Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

May 23, 2012

marke 681 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Quick advice needed on insulin amounts

which QA are you on, you don't say. Generally Moris is right that it can be 'active' for 5 hours but that depends on the exact type of insulin AND how your body uses it so its not an exact science. Every insulin has a 'profile' and there are a number of these shown in the handbook ( including the online version). Generally they take a period of time to 'peak' usually around 30 mins and then their effect tails off over time so after 4-5 hours they are not so effective but still have some effect. You would be best to speak to your DAFNE team that should be able to explain the details of the exact insulin you are on.

May 23, 2012

goodglucosegirl 10 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Quick advice needed on insulin amounts

Thanks Moris. I decided to leave it and not take any more QA. Woke up this morning to a blood glucose of 11.2 so my BI is holding well so that's good Smile

I think I'll repost this for the health care professionals as I'd been told on my Dafne course that the QA is in the system for 2-4 hours - best be sure eh?

Thanks again for your response.

May 23, 2012

Simon 578 posts

Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Iphone4 wont upload my diary to site

Hi Juliano, have you checked the settings page of the app to make sure diary upload is set to 'on' and that you've entered the correct username and password?

May 23, 2012

tracy69 4 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Hypos

what a great eye opener the dafne course is taught me so much and am going to pick up my carb counter today Very Happy

should make life easier

May 23, 2012

tracy69 4 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Hypos

hi all just graduated on friday just using forum for the first time must say reading everybodys comments is great xxxx

May 23, 2012

juliano999 1 post

Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Iphone4 wont upload my diary to site

I have downloaded the mobile app to my iphone and I use it to keep a diary of all my readings. Its an iphone4. The iphone has all my readings on but it has stopped uploading them to the site for some reason. I was hoping to be able to print them off and take them to my meetings with my nurse. Please help.

May 23, 2012

HelenP 218 posts

Topic: General Discussion / What insulin pump??

I have an Animas pump (2020) and the company has been great. I had a very bad experience with the initial Diabetes Educator and without the Animas team I would have thrown it in, Went to hospital because I was getting alarming BGs (over 20) and the pump was telling me to check infusion sites etc so i was changing sets etc a couple of times a day! and the readings were horrific (and I felt very unwell) and using a pen to crank them down!. Hospital advice was to take off the pump. The Diabetes Educator did not respond to my emails or phone calls. I had been put on an hopelessly low basal rate! The pump had also not been "enabled" when I was in hospital for the initial connecting to the pump experience which meant I was unable to do anything other than manually use the "normal" function. This was corrected before I left the hospital. The Animas team are unable to give medical advice but they can explain how the functions work and even came out to show me how the infusion sets ought to be used and watched me practise. There was nothing wrong with my technique! They have been great. Even lend me a spare pump whenever I go overseas. I am happy with my pump (even wear it in the water (aerobics!) but I love the Animas support team.

I initially went with Animas because i went to an information day at the hospital and lined up to talk to the Medtronic sales people but they were all BUSY with a diabetes educator who monopolised their time, Eventually they came down the line and took our contact details and said they would get in touch. They never did. I thought if this is the service you get when they are trying to sell you a pump then what service would you get when you had actually purchased the pump. The second call was to the Animas stand. They talked to me gave me a pack, took my details and rang about a week later asking if I had read the info and if I had any questions etc. I bought an Animas pump (well my Health Fund did!). Helen

May 23, 2012

HelenP 218 posts

Topic: General Discussion / PUMP TO PEN

Hi Francesca,

I have a similar story. I have found that the pump is far from a set and forget solution. I experience periods where the BG readings are totally unexpected (over a significant period!). I fiddle with the basals/temp basals and suspending the pump etc and do everything I know how and have on two occasions taken the pump off in frustration (not for long!). Recently I went to Korea (late March) and whilst there the BGs were OK (although I seem to need less insulin in the colder weather..the opposite to most people!). On returning the BGs were all over the place (and I felt unwell) swinging from highs to lows exacerbated by the corrections etc. I rang the endocrinologist, angry and frustrated for an urgent appointment. He was sympathetic and did confirm that all the adjustments I had made were logical and that I knew what I was doing but this was not reflected in the BG readings. He advised against routinely suspending the pump. He suggested I see the CDE (Diabetes Educator) who essentially confirmed the endo's summation and did say that my regime was not conventional.
I came home satisfied that they would do nothing different and I continued to tinker. My system (apparently) has (suddenly) decided that I deserve the Dawn Phenomenon and my insulin demand has almost reversed. I used to need comparatively little insulin over night but heaps in the afternoon. That is now reversed...I fought against it just not believing the numbers I was getting. Result: we are back in the land of 7 day averages (82 tests) of 6.9. 14 days again 6.9 and 30 days 8.4 so i am certainly heading in the right direction!. My advice is to go right back to first principles and start again. Heaps and heaps of tests, waking in the night etc and detailed notes. I am now using the temp basal less and have almost given up the suspensions! I find the pump constant work but it is easier now I am retired.
All the best, Helen

May 22, 2012

Moris 9 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Quick advice needed on insulin amounts

Most of your QA is out of your system in four hours, but I would not discount its total effect for 5 or 5 1/2 hours.
Moris.
Sleep well.

May 22, 2012

goodglucosegirl 10 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Quick advice needed on insulin amounts

Is there anybody out there that could give me some quick advice on this? I took my QA at 5.50pm tonight and my blood glucose at 2110 (9.10pm) was 14.5. I thought I'd give it a while and test again which I have just done and my BG is now 12.9 - so still dropping by the look of it. However, I thought that the QA would be out of my system by now (4 hours after i took the QA) and am a tad unsure on whether or not to let it go and see if it continues to drop or take a couple of units of QA to get me in target?

Any quick advice gratefully received ( because I want to go to bed Smile

May 22, 2012

Garry 328 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Testing strips

"Perhaps he's decided that as a diabetic I'm costing him too much money".
I believe it is true that your GP gets paid more patient roll money for you as a diabetic DianeW.

Regards
Garry

May 22, 2012

Moris 9 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Testing strips

A good diabetic nurse is always my first stop with this sort of thing.
They have a better idea about what is going on.

May 22, 2012

DianeW 115 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Testing strips

Thanks for replies,very useful. Goodglucosegirl, I can really sympathise,sadly it is amazing how in the medical profession there seems to be a lack of knowledge of diabetes, let alone DAFNE! I see it at my surgery and every time I've been in hospital the nurses are woefully lacking in even the most basic knowledge. I know they are watching costs all the time but I think a lot of the time they forget that we are constantly monitoring our condition, it's not like taking a pill once a day and everything is oki
. So re my repeat of strips, perhaps I should go to the Practice Manager of my surgery, might be better as bypasses receptionists but don't need to bother doctor. Yes I could physically go and see him but it annoys me that I have to do it. Telephone appt with him? I could do that and if he gives me grief I will then complain to the manager! Rolling Eyes

May 22, 2012

JennyNZ 29 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Blog

hi there. I like the idea of your blog. I'm not too sure how these blog things work but was thinking about putting together one as I'm getting back into exercise after a couple of years doing nothing, so I'm not super fit. Dafne is brilliant but a bit weak on advice on sport over 2 - 3 hours where you eat while you train/race (and eating for fuel not as a hypo preventative). will try to apply dafne as much as possible. this is this week's plan (1st week back into it) Tues 30 min run/walk Wed swim 1 hr Thur run/walk: Sat - 3 hr "brick" session 7am 1 hr swim consume about 50gr CHO then bike 50 mins 50 gr CHO then run 30 mins (more of a waddle/walk as not that fit). then shower and all have brunch at local cafe about 10am (best part!!).

May 22, 2012

Simon Heller 46 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / High Blood Pressure

In people with diabetes, if there is no protein in the urine then the average BP should be below 140/80, if there is protein then pressure should be below 130/75. But side effects, overall kidney function and other conditions should be taken into account. Simon

May 21, 2012

margaret asp... 9 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Hypos

Thanks, I will mention it to my Dafne Nurse. Wasnt sure u could split Lantus.

May 21, 2012

fishnetsboi 10 posts

Topic: General Discussion / DAFNE and Employers

i had to work through my easter holidays to gain enough money/overtime to cover my week off. it would've been better for me if it could have been done at night or once a week blocks but im really glad i done it

May 21, 2012

goodglucosegirl 10 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Testing strips

Bizarrely was at my GP nurse today for a routine diabetes check up and gave her the letter from my diabetes specialist nurse after completing my Dafne course only last week and was asked "do you really need ketostik; glucagon and fastclix on a repeat prescription" !!!! Explained that yes in fact I do but hoped that I wouldn't be using the ketostik or glucagon very often".....her response...." well then I'll put them on as a one-off and if you need them again phone and we'll have a prescription for you in 2-3 days". Unbelievable ...and I was there for her to take blood etc for my diabetes check??? Advised that she should go and see a diabetes specialist or attend a Dafne course to fully comprehend why those items are needed, often at short notice. They are now on my repeat prescription Smile

May 21, 2012

marke 681 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Testing strips

I agree with what others have said, sometimes you just need to put your surgery in their place. The receptionist is not there to make any kind of statement about prescription drugs they are not medically trained. I would contact the surgery ask to speak to the practice manager and explain the situation, or email the practice manager. As I say the receptionist is not in a position to make ANY statement on your prescription and the surgery should not be limiting anything on your prescription. I have found practice managers VERY receptive to complaints, terrified almost Very Happy

I have never needed to be awkward or pushy, just explained the situation clearly and they know they need to resolve it. They almost always do !

May 21, 2012

mum2westiesGill 502 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Indian meal

Well i'm sorry to have to say that after asking questions re my indian meal we ended up with other plans however we will be going for this indian meal in the next few weeks so all help will still be very useful & i'll come back and let you know how i get on with it.

May 21, 2012

Bakerboy 9 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Testing strips

I had same problem when my GP refused me strips saying i had enough .So i phoned my DAFNE nurse who called my GP to explain why i need so many and since then no problem They even gave me 100 instead of usual 50.

May 21, 2012

thebatoutofhull 60 posts

Topic: General Discussion / What insulin pump??

Quite like the look of this company. Animas

http://www.animascorp.co.uk/our-insulin-pumps

May 21, 2012

DianeW 115 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Testing strips

Thanks for replies, I thought as much. I find my GP surgery SO frustrating sometimes when it comes to prescriptions. Only the other day I saw that my lancets had been taken off repeat prescription so I had to get them reinstated. No offence but the receptionists don't seem to have much clue sometimes. I said I needed these lancets put back on, she said "well you've got strips, you can't have both". AAARGH! I then literally had to e xplain to her that I needed to PUT BLOOD ON THE STRIP so I had to use something to GET THE BLOOD. Honestly. What annoys me is that when we graduate from DAFNE we all get a letter for our GP saying we will need more strips because of more testing. My doctor took heed of this but obviously something's gone wrong. Perhaps he's decided that as a diabetic I'm costing him too much money seeing as we're supposedly eating up most of the NHS budget AND we're all draining resources from complications. If they looked at those 2 facts they should realise that if we were all checked properly then we wouldn't be so costly. Anyway, off my soapbox now!

May 23, 2012 marke 681 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Quick advice needed on insulin amounts which QA are you on, you don't say. Generally Moris is right that it can be 'active' for 5 hours but that depends on the exact type of insulin AND how your body uses it so its not an exact science. Every insulin has a 'profile' and there are a number of these shown in the handbook ( including the online version). Generally they take a period of time to 'peak' usually around 30 mins and then their effect tails off over time so after 4-5 hours they are not so effective but still have some effect. You would be best to speak to your DAFNE team that should be able to explain the details of the exact insulin you are on.

May 23, 2012 goodglucosegirl 10 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Quick advice needed on insulin amounts Thanks Moris. I decided to leave it and not take any more QA. Woke up this morning to a blood glucose of 11.2 so my BI is holding well so that's good I think I'll repost this for the health care professionals as I'd been told on my Dafne course that the QA is in the system for 2-4 hours - best be sure eh? Thanks again for your response.

May 23, 2012 Simon 578 posts	Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Iphone4 wont upload my diary to site Hi Juliano, have you checked the settings page of the app to make sure diary upload is set to 'on' and that you've entered the correct username and password?

May 23, 2012 tracy69 4 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Hypos what a great eye opener the dafne course is taught me so much and am going to pick up my carb counter today should make life easier

May 23, 2012 tracy69 4 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Hypos hi all just graduated on friday just using forum for the first time must say reading everybodys comments is great xxxx

May 23, 2012 juliano999 1 post	Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Iphone4 wont upload my diary to site I have downloaded the mobile app to my iphone and I use it to keep a diary of all my readings. Its an iphone4. The iphone has all my readings on but it has stopped uploading them to the site for some reason. I was hoping to be able to print them off and take them to my meetings with my nurse. Please help.

May 23, 2012 HelenP 218 posts	Topic: General Discussion / What insulin pump?? I have an Animas pump (2020) and the company has been great. I had a very bad experience with the initial Diabetes Educator and without the Animas team I would have thrown it in, Went to hospital because I was getting alarming BGs (over 20) and the pump was telling me to check infusion sites etc so i was changing sets etc a couple of times a day! and the readings were horrific (and I felt very unwell) and using a pen to crank them down!. Hospital advice was to take off the pump. The Diabetes Educator did not respond to my emails or phone calls. I had been put on an hopelessly low basal rate! The pump had also not been "enabled" when I was in hospital for the initial connecting to the pump experience which meant I was unable to do anything other than manually use the "normal" function. This was corrected before I left the hospital. The Animas team are unable to give medical advice but they can explain how the functions work and even came out to show me how the infusion sets ought to be used and watched me practise. There was nothing wrong with my technique! They have been great. Even lend me a spare pump whenever I go overseas. I am happy with my pump (even wear it in the water (aerobics!) but I love the Animas support team. I initially went with Animas because i went to an information day at the hospital and lined up to talk to the Medtronic sales people but they were all BUSY with a diabetes educator who monopolised their time, Eventually they came down the line and took our contact details and said they would get in touch. They never did. I thought if this is the service you get when they are trying to sell you a pump then what service would you get when you had actually purchased the pump. The second call was to the Animas stand. They talked to me gave me a pack, took my details and rang about a week later asking if I had read the info and if I had any questions etc. I bought an Animas pump (well my Health Fund did!). Helen

May 23, 2012 HelenP 218 posts	Topic: General Discussion / PUMP TO PEN Hi Francesca, I have a similar story. I have found that the pump is far from a set and forget solution. I experience periods where the BG readings are totally unexpected (over a significant period!). I fiddle with the basals/temp basals and suspending the pump etc and do everything I know how and have on two occasions taken the pump off in frustration (not for long!). Recently I went to Korea (late March) and whilst there the BGs were OK (although I seem to need less insulin in the colder weather..the opposite to most people!). On returning the BGs were all over the place (and I felt unwell) swinging from highs to lows exacerbated by the corrections etc. I rang the endocrinologist, angry and frustrated for an urgent appointment. He was sympathetic and did confirm that all the adjustments I had made were logical and that I knew what I was doing but this was not reflected in the BG readings. He advised against routinely suspending the pump. He suggested I see the CDE (Diabetes Educator) who essentially confirmed the endo's summation and did say that my regime was not conventional. I came home satisfied that they would do nothing different and I continued to tinker. My system (apparently) has (suddenly) decided that I deserve the Dawn Phenomenon and my insulin demand has almost reversed. I used to need comparatively little insulin over night but heaps in the afternoon. That is now reversed...I fought against it just not believing the numbers I was getting. Result: we are back in the land of 7 day averages (82 tests) of 6.9. 14 days again 6.9 and 30 days 8.4 so i am certainly heading in the right direction!. My advice is to go right back to first principles and start again. Heaps and heaps of tests, waking in the night etc and detailed notes. I am now using the temp basal less and have almost given up the suspensions! I find the pump constant work but it is easier now I am retired. All the best, Helen

May 22, 2012 Moris 9 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Quick advice needed on insulin amounts Most of your QA is out of your system in four hours, but I would not discount its total effect for 5 or 5 1/2 hours. Moris. Sleep well.

May 22, 2012 goodglucosegirl 10 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Quick advice needed on insulin amounts Is there anybody out there that could give me some quick advice on this? I took my QA at 5.50pm tonight and my blood glucose at 2110 (9.10pm) was 14.5. I thought I'd give it a while and test again which I have just done and my BG is now 12.9 - so still dropping by the look of it. However, I thought that the QA would be out of my system by now (4 hours after i took the QA) and am a tad unsure on whether or not to let it go and see if it continues to drop or take a couple of units of QA to get me in target? Any quick advice gratefully received ( because I want to go to bed

May 22, 2012 Garry 328 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Testing strips "Perhaps he's decided that as a diabetic I'm costing him too much money". I believe it is true that your GP gets paid more patient roll money for you as a diabetic DianeW. Regards Garry

May 22, 2012 Moris 9 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Testing strips A good diabetic nurse is always my first stop with this sort of thing. They have a better idea about what is going on.

May 22, 2012 DianeW 115 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Testing strips Thanks for replies,very useful. Goodglucosegirl, I can really sympathise,sadly it is amazing how in the medical profession there seems to be a lack of knowledge of diabetes, let alone DAFNE! I see it at my surgery and every time I've been in hospital the nurses are woefully lacking in even the most basic knowledge. I know they are watching costs all the time but I think a lot of the time they forget that we are constantly monitoring our condition, it's not like taking a pill once a day and everything is oki . So re my repeat of strips, perhaps I should go to the Practice Manager of my surgery, might be better as bypasses receptionists but don't need to bother doctor. Yes I could physically go and see him but it annoys me that I have to do it. Telephone appt with him? I could do that and if he gives me grief I will then complain to the manager!

May 22, 2012 JennyNZ 29 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Blog hi there. I like the idea of your blog. I'm not too sure how these blog things work but was thinking about putting together one as I'm getting back into exercise after a couple of years doing nothing, so I'm not super fit. Dafne is brilliant but a bit weak on advice on sport over 2 - 3 hours where you eat while you train/race (and eating for fuel not as a hypo preventative). will try to apply dafne as much as possible. this is this week's plan (1st week back into it) Tues 30 min run/walk Wed swim 1 hr Thur run/walk: Sat - 3 hr "brick" session 7am 1 hr swim consume about 50gr CHO then bike 50 mins 50 gr CHO then run 30 mins (more of a waddle/walk as not that fit). then shower and all have brunch at local cafe about 10am (best part!!).

May 22, 2012 Simon Heller 46 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / High Blood Pressure In people with diabetes, if there is no protein in the urine then the average BP should be below 140/80, if there is protein then pressure should be below 130/75. But side effects, overall kidney function and other conditions should be taken into account. Simon

May 21, 2012 margaret asp... 9 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Hypos Thanks, I will mention it to my Dafne Nurse. Wasnt sure u could split Lantus.

May 21, 2012 fishnetsboi 10 posts	Topic: General Discussion / DAFNE and Employers i had to work through my easter holidays to gain enough money/overtime to cover my week off. it would've been better for me if it could have been done at night or once a week blocks but im really glad i done it

May 21, 2012 goodglucosegirl 10 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Testing strips Bizarrely was at my GP nurse today for a routine diabetes check up and gave her the letter from my diabetes specialist nurse after completing my Dafne course only last week and was asked "do you really need ketostik; glucagon and fastclix on a repeat prescription" !!!! Explained that yes in fact I do but hoped that I wouldn't be using the ketostik or glucagon very often".....her response...." well then I'll put them on as a one-off and if you need them again phone and we'll have a prescription for you in 2-3 days". Unbelievable ...and I was there for her to take blood etc for my diabetes check??? Advised that she should go and see a diabetes specialist or attend a Dafne course to fully comprehend why those items are needed, often at short notice. They are now on my repeat prescription

May 21, 2012 marke 681 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Testing strips I agree with what others have said, sometimes you just need to put your surgery in their place. The receptionist is not there to make any kind of statement about prescription drugs they are not medically trained. I would contact the surgery ask to speak to the practice manager and explain the situation, or email the practice manager. As I say the receptionist is not in a position to make ANY statement on your prescription and the surgery should not be limiting anything on your prescription. I have found practice managers VERY receptive to complaints, terrified almost I have never needed to be awkward or pushy, just explained the situation clearly and they know they need to resolve it. They almost always do !

May 21, 2012 mum2westiesGill 502 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Indian meal Well i'm sorry to have to say that after asking questions re my indian meal we ended up with other plans however we will be going for this indian meal in the next few weeks so all help will still be very useful & i'll come back and let you know how i get on with it.

May 21, 2012 Bakerboy 9 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Testing strips I had same problem when my GP refused me strips saying i had enough .So i phoned my DAFNE nurse who called my GP to explain why i need so many and since then no problem They even gave me 100 instead of usual 50.

May 21, 2012 thebatoutofhull 60 posts	Topic: General Discussion / What insulin pump?? Quite like the look of this company. Animas http://www.animascorp.co.uk/our-insulin-pumps

May 21, 2012 DianeW 115 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Testing strips Thanks for replies, I thought as much. I find my GP surgery SO frustrating sometimes when it comes to prescriptions. Only the other day I saw that my lancets had been taken off repeat prescription so I had to get them reinstated. No offence but the receptionists don't seem to have much clue sometimes. I said I needed these lancets put back on, she said "well you've got strips, you can't have both". AAARGH! I then literally had to e xplain to her that I needed to PUT BLOOD ON THE STRIP so I had to use something to GET THE BLOOD. Honestly. What annoys me is that when we graduate from DAFNE we all get a letter for our GP saying we will need more strips because of more testing. My doctor took heed of this but obviously something's gone wrong. Perhaps he's decided that as a diabetic I'm costing him too much money seeing as we're supposedly eating up most of the NHS budget AND we're all draining resources from complications. If they looked at those 2 facts they should realise that if we were all checked properly then we wouldn't be so costly. Anyway, off my soapbox now!