Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Jan 19, 2012

J Thomas 4 posts

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

thebatoutofhull said:
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.

Hi and thank you for your reply, it really helps to hear your perspective and you're right it's been ages since I connected with a group of diabetics. I'll research something in my area...

Jan 19, 2012

J Thomas 4 posts

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

Ahmentep said:
Hi Jenny,

I've been type 1 since 1978 and I'm doing my Dafne course next week, but I have been carb counting and record keeping since I was diagnosed. Being an engineer helped I suspect, as it is in the nature of engineers to keep accurate records and deal with ratios etc. It also helped that during the week I spent in hospital after diagnosis I was in a general medical ward where every night one of my fellow patients died. As I was the only diabetic there it was firmly impressed upon my mind that, if I was going to have anything, diabetes was probably the best thing to have because it can be managed, and that management was largely in my hands.
The trick is definitely routine. You need to be so familiar with your routine that you do it without thinking. If you have to think about it, it becomes a chore. I think that's where you are now. You just need to grit your teeth and do it, but try not to think about doing it. It should be like breathing, you just do it!

Best of luck.

Roger

Thanks Roger, you're so right, I've gotten out of the routine of looking after myself and should stop thinking about it and just do it. it doesn't even take that long each day if you add it up. I probably spend more time loading and unloading the dishwasher than it would take to do half a dozen BG checks and write it down! thanks for your thoughts and empathy, it really helps.

Jan 19, 2012

J Thomas 4 posts

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

novorapidboi26 said:
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.............

Thanks loads for welcoming me to the forum and sharing your thoughts. I was in the second group in the country to do DAFNE when it was still a research project at Kings College hospital. So it was ages and ages ago in the late 90's, long before follow-ups were introduced and the national training structure had been rolled out. I did some talks to GPs, healthcare communities about the benefits of expert patient training and was on the DAFNE National Exec as the first patient rep for a couple of years. Trouble is that seems a life time ago. I've since moved location, got married had a child, changed jobs several times and haven't found away back to a local T1 or DAFNE support community. That might well be the problem, it's been too long, I've got complacent and out of the routine - perhaps I'll ask my local diabetic team for a refresher - also just reading all these positive comments helps to be honest too, I've forgoetten how lucky I was to be involved in this from the start. So thanks again.

Jan 19, 2012

thebatoutofhull 60 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Accu Chek Aviva Expert

DAFNE. Brilliant! the expert metre however is on a scale of 1 to 10 a 6 for me. Dafne gives you the skills to work out what needs changing for yourself. When I used the bolus adviser I found myself being too reliant on the tester. Because I am in different times zones I was sick of working out the uk time so I could allow for my change in ratio this really confused the machine. I could I suppose reprogramme it each time. I now use my accu chek mobile. This is by far the best blood test metre I have had. Simple and convenient. No strips to carry around and no mess after testing. It is a bit bigger than other metres but I'm ok with this. If accu chek could combine the benefits of both machines they'll have a winner.

Jan 18, 2012

meltow 78 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Snack Ideas - under 10g of carbs

If I need to be "naughty" and have an urge for salt, a bag of Quavers is around 10gm/1CP Laughing

Jan 18, 2012

Naz 10 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Accu Chek Aviva Expert

Hey everyone.

We were very kindly given new Accu Chek Aviva Experts at our 3 month DAFNE review, which I was really pleased about.

I'm still getting used to it, but so far, so good. Does anyone have any experience with this bolus advice meter?

Also, I just want to say that I'm so happy I did DAFNE - I've always struggled with my blood sugars and as a result my Hba1C was always high. I'm happy to report that in the matter of a few months I have brought my Hba1C down from 9.9% to 8.6%. Yay! lol.

Jan 18, 2012

jessk207 3 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Snack Ideas - under 10g of carbs

alpen light cereal bars (double chocolate/chocolate orange/chocolate and fudge) are all exactly 10g of carbs per bar and only 60-70 calories! wee beauties! also sugar free jelly is great for a sweet tooth fix thats suagr/calorie and carb free!

Jan 18, 2012

Naz 10 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Exciting news............

Awww congratulations!

What a lovely start to the year!

Jan 18, 2012

Anele46 109 posts

Topic: Site Development / Entry Sites

whiskysmum said:
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

Thanks Gill, glad to hear others think it's a good idea too Smile

Cheers,
Anele.

Jan 18, 2012

Chris loughrey 21 posts

Topic: Site Development / Pump users and the DAFNE app

Hi,

I'm just posting to enquire about the DAFNE app and using a pump. I've gotten pretty attached to the app, really helps with patterns and adjustments. I'm due to start on a pump soon but it seems that pump therapy is fairly incompatible with the diary set up. No ability to record multiple/temporary basal rates etc and I really don't want to have to use another new diary app.

Is it possible that the diary may be updated in the future to include these features and accommodate people using pumps. Or are there any other 3rd party apps that you could recommend that may do the job?

Thanks

Chris

Jan 18, 2012

Allan S 1 post

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Running and pump use

Hi Helen,
I'm a type 1 diabetic (for 37 years now). I've never had an insulin pump. I have run two half marathons in 2008 and 2009.
My ideal length of race is 10K - which I can manage without too much trouble, with respect to my diabetes. Half marathon is really a bit too far for me - but after getting quite a good time for my first, I thought I'd try again the next year. After both races my glucose was very low (around 3) even although I'd been taking glucose tablets on the way round.
I like to start with my glucose at least 10, and according to the runsweet website take 1 glucose tablet every mile or so, initially upping this to 2 tablets every mile in the later stages.
My consultant put me onto a great website called runsweet.com Its contains very good advice for all types of sport and activities.
Best wishes for the half marathon!
Allan

Jan 18, 2012

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Running and pump use

you might get more advice HERE

Jan 18, 2012

Ahmentep 99 posts

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

Hi Jenny,

I've been type 1 since 1978 and I'm doing my Dafne course next week, but I have been carb counting and record keeping since I was diagnosed. Being an engineer helped I suspect, as it is in the nature of engineers to keep accurate records and deal with ratios etc. It also helped that during the week I spent in hospital after diagnosis I was in a general medical ward where every night one of my fellow patients died. As I was the only diabetic there it was firmly impressed upon my mind that, if I was going to have anything, diabetes was probably the best thing to have because it can be managed, and that management was largely in my hands.
The trick is definitely routine. You need to be so familiar with your routine that you do it without thinking. If you have to think about it, it becomes a chore. I think that's where you are now. You just need to grit your teeth and do it, but try not to think about doing it. It should be like breathing, you just do it!

Best of luck.

Roger

Jan 18, 2012

Pamela Gilbert 1 post

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

Jenny Mills-Thomas said:
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.

Hi Jenny
I have had Type 1 for almost 47 years; and been a DAFNE grad for almost three years.
Like any ongoing and chronic condition, my daily routine is just that - routine. I try not to make a big deal out of the blood glucose testing, injections (and other medications I now need to take) etc etc and give thanks and gratitude (to whomever or Spirit you like to choose) that I have what I have and not what someone else has to contend with.
Sometimes far more easily said than practiced I can atest to that! maybe some form of counselling (with a registered and reputable Psychologist) would assist and/or a support group.
Hope this helps

Pamela
Melbourne Austraila

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 19, 2012 J Thomas 4 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Where's my motivation gone?? thebatoutofhull said: 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. Hi and thank you for your reply, it really helps to hear your perspective and you're right it's been ages since I connected with a group of diabetics. I'll research something in my area...

Jan 19, 2012 J Thomas 4 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Where's my motivation gone?? Ahmentep said: Hi Jenny, I've been type 1 since 1978 and I'm doing my Dafne course next week, but I have been carb counting and record keeping since I was diagnosed. Being an engineer helped I suspect, as it is in the nature of engineers to keep accurate records and deal with ratios etc. It also helped that during the week I spent in hospital after diagnosis I was in a general medical ward where every night one of my fellow patients died. As I was the only diabetic there it was firmly impressed upon my mind that, if I was going to have anything, diabetes was probably the best thing to have because it can be managed, and that management was largely in my hands. The trick is definitely routine. You need to be so familiar with your routine that you do it without thinking. If you have to think about it, it becomes a chore. I think that's where you are now. You just need to grit your teeth and do it, but try not to think about doing it. It should be like breathing, you just do it! Best of luck. Roger Thanks Roger, you're so right, I've gotten out of the routine of looking after myself and should stop thinking about it and just do it. it doesn't even take that long each day if you add it up. I probably spend more time loading and unloading the dishwasher than it would take to do half a dozen BG checks and write it down! thanks for your thoughts and empathy, it really helps.

Jan 19, 2012 J Thomas 4 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Where's my motivation gone?? novorapidboi26 said: 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............. Thanks loads for welcoming me to the forum and sharing your thoughts. I was in the second group in the country to do DAFNE when it was still a research project at Kings College hospital. So it was ages and ages ago in the late 90's, long before follow-ups were introduced and the national training structure had been rolled out. I did some talks to GPs, healthcare communities about the benefits of expert patient training and was on the DAFNE National Exec as the first patient rep for a couple of years. Trouble is that seems a life time ago. I've since moved location, got married had a child, changed jobs several times and haven't found away back to a local T1 or DAFNE support community. That might well be the problem, it's been too long, I've got complacent and out of the routine - perhaps I'll ask my local diabetic team for a refresher - also just reading all these positive comments helps to be honest too, I've forgoetten how lucky I was to be involved in this from the start. So thanks again.

Jan 19, 2012 thebatoutofhull 60 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Accu Chek Aviva Expert DAFNE. Brilliant! the expert metre however is on a scale of 1 to 10 a 6 for me. Dafne gives you the skills to work out what needs changing for yourself. When I used the bolus adviser I found myself being too reliant on the tester. Because I am in different times zones I was sick of working out the uk time so I could allow for my change in ratio this really confused the machine. I could I suppose reprogramme it each time. I now use my accu chek mobile. This is by far the best blood test metre I have had. Simple and convenient. No strips to carry around and no mess after testing. It is a bit bigger than other metres but I'm ok with this. If accu chek could combine the benefits of both machines they'll have a winner.

Jan 18, 2012 meltow 78 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Snack Ideas - under 10g of carbs If I need to be "naughty" and have an urge for salt, a bag of Quavers is around 10gm/1CP

Jan 18, 2012 Naz 10 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Accu Chek Aviva Expert Hey everyone. We were very kindly given new Accu Chek Aviva Experts at our 3 month DAFNE review, which I was really pleased about. I'm still getting used to it, but so far, so good. Does anyone have any experience with this bolus advice meter? Also, I just want to say that I'm so happy I did DAFNE - I've always struggled with my blood sugars and as a result my Hba1C was always high. I'm happy to report that in the matter of a few months I have brought my Hba1C down from 9.9% to 8.6%. Yay! lol.

Jan 18, 2012 jessk207 3 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Snack Ideas - under 10g of carbs alpen light cereal bars (double chocolate/chocolate orange/chocolate and fudge) are all exactly 10g of carbs per bar and only 60-70 calories! wee beauties! also sugar free jelly is great for a sweet tooth fix thats suagr/calorie and carb free!

Jan 18, 2012 Naz 10 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Exciting news............ Awww congratulations! What a lovely start to the year!

Jan 18, 2012 Anele46 109 posts	Topic: Site Development / Entry Sites whiskysmum said: 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 Thanks Gill, glad to hear others think it's a good idea too Cheers, Anele.

Jan 18, 2012 Chris loughrey 21 posts	Topic: Site Development / Pump users and the DAFNE app Hi, I'm just posting to enquire about the DAFNE app and using a pump. I've gotten pretty attached to the app, really helps with patterns and adjustments. I'm due to start on a pump soon but it seems that pump therapy is fairly incompatible with the diary set up. No ability to record multiple/temporary basal rates etc and I really don't want to have to use another new diary app. Is it possible that the diary may be updated in the future to include these features and accommodate people using pumps. Or are there any other 3rd party apps that you could recommend that may do the job? Thanks Chris

Jan 18, 2012 Allan S 1 post	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Running and pump use Hi Helen, I'm a type 1 diabetic (for 37 years now). I've never had an insulin pump. I have run two half marathons in 2008 and 2009. My ideal length of race is 10K - which I can manage without too much trouble, with respect to my diabetes. Half marathon is really a bit too far for me - but after getting quite a good time for my first, I thought I'd try again the next year. After both races my glucose was very low (around 3) even although I'd been taking glucose tablets on the way round. I like to start with my glucose at least 10, and according to the runsweet website take 1 glucose tablet every mile or so, initially upping this to 2 tablets every mile in the later stages. My consultant put me onto a great website called runsweet.com Its contains very good advice for all types of sport and activities. Best wishes for the half marathon! Allan

Jan 18, 2012 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Running and pump use you might get more advice HERE

Jan 18, 2012 Ahmentep 99 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Where's my motivation gone?? Hi Jenny, I've been type 1 since 1978 and I'm doing my Dafne course next week, but I have been carb counting and record keeping since I was diagnosed. Being an engineer helped I suspect, as it is in the nature of engineers to keep accurate records and deal with ratios etc. It also helped that during the week I spent in hospital after diagnosis I was in a general medical ward where every night one of my fellow patients died. As I was the only diabetic there it was firmly impressed upon my mind that, if I was going to have anything, diabetes was probably the best thing to have because it can be managed, and that management was largely in my hands. The trick is definitely routine. You need to be so familiar with your routine that you do it without thinking. If you have to think about it, it becomes a chore. I think that's where you are now. You just need to grit your teeth and do it, but try not to think about doing it. It should be like breathing, you just do it! Best of luck. Roger

Jan 18, 2012 Pamela Gilbert 1 post	Topic: General Discussion / Where's my motivation gone?? Jenny Mills-Thomas said: 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. Hi Jenny I have had Type 1 for almost 47 years; and been a DAFNE grad for almost three years. Like any ongoing and chronic condition, my daily routine is just that - routine. I try not to make a big deal out of the blood glucose testing, injections (and other medications I now need to take) etc etc and give thanks and gratitude (to whomever or Spirit you like to choose) that I have what I have and not what someone else has to contend with. Sometimes far more easily said than practiced I can atest to that! maybe some form of counselling (with a registered and reputable Psychologist) would assist and/or a support group. Hope this helps Pamela Melbourne Austraila

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.