Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Jan 18, 2012

thebatoutofhull 60 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Where's my motivation gone??

Hello everyone.
I did DAFNE in 2001.
1) If I remembercorrectly, some of the staff who ran the course had been to Germany to study their techniques.

2) As a type1 you can feel as if you're on your own. I did not speak to any other diabetics for over 10 years after diagnosis. A week on DAFNE when I was with other diabetics and I was in my element, but then another ten years or so without any connection. you can get down in the dumps.

3) Remotivation? It came by chance - sitting down with a cuppa and nattering on (without fibbing) to a stranger or group of strangers who share a T1 commonality. I've done this twice this year. A T1 I now know owns a cafe and once a month she holds a T1 evening. Different people there each time. Different stories, all the same problems. Loads of ideas come out. You take what you want/need. You're not on your own.

Jan 17, 2012

Billie 5 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Where's my motivation gone??

Hi Iam Billie, I have just last Friday graduated DAFNE. I have been type 1 for 4yrs this August and to be honest I have been stummberling around in the dark for most of this time. I was admitted to hospital 3 times last year (the last being 2 days after Xmas). I was put on a sliding scale ect. I was at an all time low ready to give up felt defeated. I began to think things would never get better as each time doc's telling me different things, for example only found out new year's eve that you have to inject on snacks there is no rule that you can only do 3 injections a day plus background I thought this was a strict rule!!!!!! I was fed up with everything about it even begrudged meal times and eating out, not to mention the physical toll on my body and mind. Every day the same tired, constantly weeing and thirst. Sometimes is was a struggle just to get up washed and dressed.( I have 2 children so I do get up but it was extremely a battle).
But lucky enough I got a new consultant and I did end up letting the gates open and out came the last 3 years of agonising he'll I had been living. He was very concerned that I had had no care as in explanations or direction for what I was so posed to be doing, because everything I was told was constantly contradicted . So I got put on DAFNE.
I know it was only last week but I feel in control not the other way round. I feel happy, motivated and overall I understand what I have wrong with me, how to cope with all aspects of it and a fighting chance of having lower BG's.But like yourself I was never that great at keeping a diary of these tedious results, but it did help me to understand any pattern or links. But mainly it is something that I have to do to ensure better control and familiarise myself with the cp's and correction doses. I just wish I had of done DAFNE when first diagnosed, my life would have been a he'll of a lot healthier, happier and overall less stressful.
I hope this helps in some way, I had never spoken to another diabetic until DAFNE but now I know I am not alone and others have been where I was. Good luck Wink

I was very worried about going on the course but it is the best thing mentally and physically

Jan 17, 2012

mum2westiesGill 502 posts

Topic: Site Development / Entry Sites

Anele46 said:
I think it would be handy to have some extra Entry Sites for the Blood Glucose Diary e.g. After Breakfast, After Lunch, After Dinner?

Anele.

Hi,

Yeah i also think it would be good if we could have these after meal enteries.

Gill Smile

Jan 17, 2012

Helenad 1 post

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Running and pump use

Hi,

I'm looking for advice about running a half marathon with a pump. I'm type 1 diabetic, for 20 years and fairly stable.

I'm training for a half-marathon. I've been running for a couple of years and so far, I always take off my pump to run but I haven't ever run for longer than an hour. Up to about an hour I keep my blood glucose stable by running without the pump so if I leave with a reading of about 9 say, I come back with roughly the same BG as when I left.

But now, I'm upping my time running so on Sunday I ran for an hour and a half. I left for the run with a bg of 10. Got back and it was 5.2. I'm at the Kings College Hospital clinic and get differing advice from nurses and doctors from, keep your pump on and you need to give yourself insulin during your run, to take it off and make sure you take extra glucose as the run goes on.

I'll be running the race for about 2 and a half hours. Any advice? I will obviously take testing equipment while I'm doing the race but need to know if I should watch out for hypos or too high bloods by the end.

Many thanks, Helen

Jan 17, 2012

Anele46 109 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Ratios & Honeymoon Period.

Mattybaxter said:
Thank you for all of your replies, it sounds like i should be greatful its lating this long.

I have my HbA1C blood test tomorrow and will get my results next week my last two were 5.8 and the 6.0 so fingers crossed its still close to that.

thanks Matt.

All the best with your results tomorrow Smile

Good luck!

Cheers,
Anele.

Jan 17, 2012

Anele46 109 posts

Topic: Site Development / Entry Sites

novorapidboi26 said:
These are perfectly reasonable requests, and your not sad for recording everything, I have been doing DAFNE for 2 years too, diabetic for 13, and I still write everything down, and record it online..........recording is the foundation DAFNE is built on....

I dont use the DAFNE diary now though, is that what your referring to.........?

You would probably be best making up your own diary in my opinion, you can then design it to suit your specific needs.......

Thanks Novorapidboi26,
Yeah, was referring to the Blood Glucouse diary Smile

I like the one on here and find it very useful as can use it on my iPhone and Mac and my PC in work so is easily accessible and hosted and thus no worries about the data being lost, also gives me an excuse to go on the site and check out the forums and keep up to date with everything DAFNE and diabetes like Smile

Hope your wee newborn girl is doing well along with yourself, your wife and your son Smile

Cheers,
Anele.

Jan 17, 2012

Mattybaxter 3 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Ratios & Honeymoon Period.

Thank you for all of your replies, it sounds like i should be greatful its lating this long.

I have my HbA1C blood test tomorrow and will get my results next week my last two were 5.8 and the 6.0 so fingers crossed its still close to that.

thanks Matt.

Jan 17, 2012

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Where's my motivation gone??

Hi Jenny and welcome..............

I didn't know DAFNE had been around 13 years ago, in fact I am sure it wasn't as that's when I was diagnosed.......are you referring to MDI/carb counting..........? When did you graduate........?

I think its important to acknowledge that its normal and OK to lose track of your control every now and again, we are only human......

The thing that helps me the most is routine, as soon as the weekend comes my testing goes out the window, at least the lunch and dinner test anyway. I also snack all day and dont bother injecting. But as soon as I am back at work it goes back to regimented testing and strategic injections..........I suppose this must be hard being a mum and working full time.........

You say your on a pump, surely for that to be successful you need to test all the time, especially as your basal rates can change quite often?

Do you find the testing isn't happening and is difficult to do , or the recording and analysis of results.........

you could ease your way back in by just letting the meter record your results and then decanting them on to paper, however your meter usually wont contain, carb portions and insulin doses.........

if you say you have been a DAFNE graduate for 13/14 years, its unlikely you have actually done a course recently, which means you wont be familiar with the approach to testing/dosing DAFNE provides........

Its hard to give you something motivational to help you....................after DAFNE I was motivated by results, the approach they taught you actually worked, and its that success, the good blood sugar reading in front of me that helped me continue, its now as if I dont snack in between meals just so I get a good result, at least during the week anyway........

If I am right and you haven't been to a course I recommend getting on a DAFNE course, it will breathe a new lease of life into your control. You can get a new meter, this will also help in motivating you, you meet other diabetics and you realize your not alone in the struggle.........

I hope my ramblings helped a bit............. Wink

Jan 16, 2012

J Thomas 4 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Where's my motivation gone??

Hi,

How do you all keep up your BG testing and recording every day? Do you really just do it regardless of how you feel, how busy you are, how you slept etc, etc?

I've been TYPE 1 diabetic for most of my life (33 years), a DAFNE Graduate for over 13/14 years, had a pump for 5 years and am a full time working mum. I eat sensibly and don't drink much. I also am not exercising much because I find it really thorws my control around a lot.

I used to be good and contentious at testing and writing it all down and got my HBA1C down to target levels for a few years (particularly for my pregnancies). But over the last year I just can't find a slither of motivation to keep on top of it all and my control is inevitably sliding and the HBA1C is creeping up, although no major hypos or problems.

Anyone got any inspirational thoughts or methods they use to keep motivated and focussed on testing, recording and reviewing? Do you reward your selves, or see it as a routine like taking a shower??

I'd really appreciate hearing your thoughts, positive please, I know a lot of the negative impact reasons to keep on top of my health and they don't help, wierdly.

Thanks loads for any advice you can offer.

Jan 16, 2012

Aarti 4 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / steroids and glucose management

Thanks guys for your help!

Jan 16, 2012

LeonT 6 posts

Topic: General Discussion / New Needles

Give it a go. It might sound a tad far fetched but I definitely noticed a difference.

Jan 16, 2012

LeonT 6 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Sensible drinkers need not apply...

"pint and a chaser"...haha I like that anology!!!

Jan 16, 2012

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: Site Development / Entry Sites

These are perfectly reasonable requests, and your not sad for recording everything, I have been doing DAFNE for 2 years too, diabetic for 13, and I still write everything down, and record it online..........recording is the foundation DAFNE is built on....

I dont use the DAFNE diary now though, is that what your referring to.........?

You would probably be best making up your own diary in my opinion, you can then design it to suit your specific needs.......

Jan 16, 2012

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Carb Counting Conflicts?

I personally just judge fruit by a general size of small, medium and large, with the CP value ranging between 1 and 2...........

this approach works well for me but it may not work for everyone I suppose..........

Jan 16, 2012

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Hi, new on here

Hi Cathy and welcome............

You seem to be getting on very well with DAFNE and you attitude towards life is fantastic, I am confident you will achieve your goals.........

Your colleagues obviously dont know much about Diabetes, and that's OK, as its you that has the condition.....

I look forward to hearing more from you........

Any questions you have will be happily answered by any of us here......

Jan 16, 2012

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / New Needles

DRS said:
or need to pinch....

that's very old advice now, you dont need to pinch with any of the modern needles now......

I am on 8 mm needles, the theory about different absorption rates in the subcutaneous layer and muscle is interesting though.....might need to investigate, although I am 100% confident I am not injecting muscle.....

Jan 16, 2012

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Sensible drinkers need not apply...

I tend to drink wine and spirits more, so no QA, but if I am having beers I would try and inject for an anticipated amount of beer, as I know I wouldn't be on it long..........

I then take my normal BI dose at night and then adjust my morning BI as the effects dont seem to hit me till the next day..........

Jan 15, 2012

mike_skinner 8 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Sensible drinkers need not apply...

One or two jabs of QA as you go, per pint. Strong real ale takes three units a pint. Then don't dose the last one or two and correct in the morning. Kind of like a pint and a chaser..

Jan 15, 2012

marke 681 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Carb Counting Conflicts?

Hi, yes the version on the site is now the latest one being issued to DAFNE graduates which is called 'version 9'. In this version the apple weight value was changed from 120g to 100g. Unfortunately I cannot tell you why this is, my part was to convert it to a form to be used on the site. I wasn't told why certain foods had their values changed. I would presume that generally 100g to 1CP is more consistent.
Remember its just a guide rather than a hard and fast rule. I will ask if there is anything that explains why values where changed and post it here if I am provided any information.


Jan 18, 2012 thebatoutofhull 60 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Where's my motivation gone?? Hello everyone. I did DAFNE in 2001. 1) If I remembercorrectly, some of the staff who ran the course had been to Germany to study their techniques. 2) As a type1 you can feel as if you're on your own. I did not speak to any other diabetics for over 10 years after diagnosis. A week on DAFNE when I was with other diabetics and I was in my element, but then another ten years or so without any connection. you can get down in the dumps. 3) Remotivation? It came by chance - sitting down with a cuppa and nattering on (without fibbing) to a stranger or group of strangers who share a T1 commonality. I've done this twice this year. A T1 I now know owns a cafe and once a month she holds a T1 evening. Different people there each time. Different stories, all the same problems. Loads of ideas come out. You take what you want/need. You're not on your own.

Jan 17, 2012 Billie 5 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Where's my motivation gone?? Hi Iam Billie, I have just last Friday graduated DAFNE. I have been type 1 for 4yrs this August and to be honest I have been stummberling around in the dark for most of this time. I was admitted to hospital 3 times last year (the last being 2 days after Xmas). I was put on a sliding scale ect. I was at an all time low ready to give up felt defeated. I began to think things would never get better as each time doc's telling me different things, for example only found out new year's eve that you have to inject on snacks there is no rule that you can only do 3 injections a day plus background I thought this was a strict rule!!!!!! I was fed up with everything about it even begrudged meal times and eating out, not to mention the physical toll on my body and mind. Every day the same tired, constantly weeing and thirst. Sometimes is was a struggle just to get up washed and dressed.( I have 2 children so I do get up but it was extremely a battle). But lucky enough I got a new consultant and I did end up letting the gates open and out came the last 3 years of agonising he'll I had been living. He was very concerned that I had had no care as in explanations or direction for what I was so posed to be doing, because everything I was told was constantly contradicted . So I got put on DAFNE. I know it was only last week but I feel in control not the other way round. I feel happy, motivated and overall I understand what I have wrong with me, how to cope with all aspects of it and a fighting chance of having lower BG's.But like yourself I was never that great at keeping a diary of these tedious results, but it did help me to understand any pattern or links. But mainly it is something that I have to do to ensure better control and familiarise myself with the cp's and correction doses. I just wish I had of done DAFNE when first diagnosed, my life would have been a he'll of a lot healthier, happier and overall less stressful. I hope this helps in some way, I had never spoken to another diabetic until DAFNE but now I know I am not alone and others have been where I was. Good luck I was very worried about going on the course but it is the best thing mentally and physically

Jan 17, 2012 mum2westiesGill 502 posts	Topic: Site Development / Entry Sites Anele46 said: I think it would be handy to have some extra Entry Sites for the Blood Glucose Diary e.g. After Breakfast, After Lunch, After Dinner? Anele. Hi, Yeah i also think it would be good if we could have these after meal enteries. Gill

Jan 17, 2012 Helenad 1 post	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Running and pump use Hi, I'm looking for advice about running a half marathon with a pump. I'm type 1 diabetic, for 20 years and fairly stable. I'm training for a half-marathon. I've been running for a couple of years and so far, I always take off my pump to run but I haven't ever run for longer than an hour. Up to about an hour I keep my blood glucose stable by running without the pump so if I leave with a reading of about 9 say, I come back with roughly the same BG as when I left. But now, I'm upping my time running so on Sunday I ran for an hour and a half. I left for the run with a bg of 10. Got back and it was 5.2. I'm at the Kings College Hospital clinic and get differing advice from nurses and doctors from, keep your pump on and you need to give yourself insulin during your run, to take it off and make sure you take extra glucose as the run goes on. I'll be running the race for about 2 and a half hours. Any advice? I will obviously take testing equipment while I'm doing the race but need to know if I should watch out for hypos or too high bloods by the end. Many thanks, Helen

Jan 17, 2012 Anele46 109 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Ratios & Honeymoon Period. Mattybaxter said: Thank you for all of your replies, it sounds like i should be greatful its lating this long. I have my HbA1C blood test tomorrow and will get my results next week my last two were 5.8 and the 6.0 so fingers crossed its still close to that. thanks Matt. All the best with your results tomorrow Good luck! Cheers, Anele.

Jan 17, 2012 Anele46 109 posts	Topic: Site Development / Entry Sites novorapidboi26 said: These are perfectly reasonable requests, and your not sad for recording everything, I have been doing DAFNE for 2 years too, diabetic for 13, and I still write everything down, and record it online..........recording is the foundation DAFNE is built on.... I dont use the DAFNE diary now though, is that what your referring to.........? You would probably be best making up your own diary in my opinion, you can then design it to suit your specific needs....... Thanks Novorapidboi26, Yeah, was referring to the Blood Glucouse diary I like the one on here and find it very useful as can use it on my iPhone and Mac and my PC in work so is easily accessible and hosted and thus no worries about the data being lost, also gives me an excuse to go on the site and check out the forums and keep up to date with everything DAFNE and diabetes like Hope your wee newborn girl is doing well along with yourself, your wife and your son Cheers, Anele.

Jan 17, 2012 Mattybaxter 3 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Ratios & Honeymoon Period. Thank you for all of your replies, it sounds like i should be greatful its lating this long. I have my HbA1C blood test tomorrow and will get my results next week my last two were 5.8 and the 6.0 so fingers crossed its still close to that. thanks Matt.

Jan 17, 2012 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Where's my motivation gone?? Hi Jenny and welcome.............. I didn't know DAFNE had been around 13 years ago, in fact I am sure it wasn't as that's when I was diagnosed.......are you referring to MDI/carb counting..........? When did you graduate........? I think its important to acknowledge that its normal and OK to lose track of your control every now and again, we are only human...... The thing that helps me the most is routine, as soon as the weekend comes my testing goes out the window, at least the lunch and dinner test anyway. I also snack all day and dont bother injecting. But as soon as I am back at work it goes back to regimented testing and strategic injections..........I suppose this must be hard being a mum and working full time......... You say your on a pump, surely for that to be successful you need to test all the time, especially as your basal rates can change quite often? Do you find the testing isn't happening and is difficult to do , or the recording and analysis of results......... you could ease your way back in by just letting the meter record your results and then decanting them on to paper, however your meter usually wont contain, carb portions and insulin doses......... if you say you have been a DAFNE graduate for 13/14 years, its unlikely you have actually done a course recently, which means you wont be familiar with the approach to testing/dosing DAFNE provides........ Its hard to give you something motivational to help you....................after DAFNE I was motivated by results, the approach they taught you actually worked, and its that success, the good blood sugar reading in front of me that helped me continue, its now as if I dont snack in between meals just so I get a good result, at least during the week anyway........ If I am right and you haven't been to a course I recommend getting on a DAFNE course, it will breathe a new lease of life into your control. You can get a new meter, this will also help in motivating you, you meet other diabetics and you realize your not alone in the struggle......... I hope my ramblings helped a bit.............

Jan 16, 2012 J Thomas 4 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Where's my motivation gone?? Hi, How do you all keep up your BG testing and recording every day? Do you really just do it regardless of how you feel, how busy you are, how you slept etc, etc? I've been TYPE 1 diabetic for most of my life (33 years), a DAFNE Graduate for over 13/14 years, had a pump for 5 years and am a full time working mum. I eat sensibly and don't drink much. I also am not exercising much because I find it really thorws my control around a lot. I used to be good and contentious at testing and writing it all down and got my HBA1C down to target levels for a few years (particularly for my pregnancies). But over the last year I just can't find a slither of motivation to keep on top of it all and my control is inevitably sliding and the HBA1C is creeping up, although no major hypos or problems. Anyone got any inspirational thoughts or methods they use to keep motivated and focussed on testing, recording and reviewing? Do you reward your selves, or see it as a routine like taking a shower?? I'd really appreciate hearing your thoughts, positive please, I know a lot of the negative impact reasons to keep on top of my health and they don't help, wierdly. Thanks loads for any advice you can offer.

Jan 16, 2012 Aarti 4 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / steroids and glucose management Thanks guys for your help!

Jan 16, 2012 LeonT 6 posts	Topic: General Discussion / New Needles Give it a go. It might sound a tad far fetched but I definitely noticed a difference.

Jan 16, 2012 LeonT 6 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Sensible drinkers need not apply... "pint and a chaser"...haha I like that anology!!!

Jan 16, 2012 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: Site Development / Entry Sites These are perfectly reasonable requests, and your not sad for recording everything, I have been doing DAFNE for 2 years too, diabetic for 13, and I still write everything down, and record it online..........recording is the foundation DAFNE is built on.... I dont use the DAFNE diary now though, is that what your referring to.........? You would probably be best making up your own diary in my opinion, you can then design it to suit your specific needs.......

Jan 16, 2012 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Carb Counting Conflicts? I personally just judge fruit by a general size of small, medium and large, with the CP value ranging between 1 and 2........... this approach works well for me but it may not work for everyone I suppose..........

Jan 16, 2012 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Hi, new on here Hi Cathy and welcome............ You seem to be getting on very well with DAFNE and you attitude towards life is fantastic, I am confident you will achieve your goals......... Your colleagues obviously dont know much about Diabetes, and that's OK, as its you that has the condition..... I look forward to hearing more from you........ Any questions you have will be happily answered by any of us here......

Jan 16, 2012 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / New Needles DRS said: or need to pinch.... that's very old advice now, you dont need to pinch with any of the modern needles now...... I am on 8 mm needles, the theory about different absorption rates in the subcutaneous layer and muscle is interesting though.....might need to investigate, although I am 100% confident I am not injecting muscle.....

Jan 16, 2012 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Sensible drinkers need not apply... I tend to drink wine and spirits more, so no QA, but if I am having beers I would try and inject for an anticipated amount of beer, as I know I wouldn't be on it long.......... I then take my normal BI dose at night and then adjust my morning BI as the effects dont seem to hit me till the next day..........

Jan 15, 2012 mike_skinner 8 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Sensible drinkers need not apply... One or two jabs of QA as you go, per pint. Strong real ale takes three units a pint. Then don't dose the last one or two and correct in the morning. Kind of like a pint and a chaser..

Jan 15, 2012 marke 681 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Carb Counting Conflicts? Hi, yes the version on the site is now the latest one being issued to DAFNE graduates which is called 'version 9'. In this version the apple weight value was changed from 120g to 100g. Unfortunately I cannot tell you why this is, my part was to convert it to a form to be used on the site. I wasn't told why certain foods had their values changed. I would presume that generally 100g to 1CP is more consistent. Remember its just a guide rather than a hard and fast rule. I will ask if there is anything that explains why values where changed and post it here if I am provided any information.