Recent Posts

Search the DAFNE Online Forums

15,847 posts found

Oct 6, 2011
jgibson1962 29 posts

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

I am a Type 1 diabetic and jabbing 4 times daily. Was diagnosed in July. Have spoken to my dietician and she reckons i'm doing a pretty good job and dont need to go on the DAFNE course. Is this good advice? or should i try and push a little harder? I havent had any serious problems since leaving hospital and am using books and net resources to calculate carbs vs insulin, would DAFNE make it easier for me to say work it all out in my head. Question Have just signed up on this site so dont have any further info to add as yet.
 
Oct 6, 2011
novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Carbs & Cals Books?

Just out of general curiosity, do people find that they are using books like these even long after they have graduated from DAFNE..........

there comes a time I believe were you dont actually need any books or carb lists like this unless you are eating out at a restaurant.........which for most is not that often, well, once or twice a week maybe......... Smile
 
Oct 5, 2011
SA2010 69 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Carbs & Cals Books?

For anyone who makes references to the Carbs & Cals book, please be aware that some of the figures have changed since the first edition.

I had the first Edition of this book and used it before the DAFNE Carb Counter book came out and also continued to use it for items not in the DAFNE Booklet. I just got given Edition 4 of the book with the new ACCU-CHEK Aviva Expert BG Meter and discovered that some of the Carbs figures moved up. One I have frequently is 'Pain Aux Raisins' and the new edition has CPs 25% more than the original figure I have only checked a few items and the carbs were slightly higher numbers.

Pity no one produces a list of all changes so that one does not need to read the whole book and compare every item to find the changes.
 
Oct 5, 2011
marke 681 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Carbohydrate list in .csv format

sorry but we are not allowed to distribute the carb book in cssv form. In fact we are not allowed to distribute it in any form apart from web form, I am keeping quiet about the pdf one on the page Wink
Your best option is to go to www.dafne.uk.com click on contact us and ask DAFNE central who are the ones that 'own' the carb book. I agree it would make sense for them to provide it but they are the ones that decide.
 
Oct 5, 2011
SA2010 69 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Handbook and CP List booklets - version differences list

Thanks Marke. I will do that
 
Oct 5, 2011
marke 681 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Handbook and CP List booklets - version differences list

Hi, sorry no. For 2 reasons, firstly we are not allowed to distribute the handbook in any form. We had to sign a legal disclaimer to this effect. Secondly and more practically, there doesn't seem to be any change control
between the two versions ! I got the handbook as a PDF only and so had to completely rebuild the online handbook from scratch, there is no way to do comparisons since the original was a word document and as you can see there are lots of diagrams etc in there that cannot be compared. The carb booklet is change controlled but as I say I'm not allowed to provide these only put them online.
I would suggest you go to www.dafne.uk.com click on the contact us and ask them the question direct since the documents come from here not us, hopefully they may be able to help.
 
Oct 5, 2011
novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Meters

Hey,

I use the Freestyle InsulinX, only just got it recently after seeing it advertised on the internet. It allows you to program in your mealtime insulin/carb ratios, how much 1 unit drops you for corrections etc, this then allows you to test your blood, then enter in your carb portions/grams of carbs [you can choose which one], and it will tell you how much insulin to take.......

This for me is only used a check/record as I still calculate the dose manually in my head.........I believe there are other meters with similar 'bolus calculators' on them...

The Nano I have heard is good, so enjoy...........

Not every meter has the function to test ketones, but for me personally the function is only a bonus............the urine testing is sufficient for me in the event ketones may be present......

Let us know what you think of your new meter......... Wink
 
Oct 5, 2011
novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Carbs & Cals Books?

I have no first hand experience with either but have heard the carbs and cals book is really good........

Personally I need to count my carbohydrates with a bit more accuracy than that provided by the book, or, at least when I am in the house anyway...... Smile
 
Oct 4, 2011
Stew B 125 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Changing of Needles/BG Meters

When I had my pre-DAFNE assessment before my course (2007), I was found to have lumpy thighs where I had been injecting my BI. As I learned on my course, this was not good and would have a significant impact on absorption rates etc., making it even more difficult to achieve the kind of consistency that we strive for with DAFNE. At that time I was making a needle for BI last several days. My course covered how to manage injection sites to prevent this happening, and contained the advice to use a new needle for every injection. It took a very long time (years) for my thighs to recover, and I have subsequently become pretty careful about managing injection sites and changing needles for every injection.

It took a while to get used to using so many needles, but after all we are "expert patients" working in partnership with health professionals, not fraudsters ripping-off the NHS (having said that, I think I've still got a bit of residual guilt!).

Take care,

Stew
 
Oct 4, 2011
mum2westiesGill 502 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Carbs & Cals Books?

Hi,

Just bought my copy of the Carbs & Cals visual guide to carb counting, which i think is fantastic! As far as i can see no maths needed, just match your portion size to the photo in the book. I'm considering also getting the Carbs & Cals visual pocket size guide to keep in my handbag.

I've been wondering what anyone thinks of the Carbs and Cals book as opposed to the Collins Gem Carb Counter?
 
Oct 4, 2011
mum2westiesGill 502 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Meters

Meters
Hi,

I'm using the Optium Xceed atm which i was given by my DSN. Only use it for the BS testing & not as yet for ketone testing. Haven't had a backup / spare meter for ages so while out shopping today saw the Accu-check Aviva Nano & was impressed by it's cute little dinky size. I checked with my GP surgery to make sure i'd be able to get the test strips on repeat prescription (as i do with my other meter), the answer was yes & tomorrow there'll be test strips & an Accu-check Aviva Nano waiting for me Smile

I'm aware there are problems from time to time with the battery compartment on the Nano but hey ho i've got a spare meter which will be my Optium Xceed, for the time being anyway.

What meter/s do you use & what do you think of it?

Cheers for any replies Smile
 
Oct 4, 2011
novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Changing of Needles/BG Meters

Its not a crime not to do it, beneficial for your injection sites, bad for the environment.............. Laughing
 
Oct 4, 2011
Garry 328 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Changing of Needles/BG Meters

Was advised in November 2009 on my DAFNE centre course to change needles at every injection.
Before this, I changed them when inclined. But I now change religiously to try to protect all my injection sites from damage.

Have looked at review of Jazz by Diabetes.co.uk and it seems to be a modern meter with good future proof features built in....iPhone connectivity for instance, have never seen one in the flesh though. Will ask at our DAFNE centre for any info and will feedback anything I find out.

Regards
Garry
 
Oct 4, 2011
novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Changing of Needles/BG Meters

I use the Freestyle InsulinX, which is a brand new meter and no doubt pricey, I got it from the hospital clinic, one of the first to get it..........good for DAFNE students anyway...............but as you say, its a postcode lottery out there in terms of care and funding, I hope your care and equipment standards dont fall................

I would say that most meters aren't 100% accurate anyway, so any meter being released shouldn't be that dissimilar to other in the market in terms of accuracy.....

Also, I dont change my needle until the disposable Novopen is finished, I probably should change it, but it never causes me problems, I always make sure I prime the injection first before each injection, so the only risk I am taking is damaging tissue through a worn needle [invisible to the naked eye]..... Laughing
 
Oct 4, 2011
novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Low impact breakfast

I too have also noticed those results, I actually inject at different times for each meal, for breakfast, immediately before, lunch is 45 minutes before and dinner is 15 minutes, I dont get perfect results every time, but I have had a few days were my BG results have been on target pretty much every hour of the day, its possible..... Smile
 
Oct 3, 2011
chrisinbrum 41 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Low impact breakfast

Carolin said:

Chchch said:
Hi everyone

I'm interested in finding out if anyone has any tips for breakfasts that don't raise their post-meal readings too much. I always eat toast, sometimes white, sometimes brown, with butter or cream cheese, and it doesn't matter if I do a dual wave or a square wave (I'm on a pump) I end up with quite a pronounced rise (normally goes up at least 3). It's something I'd like to get right as post prandial levels are really crucial when you're pregnant.


You have 2 options really and you may need to try each or both together:
1 Try a really low glycaemic index CP like granary bread, porridge, etc. Keep the portion size as small as you can and maybe snack later when your insulin resistance is lower.
2 Bolus / inject QA 15-30 min before eating, particularly if your starting BG is raised.
Evidence from continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) studies suggests that BG will always peak after meals even with the modern QA analogue insulins. Square or extended wave Boluses on pumps really offer no advantage as they miss the peak of the BG after CPs, so standard bolus options seem to be better. OR maybe use a combination bolus with 80% taken immediately 15 min before your meal and the remainder as you eat.
Good luck.
Carolin



I'm not on a pump but have recently used CGM, and I'd totally agree with what Carolin says in point 2. I was amazed at what a difference only 5 or 10 minutes can have. I have porridge, mainly because it is always quoted as low GI, but I've found I actually like it now! Smile My mid-morning BG can be a bit erratic and I actually considered that maybe a 'less healthy' low GI breakfast would be better because it might be in and out of my system quicker, and might match the humalog profile better (has anyone considered whether high or low GI foods match their insulin profile??).
Anyway, I tried the CGM a few weeks ago and with my humalog immediately after my usual porridge my BG went up and peaked 1-2 hours after breakfast. When I tried the humalog 10 mins before my porridge the CGM seemed to show no real peak in BG at all - in fact it only really increased by a couple of units and soon came back down to the pre-breakfast BG and stayed there 'til lunch. I was amazed! Obviously my experience is only based on a couple of days, so I'm pleased to read what Carolin says about other evidence showing the same.
 
Oct 3, 2011
novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Low impact breakfast

What levels of ketones would you be talking about............?

Remember ketones are naturally occurring and are used by the brain overnight...........obviously processing them with insulin to maintain just a trace is our aim....... Wink
 
Oct 3, 2011
novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / irregular BGs

As the OP has pointed out, the timing of your dose may need adjusted to match up as closely as possible to the absorption of you meal......

Now that you have changed your insulin, background checks should be at the top of the list of things to do, so if you haven't done that already, do it, by carb free meals or missing a meal. This will confirm if in fact your Levemir is taking part.....

When do you inject your QA dose, immediately before? 10 minutes before?

It takes a lot of trial and error to get the timing right, and it can vary from meal to meal, I find personally that 15-30 minutes before does the trick, I have even managed to stay below 7mmol/l between lunch and dinner a few times,purely down to timing.

Once your confident your BI is right, and your ratios of course, the dose timing is the next logical step..........

Good luck..........
 
Oct 2, 2011
Chchch 17 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / irregular BGs

I may be able to offer you a reason, but sadly can't offer a solution (surely the worst type of post!)! Are you vegetarian perhaps or someone who just eats a lot of slow acting carbs? If so, what could be happening is that the insulin is working faster than the carbs resulting in the low BG early on, but then the insulin runs out leaving the slow acting carbs carrying on which would then raise your BG.
Do you know that your BI is enough, ie. have you tried doing carb free meals to see what happens? Perhaps your BI needs to be raised, and your QA reduced?

 
Oct 2, 2011
Chchch 17 posts

Topic: General Discussion / HYPO - how best to treat & what with

Always a small carton of orange juice for me (you know those little ones with the straws) - easy to get down you and quick to act!
 
Oct 2, 2011
Chchch 17 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Low impact breakfast

That is really great, thanks for all your replies. This is a fabulous resource! I am going to try the yoghurt, and will also definitely try bolusing well before eating. I've found that for me BG is raised just as much with granary as any other type of bread (I haven't succombed to pumpernickel yet, I just can't face it!) and porridge seems to be the same. As for carb free, I get ketones almost immediately after having a completely carb free meal even though my BG remains steady, so that's a bit out of the question at the moment. Thanks again!
 
Oct 2, 2011
royalglamorg... 2 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / irregular BGs

I recently switched my BI to Levemeir from Lantus.I've noticed something quite strange happening which may be due to too much day time BI dosage but wanted to check if I'm on the right lines. My day time BI is currently 6 units with 9 at night. When eating a meal I carb count and inject Novorapid accordingly but following a period of approx 1 hour the BG drops to below 4 suggesting too much Novorapid.However when I then take a hypo treatment the BG will climb after a period of about 4 hours to approx 12. If i reduce the meal time Novorapid the BG then doesn't drop below 4 but following a period of 4 hours will be at approx 12, suggesting too little QA at the previous meal. Could it be that the BI is too strong and when combined with the QA at meal times results in a low BG. Question
 
Sep 30, 2011
Benton Fred 7 posts

Topic: General Discussion / hgv

...Forgot to mention. There is some information on www.dvla.gov.uk/medical.