy, but I still have to return in 6 months.......

Pleased that they said there was nothing but un pleased on having to return.....

The main reasons for this happening I believe was my blood pressure, there was a few months where I monitored at home and seen high readings, yet I done nothing, I was re medicated and my BP returned to pretty much normal.......

I am quite confidant with the right medication I can avoid getting lasers etc.......

Jan 8, 2013

Alan 49 284 posts

Topic: General Discussion / 5htp

John
Can you please explain what 5htp is?

Jan 8, 2013

Warwick 425 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Carb Free/ Exercise Question

I trained as a personal trainer a few years ago, and when it comes to weight loss, I learned the following:

1) Aim for 1/2 a kilo per week weight loss. Anything more than 1 kg weight per week is unhealthy and potentially dangerous.

2) Weigh yourself only once per week or less. Your weight will fluctuate from day to day naturally, so daily weighing is not helpful.

3) The best results are seen from a combination of introducing healthy food, as well as exercise that involves both cardio (such as walking/running, cycling, and load bearing, e.g. weights. As mentioned above, lower GI foods such as brown rice and whole grain bread rather than white rice and white bread will help here. You should feel fuller for longer, and blood sugars should be better too as it takes longer to break down the lower GI foods, so you avoid big peaks and troughs in your BG readings.

4) Introduce variety to your diet. One of the most important tasks I was given on my PT course, was to write down everything I had eaten the previous day. I then counted up every different type of food that I had eaten. The aim was to have at least 25 different types of food, e.g. a salad might be 5 different types of food - capsicum, lettuce, tomato, feta cheese, carrot. Having a high number of different types of food means that you are likely to be getting all of the nutrients you need. (Note, 25 different types of chocolate bar is not allowed :-) )

If you are going to begin exercising, then see a doctor first, and start gentle, especially with T1D. I find weights can lead to a hypo fast. "Drizzling" carbs during exercise, e.g. sipping sports drink helps, but you don't want to have to do that too much or you will put on weight from taking in more carbs than you are burning. It is much better to reduce basal insulin prior to exercise, or exercise shortly after a meal, where you have reduced QA.

Hope that this helps.

Warwick.

Jan 7, 2013

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Carb Free/ Exercise Question

days to kick in

Jan 7, 2013

Teanosugar 25 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Carb Free/ Exercise Question

That's interesting to learn about Lantus not being flexible. But at the same time I am reluctant to change insulin because my BMs are consistently good for the first time since being diabetic (now almost sixteen years). Before Lantus I was on Isophane for many years which, in retrospect, was fairly rubbish (or at least how I was taking it was not working for me). When I started carb counting about six months ago my specialist nurse put me on Lantus straight away and I now see it as a sort of miracle potion because within days my BMs started to come down to being less than 10 most of the time. Before then it was always too high and then I'd have random hypos. My BMs sometimes go a little haywire, but on the whole I am happy with them.

However I do have a hospital appointment about a new BM machine on the 18th so I will mention it then. Thanks for that information.

I don't really know what you mean by testing my Lantus. I can only presume you mean by having a carb free meal, but I will have wait to see what is meant as this is terminology I am not familiar with.

Thanks again Smile

Jan 7, 2013

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / cps in a pomehranate?

Is the flesh of this fruit actually eaten........?

Jan 7, 2013

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Carb Free/ Exercise Question

I would way that being on Lantus is not really suitable for someone who want to exercise regularly, as you cant adjust it to cope with the higher sensitivity brought on by activity........

I would ask about Levemir.......

When did you last test your Lantus...

Jan 7, 2013

John Marrable 11 posts

Topic: General Discussion / 5htp

Just wondering if anyone has had any experience taking 5htp and noticed impacts on their blood glucose level? Personally I have experienced high blood glucose following intake of 5htp.

Jan 7, 2013

richard_g 14 posts

Topic: General Discussion / retinopathy

Rhys,

Sorry my reply was short last night as I was in a hurry. I hope things work out well for you. I would probably share your thought about achieving good control from day 1 but its human nature to think all will be well and its now just history. I don't think we could have been described as being reckless with HbA1cs of around 8.5 it just obviously not good enough. Bit of a warning to others out there to look after themselves as best they can.

Cheers

Richard_g

Jan 7, 2013

annmarie bar... 4 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / cps in a pomehranate?

thanks very much Helen, I've been trying to find out for the last few days with no luck.

Jan 6, 2013

richard_g 14 posts

Topic: General Discussion / retinopathy

Thanks for the post. I'd been running an HbA1c of about 8.6 for a long while and been diabetic for thirteen years. I'm working hard to improve it so will hope for the best. Still pretty scarey though.

Jan 6, 2013

HelenP 218 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / cps in a pomehranate?

My Women's Weekly "fat + carb pocket guide" states that 100g of raw, peeled pomegranate has 14g of carbohydrate. I probably would not worry about the seeds and would weigh the first one to get a rough idea of size and go from there. Helen

Jan 6, 2013

Teanosugar 25 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Carb Free/ Exercise Question

Simon - thanks very much for the help; especially the link. That's the kind of information I've been hunting for. I have made a lot of dietary tweaks in the last month so hopefully this will start to kick in and I'll see some results soon. I have recently purchased some digital bathroom scales which aren't working properly so I can't yet monitor my weight loss closely. I am now of the opinion that a carb free meal is not the way to go; I just need to keep eating healthily and exercise more.

novorapidboi26 - If by BI you mean background insulin (sorry I am new to this forum!) I am on Lantus. I inject 30 units at 7p.m. My QA is Humalog and it's working on a 1 unit to 1 CP a day.

My Body Mass Index, using the NHS calculator and a pair of unreliable scales, puts me at 24.75 which is 11 stone 4 pounds, 5 foot and 7 inches. I want to lose about one stone over the next few months and maintain it.

I last did my BMI properly about three months ago with my diabetes dietician. My weight is using scales that keep giving me inconsistent readings so I'm going to be taking them back at some point this week.

Thanks both!

Jan 6, 2013

annmarie bar... 4 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / cps in a pomehranate?

does anyone know how many cps are in a pomegranate? I've had . no luck trying to find out and do I count it as 1 pomegranate equals so many cps or do I peel it and weigh the seeds inside to get the cp count?

Jan 6, 2013

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Carb Free/ Exercise Question

I suppose cutting carbs down a bit will help with the weight loss as your calorie intake will go down, it will certainly make managing your blood sugars much easier......

I think in order to see good results the exercise is essential and so I think it will be a BI reduction scenario for you instead of taking on more carbs while exercising and after..........it takes time to establish what activity needs what reduction for each and every individual, but once you know this, I would think dropping some carbs off here and there shouldn't give you much problems with your exercise and blood sugars.......

What BI are you on? When did you last test it?

Jan 6, 2013

Simon 578 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Carb Free/ Exercise Question

Hi Rhys,

I would say that eating a couple of carb free meals a week won't aid you in weight loss on its own. In my weight loss pursuit I've found that eating little often keeps the metabolism high which burns off more calories. It's about eating the right kind of carbs - brown rice, pasta, sweet potato, wholegrains etc are all good as they have a lower glycaemic index than refined carbs like pizza, white bread, pasta, and so they cause fewer/lower sugar spikes.

See more useful nutrition tips here under the Fat Loss Nutrition Information heading.

Also if you're exercising you'll need some carbohydrate intake beforehand as carbs are the fuel the body needs to function. Eating a carb free meal (and so not taking insulin) then exercising may have unpredictable results - you may have some background insulin left which is accelerated when you exercise which could lead to a hypo, however if you have no insulin in you then the hormones produced as a result of exercise might actually push your sugars up.

Hope this helps!

Simon

Jan 6, 2013

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Eating out / Takeaways

I think if possible its always better to get the insulin in before, as it takes a few minutes to get going and sometimes needs more time to be underway to meet the digestion of your meal........

So if your out and don't know the carb count and whether you will finish it all etc, then it w be OK to inject after each course.............I personally would guess the carbs for both courses then inject......

Jan 6, 2013

Stew B 125 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Eating out / Takeaways

Of course, with takeaways it's a good idea to open the containers before injecting, just to make sure that you've got what you think you ordered.. I once injected for the chow mein I thought I'd ordered, only to find chop suey when I opened the container!

Jan 5, 2013

Teanosugar 25 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Eating out / Takeaways

When I eat out I inject per course once the food is at the table as to play safe (usually just before eating depending on my BM). Sometimes I've injected three or four times in a sitting. It's probably good to do the same with a takeaway so you don't inject for all the food and then find that you are full half way through or the insulin kicks in before you've had time to eat everything. It's kind of like 'inject as you go' if you will. I suppose there's more reason to do it per course when eating out so you can actually see the food portions and also to prevent problems if there is a big delay with being served etc.

Jan 5, 2013

mum2westiesGill 502 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Eating out / Takeaways

If I was eating a meal out I think what usually works best for me if I was having a starter then main course is to inject after each course.

Is this is an ok thing to do?

If it is then maybe i should do this when having a takeaway at home too.

Jan 5, 2013

Teanosugar 25 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Carb Free/ Exercise Question

Hi everyone,

I am at the high end of my BMI and want to lose about a stone before I am officially classed as overweight. I am just wondering if eating one or two carb free meal at weekends would help with this? I think if I did it through the week while I'm at work I would end up having a hypo or feeling like I was going to hypo because when I get really hungry it's often a similar feeling to when I'm just going into a hypo (even if my blood isn't low). However I am also planning on exercise at weekends when I have some free time so I am thinking that a carb free meal may increase the risk of a hypo?

My blood sugar readings are generally below 10 although every so often my 1 unit to 1 CP ratio inexplicably stops working for a week or so. I hypo about once or twice a week at the moment, but not too seriously.

Has anyone on here got any advice?

Thanks,

Rhys

Jan 4, 2013

Teanosugar 25 posts

Topic: General Discussion / retinopathy

...my first ever post! I graduated from DAFNE around October last year. I have been type 1 for exactly sixteen years come the end of this month (I am now twenty-nine going on thirty). I have had background retinopathy for about three years, and have had two lots of eye surgery in one eye and one lot in the other eye. Apparently I don't have bad leakage; it's just that where the leakage is happening is close to the centre of my vision which is what causes the serious problems. Anyway my experience is that the surgery very slightly damages your vision, but you can only notice it when you shut the eye that hasn't had the surgery. Other people on the DAFNE course said they also noticed changes in their vision after surgery. It's like a little shadowy blip, but a weird blue colour. I feared that having both eyes lasered would mean that I would constantly see these blips all the time, but fortunately this isn't true. Your other eye cancels out the bad vision. And the surgery doesn't hurt although my last lot was very intense and I left feeling exhausted.

Now for some reassurance on this subject: getting your blood sugar under better control can stabilize retinopathy and prevent it from getting worse. I think it can even settle down for various reasons. I asked the specialist doctor this very question on the DAFNE course as I obviously fear serious sight impairment and needed to know the facts. She said it can come and go and stabilize with good control, but the rule of thumb is that the better controlled you are, the slower the rate of nerve damage. I've been going to the hospital every four months for the last three years and since carb counting, it is the first time the eye specialist told me that there's a slight improvement. My HbA1c has come down from an average of 8.5 to my last one being 7.1 since carb counting. I still have to go every four months, but hopefully they may start lengthening the duration to six months and then a year etc.

So basically don't worry too much. It can ebb and flow. Just do your best to keep your blood sugar under control through this carb counting business. Honestly; I wish I had done this from day 1, but back in the mid nineties I was basically told to avoid sugar and guess as best as I can. I had no idea that things had moved on until I finally got worried about my eyes and thought I'd best see someone. Now I feel that I'm on the right track.

Sorry for the massive story.

All the best,

Rhys

Jan 3, 2013

mum2westiesGill 502 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Roast Dinner

Warwick said:
Sounds good to me. Possibly depends on how much gravy you have and what is in it. If it has flour, then you may want to account for that too.

Thank you for your reply. I only have a drop of gravy and it's the lazy version of gravy granuels Sad

novorapidboi26 said:
I would also guesstimate around 3/4CHO for the above meal.......

Thank you for your reply Very Happy

Jan 3, 2013

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Roast Dinner

I would also guesstimate around 3/4CHO for the above meal....... Very Happy

Jan 3, 2013

Carolin 83 posts

Topic: General Discussion / diabetic logo tatoo

Hi,

I'm not sure how well the blue circle symbol would be recognised, but the serpent-entwined rod (Rod of Asclepius) is the internationally recognised medical symbol which as Simon rightly says is normally 'worn' close to a pulse point so it's easily seen by emergency staff.

Carolin

Jan 8, 2013 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / retinopathy I am just back from an appointment at the Ophthalmology clinic because my recent eye photographs had spotted 'observable maculopathy'. But after lots of drops and eye poking I was told there is no maculopathy, but I still have to return in 6 months....... Pleased that they said there was nothing but un pleased on having to return..... The main reasons for this happening I believe was my blood pressure, there was a few months where I monitored at home and seen high readings, yet I done nothing, I was re medicated and my BP returned to pretty much normal....... I am quite confidant with the right medication I can avoid getting lasers etc.......

Jan 8, 2013 Alan 49 284 posts	Topic: General Discussion / 5htp John Can you please explain what 5htp is?

Jan 8, 2013 Warwick 425 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Carb Free/ Exercise Question I trained as a personal trainer a few years ago, and when it comes to weight loss, I learned the following: 1) Aim for 1/2 a kilo per week weight loss. Anything more than 1 kg weight per week is unhealthy and potentially dangerous. 2) Weigh yourself only once per week or less. Your weight will fluctuate from day to day naturally, so daily weighing is not helpful. 3) The best results are seen from a combination of introducing healthy food, as well as exercise that involves both cardio (such as walking/running, cycling, and load bearing, e.g. weights. As mentioned above, lower GI foods such as brown rice and whole grain bread rather than white rice and white bread will help here. You should feel fuller for longer, and blood sugars should be better too as it takes longer to break down the lower GI foods, so you avoid big peaks and troughs in your BG readings. 4) Introduce variety to your diet. One of the most important tasks I was given on my PT course, was to write down everything I had eaten the previous day. I then counted up every different type of food that I had eaten. The aim was to have at least 25 different types of food, e.g. a salad might be 5 different types of food - capsicum, lettuce, tomato, feta cheese, carrot. Having a high number of different types of food means that you are likely to be getting all of the nutrients you need. (Note, 25 different types of chocolate bar is not allowed :-) ) If you are going to begin exercising, then see a doctor first, and start gentle, especially with T1D. I find weights can lead to a hypo fast. "Drizzling" carbs during exercise, e.g. sipping sports drink helps, but you don't want to have to do that too much or you will put on weight from taking in more carbs than you are burning. It is much better to reduce basal insulin prior to exercise, or exercise shortly after a meal, where you have reduced QA. Hope that this helps. Warwick.

Jan 7, 2013 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Carb Free/ Exercise Question days to kick in

Jan 7, 2013 Teanosugar 25 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Carb Free/ Exercise Question That's interesting to learn about Lantus not being flexible. But at the same time I am reluctant to change insulin because my BMs are consistently good for the first time since being diabetic (now almost sixteen years). Before Lantus I was on Isophane for many years which, in retrospect, was fairly rubbish (or at least how I was taking it was not working for me). When I started carb counting about six months ago my specialist nurse put me on Lantus straight away and I now see it as a sort of miracle potion because within days my BMs started to come down to being less than 10 most of the time. Before then it was always too high and then I'd have random hypos. My BMs sometimes go a little haywire, but on the whole I am happy with them. However I do have a hospital appointment about a new BM machine on the 18th so I will mention it then. Thanks for that information. I don't really know what you mean by testing my Lantus. I can only presume you mean by having a carb free meal, but I will have wait to see what is meant as this is terminology I am not familiar with. Thanks again

Jan 7, 2013 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / cps in a pomehranate? Is the flesh of this fruit actually eaten........?

Jan 7, 2013 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Carb Free/ Exercise Question I would way that being on Lantus is not really suitable for someone who want to exercise regularly, as you cant adjust it to cope with the higher sensitivity brought on by activity........ I would ask about Levemir....... When did you last test your Lantus...

Jan 7, 2013 John Marrable 11 posts	Topic: General Discussion / 5htp Just wondering if anyone has had any experience taking 5htp and noticed impacts on their blood glucose level? Personally I have experienced high blood glucose following intake of 5htp.

Jan 7, 2013 richard_g 14 posts	Topic: General Discussion / retinopathy Rhys, Sorry my reply was short last night as I was in a hurry. I hope things work out well for you. I would probably share your thought about achieving good control from day 1 but its human nature to think all will be well and its now just history. I don't think we could have been described as being reckless with HbA1cs of around 8.5 it just obviously not good enough. Bit of a warning to others out there to look after themselves as best they can. Cheers Richard_g

Jan 7, 2013 annmarie bar... 4 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / cps in a pomehranate? thanks very much Helen, I've been trying to find out for the last few days with no luck.

Jan 6, 2013 richard_g 14 posts	Topic: General Discussion / retinopathy Thanks for the post. I'd been running an HbA1c of about 8.6 for a long while and been diabetic for thirteen years. I'm working hard to improve it so will hope for the best. Still pretty scarey though.

Jan 6, 2013 HelenP 218 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / cps in a pomehranate? My Women's Weekly "fat + carb pocket guide" states that 100g of raw, peeled pomegranate has 14g of carbohydrate. I probably would not worry about the seeds and would weigh the first one to get a rough idea of size and go from there. Helen

Jan 6, 2013 Teanosugar 25 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Carb Free/ Exercise Question Simon - thanks very much for the help; especially the link. That's the kind of information I've been hunting for. I have made a lot of dietary tweaks in the last month so hopefully this will start to kick in and I'll see some results soon. I have recently purchased some digital bathroom scales which aren't working properly so I can't yet monitor my weight loss closely. I am now of the opinion that a carb free meal is not the way to go; I just need to keep eating healthily and exercise more. novorapidboi26 - If by BI you mean background insulin (sorry I am new to this forum!) I am on Lantus. I inject 30 units at 7p.m. My QA is Humalog and it's working on a 1 unit to 1 CP a day. My Body Mass Index, using the NHS calculator and a pair of unreliable scales, puts me at 24.75 which is 11 stone 4 pounds, 5 foot and 7 inches. I want to lose about one stone over the next few months and maintain it. I last did my BMI properly about three months ago with my diabetes dietician. My weight is using scales that keep giving me inconsistent readings so I'm going to be taking them back at some point this week. Thanks both!

Jan 6, 2013 annmarie bar... 4 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / cps in a pomehranate? does anyone know how many cps are in a pomegranate? I've had . no luck trying to find out and do I count it as 1 pomegranate equals so many cps or do I peel it and weigh the seeds inside to get the cp count?

Jan 6, 2013 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Carb Free/ Exercise Question I suppose cutting carbs down a bit will help with the weight loss as your calorie intake will go down, it will certainly make managing your blood sugars much easier...... I think in order to see good results the exercise is essential and so I think it will be a BI reduction scenario for you instead of taking on more carbs while exercising and after..........it takes time to establish what activity needs what reduction for each and every individual, but once you know this, I would think dropping some carbs off here and there shouldn't give you much problems with your exercise and blood sugars....... What BI are you on? When did you last test it?

Jan 6, 2013 Simon 578 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Carb Free/ Exercise Question Hi Rhys, I would say that eating a couple of carb free meals a week won't aid you in weight loss on its own. In my weight loss pursuit I've found that eating little often keeps the metabolism high which burns off more calories. It's about eating the right kind of carbs - brown rice, pasta, sweet potato, wholegrains etc are all good as they have a lower glycaemic index than refined carbs like pizza, white bread, pasta, and so they cause fewer/lower sugar spikes. See more useful nutrition tips here under the Fat Loss Nutrition Information heading. Also if you're exercising you'll need some carbohydrate intake beforehand as carbs are the fuel the body needs to function. Eating a carb free meal (and so not taking insulin) then exercising may have unpredictable results - you may have some background insulin left which is accelerated when you exercise which could lead to a hypo, however if you have no insulin in you then the hormones produced as a result of exercise might actually push your sugars up. Hope this helps! Simon

Jan 6, 2013 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Eating out / Takeaways I think if possible its always better to get the insulin in before, as it takes a few minutes to get going and sometimes needs more time to be underway to meet the digestion of your meal........ So if your out and don't know the carb count and whether you will finish it all etc, then it w be OK to inject after each course.............I personally would guess the carbs for both courses then inject......

Jan 6, 2013 Stew B 125 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Eating out / Takeaways Of course, with takeaways it's a good idea to open the containers before injecting, just to make sure that you've got what you think you ordered.. I once injected for the chow mein I thought I'd ordered, only to find chop suey when I opened the container!

Jan 5, 2013 Teanosugar 25 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Eating out / Takeaways When I eat out I inject per course once the food is at the table as to play safe (usually just before eating depending on my BM). Sometimes I've injected three or four times in a sitting. It's probably good to do the same with a takeaway so you don't inject for all the food and then find that you are full half way through or the insulin kicks in before you've had time to eat everything. It's kind of like 'inject as you go' if you will. I suppose there's more reason to do it per course when eating out so you can actually see the food portions and also to prevent problems if there is a big delay with being served etc.

Jan 5, 2013 mum2westiesGill 502 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Eating out / Takeaways If I was eating a meal out I think what usually works best for me if I was having a starter then main course is to inject after each course. Is this is an ok thing to do? If it is then maybe i should do this when having a takeaway at home too.

Jan 5, 2013 Teanosugar 25 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Carb Free/ Exercise Question Hi everyone, I am at the high end of my BMI and want to lose about a stone before I am officially classed as overweight. I am just wondering if eating one or two carb free meal at weekends would help with this? I think if I did it through the week while I'm at work I would end up having a hypo or feeling like I was going to hypo because when I get really hungry it's often a similar feeling to when I'm just going into a hypo (even if my blood isn't low). However I am also planning on exercise at weekends when I have some free time so I am thinking that a carb free meal may increase the risk of a hypo? My blood sugar readings are generally below 10 although every so often my 1 unit to 1 CP ratio inexplicably stops working for a week or so. I hypo about once or twice a week at the moment, but not too seriously. Has anyone on here got any advice? Thanks, Rhys

Jan 4, 2013 Teanosugar 25 posts	Topic: General Discussion / retinopathy ...my first ever post! I graduated from DAFNE around October last year. I have been type 1 for exactly sixteen years come the end of this month (I am now twenty-nine going on thirty). I have had background retinopathy for about three years, and have had two lots of eye surgery in one eye and one lot in the other eye. Apparently I don't have bad leakage; it's just that where the leakage is happening is close to the centre of my vision which is what causes the serious problems. Anyway my experience is that the surgery very slightly damages your vision, but you can only notice it when you shut the eye that hasn't had the surgery. Other people on the DAFNE course said they also noticed changes in their vision after surgery. It's like a little shadowy blip, but a weird blue colour. I feared that having both eyes lasered would mean that I would constantly see these blips all the time, but fortunately this isn't true. Your other eye cancels out the bad vision. And the surgery doesn't hurt although my last lot was very intense and I left feeling exhausted. Now for some reassurance on this subject: getting your blood sugar under better control can stabilize retinopathy and prevent it from getting worse. I think it can even settle down for various reasons. I asked the specialist doctor this very question on the DAFNE course as I obviously fear serious sight impairment and needed to know the facts. She said it can come and go and stabilize with good control, but the rule of thumb is that the better controlled you are, the slower the rate of nerve damage. I've been going to the hospital every four months for the last three years and since carb counting, it is the first time the eye specialist told me that there's a slight improvement. My HbA1c has come down from an average of 8.5 to my last one being 7.1 since carb counting. I still have to go every four months, but hopefully they may start lengthening the duration to six months and then a year etc. So basically don't worry too much. It can ebb and flow. Just do your best to keep your blood sugar under control through this carb counting business. Honestly; I wish I had done this from day 1, but back in the mid nineties I was basically told to avoid sugar and guess as best as I can. I had no idea that things had moved on until I finally got worried about my eyes and thought I'd best see someone. Now I feel that I'm on the right track. Sorry for the massive story. All the best, Rhys

Jan 3, 2013 mum2westiesGill 502 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Roast Dinner Warwick said: Sounds good to me. Possibly depends on how much gravy you have and what is in it. If it has flour, then you may want to account for that too. Thank you for your reply. I only have a drop of gravy and it's the lazy version of gravy granuels novorapidboi26 said: I would also guesstimate around 3/4CHO for the above meal....... Thank you for your reply

Jan 3, 2013 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Roast Dinner I would also guesstimate around 3/4CHO for the above meal.......

Jan 3, 2013 Carolin 83 posts	Topic: General Discussion / diabetic logo tatoo Hi, I'm not sure how well the blue circle symbol would be recognised, but the serpent-entwined rod (Rod of Asclepius) is the internationally recognised medical symbol which as Simon rightly says is normally 'worn' close to a pulse point so it's easily seen by emergency staff. Carolin