Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Mar 20, 2012

Garry 328 posts

Topic: General Discussion / insulin resistance

Welcome to the forum Smile

Looked back using my online diary to find that I started Metformin use just over 13 months ago following discussion with my consultant.
He recommended that I should cut my BI by 10 - 20% utilising self controlled dose metformin with a limit of up to 3g a day. I'm 93kg.
Have cut my BI from 56u, to an average of 50u using 1g per day since. Didn't use any higher dose Metformin as I found that it upset my digestion......it's not nicknamed 'Metfartin' for nothing Embarassed

Although we are all quite different from one another in terms of dosage and effect, I hope you have the confidence to try it.
It is very commonly prescribed for T2s and has a long track record. Not sure how many consultants offer it to counter T1 insulin resistance though.
You will probably find that your insulin resistance will still continue to vary with your day-to-day state of health just as before.
Regards
Garry

Mar 20, 2012

Eugene 27 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Xpert Meter

Ladybob said:
I've had niggly problems with the Expert....

The batteries don't last long. Had it since approx Sept '11 and have changed batteries 4 times so far.

I understand why the meter doesn't give bolus advice when a test is hypo, but when I've put in that it's mealtime and the carbs i'm gonna have it won't give me a bolus. I have put the carbs in separately and then it tells me I should test my blood before asking for a bolus!!!

Apart from that, it's been a great help. I now have a 6.1 Hba1C and I've managed to lower some of my insulin.

To sum up, the benefits outweigh the problems for me personally.

Thanks for the reply, forgive my ignorance what is "bolus"

Mar 20, 2012

Ladybob 4 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / White Bread or Brown?

Spread the white bread with marmite, dip it egg beaten with a little milk. Fry both sides in a LITTLE olive oil, season and eat MMMmmmmmmmm!!!

Apart from that I can take or leave both white and wholemeal ... not fussed Rolling Eyes

Mar 20, 2012

Ladybob 4 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Xpert Meter

I've had niggly problems with the Expert....

The batteries don't last long. Had it since approx Sept '11 and have changed batteries 4 times so far.

I understand why the meter doesn't give bolus advice when a test is hypo, but when I've put in that it's mealtime and the carbs i'm gonna have it won't give me a bolus. I have put the carbs in separately and then it tells me I should test my blood before asking for a bolus!!!

Apart from that, it's been a great help. I now have a 6.1 Hba1C and I've managed to lower some of my insulin.

To sum up, the benefits outweigh the problems for me personally.

Mar 20, 2012

Eugene 27 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Xpert Meter

Anyone any opinions of this meter ? I have been offered one by my local Diabetes Centre, currently using Optium Exceed meter and Accu Check , multiclix.

Was considering Accu-chek compact plus, like the way the strips were automatically fed out of the testing kit and pen could be used while attached to the meter, any users with any dificulty with either Question

Mar 20, 2012

Alan 49 284 posts

Topic: General Discussion / A Petition Regarding Changes to the NHS

Yes, I apologise to all for raising this in the first place.

Mar 20, 2012

cazR2012 1 post

Topic: General Discussion / insulin resistance

Hi just completed DAFNE course and been told I am insulin resistantas I am on a lot of BI but still had higher BG. I have been advised to take Metformin to help and wondered if anyone else had the same issue Very Happy

Mar 19, 2012

Alan 49 284 posts

Topic: General Discussion / A Petition Regarding Changes to the NHS

I don't think anybody knows the full impact of these changes, but that doesn't stop me being concerned about them.

Mar 19, 2012

Alan 49 284 posts

Topic: General Discussion / A Petition Regarding Changes to the NHS

Considering that most of us diabetics are dependent on the NHS for all our medical care, I would have thought that the major re-organisational changes to the NHS that are proposed are a concern to all of us.

Mar 19, 2012

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Ineffective BI?

I was 11.8% before DAFNE, then went straight down to 8% after DAFNE............

I believe I need to reduce my daily carb intake to improve my levels, I went through a spell of low carbs and my between meal levels were brilliant, however trying to keep the carbs low is difficult for me..........just need to keep trying...........definitely wont get 7% or below just by following the basic principals anyway........ Very Happy

Mar 19, 2012

marke 686 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Ineffective BI?

Hi, Yes I am aware that manufacturers claims don't always match their products. However in the case of medicines they are only licensed for sale after extensive testing. Hence if it says 24 hours then it 'should' last that long, if medical professionals don't comply with the instructions for use on a drug they can indeed get into trouble. Meanwhile in the real world.....

The reason I always suggest people consult their medical team is a large number of people are not confident enough to experiment with their medication on their own. They need the assistance of their medical team. If you are confident enough to do it, thats fine as well you just have to bear in mind not everyone is.

I have never used Lantus so cannot comment from direct experience but others suggest that Levemir is more flexible than Lantus for split doses, of course this will never be the case 100% of the time since we all react differently to the same drugs.

Mar 19, 2012

DebbieS 9 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Ineffective BI?

Mine was 8.1%, but that was before I did DAFNE and before I changed to Levemir, so I am hoping it will have improved!

Mar 19, 2012

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Ineffective BI?

never been below 7.9%......... Sad

Mar 19, 2012

DebbieS 9 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Ineffective BI?

Thats great sjohno - everyone is different - thats what makes it so complicated! If it works for you then that is brill - 6.2 is a great result!

Mar 19, 2012

DebbieS 9 posts

Topic: General Discussion / When is best to take BI Levemir

Just what is convinient for me, and my BG levels are stable with this regime. I think it also has to fit around your lifestyle!

Mar 19, 2012

SimonC 78 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Ineffective BI?

Marke

Manufacturers make many claims - in all walks of life, and most of them fall far short of reality. HCP's may claim that Lantus lasts for 24hrs, but that is based on what the manufacturer tells them - my reality is that it only lasts 18 - 20hrs at best.

I'm afraid I did not discuss it with them, I noticed it wasn't lasting, changed, noted the vast improvement in BG, then presented them with the evidence. In my experience this is always the best way, although I am not advocating this as a method for all, but I get sick of HCP telling me what to do when they have only read a text book. I am the only HCP when it comes to my body, and whilst I will listen to their advice, it does not mean I will follow it. Having totted up my Hbc1A over the past 10 years and averaged them I get a figure of 6.3, and so clearly I am doing something right. I have never been over 6.9, and did get down to 5.9 - once, but have hovered around 6.4 - both pre and post Dafne.

Dafne has helped me enormously, and the general principal is something I can relate to, but it is down to me to put it into practice and fine tune it, based on my experiences and the reality of working shifts, not based on a text book or some manufacturers blurb

In my experience, and clearly that of others, is that Lantus does not last. When I told the team I had made the change the nurse stated she had long suspected that it didn't last in the majority of cases. I suspect that HCP's are legally bound to only state what is on the manufacturer's box, as if they deviated from this, and something went wrong, the manufacturer would point to the fact that the HCP had deviated from their specifications. HCP's have to be very careful about what they say when prescribing these products for fear of being sued.

Sorry if this seems to be a rant - it isn't, its just the way I type.

Mar 19, 2012

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Correction dose ratios?

As does any basal insulin, I think at least in the handbook it said 12-18, all non pumpers should definitely try it out though.....

Mar 19, 2012

jgibson1962 29 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / White Bread or Brown?

Marmite is disgusting yuk yuk yuk.........

Long live Brown Bread.... Very Happy

Mar 19, 2012

MARIER 42 posts

Topic: General Discussion / When is best to take BI Levemir

Hi Debbie
How do you know that taking it at 11 pm and 8am works for you ????

Mar 19, 2012

DebbieS 9 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Ineffective BI?

One of my reasons for prefering Levemir over Lantus is that you can change your dose if you are going to be doing something that is particularly energy intensive for a long period of time (going on a hike for example) and it has an imediate effect and you can not do this with Lantus as it can take upto 3 days for a change to take effect. As a female at a certain time of the month I can reduce my dose by 20% and it will stop be going low all the time. I also used to wake up low on Lantus because the dose I needed to work in the day sent me low overnight - this has not happened since I have changed to split dose Levemir. I know that what worked for me may not work for someone else, but I think that the dose splitting and ability to alter dose with imediate effect is a great imrovement.

Mar 19, 2012

DebbieS 9 posts

Topic: General Discussion / When is best to take BI Levemir

I have been told that Levemir must be at least 7hrs apart (obviously a 12 hour split will give you an even coverage) it just depends how long it lasts for you and if you like your doses to cross a little to help with dawn phonomen. But I would say as long as they are between 7 - 12 hrs apart - whatever works best for you, I do my evening about 11pm and morning at about 8am - so 9 hrs gap.

Mar 20, 2012 Garry 328 posts	Topic: General Discussion / insulin resistance Welcome to the forum Looked back using my online diary to find that I started Metformin use just over 13 months ago following discussion with my consultant. He recommended that I should cut my BI by 10 - 20% utilising self controlled dose metformin with a limit of up to 3g a day. I'm 93kg. Have cut my BI from 56u, to an average of 50u using 1g per day since. Didn't use any higher dose Metformin as I found that it upset my digestion......it's not nicknamed 'Metfartin' for nothing Although we are all quite different from one another in terms of dosage and effect, I hope you have the confidence to try it. It is very commonly prescribed for T2s and has a long track record. Not sure how many consultants offer it to counter T1 insulin resistance though. You will probably find that your insulin resistance will still continue to vary with your day-to-day state of health just as before. Regards Garry

Mar 20, 2012 Eugene 27 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Xpert Meter Ladybob said: I've had niggly problems with the Expert.... The batteries don't last long. Had it since approx Sept '11 and have changed batteries 4 times so far. I understand why the meter doesn't give bolus advice when a test is hypo, but when I've put in that it's mealtime and the carbs i'm gonna have it won't give me a bolus. I have put the carbs in separately and then it tells me I should test my blood before asking for a bolus!!! Apart from that, it's been a great help. I now have a 6.1 Hba1C and I've managed to lower some of my insulin. To sum up, the benefits outweigh the problems for me personally. Thanks for the reply, forgive my ignorance what is "bolus"

Mar 20, 2012 Ladybob 4 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / White Bread or Brown? Spread the white bread with marmite, dip it egg beaten with a little milk. Fry both sides in a LITTLE olive oil, season and eat MMMmmmmmmmm!!! Apart from that I can take or leave both white and wholemeal ... not fussed

Mar 20, 2012 Ladybob 4 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Xpert Meter I've had niggly problems with the Expert.... The batteries don't last long. Had it since approx Sept '11 and have changed batteries 4 times so far. I understand why the meter doesn't give bolus advice when a test is hypo, but when I've put in that it's mealtime and the carbs i'm gonna have it won't give me a bolus. I have put the carbs in separately and then it tells me I should test my blood before asking for a bolus!!! Apart from that, it's been a great help. I now have a 6.1 Hba1C and I've managed to lower some of my insulin. To sum up, the benefits outweigh the problems for me personally.

Mar 20, 2012 Eugene 27 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Xpert Meter Anyone any opinions of this meter ? I have been offered one by my local Diabetes Centre, currently using Optium Exceed meter and Accu Check , multiclix. Was considering Accu-chek compact plus, like the way the strips were automatically fed out of the testing kit and pen could be used while attached to the meter, any users with any dificulty with either

Mar 20, 2012 Alan 49 284 posts	Topic: General Discussion / A Petition Regarding Changes to the NHS Yes, I apologise to all for raising this in the first place.

Mar 20, 2012 cazR2012 1 post	Topic: General Discussion / insulin resistance Hi just completed DAFNE course and been told I am insulin resistantas I am on a lot of BI but still had higher BG. I have been advised to take Metformin to help and wondered if anyone else had the same issue

Mar 19, 2012 Alan 49 284 posts	Topic: General Discussion / A Petition Regarding Changes to the NHS I don't think anybody knows the full impact of these changes, but that doesn't stop me being concerned about them.

Mar 19, 2012 Alan 49 284 posts	Topic: General Discussion / A Petition Regarding Changes to the NHS Considering that most of us diabetics are dependent on the NHS for all our medical care, I would have thought that the major re-organisational changes to the NHS that are proposed are a concern to all of us.

Mar 19, 2012 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Ineffective BI? I was 11.8% before DAFNE, then went straight down to 8% after DAFNE............ I believe I need to reduce my daily carb intake to improve my levels, I went through a spell of low carbs and my between meal levels were brilliant, however trying to keep the carbs low is difficult for me..........just need to keep trying...........definitely wont get 7% or below just by following the basic principals anyway........

Mar 19, 2012 marke 686 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Ineffective BI? Hi, Yes I am aware that manufacturers claims don't always match their products. However in the case of medicines they are only licensed for sale after extensive testing. Hence if it says 24 hours then it 'should' last that long, if medical professionals don't comply with the instructions for use on a drug they can indeed get into trouble. Meanwhile in the real world..... The reason I always suggest people consult their medical team is a large number of people are not confident enough to experiment with their medication on their own. They need the assistance of their medical team. If you are confident enough to do it, thats fine as well you just have to bear in mind not everyone is. I have never used Lantus so cannot comment from direct experience but others suggest that Levemir is more flexible than Lantus for split doses, of course this will never be the case 100% of the time since we all react differently to the same drugs.

Mar 19, 2012 DebbieS 9 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Ineffective BI? Mine was 8.1%, but that was before I did DAFNE and before I changed to Levemir, so I am hoping it will have improved!

Mar 19, 2012 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Ineffective BI? never been below 7.9%.........

Mar 19, 2012 DebbieS 9 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Ineffective BI? Thats great sjohno - everyone is different - thats what makes it so complicated! If it works for you then that is brill - 6.2 is a great result!

Mar 19, 2012 DebbieS 9 posts	Topic: General Discussion / When is best to take BI Levemir Just what is convinient for me, and my BG levels are stable with this regime. I think it also has to fit around your lifestyle!

Mar 19, 2012 SimonC 78 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Ineffective BI? Marke Manufacturers make many claims - in all walks of life, and most of them fall far short of reality. HCP's may claim that Lantus lasts for 24hrs, but that is based on what the manufacturer tells them - my reality is that it only lasts 18 - 20hrs at best. I'm afraid I did not discuss it with them, I noticed it wasn't lasting, changed, noted the vast improvement in BG, then presented them with the evidence. In my experience this is always the best way, although I am not advocating this as a method for all, but I get sick of HCP telling me what to do when they have only read a text book. I am the only HCP when it comes to my body, and whilst I will listen to their advice, it does not mean I will follow it. Having totted up my Hbc1A over the past 10 years and averaged them I get a figure of 6.3, and so clearly I am doing something right. I have never been over 6.9, and did get down to 5.9 - once, but have hovered around 6.4 - both pre and post Dafne. Dafne has helped me enormously, and the general principal is something I can relate to, but it is down to me to put it into practice and fine tune it, based on my experiences and the reality of working shifts, not based on a text book or some manufacturers blurb In my experience, and clearly that of others, is that Lantus does not last. When I told the team I had made the change the nurse stated she had long suspected that it didn't last in the majority of cases. I suspect that HCP's are legally bound to only state what is on the manufacturer's box, as if they deviated from this, and something went wrong, the manufacturer would point to the fact that the HCP had deviated from their specifications. HCP's have to be very careful about what they say when prescribing these products for fear of being sued. Sorry if this seems to be a rant - it isn't, its just the way I type.

Mar 19, 2012 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Correction dose ratios? As does any basal insulin, I think at least in the handbook it said 12-18, all non pumpers should definitely try it out though.....

Mar 19, 2012 jgibson1962 29 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / White Bread or Brown? Marmite is disgusting yuk yuk yuk......... Long live Brown Bread....

Mar 19, 2012 MARIER 42 posts	Topic: General Discussion / When is best to take BI Levemir Hi Debbie How do you know that taking it at 11 pm and 8am works for you ????

Mar 19, 2012 DebbieS 9 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Ineffective BI? One of my reasons for prefering Levemir over Lantus is that you can change your dose if you are going to be doing something that is particularly energy intensive for a long period of time (going on a hike for example) and it has an imediate effect and you can not do this with Lantus as it can take upto 3 days for a change to take effect. As a female at a certain time of the month I can reduce my dose by 20% and it will stop be going low all the time. I also used to wake up low on Lantus because the dose I needed to work in the day sent me low overnight - this has not happened since I have changed to split dose Levemir. I know that what worked for me may not work for someone else, but I think that the dose splitting and ability to alter dose with imediate effect is a great imrovement.

Mar 19, 2012 DebbieS 9 posts	Topic: General Discussion / When is best to take BI Levemir I have been told that Levemir must be at least 7hrs apart (obviously a 12 hour split will give you an even coverage) it just depends how long it lasts for you and if you like your doses to cross a little to help with dawn phonomen. But I would say as long as they are between 7 - 12 hrs apart - whatever works best for you, I do my evening about 11pm and morning at about 8am - so 9 hrs gap.