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Sep 6, 2012
JayBee 582 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Result.

It is mostly my partner and I but for most of my diabetic life I have been working it all out myself. My partner likes to be involved because it helps him to help me and I am thankful for his help. Smile I usually contact my nurse when I've come to a stalemate or I want to check DAFNE rules with her. Since removing myself from the stressful situation about a month or so ago, I've finally started seeing more frequent green BG results.

Edit: Also, vic, I asked about my patterns back in April 2012 which Novo was the only reply. I was still in a stressful working environment for this. I was suspicious of having Dawn Phenomenon but that suspicion isn't in my head any more... I do mention about my wacky levels in the first post which is why I could relate to you. Smile I was on different BI doses then and was still even trying 1:1 for dinner! Oh the highs! ;_;
http://www.dafneonline.co.uk/forums/4/topics/1646

novorapidboi26 said:
So is your theory that 1 unit drops you 4-5 mmol just when you are in target range.....?
Would you make that assumption at 15.0 mmol for example..?
I realize you are probably just beginning to test this so probably don't have answers to the above.... Smile


Sorry Novo, I've just realised I didn't reply properly to this...! I do tend to assume that 1QA would drop me by 4-5BG regardless of sugar level at th time, particularly because of the error margin. When correcting, I do often check with my partner before correcting if I'm not feeling 100% sure of myself. It seems okay most of the time, but with drastic drops occurring (like last night or, could say, even today's lunchtime result), I am still fairly cautious. If I was 15BG, we would look at 2QA - hoping for something between 5 - 7 BG as a target result, keeping the 4-5BG drop in mind.
 
Sep 6, 2012
JayBee 582 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Result.

4 hour point and I'm 5.7BG... Machine error margin perhaps? I did have a cup of tea too. That shouldn't matter THAT much, right? ._.
 
Sep 6, 2012
JayBee 582 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Result.

OMG how interesting! Now, I will take this opportunity to just point out something.

I have felt poorly for the past few weeks so I have put my BI up here and there and not too long ago, I did a carb free day thing (results posted above) and my body held my levels like a charm on 11BI in the morning (and I hypo'd during the night on 21BI in the evening... ugh).

Considering the 4.8BG now, would that suggest that the drop may be a result of the BI effect? I will keep an eye on it... Thank goodness the drop isn't 6BG in an hour like last night lol. Scary stuff! XD

@Novo - shall I share my diary with you?
 
Sep 6, 2012
JayBee 582 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Result.

The idea we had was that I drop by 4-5BG for 1QA, but we think its possible that this isn't the case with the effect of CPs. We think 1CP make me rise 2-3BG but I need to check this out... If it does, it'll explain a lot again of past patterns.

I feel quite tired and strange at the moment so I think a early test maybe in order.
 
Sep 6, 2012
novorapidboi26 1,818 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Result.

So is your theory that 1 unit drops you 4-5 mmol just when you are in target range.....?

Would you make that assumption at 15.0 mmol for example..?

I realize you are probably just beginning to test this so probably don't have answers to the above.... Smile
 
Sep 6, 2012
JayBee 582 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Result.

I'm hoping so too... I'm hoping that nasty hypos in the past were caused by my lack of understanding that 1QA took me down by 4-5BG... It's going to mean a lot if my BGs stay around 10-11BG for dinnertime... may be on my way to solving a good chunk of my body puzzle if it does behave! Very Happy

I do hate the waiting game though, sigh, but it's gotta be done. ._.
 
Sep 6, 2012
JayBee 582 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Result.

Here's yesterday and today's results. Going to be interesting what happens as the day unfolds (which it will as I do my tests)! Today's change was 1:1 ratio at lunchtime as part of my idea trial.

iPhone apps aren't much good for Android phone users like me but hey, if it works, carry on using it! Smile If you wanted to share the results on the thread here, you could possibly copy and paste it into the thread so you could get feedback. Up to you though.

I update the DAFNE app like a written diary on my phone as part of the testing regime (in a way, I consider my phone a part of my kit these days), so the annoying inputting of results into the site's facility doesn't happen any more. I know I didn't use it as much as I do now when I didn't have my smart phone... just did it when felt results needed showing in the forum.

Technology is amazing isn't it? Very Happy So much choice!
 
Sep 6, 2012
novorapidboi26 1,818 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Result.

I find that in order to make DAFNE effective I need to have the last three days available to me on paper, be it printed or written, this means I can make dose adjustments there and then if needed.

I use the Freestyle insulinX which records dose and CP values, so I usually fill out my written diary [homemade spreadsheet] after a few days of testing. I then fill the online diary out when I can, the more regular the better. I haven't filled in the online diary in a while as time is precious these days with work and a small baby and toddler....

the iPhone attachment does look good though, does anyone know the price of the strips on prescription..
 
Sep 6, 2012
Jayne Blakes 9 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Result.

Hi all

I found that it takes a long time to fill in the diary online for the dafne site. Do any of you have the IBG Star Tester. You test away and then clip it to the bottom of the iphone and it register it all for you in a book form or a graph form and you can email it and print it! Its brilliant, takes 2 seconds. I love it!

£50 though in boots, the only place in the uk to sell it!

So monday morning before my hospital visit I can print it all off. It also charges from the phone! I should be a sales person on commission.

Chat soon
Jayne
 
Sep 6, 2012
thebatoutofhull 60 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Diabetic jokes

Here's a simple diabetic joke.......
.....my mother in law.
 
Sep 5, 2012
JayBee 582 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Eating Out - help needed please to stop my panic

I usually go to the toilets first to wash my hands and then return to the table to blood test before the food gets there, keeping in mind the remaining insulins that are working if there are any when I see the BG result. I do tend to pick meals depending on how brave I feel like being with guesswork.

I wait for the food to arrive before looking into injecting (done at table as well). I'm happy to weigh the food if I have my scales in my bag to assist myself.. and then I eat.

Sometimes I make a note of what I ate so I can learn for next time (I mean, sometimes you won't be able to know any other way if you don't). Is there any chance of getting nutritional info from the business? That'll definitely minimise panic.

My partner sometimes laughs at the fact he's usually finished his food when I'm starting mine. It's best to try and ignore it from a stranger, or say "I'm fine with that. I have to do this regardless." If the DS person knows anything of you, they'd rather you take care of yourself properly than make yourself unwell.

Have a nice time when you do go. Smile Best wishes!
 
Sep 5, 2012
JayBee 582 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Result.

vic demain said:
JWo - There seems to be little consistancy to my BI action as for a few days I run at around 14, then I go down to 3. My BI has been so up and down recently, Dr keeps wanting me to reduce it, but then I go high!!



Oh dear, if your BI alone does that, it may be possible that your BI runs out during the day... and because you raise it, the hypos happen. Are the timings of the hypos and highs different? When I was on Lantus before Levemir, I eventually found out that it was running out around 2pm (I would inject it at 10pm the night before) so I ended up splitting the dose. Have you considered this possibility? Before I knew, I was often high without fail in the afternoon and living on corrections. Sad

As for the depression, you seem to be a strong person, you are aware of the situations and I am sure that you are strong enough to get through the hard times. Try to keep the positive thoughts - you know this is tough, however, if you maintain your control and strength, then you can overcome it - and not let doubts creep in.



Thanks vic. I appreciate it. Smile

Like Jayne, I struggle with carb free meals as most of my diet includes potatoe somewhere. Also just recently I have experienced a couple of occasions where I have felt low, yet tests were 9. Feelings of energy loss, shaking and tiredness.



It is possible that if you're high frequently enough, this may be your body trying to warn you of being too low because it doesn't think the normal range is normal any more.... bit like when you lose hypo awareness from being too low, your warning signals can be too high from being too high.

I think I do understand what you're saying though. Your description is making me think of times I've had recently during the night when I've had some really annoying spells of hunger and it took a lot of time but I did eventually reach hypo range. I've been feeling like this around 10BG. Is this the sort of thing you mean? If so, it may be messed up signals.

I am so glad of the opportunity of attending the DAFNE course and thought for a while that I was doing well, but whilst everyone else seems to have improved their long acting tests, mine seem as bad as before if not worse. Think I will start filling in my diary on here again as that used to give me a sense of purpose to improve control.



Like Garry, I use the BG diary facility religiously (though I didn't do it from the start). When I got a smartphone last December, I installed the DAFNE Online app as well and stopped using the written diary so I could keep the site one updated through my phone in case I needed to send it's info to anyone (including my DSN team by email).

I'm happy to start diary sharing for the discussion. It will be very fascinating and helpful to see what numbers we see and get outside views! Smile

In light of this, I was going to hold back on an idea my partner and I had about my control problems and share it after I'd tested it out... but I'll do it as we share, yes? I was proper excited when we noticed it and I hope it works out (the 2 day rule sucks for this for this sort of thing, haha)! The idea trial starts tomorrow - can't wait! Smile

Take care all! Sleep well!
 
Sep 5, 2012
kajobren 4 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Eating Out - help needed please to stop my panic

I test before going out then have the meal and calculate and inject after eating.
 
Sep 5, 2012
Garry 328 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Result.

Please do that vic.
I have filed my diary on here religiously since doing DAFNE in November 2009 and have found that it has always given me focus.
Regards
Garry
 
Sep 5, 2012
Jayne Blakes 9 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Result.

Hi all

Thank you all for your advice with regard to bi and carb free testing - I'm not sure I could manage that! I'm not good with carb free meals I end up eating carbs and injecting but my meals running late then!

JWo thanks also for your excercise explanation.
I will try the less insulin too.

JWo - also when I say suffer - even if my levels test fine I may feel sick, have a headache, feel shakey, tired or completely knackered! Just generally unwell but levels fine!

Novorapidboi26 - good luck with the pump clinic

Chat soon

Jayne
 
Sep 5, 2012
JayBee 582 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Result.

novorapidboi26 said:

JWo said:
Very sound advice and good to see you joining the discussion, Novo! Very Happy How have you been getting on?


Hey,

not had much time to visit any of my forums lately, what with work being busy and my 2 little kiddies demanding lots of time....
I am doing OK diabetically....... Wink
Got my first appointment at the pump clinic on the 11th, so will find out whats happening then, looking forward to it...
I have slowly been increasing my activity levels and so my BI doses have come down a few units on both the AM and PM doses, so that's a good thing in my book.....
Smile



Great news! Yay! ^_^
I suspect the kiddies want you to play some sporty things with them too with it being summer, which would be a bonus combo for you!
I hope all continues to go well and results are good with the pump clinic appointment. Smile Best wishes!
 
Sep 5, 2012
novorapidboi26 1,818 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Result.

JWo said:
Very sound advice and good to see you joining the discussion, Novo! Very Happy How have you been getting on?



Hey,

not had much time to visit any of my forums lately, what with work being busy and my 2 little kiddies demanding lots of time....

I am doing OK diabetically....... Wink

Got my first appointment at the pump clinic on the 11th, so will find out whats happening then, looking forward to it...

I have slowly been increasing my activity levels and so my BI doses have come down a few units on both the AM and PM doses, so that's a good thing in my book.....

Smile
 
Sep 5, 2012
Phil Maskell 194 posts

Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Andriod App - Diary Upload

Hi,

This seems strange, in the iPhone app I'm sure it downloads from the web because you can say hold a given number of days say 14, then make it 30 and it downloads the rest.

If the Android app doesn't have it and the iPhone does I'm sure its in the pipeline. I know they are different dev streams and done in spare time though so be patient. Very Happy

Phil
 
Sep 5, 2012
JayBee 582 posts

Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Andriod App - Diary Upload

PDF format may of use to you in this situation! Smile I've just tried it my android and it works lovely!

On the Diary page on the main DAFNEOnline website (normal view rather than mobile site), near the top of the screen it says:

Printable view of currently displayed results | Export as: XML | CSV for Excel | PDF



If you click on the PDF option (viewable in the Android apps Adobe Reader and/or Kindle if you have them), see if that'll download to your phone and see if it views okay.

It's not exactly on the DAFNE app (though they may try to add this now thanks to your feedback), but it's an option for you in the meantime so you can keep it all on your phone and view through those other two suggested apps.
Best wishes!
 
Sep 5, 2012
mum2westiesGill 502 posts

Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Andriod App - Diary Upload

I know that in the settings on the app you can have it set to "automatically upload diary enteries" so the enteries on the app automatically go onto the diary on the internet but is there any sort of function which i don't know about so that internet enteries can autamatically go onto the app?

Thanks

Gill
 
Sep 5, 2012
JayBee 582 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Result.

*wavles* Interesting replies everyone!! Very Happy

Jayne Blakes said:
I just had a chance to catch up on the conversation as I've been mega busy at work then tonight had tennis! Which resulted in half a pack of jelly babies again!
I read your discussion about the excercise (people, muscles and doors) maybe I'm thick but I reread it again and again and I can't see it! It just doesn't follow with my body!


Oh. It is a bit of a strange concept to consider if you're stuck with the understanding that you only need carbs for exercise. I know I was!

Needing carbs only isn't 100% true, you need the right amount of insulin as well. The story example was trying to explain about catching the balance of carbs and insulin. If you don't have enough insulin for exercise and you go high (not hypo caused), this would mean you need to consider looking at your insulin requirements for exercise instead.

For me, I often try to exercise after a meal and because I went high afterwards usually after taking insulin off my meals, I then thought that I would try not taking off insulin and/or not eating extra carbs. So far, this is working like a charm.

If you tend to hypo, this would suggest you perhaps need to look at eating more carbs for exercise or taking off more insulin... however considering other sections of your post (like the carb free snacking problem), I would consider looking at your BI first before anything else (similar to what Novo has suggested)....

Have I explained it a bit better? I really do know it is a alien thing to think if you're diabetic. It gets some very surprised/"that's so wrong!" responses I've found when talking about it through the DAFNE Online Twitter feed! XD

In always test before excercise if I'm in double figures I tend not to excercise but in single figures i start my excercise. Very quickly my levels drop! Every time without fail I need to boost them. I never excercise before a meal time either.
My body cannot cope.

With regard to meal times I also left the Dafne course thinking I could eat what I wanted when I wanted but that's not proved the case. I can eat what I want but if I don't eat that to be included in a meal time injection I will definitely suffer for it later with my levels. I never snack to do an injection even at a 1:1 ratio! Not unless it was a major special occasion and even then I don't tend to so I don't have to suffer later.

For example my brothers family always invite us to parties / late lunches (their normal time ie 2pm ish) I eat my lunch at 12 ish with my injection then don't eat at their events! Perhaps just a cocktail sausage or one sausage roll or I stress or never more something perhaps less than 1cp,

I do have strict meal times I don't snack between my meals just a snack before bed to boost my levels to last the night without a hypo,

So I eat what I want ie chocolate but after my meal at a meal time.

Don't you find if you snack you suffer too?



To be honest, no but I'm not sure what you mean by suffer. Are we talking about a hypo here or a high?
If I do snack and take insulin for it, I always keep in mind my insulin working time.

http://www.dafneonline.co.uk/hbook_topics/21
This is the link to the DAFNE guidebook about insulin working times. Insulins like Humalog, Novorapid and Apidra are all Quick Acting Insulins that can work from 2 to 5 hours.

With some checking (testing around the 4 hour mark, etc), I've got a good idea that my Humalog insulin runs out around 4 hours for me and I use this information to my advantage. I used to wait 5 hours before this to make sure I let my insulin finish. This is why I avoid snacking - to avoid insulin working time extension.

Once I have all my doses worked out correctly though, I may consider a snack now and then. Hopefully that day that freedom will come someday. Smile

As for carb free snacks I gave them up. Chatting to my chemist I said I sometimes get a headache between meals as I don't snack he recommended dried fruit! A few places sell no added sugar fruits. As I don't mean a lot at a time I wouldn't inject for it at all. Mainly I found a small packet of dried mango lasts me couple of weeks! Some weeks I don't have any though. Just stick to my meals. I drink squash instead!

Do you not find you'd get a headache or feel rough if you ate carb free. I can't do that either?



Again, no... well, unless I'm going to hypo I think. Have you tried a BI check to make sure your background insulin doses are holding you steady? You need to fast or carb free for that so you know what adjustments to make.

novorapidboi26 said:
Hi Jayne,

A lot of info from your post there, but I picked up two points:
You have a snack before bed to prevent a hypo, this would suggest too much background, no?

You don't snack in between meals, during the week I am the same, but I can if I want with no issues if I consider on board/active insulin. Have you heard of this?



Very sound advice and good to see you joining the discussion, Novo! Very Happy How have you been getting on?

vic demain said:
Here we go again, been getting readings of around 14 for the last few mornings, then 2.7 at 5am today. It is this no pattern which I find frustrating, feel like I have no control over my body anymore. Jayne, I always now use Coke to pull me around and it works well.

Like Jayne, I also need a small snack before bed.

Funny again when I exercise, I may drop a couple of units but never very far. Guess there are no set rules and we all need to understand our own bodies better.

I try not to snack between meals unless very busy at work.

Headaches only seem to appear for me straight after hypo.


What do your BI's do? Do they hold you steady or do you hypo or rise when it's just your background working?

Most of the time, my BI seems to behave but I can't vouch for it 100% so I keep doing the carb free checks... I'm sick of doing any during night checks too as much as the next person but I have to do them to find out. Sigh.

Most of the important decisions recently are work related but I cannot rule out home stuff because a lot has happened and some things are still ongoing (diabetes naturally a member of the ongoing issues)... no, it would be better to call it "personal stuff" because at least one frightening event I wasn't even at home.

*deep breath* I will elaborate a bit...

I was in Japan March 2011 during the time of the earthquake/tsunami event. It was only our second time visiting there (first trip being in 2007, it went very well and the yen exchange was great). Thankfully I wasn't near the disaster site when it occurred - we were in Osaka but planned to travel to Tokyo the next morning - but with all the stuff that was happening from it (places shutting, people tense, aftershocks, distressed messages from loved ones, etc), it's bound to stress anyone out. I had to completely re-plan what little I could salvage of our holiday and it's taken me a year later to watch any television footage of the disaster happening.Such a frightening time. I'm very blessed and my heart goes out to all those poor people who are much less fortunate than me from that event.

This event changed me and my partner I think. Made me less able to take things for granted.


My heart goes out to you, I cannot begin to understand how you must have felt and also the reaction after such an awful episode in ones life. I guess only time and talking to people can help calm that.
As for work issues, try and distance them from your home life, I used to worry about work issues all the time, unfortunately, I have now found there are far more important things in life.


Thank you for your advice and kind words. It truly has felt like one problem after another and even now, loved ones are really surprised that I have not completely caved in (yet). I don't understand why either but I'm still fighting and problem solving now so I'll keep going until I do completely lose it(!). I do try to keep in mind that depression is a liar and I try to stop it from completely taking over... but I appreciate that depression is not something you can just snap out of either. Some days I have been incredibly low in myself despite anything good I'm doing but with each day that I make good progress, it helps towards minimising the chances of these days happening.

Can I ask at what age people were dignosed? I was about 20, which wasn't too bad, my daughter was 13 which was anightmare. She didnt want it, wasnt going to accept, was not going to change and it took a long time for her to come to terms with it. Arrow


I was diagnosed in 1990 aged 5 and I'm now 27.

I don't think it's too far off the mark to say my diabetes influence is all I've ever known. After diagnosis, I was very life fearing and lack of education was a key problem with this, even for my parents who wanted the best for me despite it (bless them). I cannot remember my feelings of diagnosis exactly (I was really unwell so may or may not have been DKA), but I sure remember balling my eyes out in the waiting room for the bloods department to take my bloods.

I swear I have some suppressed memories (oh the trauma! XD), I must do because there's stuff family have told me about the situation that I have no memory of... but I was only 'ickle! Sad

Stay well all! Smile
 
Sep 5, 2012
Jayne Blakes 9 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Result.

Hi all

Novorapid Thank you I have never heard of board / active insulin I will have a look. What insulins do you take when?

Vic has also suggested to me in the past to alter my lantus in the evenings which I tried but ran high for days after so put it back up one notch, where I've stayed! I may be doing one unit too much but I can't seem to balance the day time without it!

Vic I was 24/25 when I was diagnosed. Started me on pills for a few days then to insulin!

I think your daughter should do the Dafne Vic she's struggled since I've known you? Can you get her on a course?

Chat soon
Jayne
 
Sep 5, 2012
novorapidboi26 1,818 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Result.

I was 15, I am now 29......

I never have any memories of the diagnosis being bad for me, my wee brother was diagnosed when he was 2 so diabetes was always around.....

The main problem I suppose was the lack of education.....I was on 2 injections a day right up until DAFNE in 2009....
 
Sep 4, 2012
novorapidboi26 1,818 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Result.

Hi Jayne,

A lot of info from your post there, but I picked up two points:

You have a snack before bed to prevent a hypo, this would suggest too much background, no?

You don't snack in between meals, during the week I am the same, but I can if I want with no issues if I consider on board/active insulin. Have you heard of this?
 
Sep 4, 2012
Jayne Blakes 9 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Result.

Hi Vic, JWo and novorapidboi26
I just had a chance to catch up on the conversation as I've been mega busy at work then tonight had tennis! Which resulted in half a pack of jelly babies again!
I read your discussion about the excercise (people, muscles and doors) maybe I'm thick but I reread it again and again and I can't see it! It just doesn't follow with my body!

In always test before excercise if I'm in double figures I tend not to excercise but in single figures i start my excercise. Very quickly my levels drop! Every time without fail I need to boost them. I never excercise before a meal time either.
My body cannot cope.

With regard to meal times I also left the Dafne course thinking I could eat what I wanted when I wanted but that's not proved the case. I can eat what I want but if I don't eat that to be included in a meal time injection I will definitely suffer for it later with my levels. I never snack to do an injection even at a 1:1 ratio! Not unless it was a major special occasion and even then I don't tend to so I don't have to suffer later.

For example my brothers family always invite us to parties / late lunches (their normal time ie 2pm ish) I eat my lunch at 12 ish with my injection then don't eat at their events! Perhaps just a cocktail sausage or one sausage roll or I stress or never more something perhaps less than 1cp,

I do have strict meal times I don't snack between my meals just a snack before bed to boost my levels to last the night without a hypo,

So I eat what I want ie chocolate but after my meal at a meal time.

Don't you find if you snack you suffer too?

As for carb free snacks I gave them up. Chatting to my chemist I said I sometimes get a headache between meals as I don't snack he recommended dried fruit! A few places sell no added sugar fruits. As I don't mean a lot at a time I wouldn't inject for it at all. Mainly I found a small packet of dried mango lasts me couple of weeks! Some weeks I don't have any though. Just stick to my meals. I drink squash instead!

Do you not find you'd get a headache or feel rough if you ate carb free. I can't do that either?

Chat soon

Jayne