Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Nov 7, 2011

Simon 578 posts

Topic: Site Development / Request for additional graph format

Hi Alex/all - I've added this for you, see the 'Day Trend' graph type. At the moment it's limited to having 10 days worth of info on it; to avoid overcrowding. Let me know if this works for you.

Simon

Nov 7, 2011

Ahmentep 99 posts

Topic: Site Development / Online handbook

Thanks again Simon. I look forward to seeing the handbook in January.

Kind regards,

Roger

Nov 6, 2011

mike_skinner 8 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Holiday worries, any advice

Hi -first post from me. I've been to the US twice since being diagnosed three years ago and found the carbs a lot more different to handle. My advise is this - dafne let's you correct if you need to -it's the only regime I've ever been on, so this to me is good feature, no? If the blood sugar goes up a bit then you can sort it out with adjustment. The temperature will affect your readings big style. Best advice I can share is to take double of everything with you -meters, pens, needles, test strips, and have a set in hand luggage and a set checked in. That way you have double what you need for the whole trip, which is reassurance indeed. Take a Daniels bin also. Work out what you need in advance, see the gp for a monumental prescription, pack wisely and enjoy the trip. Customs and airline security was no hassle -I had a letter off my gp explaining that I needed all the paraphernalia on me during the flights (as well as a pocket full of cola bottles). HTH

Nov 6, 2011

richard.arkle 16 posts

Topic: General Discussion / App developments

Hi Simon, Marke and All,

Love the iPhone App and Prof Pearson at ARI Woolmanhill is impressed with the style (if not my readings!)

Looking at the latest Balance I see on the back page an ad for a meter which claims to have a function to calculate how much insulin is left in ones body. Seems a pretty useful tool to have.

Any ideas about incorporating this and suggesting a correction dose?

Cheers Richard

Nov 6, 2011

Simon 578 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Meters

I use the Aviva Nano as my main meter and couldn't be happier with it - it's nice and compact and the finger pricker contains 6 lancets so you have to change it less often. My previous meter was a OneTouch UltraSmart, which was fairly bulky in comparison; and I got a bit lazy with regard to changing the lancets on it - so the Nano is perfect for me!

Nov 6, 2011

Simon 578 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Holiday worries, any advice

Hi ketostix - you don't mention how long since you have done the course, but I have found that you do get used to estimating CP's in foods when eating out, and it does get easier based on experience. As Mark says you don't have to be spot on all the time; if you do get an unexpectedly high or low reading then try and figure out why it was, and then learn from it.

Having said that if you think you are getting CP's right and your BG readings are constantly going up, it may be worth considering upping your QA:CP ratio to 1.5:1 or 2:1

Finally, remember March is 4 months away, which is 4 months of learning and adjustment using the DAFNE principles - I'd say don't miss out on the fantastic opportunity of a trip to Florida - you will have learned a whole lot more by then anyway.

Simon

Nov 6, 2011

Simon 578 posts

Topic: General Discussion / How do i get on a DAFNE course

novorapidboi26 said:
The online diary can do some basic graph production which is good.............

Hey James - are there other graphs you need? I dont want the site to be considered 'basic' Smile

Nov 6, 2011

Simon 578 posts

Topic: Site Development / Online handbook

Hi Roger - if you use your tablet's web browser to access the site you'll be able to see the handbook (once confirmed as a Graduate) - it's only when using the downloadable apps for the device that the handbook isn't there.

Thanks,

Simon

Nov 6, 2011

Ahmentep 99 posts

Topic: Site Development / Online handbook

I've just remembered your point about the difficulty of building access into an app (I couldn't see it whilst writing my earlier reply because your post is partially obscured by the reply box), so I will need to use my PC.

Kind regards,

Roger

Nov 6, 2011

Ahmentep 99 posts

Topic: Site Development / Online handbook

Thank you for that information. I usually log onto the site using my tablet, which shows most PC sites (including this one) quite adequately. I could use my PC though, if necessary.

Kind regards,

Roger

Nov 5, 2011

marke 681 posts

Topic: Site Development / Online handbook

Hi, yes and no ! Yes you cannot access the online handbook because you are not a graduate. But no you could not access it from the 'apps' (iphone/android) anyway just from the site. This is for several reasons, first we are only permitted to give access to the handbook to graduates and so this is potentaily more difficult in an app, but more importantly it wouldn't fit on a mobile screen very well. There are large diagrams, charts etc in the handbook, that wouldn't really work. You can access the handbook, if you are a graduate, using a mobile device. There is a specific version of the website for mobiles but it is still harder to view than on a full size screen.

Nov 5, 2011

marke 681 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Holiday worries, any advice

Hi, PLEASE don't take this the wrong way or as a criticism but I suspect you are worrying too much about being totally accurate and so are getting anxious. This will tend to elevate your BG which makes you more anxious and it becomes a self-perpetuating cycle. I know its easy to say but... two weeks of higher BG's will not do you any great harm in the overall scheme of life and if you don't worry so much about your BG while on holiday you will probably be more likely to stay in range.
I have been to Florida a few times and if its a family holiday that probably means theme parks. This means plenty of walking which will keep your BG's down anyway, the challenge will be to ensure you take on CP's regularly and keep you BG at higher level. I appreciate everyone is different and face different challenges but I had no real
problems at all in the USA. They all sort of speak english Wink

and food labelling is not that much different to here. Sure most of the food has a higher carb content than
here so you have to beware what you eat, but providing you keep testing and making correction doses you will be fine. One thing to remember that if you are doing a lot of walking it will have a knock on effect the NEXT day when your body is still using sugars even if you have stopped walking around.
I say go for it, if you have not been before it is an experience ! You will learn to appreciate the art of parting people from their money in more and more elaborate ways Very Happy

Nov 5, 2011

ketostix pla... 25 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Holiday worries, any advice

Hi all, I would like some help and support in something that should be a good opportunity. I have been diabetic since 3 and was fortunate to be selected for DAFNE and completed the course in March this year. Overall it has been the wake-up call I needed to get the control back, but I have found that my confidence has taken a bit of knock, while I am still learning and developing my confidence in the DAFNE regime which I appreciate will not happen overnight.
I have been extremely lucky in these hard times the opportunity of a trip to Florida next March with my family, which before I would be extremely excited about. However since this I have found that it has caused me extreme worry and concern concerning my diabetes, which has caused some tension.
Since starting DAFNE I have had one hospital admission due to an infection, and basically not eating which caused Ketones while following the sick day rule. Which I have learnt from so hopefully this was a learning curve. I am much better at identifying Hypo symptomâ€™s, but do tend to have more smaller hypos than before, but my diabetes is now in a preferred range than running high like I was for all those years.
My concern is that with DAFNE you do need to be in control and totally accurate with the CPS you take on board to calculate the correct dosage. Last weekend I went away for three days with my wife and basically had to estimate my dosage for all of my eating, as were eating out for breakfast â€“ lunch and dinner. I used my carbs and cals book, but found over the three days my BG was increasing and the corrections were getting larger and by the 3rd day had started to feel unwell. But by the time I got back into my routine things settled down quickly.
My concern being that if I go I feel things well be a mess in a matter of days, as I tend historically for things to become bad extremely quickly when my tests are bad. I feel that with the mixture of heat, eating out all the time, different labelling, active holiday and maybe a few beers that it is a disaster waiting to happen. As I am still learning and developing my skills at such an early stage of me being on DAFNE. I just feel that is too early for me to commit to this holiday, if it was further afield I would feel happier. Any thoughts???

Nov 5, 2011

Ahmentep 99 posts

Topic: Site Development / Online handbook

Hi,

Firstly let me congratulate you on having produced a very good app. The more I work with it the better I like it. I did post a wish list on the DAFNE Mobile app. forum, but these are minor points.
The purpose of this post is to ask about the Online handbook which I have read about in several posts. I cannot see any way to access it from the Android app. and I am wondering if this is because I am a user, not yet a graduate. Is this the case?

Kind regards,

Roger

Nov 4, 2011

Ahmentep 99 posts

Topic: General Discussion / How do i get on a DAFNE course

I second that rosscortb.

Nov 3, 2011

DavidJ 23 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Local Authority Changes

PALS have replied and this is their response
It is true that we have across the whole PCT looked to reduce the amount of BGTS we prescribe. We were one of the highest prescribers of BGTS in the country, literally in the top 3 nationally. We went about addressing this in a number of ways. We adopted a formulary so that whilst prescribers were able to prescribe whatever strip they wanted we did have a more limited recommendation of choices of strips. Again historically we prescribed every single strip that was on the market.
Of course the manufacturers didnâ€™t help with any of this dumping free meters in as many paces as possible so patients ended up with two or even three different meters all of which needed different strips fuelling the problem further and not adding anything to clinical well being of patients. In fact despite being a high spending PCT on BGTS (and diabetes generally) we only had low average outcomes.
All this is a bit of background really. The level of prescribing of strips has reduced to nearer to SHA levels however we do want patients have the strips they clinically need. To this end at the same time as putting the formulary in place we did issue expected levels of strip usage for different types of diabetic. So for example Type 1s , as per this patient, would be expected to test more frequently compared to Type 2s.
If you let me have the patient & practice details Iâ€™ll make sure the practice has a copy sent again of the expected frequency of testing. This should help ensure that the patient is able to obtain the number of strips needed for his recommended testing regimen.

Nov 2, 2011

HelenP 218 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Meters

My 2 cents worth!

I have two Optium Xceeds. Great to use the same strips in both my meters. Handy to have a spare when travelling and only needing the same strips etc. Keep one beside the bed which I bring downstairs in the morning and have another in my bag which I take with me in the car. Also if I get the occasional bizarre reading can check on the other. Advantage in Australia is that we can buy as many strips as we like at about $AUD16/hundred (subsidized by govt). Sometimes I use 12+ a day!
The Optium tests ketones but I find I rarely get sick enough to throw ketones and the strips go out of date before I have used the pack so have to buy a new box.

I also have a ONETOUCH Verio (promotional) but found it a hassle to have to keep two different lots of strips. It has more functions.

Helen

Nov 1, 2011

rosscortb 2 posts

Topic: General Discussion / How do i get on a DAFNE course

Quick advice, if you get the chance to do dafne- do it...can't stress this enough

Nov 1, 2011

rosscortb 2 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Meters

I did use the nano for a few yrs but now changed to a Glucmen lxplus. Reason was the nano over time just kept giving me to many E7 error messages which is a fault with the machine. Accu chek are aware of this when I phoned them and they will post you another one but had enough of the nano. See how you get on though. Ross

Nov 1, 2011

DavidJ 23 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Local Authority Changes

Hi Guys,
I had this problem 2 years ago when I was only issued 100 strips/ month. Last month, I discovered my test strips had been removed completely from my repeat. I contacted PALS a week ago and so far they haven't replied. When I queried the removal at the reception desk I was given 2 options. First I could write my request for test strips on my next repeat and my GP would decide whether or not I could have any. Second, I could appeal directly by making an appointment with my GP in order to get the test strips re-instated. Sad

I have checked the averages on my meter and I used 150 during the last 30 days which I don't think is excessive at all.

Nov 1, 2011

leonard.8 7 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Insulin new user any tips welcome

Thank you Christine, what you say makes sense and gives me some things to try. Will let you know how I get on

Nov 1, 2011

ChristineBat... 23 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Insulin new user any tips welcome

PS I have shared my diary with you if you want to see how I do things and how I work things out....you may be surprised at my results? (top right hand tool box....)

Nov 1, 2011

ChristineBat... 23 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Insulin new user any tips welcome

Considering you have little support I think you are doing very well. I have been diabetic for 32 years since the age of 10 and have just done a DAFNE course. First of all, your results are VERY good, believe me. Stop testing so much,ONLY test before each meal, or, if you feel hypo, or you are going to drive. (you must be 5mmol to drive) STOP testing and having insulin between meals, you will never get a pattern. Yesterday mornings insulin worked beautifully. You must work out how many units of quick acting insulin you need to match 10 carbohydrates or 1CP as Dafne says.
Yesterday morning for breakfast you had 10 units for 2cps/20 carbohydrates, which saw you through to lunch time beautifully, so that ratio is 5:1 or 5 units per 10 carbohydrates/ 1 cp.
I am not sure what ratio you used for lunch, 9 cps and 12 units, however, make it easier try 1.5 units of insulin per 1 cp. In which case yesterday for your 9 cps you could have had 13 units of insulin, which may have given you a slightly lower evening meal result. Last night you used a 2 unit per 1cp ratio, which again gave you a good result at 20.30, but I wonder what you were at bed time?

Dafne says to start on a 1 unit per 1 cp ratio for meals, and increase half a unit at a time, and WAIT for patterns, suffer when you feel high, you must because if you have a shot of insulin to correct a high you will never understand what's going on. If you are unsure about which insulin needs changing, you can have a carbohydrate free luch for example (so have no quick acting insulin) and see if by your evening meal you have remained the same, if you have remained on target, your backgound insulin is fine and start working on fine tuning your quick acting.

I have had huge problems waiting for patterns as I had been in the habit of having 'correctors' between meals to bring my glucose down.

Good luck, you are doing very well and I wish I could get my results as good as yours!

Nov 1, 2011

leonard.8 7 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Insulin new user any tips welcome

I was discharged from Hope hospital Salford about 3 weeks ago, went in with a kidney stone and came out type 2 diabetic.
Whilst in there the diabetic nurse saw me and I chose to use insulin rather than try tablets because of the control it gives you.
I came home from Hospital with a pen of Levemir and a pen of Novarapid and left to my own devices told to adjust my doses through trial and error and to see my G.P. for more supplies.
However since my discharge from Salford I have had no follow up care as I live in Wigan, received couple of calls from the Salford diabetic nurse to see how I am going on and she thinks I am doing fine. I however think things could be a lot better.
Both myself and the nurse from Salford have rang the Wigan diabetic team phone never been answered and we have both left messages which have not been replied to as yet. If this is the level of care I can expect rom the Wigan team I feel I may as well forget about them and get busy teaching myself. I have managed to get an appointment with the pactice nurse at my G.P. but that's not until 10th November.
I am using Levemir and Novarapid.
Any advice from those of you with more experience and knowledge than me would be appreciated

Nov 7, 2011 Simon 578 posts	Topic: Site Development / Request for additional graph format Hi Alex/all - I've added this for you, see the 'Day Trend' graph type. At the moment it's limited to having 10 days worth of info on it; to avoid overcrowding. Let me know if this works for you. Simon

Nov 7, 2011 Ahmentep 99 posts	Topic: Site Development / Online handbook Thanks again Simon. I look forward to seeing the handbook in January. Kind regards, Roger

Nov 6, 2011 mike_skinner 8 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Holiday worries, any advice Hi -first post from me. I've been to the US twice since being diagnosed three years ago and found the carbs a lot more different to handle. My advise is this - dafne let's you correct if you need to -it's the only regime I've ever been on, so this to me is good feature, no? If the blood sugar goes up a bit then you can sort it out with adjustment. The temperature will affect your readings big style. Best advice I can share is to take double of everything with you -meters, pens, needles, test strips, and have a set in hand luggage and a set checked in. That way you have double what you need for the whole trip, which is reassurance indeed. Take a Daniels bin also. Work out what you need in advance, see the gp for a monumental prescription, pack wisely and enjoy the trip. Customs and airline security was no hassle -I had a letter off my gp explaining that I needed all the paraphernalia on me during the flights (as well as a pocket full of cola bottles). HTH

Nov 6, 2011 richard.arkle 16 posts	Topic: General Discussion / App developments Hi Simon, Marke and All, Love the iPhone App and Prof Pearson at ARI Woolmanhill is impressed with the style (if not my readings!) Looking at the latest Balance I see on the back page an ad for a meter which claims to have a function to calculate how much insulin is left in ones body. Seems a pretty useful tool to have. Any ideas about incorporating this and suggesting a correction dose? Cheers Richard

Nov 6, 2011 Simon 578 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Meters I use the Aviva Nano as my main meter and couldn't be happier with it - it's nice and compact and the finger pricker contains 6 lancets so you have to change it less often. My previous meter was a OneTouch UltraSmart, which was fairly bulky in comparison; and I got a bit lazy with regard to changing the lancets on it - so the Nano is perfect for me!

Nov 6, 2011 Simon 578 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Holiday worries, any advice Hi ketostix - you don't mention how long since you have done the course, but I have found that you do get used to estimating CP's in foods when eating out, and it does get easier based on experience. As Mark says you don't have to be spot on all the time; if you do get an unexpectedly high or low reading then try and figure out why it was, and then learn from it. Having said that if you think you are getting CP's right and your BG readings are constantly going up, it may be worth considering upping your QA:CP ratio to 1.5:1 or 2:1 Finally, remember March is 4 months away, which is 4 months of learning and adjustment using the DAFNE principles - I'd say don't miss out on the fantastic opportunity of a trip to Florida - you will have learned a whole lot more by then anyway. Simon

Nov 6, 2011 Simon 578 posts	Topic: General Discussion / How do i get on a DAFNE course novorapidboi26 said: The online diary can do some basic graph production which is good............. Hey James - are there other graphs you need? I dont want the site to be considered 'basic'

Nov 6, 2011 Simon 578 posts	Topic: Site Development / Online handbook Hi Roger - if you use your tablet's web browser to access the site you'll be able to see the handbook (once confirmed as a Graduate) - it's only when using the downloadable apps for the device that the handbook isn't there. Thanks, Simon

Nov 6, 2011 Ahmentep 99 posts	Topic: Site Development / Online handbook I've just remembered your point about the difficulty of building access into an app (I couldn't see it whilst writing my earlier reply because your post is partially obscured by the reply box), so I will need to use my PC. Kind regards, Roger

Nov 6, 2011 Ahmentep 99 posts	Topic: Site Development / Online handbook Thank you for that information. I usually log onto the site using my tablet, which shows most PC sites (including this one) quite adequately. I could use my PC though, if necessary. Kind regards, Roger

Nov 5, 2011 marke 681 posts	Topic: Site Development / Online handbook Hi, yes and no ! Yes you cannot access the online handbook because you are not a graduate. But no you could not access it from the 'apps' (iphone/android) anyway just from the site. This is for several reasons, first we are only permitted to give access to the handbook to graduates and so this is potentaily more difficult in an app, but more importantly it wouldn't fit on a mobile screen very well. There are large diagrams, charts etc in the handbook, that wouldn't really work. You can access the handbook, if you are a graduate, using a mobile device. There is a specific version of the website for mobiles but it is still harder to view than on a full size screen.

Nov 5, 2011 marke 681 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Holiday worries, any advice Hi, PLEASE don't take this the wrong way or as a criticism but I suspect you are worrying too much about being totally accurate and so are getting anxious. This will tend to elevate your BG which makes you more anxious and it becomes a self-perpetuating cycle. I know its easy to say but... two weeks of higher BG's will not do you any great harm in the overall scheme of life and if you don't worry so much about your BG while on holiday you will probably be more likely to stay in range. I have been to Florida a few times and if its a family holiday that probably means theme parks. This means plenty of walking which will keep your BG's down anyway, the challenge will be to ensure you take on CP's regularly and keep you BG at higher level. I appreciate everyone is different and face different challenges but I had no real problems at all in the USA. They all sort of speak english and food labelling is not that much different to here. Sure most of the food has a higher carb content than here so you have to beware what you eat, but providing you keep testing and making correction doses you will be fine. One thing to remember that if you are doing a lot of walking it will have a knock on effect the NEXT day when your body is still using sugars even if you have stopped walking around. I say go for it, if you have not been before it is an experience ! You will learn to appreciate the art of parting people from their money in more and more elaborate ways

Nov 5, 2011 ketostix pla... 25 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Holiday worries, any advice Hi all, I would like some help and support in something that should be a good opportunity. I have been diabetic since 3 and was fortunate to be selected for DAFNE and completed the course in March this year. Overall it has been the wake-up call I needed to get the control back, but I have found that my confidence has taken a bit of knock, while I am still learning and developing my confidence in the DAFNE regime which I appreciate will not happen overnight. I have been extremely lucky in these hard times the opportunity of a trip to Florida next March with my family, which before I would be extremely excited about. However since this I have found that it has caused me extreme worry and concern concerning my diabetes, which has caused some tension. Since starting DAFNE I have had one hospital admission due to an infection, and basically not eating which caused Ketones while following the sick day rule. Which I have learnt from so hopefully this was a learning curve. I am much better at identifying Hypo symptomâ€™s, but do tend to have more smaller hypos than before, but my diabetes is now in a preferred range than running high like I was for all those years. My concern is that with DAFNE you do need to be in control and totally accurate with the CPS you take on board to calculate the correct dosage. Last weekend I went away for three days with my wife and basically had to estimate my dosage for all of my eating, as were eating out for breakfast â€“ lunch and dinner. I used my carbs and cals book, but found over the three days my BG was increasing and the corrections were getting larger and by the 3rd day had started to feel unwell. But by the time I got back into my routine things settled down quickly. My concern being that if I go I feel things well be a mess in a matter of days, as I tend historically for things to become bad extremely quickly when my tests are bad. I feel that with the mixture of heat, eating out all the time, different labelling, active holiday and maybe a few beers that it is a disaster waiting to happen. As I am still learning and developing my skills at such an early stage of me being on DAFNE. I just feel that is too early for me to commit to this holiday, if it was further afield I would feel happier. Any thoughts???

Nov 5, 2011 Ahmentep 99 posts	Topic: Site Development / Online handbook Hi, Firstly let me congratulate you on having produced a very good app. The more I work with it the better I like it. I did post a wish list on the DAFNE Mobile app. forum, but these are minor points. The purpose of this post is to ask about the Online handbook which I have read about in several posts. I cannot see any way to access it from the Android app. and I am wondering if this is because I am a user, not yet a graduate. Is this the case? Kind regards, Roger

Nov 4, 2011 Ahmentep 99 posts	Topic: General Discussion / How do i get on a DAFNE course I second that rosscortb.

Nov 3, 2011 DavidJ 23 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Local Authority Changes PALS have replied and this is their response It is true that we have across the whole PCT looked to reduce the amount of BGTS we prescribe. We were one of the highest prescribers of BGTS in the country, literally in the top 3 nationally. We went about addressing this in a number of ways. We adopted a formulary so that whilst prescribers were able to prescribe whatever strip they wanted we did have a more limited recommendation of choices of strips. Again historically we prescribed every single strip that was on the market. Of course the manufacturers didnâ€™t help with any of this dumping free meters in as many paces as possible so patients ended up with two or even three different meters all of which needed different strips fuelling the problem further and not adding anything to clinical well being of patients. In fact despite being a high spending PCT on BGTS (and diabetes generally) we only had low average outcomes. All this is a bit of background really. The level of prescribing of strips has reduced to nearer to SHA levels however we do want patients have the strips they clinically need. To this end at the same time as putting the formulary in place we did issue expected levels of strip usage for different types of diabetic. So for example Type 1s , as per this patient, would be expected to test more frequently compared to Type 2s. If you let me have the patient & practice details Iâ€™ll make sure the practice has a copy sent again of the expected frequency of testing. This should help ensure that the patient is able to obtain the number of strips needed for his recommended testing regimen.

Nov 2, 2011 HelenP 218 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Meters My 2 cents worth! I have two Optium Xceeds. Great to use the same strips in both my meters. Handy to have a spare when travelling and only needing the same strips etc. Keep one beside the bed which I bring downstairs in the morning and have another in my bag which I take with me in the car. Also if I get the occasional bizarre reading can check on the other. Advantage in Australia is that we can buy as many strips as we like at about $AUD16/hundred (subsidized by govt). Sometimes I use 12+ a day! The Optium tests ketones but I find I rarely get sick enough to throw ketones and the strips go out of date before I have used the pack so have to buy a new box. I also have a ONETOUCH Verio (promotional) but found it a hassle to have to keep two different lots of strips. It has more functions. Helen

Nov 1, 2011 rosscortb 2 posts	Topic: General Discussion / How do i get on a DAFNE course Quick advice, if you get the chance to do dafne- do it...can't stress this enough

Nov 1, 2011 rosscortb 2 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Meters I did use the nano for a few yrs but now changed to a Glucmen lxplus. Reason was the nano over time just kept giving me to many E7 error messages which is a fault with the machine. Accu chek are aware of this when I phoned them and they will post you another one but had enough of the nano. See how you get on though. Ross

Nov 1, 2011 DavidJ 23 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Local Authority Changes Hi Guys, I had this problem 2 years ago when I was only issued 100 strips/ month. Last month, I discovered my test strips had been removed completely from my repeat. I contacted PALS a week ago and so far they haven't replied. When I queried the removal at the reception desk I was given 2 options. First I could write my request for test strips on my next repeat and my GP would decide whether or not I could have any. Second, I could appeal directly by making an appointment with my GP in order to get the test strips re-instated. I have checked the averages on my meter and I used 150 during the last 30 days which I don't think is excessive at all.

Nov 1, 2011 leonard.8 7 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Insulin new user any tips welcome Thank you Christine, what you say makes sense and gives me some things to try. Will let you know how I get on

Nov 1, 2011 ChristineBat... 23 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Insulin new user any tips welcome PS I have shared my diary with you if you want to see how I do things and how I work things out....you may be surprised at my results? (top right hand tool box....)

Nov 1, 2011 ChristineBat... 23 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Insulin new user any tips welcome Considering you have little support I think you are doing very well. I have been diabetic for 32 years since the age of 10 and have just done a DAFNE course. First of all, your results are VERY good, believe me. Stop testing so much,ONLY test before each meal, or, if you feel hypo, or you are going to drive. (you must be 5mmol to drive) STOP testing and having insulin between meals, you will never get a pattern. Yesterday mornings insulin worked beautifully. You must work out how many units of quick acting insulin you need to match 10 carbohydrates or 1CP as Dafne says. Yesterday morning for breakfast you had 10 units for 2cps/20 carbohydrates, which saw you through to lunch time beautifully, so that ratio is 5:1 or 5 units per 10 carbohydrates/ 1 cp. I am not sure what ratio you used for lunch, 9 cps and 12 units, however, make it easier try 1.5 units of insulin per 1 cp. In which case yesterday for your 9 cps you could have had 13 units of insulin, which may have given you a slightly lower evening meal result. Last night you used a 2 unit per 1cp ratio, which again gave you a good result at 20.30, but I wonder what you were at bed time? Dafne says to start on a 1 unit per 1 cp ratio for meals, and increase half a unit at a time, and WAIT for patterns, suffer when you feel high, you must because if you have a shot of insulin to correct a high you will never understand what's going on. If you are unsure about which insulin needs changing, you can have a carbohydrate free luch for example (so have no quick acting insulin) and see if by your evening meal you have remained the same, if you have remained on target, your backgound insulin is fine and start working on fine tuning your quick acting. I have had huge problems waiting for patterns as I had been in the habit of having 'correctors' between meals to bring my glucose down. Good luck, you are doing very well and I wish I could get my results as good as yours!

Nov 1, 2011 leonard.8 7 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Insulin new user any tips welcome I was discharged from Hope hospital Salford about 3 weeks ago, went in with a kidney stone and came out type 2 diabetic. Whilst in there the diabetic nurse saw me and I chose to use insulin rather than try tablets because of the control it gives you. I came home from Hospital with a pen of Levemir and a pen of Novarapid and left to my own devices told to adjust my doses through trial and error and to see my G.P. for more supplies. However since my discharge from Salford I have had no follow up care as I live in Wigan, received couple of calls from the Salford diabetic nurse to see how I am going on and she thinks I am doing fine. I however think things could be a lot better. Both myself and the nurse from Salford have rang the Wigan diabetic team phone never been answered and we have both left messages which have not been replied to as yet. If this is the level of care I can expect rom the Wigan team I feel I may as well forget about them and get busy teaching myself. I have managed to get an appointment with the pactice nurse at my G.P. but that's not until 10th November. I am using Levemir and Novarapid. Any advice from those of you with more experience and knowledge than me would be appreciated