Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Sep 22, 2012

AshleyB 10 posts

You could have a dawn phenominum where your liver kicks out glucose at 3am. Try a carb free dinner and do a 3am blood check.
You may benift from changing to levimir rather than the Lantus as that may be only lasting about 18-20hrs hence the increase before bed thats if your taking the correct QA with dinner.

Just had the dafne couse this week, its still fresh in the head.

AshleyB

Sep 22, 2012

maria51 22 posts

Topic: Questions ? / Has anyone else had this happen?

marke said:
Hi,
Since this is most likely an allergic reaction it won't make any difference what part of your body you inject it in surely. You are not less allergic to it in your
stomach than your thigh. Its not a major reaction since it sounds like its confined to the injection site, none the less its probably major to you ! NovaCare do have a helpline listed in Oz but the reality is they will be trained in Insulin not allergies. You need to see your diabetes team/doctor really and see what your options are.
Suprisingly (or not) Levemir doesn't just contain Insulin but a number of other ingredients, they are listed here and chances are your body is reacting to one of these things. As others have said you can inject both QA and BI in most sites however the rate of absorbtion does vary so if you do try swapping you probably need to test a bit more to ensure what effect the change has had, remembering that changes may not be immediate but occur over a couple of days.
Sorry I know I haven't helped much, you can try the number on the site I quoted, they should have someone available most of the time if the rules are the same as the UK and they may at least be able to offer some useful advice.

Thank you too Marke, am less confused now and at least I have more info to think about before I see the DE and Endo on Tuesday. Cheers.

Sep 22, 2012

maria51 22 posts

Topic: Questions ? / Has anyone else had this happen?

Phil Maskell said:
Hi,

In all honesty with newer insulins unless you have absorption problems NovoRapid should be fine in thighs, just don't run or cycle after as this will speed up absorption due to muscle use.

Everyones different though so you may have issues with it, but I never have.

Have you tried Levemir in your stomach though? Does it swell up there?

Phil

Thanks Phil for your reply, I haven't done Levemir in stomach but tried it in my butt for the first time last night then checked this morning and had no swelling. Will use it there until I see my DE on Tuesday.

Sep 21, 2012

marke 655 posts

Topic: Questions ? / Has anyone else had this happen?

Hi,
Since this is most likely an allergic reaction it won't make any difference what part of your body you inject it in surely. You are not less allergic to it in your
stomach than your thigh. Its not a major reaction since it sounds like its confined to the injection site, none the less its probably major to you ! NovaCare do have a helpline listed in Oz but the reality is they will be trained in Insulin not allergies. You need to see your diabetes team/doctor really and see what your options are.
Suprisingly (or not) Levemir doesn't just contain Insulin but a number of other ingredients, they are listed here and chances are your body is reacting to one of these things. As others have said you can inject both QA and BI in most sites however the rate of absorbtion does vary so if you do try swapping you probably need to test a bit more to ensure what effect the change has had, remembering that changes may not be immediate but occur over a couple of days.
Sorry I know I haven't helped much, you can try the number on the site I quoted, they should have someone available most of the time if the rules are the same as the UK and they may at least be able to offer some useful advice.

Sep 21, 2012

JayBee 582 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Result.

Golly vic, is it possible that 1QA drops you by 6BG? That's even more than me with a 4BG drop! Surprised

I think I've become poorly in the last 4-5 days so I'll wait for that to clear up first before posting BG diary results again.
Hope everyone's been safe and well!

Edit: Just to update a bit... I'm now on 0.5:1 for breakfast/lunch and 1:1 for dinner. 12/16 Levemir split BI. :3 Hopefully when the illness stuff has passed, I'll get some good numbers!

Sep 21, 2012

Phil Maskell 194 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Result.

Hi,

I would say 4.1 to 5.3 that your BI seems ok

Phil

Sep 21, 2012

Phil Maskell 194 posts

Topic: Questions ? / Has anyone else had this happen?

Hi,

In all honesty with newer insulins unless you have absorption problems NovoRapid should be fine in thighs, just don't run or cycle after as this will speed up absorption due to muscle use.

Everyones different though so you may have issues with it, but I never have.

Have you tried Levemir in your stomach though? Does it swell up there?

Phil

Sep 21, 2012

Anele46 108 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Let's hear your story!

Hi,
I was diagnosed as a Type 1 on Feb 2010 and did the DAFNE course in Feb 2011.
The main reason was I wanted to start a family therefore I was advised to wait a year and then do the DAFNE course.
My HbA1c's have always been good (mostly in part to the "honeymoon" period but also due to my strict regimes of always recording my test results and counting my carbs) from 6.5% to 5.2% which needs to be as low as safely possible to avoid complications during pregancy.

I loved the DAFNE course and can't praise the DAFNE and Diabetic team enough at the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow. My favourite part was meeting other Diabetics from all walks of life and hearing their stories.

My control has been excellent since the course but I've had to be stringent for my baby Smile

I use the DAFNE online site weekly as complete my Blood Glucose Diary weekly and it's nice to read the forums and help others where I can.

I totally agree with Novorapidboi26, DAFNE should be available to all T1 Diabetics as the support and knowledge gained is invaluable but I know it's all down to money Sad

Thouroughly recommend DAFNE and as I am in my 3rd trimester (nearly 28 wks) I can't thank the DAFNE and Daibetic team at my Hospital for all the help and support they have given to me, my husband and my upcoming wee girl Very Happy

Cheers,
Anele.

Sep 21, 2012

maria51 22 posts

Topic: Questions ? / Has anyone else had this happen?

Was wondering if anyone developed swelling and redness (not sore) when injecting Levemir in the thigh? With advice from my endo, I was put onto Levemir because I had too many hypos using Lantus. Now, no hypos, but have noticed my thighs have swelling where I inject Levemir. I spoke to my Dafne educator who advised me to see my doctor asap as it was very rare to get swelling but no such luck at such short notice, so had to see another doctor there whom I don't like or trust because he was totally against Dafne, as he'd never heard of it. He told me to reverse injection sites by using my stomach when injecting Levemir and using my thighs to inject Novorapid ??!! I questioned that if I injected Novorapid into the thigh, wouldn't it take longer to be absorbed therefore higher BGLs for longer, which he agreed with a shrug of his shoulders like it was no big deal, to him, but a big deal, to me! He "passed the buck" and said I should go back to the diabetes clinic (not open until Tuesday) as HE was clearly in over his head Rolling Eyes

Has anyone out there had this swelling and what was the outcome?
Also, has anyone ever heard of injecting Novorapid into the thighs?

I'm eager to hear your opinions
Many thanks. Maria.

Sep 21, 2012

jonmac 6 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Education

I was diagnosed with type 1 in May this year. I'm aged 60 so this was a bit of a shock but I'm coping with insulin and carb counting. I don't have weight problems and have a satisfactory HbA1C. My problem is that I really don't know enough and I would like to attend a course or take an online course. If you are type 2 there seems to be plenty of courses, events etc but for type 1 in Coventry, where I live, there is nothing. Anyone got any ideas?

Sep 20, 2012

novorapidboi26 1,818 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Result.

would be wise to do so, as that's the only way of seeing what your knew Lantus dose is doing.......

Sep 20, 2012

novorapidboi26 1,818 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Result.

have you confirmed that does change with carb free testing..........?

how much above target are you?

Sep 19, 2012

novorapidboi26 1,818 posts

Topic: General Discussion / diary keeping help!

It will definitely help to get on a DAFNE course, as it totally opens your eyes as to how simple it actually is to make sense of the results. And when you see the principals working, you wont want to stop testing.

Well this is what happened to me at least.......

good luck.....

Sep 19, 2012

sarahl84 5 posts

Topic: General Discussion / diary keeping help!

Thanks for taking the time to reply Smile

So far today I have succeeded in recording all my BG, CP & QA so yay me!

My machine does keep a record of my previous readings so I can fall back on that if I forget to add them straight away. I like the fact that it can calculate the QA for you. Like yourself, Phil, I just need to get into the habit of making it part of my testing routine!

I like the idea of just completing one week, so this will be my goal...thanks for that Julia! Smile

Sep 19, 2012

JuliaM 5 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Dafne app

Just noticed there is an update to app that fixes issues saving on ios4....... I will let u know! Smile

thanks

Sep 19, 2012

JuliaM 5 posts

Topic: General Discussion / diary keeping help!

Hi phil and sarah - altho i am currently havin hassle with the comments not saving- see post just left- i do find the app vg. BUT sarah i know exactly what u mean! It is a big faff! My dafne nurse sugg that if i could ONE complete week rather than the very odd entries from time to time that would be much more helpful. Of cors i know this but it gave me permission to focus on the short term recording for a week and that was somehow easier psychologically than feeling it was always such a drag. My next goal is to try and actually have a weekly slot eg sun eve where i review that week of results- otherwise its no point! So then once ive identified one problem area to work on eg bfast then i focus just on fillin in the night and morn qa/bg/cp and not the whole lot. So it helps to be 'on a mission' for just one bit of my day instead of all!

Sep 19, 2012

JuliaM 5 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Dafne app

None of my comments are bein saved when i have tyoed hem in below a record and pressed save. When i go back to that entry the bg and cp and time are all here but not the comment. It is v annoying and im considering goin back to pen and paper diary! Anyone else have this problem?

Sep 19, 2012

Phil Maskell 194 posts

Topic: General Discussion / diary keeping help!

I was going to sugest the smart phone app, but you have that.

Does your BG meter record previous readings? Could you leave them on the meter and enter them in the app for 10 mins in the evening or something. I would guess it would have to be same day to remember CP and Insulin, if I'm hypo and out on my bike I will do a test then add that to the phone when I get back using the time from the meter.

In general I have got in the habit of testing filling this in on the phone as it now calcs the QA + Correction based on the CP and BG, so it saves me having to think about ratios etc...

Phil

Sep 19, 2012

Alan 49 280 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Diabetic jokes

Romance is in the air:

There once was a diabetic called Hector
Whose control was in the 'bad' sector,
So after much thought
Twas DAFNE he sought
Now he loves her and will never reject her.

There once was a diabetic called Jack
Whose approach to diabetes was slack
He was sent on a course
With DAFNE, of course
Now he says that he'll never look back.

There was a diabetic from Penzance
Whose control was much left to chance
So then DAFNE took over
He thought 'I just love her'
So this was the start of a romance.

A diabetic from across the Atlantic
Had control that made him quite frantic,
To DAFNE he was sent
A week with her he spent
Now he loves her - it's really romantic.

Sep 19, 2012

sarahl84 5 posts

Topic: General Discussion / diary keeping help!

Hi all, i need motivation to keep a record of my readings!!! I was diagnosed in 1986 & so I should really know better but to be honest i've never been great at keeping record of BG & insulin intake, i start off well then after a few weeks i slip back & i've got myself into a rut again & need your tips to get me back on track as I think my control is now starting to suffer Sad

had a few unexplained hi readings.

At my last appointment in June my HBA1C had gone upto 7.4 & the consultant did encourage me to keep a record. I have the DAFNE app on my smartphone to keep the diary...i just need to use it! Any tips...think it's basically laziness on my part.

So I've started to use the app (again) today but just want some tips/encouragment to keep using it...before i go back the hospital & the consultant tells me off lol.

Hope you can help me Smile

Sep 17, 2012

novorapidboi26 1,818 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Result.

Ah, a CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor) I believe that was, some of the pumps available now can pair up with these CGMs to work side by side without virtually any input from the user.............really expensive though to run all the time, that's why they get used just to see whats happening to blood sugar over night etc, lets them fine tune the basal requirement.....

Enjoy your break from the web...... Smile

Sep 17, 2012

novorapidboi26 1,818 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Let's hear your story!

I done DAFNE in January 2009 after unofficially following the principals under instruction from my Dietician for about a year, who at the time was pushing for people to attend the course.

Previous to this I had never heard of MDI/Basal-Bolus and was using a mixed Insulin since 1999. I would say I was in a bad way in terms of control. I had recently split from a long term relationship, was skint, and wasn't eating well, so if I didn't eat, I didn't inject. Now on MDI you can get away with this, but not mixed. I was always high and my immune system was very low, made obvious by cuts never healing and bouts of thrush.... Sad

So when I finally got on DAFNE and started learning how to control my blood sugars it literally changed my life completely. I almost instantly felt better, more energy, and got my appetite back. It was unbelievable how easy it was and that I had been missing out all this time.

I dont think I could say what my favorite aspect of the course was, I suppose if I had to choose it would be the interaction with other diabetics in the same boat as you, that really did make a difference in my opinion.

I think all type 1 diabetics should be given this course, I realize funding is an issue for some PCTs but at the very least they should be made aware of the basics. Newly diagnosed patients will get the information much easier than the older generations. Its the older generations that need to be educated as they are stuck in their ways....

I went from an HbA1c of 11.7% pre DAFNE, to an HbA1c of 8.2 post DAFNE, it really does improve things significantly. I have only managed to get down to 8% since then, this is because of weekends and I believe mid meal spiking. No doubt its many other things. But I will be going on a pump soon because of this...

It has been a few years now since DAFNE, but I would say my control has got better over time, as it takes that long to get to know your body and refine your methods and techniques that work best for you, and even when you have reached a point of good methods and techniques you still have to battle against the unpredictability of life in general, which can give you dodgy results with no explanation...

I try to visit the site on a daily basis so as to read the forum and discuss our conditions, help each other. I also have used the online diary quite a lot, however recently I have not had a lot of time to do so with work and a new baby. But the diary is very useful for record keeping, giving you a guess at your HbA1c and helping with making adjustments. Its also used a lot in the forums too when people need some fresh eyes to look for issues/solutions.

DAFNE is only the foundation to build your treatment on, but its a mighty strong one that's for sure...... Very Happy

Sep 17, 2012

novorapidboi26 1,818 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Result.

So Vic, did you actually use the pump for a year then?

I was using the flexibility of the pump to describe why a split dose of BI is better for most folk, as our livers dont secrete a constant level of glucose all day, it changes, and most noticeably between day and night......

the pump definitely isn't for everyone though, i agree, at least in terms of getting used to it being there etc...... Smile

Sep 17, 2012

vic demain 87 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Let's hear your story!

Have a look at the "results" thread and you will see 3 peoples experiences.

Sep 22, 2012 AshleyB 10 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Result. You could have a dawn phenominum where your liver kicks out glucose at 3am. Try a carb free dinner and do a 3am blood check. You may benift from changing to levimir rather than the Lantus as that may be only lasting about 18-20hrs hence the increase before bed thats if your taking the correct QA with dinner. Just had the dafne couse this week, its still fresh in the head. AshleyB

Sep 22, 2012 maria51 22 posts	Topic: Questions ? / Has anyone else had this happen? marke said: Hi, Since this is most likely an allergic reaction it won't make any difference what part of your body you inject it in surely. You are not less allergic to it in your stomach than your thigh. Its not a major reaction since it sounds like its confined to the injection site, none the less its probably major to you ! NovaCare do have a helpline listed in Oz but the reality is they will be trained in Insulin not allergies. You need to see your diabetes team/doctor really and see what your options are. Suprisingly (or not) Levemir doesn't just contain Insulin but a number of other ingredients, they are listed here and chances are your body is reacting to one of these things. As others have said you can inject both QA and BI in most sites however the rate of absorbtion does vary so if you do try swapping you probably need to test a bit more to ensure what effect the change has had, remembering that changes may not be immediate but occur over a couple of days. Sorry I know I haven't helped much, you can try the number on the site I quoted, they should have someone available most of the time if the rules are the same as the UK and they may at least be able to offer some useful advice. Thank you too Marke, am less confused now and at least I have more info to think about before I see the DE and Endo on Tuesday. Cheers.

Sep 22, 2012 maria51 22 posts	Topic: Questions ? / Has anyone else had this happen? Phil Maskell said: Hi, In all honesty with newer insulins unless you have absorption problems NovoRapid should be fine in thighs, just don't run or cycle after as this will speed up absorption due to muscle use. Everyones different though so you may have issues with it, but I never have. Have you tried Levemir in your stomach though? Does it swell up there? Phil Thanks Phil for your reply, I haven't done Levemir in stomach but tried it in my butt for the first time last night then checked this morning and had no swelling. Will use it there until I see my DE on Tuesday.

Sep 21, 2012 marke 655 posts	Topic: Questions ? / Has anyone else had this happen? Hi, Since this is most likely an allergic reaction it won't make any difference what part of your body you inject it in surely. You are not less allergic to it in your stomach than your thigh. Its not a major reaction since it sounds like its confined to the injection site, none the less its probably major to you ! NovaCare do have a helpline listed in Oz but the reality is they will be trained in Insulin not allergies. You need to see your diabetes team/doctor really and see what your options are. Suprisingly (or not) Levemir doesn't just contain Insulin but a number of other ingredients, they are listed here and chances are your body is reacting to one of these things. As others have said you can inject both QA and BI in most sites however the rate of absorbtion does vary so if you do try swapping you probably need to test a bit more to ensure what effect the change has had, remembering that changes may not be immediate but occur over a couple of days. Sorry I know I haven't helped much, you can try the number on the site I quoted, they should have someone available most of the time if the rules are the same as the UK and they may at least be able to offer some useful advice.

Sep 21, 2012 JayBee 582 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Result. Golly vic, is it possible that 1QA drops you by 6BG? That's even more than me with a 4BG drop! I think I've become poorly in the last 4-5 days so I'll wait for that to clear up first before posting BG diary results again. Hope everyone's been safe and well! Edit: Just to update a bit... I'm now on 0.5:1 for breakfast/lunch and 1:1 for dinner. 12/16 Levemir split BI. :3 Hopefully when the illness stuff has passed, I'll get some good numbers!

Sep 21, 2012 Phil Maskell 194 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Result. Hi, I would say 4.1 to 5.3 that your BI seems ok Phil

Sep 21, 2012 Phil Maskell 194 posts	Topic: Questions ? / Has anyone else had this happen? Hi, In all honesty with newer insulins unless you have absorption problems NovoRapid should be fine in thighs, just don't run or cycle after as this will speed up absorption due to muscle use. Everyones different though so you may have issues with it, but I never have. Have you tried Levemir in your stomach though? Does it swell up there? Phil

Sep 21, 2012 Anele46 108 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Let's hear your story! Hi, I was diagnosed as a Type 1 on Feb 2010 and did the DAFNE course in Feb 2011. The main reason was I wanted to start a family therefore I was advised to wait a year and then do the DAFNE course. My HbA1c's have always been good (mostly in part to the "honeymoon" period but also due to my strict regimes of always recording my test results and counting my carbs) from 6.5% to 5.2% which needs to be as low as safely possible to avoid complications during pregancy. I loved the DAFNE course and can't praise the DAFNE and Diabetic team enough at the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow. My favourite part was meeting other Diabetics from all walks of life and hearing their stories. My control has been excellent since the course but I've had to be stringent for my baby I use the DAFNE online site weekly as complete my Blood Glucose Diary weekly and it's nice to read the forums and help others where I can. I totally agree with Novorapidboi26, DAFNE should be available to all T1 Diabetics as the support and knowledge gained is invaluable but I know it's all down to money Thouroughly recommend DAFNE and as I am in my 3rd trimester (nearly 28 wks) I can't thank the DAFNE and Daibetic team at my Hospital for all the help and support they have given to me, my husband and my upcoming wee girl Cheers, Anele.

Sep 21, 2012 maria51 22 posts	Topic: Questions ? / Has anyone else had this happen? Was wondering if anyone developed swelling and redness (not sore) when injecting Levemir in the thigh? With advice from my endo, I was put onto Levemir because I had too many hypos using Lantus. Now, no hypos, but have noticed my thighs have swelling where I inject Levemir. I spoke to my Dafne educator who advised me to see my doctor asap as it was very rare to get swelling but no such luck at such short notice, so had to see another doctor there whom I don't like or trust because he was totally against Dafne, as he'd never heard of it. He told me to reverse injection sites by using my stomach when injecting Levemir and using my thighs to inject Novorapid ??!! I questioned that if I injected Novorapid into the thigh, wouldn't it take longer to be absorbed therefore higher BGLs for longer, which he agreed with a shrug of his shoulders like it was no big deal, to him, but a big deal, to me! He "passed the buck" and said I should go back to the diabetes clinic (not open until Tuesday) as HE was clearly in over his head Has anyone out there had this swelling and what was the outcome? Also, has anyone ever heard of injecting Novorapid into the thighs? I'm eager to hear your opinions Many thanks. Maria.

Sep 21, 2012 jonmac 6 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Education I was diagnosed with type 1 in May this year. I'm aged 60 so this was a bit of a shock but I'm coping with insulin and carb counting. I don't have weight problems and have a satisfactory HbA1C. My problem is that I really don't know enough and I would like to attend a course or take an online course. If you are type 2 there seems to be plenty of courses, events etc but for type 1 in Coventry, where I live, there is nothing. Anyone got any ideas?

Sep 20, 2012 novorapidboi26 1,818 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Result. would be wise to do so, as that's the only way of seeing what your knew Lantus dose is doing.......

Sep 20, 2012 novorapidboi26 1,818 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Result. have you confirmed that does change with carb free testing..........? how much above target are you?

Sep 19, 2012 novorapidboi26 1,818 posts	Topic: General Discussion / diary keeping help! It will definitely help to get on a DAFNE course, as it totally opens your eyes as to how simple it actually is to make sense of the results. And when you see the principals working, you wont want to stop testing. Well this is what happened to me at least....... good luck.....

Sep 19, 2012 sarahl84 5 posts	Topic: General Discussion / diary keeping help! Thanks for taking the time to reply So far today I have succeeded in recording all my BG, CP & QA so yay me! My machine does keep a record of my previous readings so I can fall back on that if I forget to add them straight away. I like the fact that it can calculate the QA for you. Like yourself, Phil, I just need to get into the habit of making it part of my testing routine! I like the idea of just completing one week, so this will be my goal...thanks for that Julia!

Sep 19, 2012 JuliaM 5 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Dafne app Just noticed there is an update to app that fixes issues saving on ios4....... I will let u know! thanks

Sep 19, 2012 JuliaM 5 posts	Topic: General Discussion / diary keeping help! Hi phil and sarah - altho i am currently havin hassle with the comments not saving- see post just left- i do find the app vg. BUT sarah i know exactly what u mean! It is a big faff! My dafne nurse sugg that if i could ONE complete week rather than the very odd entries from time to time that would be much more helpful. Of cors i know this but it gave me permission to focus on the short term recording for a week and that was somehow easier psychologically than feeling it was always such a drag. My next goal is to try and actually have a weekly slot eg sun eve where i review that week of results- otherwise its no point! So then once ive identified one problem area to work on eg bfast then i focus just on fillin in the night and morn qa/bg/cp and not the whole lot. So it helps to be 'on a mission' for just one bit of my day instead of all!

Sep 19, 2012 JuliaM 5 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Dafne app None of my comments are bein saved when i have tyoed hem in below a record and pressed save. When i go back to that entry the bg and cp and time are all here but not the comment. It is v annoying and im considering goin back to pen and paper diary! Anyone else have this problem?

Sep 19, 2012 Phil Maskell 194 posts	Topic: General Discussion / diary keeping help! I was going to sugest the smart phone app, but you have that. Does your BG meter record previous readings? Could you leave them on the meter and enter them in the app for 10 mins in the evening or something. I would guess it would have to be same day to remember CP and Insulin, if I'm hypo and out on my bike I will do a test then add that to the phone when I get back using the time from the meter. In general I have got in the habit of testing filling this in on the phone as it now calcs the QA + Correction based on the CP and BG, so it saves me having to think about ratios etc... Phil

Sep 19, 2012 Alan 49 280 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Diabetic jokes Romance is in the air: There once was a diabetic called Hector Whose control was in the 'bad' sector, So after much thought Twas DAFNE he sought Now he loves her and will never reject her. There once was a diabetic called Jack Whose approach to diabetes was slack He was sent on a course With DAFNE, of course Now he says that he'll never look back. There was a diabetic from Penzance Whose control was much left to chance So then DAFNE took over He thought 'I just love her' So this was the start of a romance. A diabetic from across the Atlantic Had control that made him quite frantic, To DAFNE he was sent A week with her he spent Now he loves her - it's really romantic.

Sep 19, 2012 sarahl84 5 posts	Topic: General Discussion / diary keeping help! Hi all, i need motivation to keep a record of my readings!!! I was diagnosed in 1986 & so I should really know better but to be honest i've never been great at keeping record of BG & insulin intake, i start off well then after a few weeks i slip back & i've got myself into a rut again & need your tips to get me back on track as I think my control is now starting to suffer had a few unexplained hi readings. At my last appointment in June my HBA1C had gone upto 7.4 & the consultant did encourage me to keep a record. I have the DAFNE app on my smartphone to keep the diary...i just need to use it! Any tips...think it's basically laziness on my part. So I've started to use the app (again) today but just want some tips/encouragment to keep using it...before i go back the hospital & the consultant tells me off lol. Hope you can help me

Sep 17, 2012 novorapidboi26 1,818 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Result. Ah, a CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor) I believe that was, some of the pumps available now can pair up with these CGMs to work side by side without virtually any input from the user.............really expensive though to run all the time, that's why they get used just to see whats happening to blood sugar over night etc, lets them fine tune the basal requirement..... Enjoy your break from the web......

Sep 17, 2012 novorapidboi26 1,818 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Let's hear your story! I done DAFNE in January 2009 after unofficially following the principals under instruction from my Dietician for about a year, who at the time was pushing for people to attend the course. Previous to this I had never heard of MDI/Basal-Bolus and was using a mixed Insulin since 1999. I would say I was in a bad way in terms of control. I had recently split from a long term relationship, was skint, and wasn't eating well, so if I didn't eat, I didn't inject. Now on MDI you can get away with this, but not mixed. I was always high and my immune system was very low, made obvious by cuts never healing and bouts of thrush.... So when I finally got on DAFNE and started learning how to control my blood sugars it literally changed my life completely. I almost instantly felt better, more energy, and got my appetite back. It was unbelievable how easy it was and that I had been missing out all this time. I dont think I could say what my favorite aspect of the course was, I suppose if I had to choose it would be the interaction with other diabetics in the same boat as you, that really did make a difference in my opinion. I think all type 1 diabetics should be given this course, I realize funding is an issue for some PCTs but at the very least they should be made aware of the basics. Newly diagnosed patients will get the information much easier than the older generations. Its the older generations that need to be educated as they are stuck in their ways.... I went from an HbA1c of 11.7% pre DAFNE, to an HbA1c of 8.2 post DAFNE, it really does improve things significantly. I have only managed to get down to 8% since then, this is because of weekends and I believe mid meal spiking. No doubt its many other things. But I will be going on a pump soon because of this... It has been a few years now since DAFNE, but I would say my control has got better over time, as it takes that long to get to know your body and refine your methods and techniques that work best for you, and even when you have reached a point of good methods and techniques you still have to battle against the unpredictability of life in general, which can give you dodgy results with no explanation... I try to visit the site on a daily basis so as to read the forum and discuss our conditions, help each other. I also have used the online diary quite a lot, however recently I have not had a lot of time to do so with work and a new baby. But the diary is very useful for record keeping, giving you a guess at your HbA1c and helping with making adjustments. Its also used a lot in the forums too when people need some fresh eyes to look for issues/solutions. DAFNE is only the foundation to build your treatment on, but its a mighty strong one that's for sure......

Sep 17, 2012 novorapidboi26 1,818 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Result. So Vic, did you actually use the pump for a year then? I was using the flexibility of the pump to describe why a split dose of BI is better for most folk, as our livers dont secrete a constant level of glucose all day, it changes, and most noticeably between day and night...... the pump definitely isn't for everyone though, i agree, at least in terms of getting used to it being there etc......

Sep 17, 2012 vic demain 87 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Let's hear your story! Have a look at the "results" thread and you will see 3 peoples experiences.