Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Feb 8, 2018

Garry 328 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter)

Have loaded it on my iOS 11 apple phone...and it looks fine...except once you have started a new sensor with an Abbott Libre reader the iPhone App will not read it. The sensor needs to be started from the App. I'll now need wait another 12 days to find out if it works. I'll give feedback then. I think the implication is that one sensor - one reader...whichever you choose to start a sensor off is the only one that can read it. I hoped that they would double up to provide flexibility, as there have been times when I have forgotten to put the reader in my pocket.

Feb 8, 2018

Colin McC 15 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter)

I received an email from Abbotts regarding the freestyle libre-link app. Looks as if this is available now for both android ( OS version 5 or higher) & iPhone (OS11, IPhone 7 or higher). May give this a try as I have had my reader for almost 2 years now and tis good to have a back-up just in case. Also may save as one less object to carry around. Looks like the same readings as on the reader and tis free!

Feb 8, 2018

Colin McC 15 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter)

Regarding the freestyle reserve stock, I placed a re-order and did not received until 15 days later. Apparently Abbotts have low reserve stock due to high demand, which makes me wonder if some CCG' have approved for type 1 diabetics. In December my GP told me the CCG for Dartford, Gravesham & Swanley Kent had not approved, but they have another sometime this month to discuss again. Fingers crossed huh.

Feb 8, 2018

annegray02 3 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter)

I checked out the app for phone. Will not use it though for the sensor lets me check ketone levels

Peter said:
Speaking to an Abbott representative at the DAFNE Collaborative last week, he said that they are about to announce an App which will replace the current reader needed to see glucose levels. The first version will be Android only, but will replace the need to purchase the reader altogether for those who haven't made that investment yet. IOS version to follow.

Feb 8, 2018

annegray02 3 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter)

Yes Garry I had some problems with Abbott supplies too, but this year has been fine. Freestyle Lybra I believe was manufactured in France but now I think some are being produced in UK so perhaps the stocks will reach you faster.
My first 2 sensors fell off my arm and were replaced. I only check before a meal, going to bed and 3am so can fit the 'missing hour' between. Congratulations on going round the world. BG control must have been really challenging.
What I learned on my weeks Dafne coarse is going to help though.

Feb 7, 2018

Simon Quinnell 16 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Levemir Going Off

Hi All,

I know this thread is now quite old, so thank you for all your feedback, however, I've stumbled across an article tonight which may explain why my insulin is going off!

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2018-02-insulin-quality-diabetes-experts-scrambling.html

What do you think?

Simon.

Feb 7, 2018

Garry 328 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter)

Well done annegray02, most impressed by your exercise regime.
I started using Freestyle Libre just over two years ago before I started using a pump. Exercise BG control has always been difficult for me and in order to try to improve my control when exercising, I took the plunge.
I particularly enjoy cycling and had had a number of hypoglycaemic events on longer rides which had undermined my confidence.
Don't know whether my experience is representative but I can share a few things:
Ordering Freestyle Libre isn't a problem, however supply can be. Particularly when you need supply for a special event.
I ordered three weeks before going round the world, emphasising to the staff taking my telephone order that they were needed before 23/10/17. When they did not arrive in two weeks I followed up by phone the week before departure to discover no stock and they would not prioritise delivery. They arrived 4 days after I had left. Time changes hamper my control and I was keen to have the help of constant BG monitoring. My DSNs advice on pump time management helped overcome some of those difficulties however. I had just enough sensors to last the six week trip but had no spares. Needless to say, I had a failure 3 days after fitting a new sensor mid trip and was left short for the end of the holiday.
The warehouse is frequently empty nowadays and my last order 24/01/18 for yet another replacement sensor following a failure has not arrived yet.
Be warned.
The latest failed sensor was fitted before bed time avoiding the starting 'missing hour' of monitoring. It showed LO overnight so was changed at waking. I was advised on requesting a replacement that sensors may sometimes take 24 hours to read. I told them that I pay £50 a go for a sensor that gives me 24 hour coverage for 14 days not 13 days and that I thought 9 hours 'trial' start up was not reasonable. I wasn't best pleased.
I have been pressing my Local Heath Authority to give me details of when Freestyle Libre will be prescribed here and what the selection criteria will be. So far I have hit a brick wall of meeting arranged in the future followed by a meeting will be arranged in the future...followed by a....well you know the score.
I have to agree annegray02, the price must come down. I would love to know what the NHS pays for them now that they are prescribable in some areas.

Feb 7, 2018

annegray02 3 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter)

Hi I've just graduated and found this fantastic forum Idea

have been using freestyle libra for 15 months and it really has changed my life ( ie no Italian hols) ; now I can walk Sam my dog without the fear of a hypo; can do Aquafit classes without potentially drowning again. I am 80 years old and have been type 1 for 56 of those years. The diabetic team at WGH Edinburgh plug in my libra reader, download readings giving the team 24/7 info. They trust it and so do I. Would say that the price MUST come down to give all Type 1 diabetics this aid.

Feb 2, 2018

Alan 49 284 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Hypos

Dean, if you provide a bit more info, like what background insulin you're on and perhaps an extract from your blood- glucose diary showing the problems you're having, then you might get some more responses.

Feb 1, 2018

Dean123 7 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Hypos

Hi everyone, bit of advice please? What it is I am having multiple hypos from 1pm to midnight, but still waking up with good blood sugars in the morning of 6. Do you what could be the problem? Thanks dean

Feb 1, 2018

Warwick 423 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Exercise and BG levels

By out of control BGs, do you mean lots of hypos? Constantly treating hypos with unwanted carbs won't help with weight loss. Note that I am not advocating not treating hypos at all, but just providing a possible explanation.

Jan 30, 2018

jenwah 2 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Exercise and BG levels

Thanks for your reply. I do a mix of resistance and cardio about 5 times a week. It's always high intensity and I've never exercised as hard or eaten as well. It just baffles me x

Jan 30, 2018

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Exercise and BG levels

I don't think this is an uncommon issue with type ones.......

I have seen myself losing weight with diet alone but there comes a point where it will just stall....

what level of exercise are you doing....?

Jan 30, 2018

jenwah 2 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Exercise and BG levels

Hi!I'm new to this site but have been diabetic 11 years now. Been recently exercising a lot, BGs are out of control so just switched to Levemir hoping it will stabilise. Funny thing, dieting and exercising a lot - I'm losing zero weight. At tips? Been at it 6 months x

Jan 29, 2018

sjohno 37 posts

Topic: General Discussion / BD pen 4mm/32g needles

Hi

I was changed from a 6mm to a 4mm in April 2016 by my DAFNE AHP and it was the best thing she ever did for me. It was her suggestion that she thought they would be better for me so the experience was very positive for me. Very Happy

Jan 29, 2018

michaelj 45 posts

Topic: General Discussion / BD pen 4mm/32g needles

No problems with manufacturer but called in to see Diabetic nurse ( not my usual one) who decided I should be using 4mm and not the 6mm I have been using for years with no problems. Within 48 hours bloods in the 20's and no way to get them down. Ratios up from 2--1 to 3--1 no effect basal up from 33 to 39 no effect. After a week of this tried to contact Diabetic care team only to get no response after leaving a message on their answerphone. Have now gone back to 6 mm needles and situation is now back to normal.
Question 1 -- Has anyone else had this problem after changing needles
Question 2 -- Does anyone else suffer this 'I know better than you' attitude from health care professionals

Jan 28, 2018

SimonC 78 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Libre to be available on the NHS.....

Signed the petition

I have been using Libre for about 2 years - and could not be without it now - because of the the information available through its use, my GP and I identified issues that could not have been identified easily through finger pricking - and I was able to make significant changes to my regime - had I not, then I could have cost the NHS a lot more money than the of these.

To individuals like myself the cost is about £50 per unit.
If the NHS were to purchase, I would hope that Abbot would significantly reduce the cost per unit due to the bulk.

I can just about afford £100 p/m - but I would rather not, but I couldn't go back to relying upon the blood tests alone.

Jan 28, 2018

RJIH 3 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Libre to be available on the NHS.....

No libre prescription in Oxfordshire not even by consultants for diagnostics. Will sign petition.

Jan 27, 2018

Dave H 3 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Beer advice confusing

Hi Brock, welcome to the chat.

I have found with my usual choice of beers (3.5 - 4.5) that on a 4 beer evening I tentatively take an extra 1 unit. I usually go to bed high but it drops by morning, still on the high side (10+). I'm wary of over correcting as a single unit drops me by about 3.5 - 4. of course sometimes a 4 beer evening turns into 6 Shocked

The best news is that with the flash glucose monitoring which will soon be available on prescription, we will get a much better idea of the overnight and next day impact. I've trialled the Abbot freestyle libre sensors and they are fab.

Jan 27, 2018

Brock 1 post

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Beer advice confusing

Hi Dave, I have just graduated and have yet to try this out, how did it go?

Jan 25, 2018

torana 53 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Pump users / Glucose Control over duration of the vial volume

Hi Andy, what a fantastic inquiry into the basic premises of insulin and the veracity of the manufacturer. Over many years using various insulins I believe that there is a need for a healthy suspicion of products and the claims put forward by multinational pharmaceuticals. Helen mentioned living in Queensland poses a dilemma for users where to store the insulin over its lifetime. In Sydney NSW the temperature is also often over 30c. Do I keep the insulin in the fridge after opening as I sometimes routinely follow in the summer or follow the manufacturer instructions to the letter? My support for your study stems from being what I call the guinea pig many years ago for human insulin that was pushed onto the market to replace bovine and porcine insulins. How there has never been an inquiry or Royal Commission into the deaths of unassuming users believing their doctors and the manufacturers beggers belief. On this insulin I couldn’t walk down the street, had massive hypos at.night and was continually vomiting due to the intense lows until admitted to hospital. In fact, due to the problems deriving from this insulin a British organisation called IDDT was established to maintain animal insulin on the market due to the onslaught of the cheaper to manufacturer synthetic products and of course the bovine dilemma. After being hospitalised and telling the disbelieving specialists it was due to this new insulin I even rang the manufacturer who put their doctors on the phone to deny my accusations. “Dead in the Bed” is a well known phrase from this time but also users crashing cars from lows started to be talked about in conversations.
I commend you for your study and even though I have never used a pump would support you in your quest to determine the efficacy of the insulins we have on the market.


Feb 8, 2018 Garry 328 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Have loaded it on my iOS 11 apple phone...and it looks fine...except once you have started a new sensor with an Abbott Libre reader the iPhone App will not read it. The sensor needs to be started from the App. I'll now need wait another 12 days to find out if it works. I'll give feedback then. I think the implication is that one sensor - one reader...whichever you choose to start a sensor off is the only one that can read it. I hoped that they would double up to provide flexibility, as there have been times when I have forgotten to put the reader in my pocket.

Feb 8, 2018 Colin McC 15 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) I received an email from Abbotts regarding the freestyle libre-link app. Looks as if this is available now for both android ( OS version 5 or higher) & iPhone (OS11, IPhone 7 or higher). May give this a try as I have had my reader for almost 2 years now and tis good to have a back-up just in case. Also may save as one less object to carry around. Looks like the same readings as on the reader and tis free!

Feb 8, 2018 Colin McC 15 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Regarding the freestyle reserve stock, I placed a re-order and did not received until 15 days later. Apparently Abbotts have low reserve stock due to high demand, which makes me wonder if some CCG' have approved for type 1 diabetics. In December my GP told me the CCG for Dartford, Gravesham & Swanley Kent had not approved, but they have another sometime this month to discuss again. Fingers crossed huh.

Feb 8, 2018 annegray02 3 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) I checked out the app for phone. Will not use it though for the sensor lets me check ketone levels Peter said: Speaking to an Abbott representative at the DAFNE Collaborative last week, he said that they are about to announce an App which will replace the current reader needed to see glucose levels. The first version will be Android only, but will replace the need to purchase the reader altogether for those who haven't made that investment yet. IOS version to follow.

Feb 8, 2018 annegray02 3 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Yes Garry I had some problems with Abbott supplies too, but this year has been fine. Freestyle Lybra I believe was manufactured in France but now I think some are being produced in UK so perhaps the stocks will reach you faster. My first 2 sensors fell off my arm and were replaced. I only check before a meal, going to bed and 3am so can fit the 'missing hour' between. Congratulations on going round the world. BG control must have been really challenging. What I learned on my weeks Dafne coarse is going to help though.

Feb 7, 2018 Simon Quinnell 16 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Levemir Going Off Hi All, I know this thread is now quite old, so thank you for all your feedback, however, I've stumbled across an article tonight which may explain why my insulin is going off! https://medicalxpress.com/news/2018-02-insulin-quality-diabetes-experts-scrambling.html What do you think? Simon.

Feb 7, 2018 Garry 328 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Well done annegray02, most impressed by your exercise regime. I started using Freestyle Libre just over two years ago before I started using a pump. Exercise BG control has always been difficult for me and in order to try to improve my control when exercising, I took the plunge. I particularly enjoy cycling and had had a number of hypoglycaemic events on longer rides which had undermined my confidence. Don't know whether my experience is representative but I can share a few things: Ordering Freestyle Libre isn't a problem, however supply can be. Particularly when you need supply for a special event. I ordered three weeks before going round the world, emphasising to the staff taking my telephone order that they were needed before 23/10/17. When they did not arrive in two weeks I followed up by phone the week before departure to discover no stock and they would not prioritise delivery. They arrived 4 days after I had left. Time changes hamper my control and I was keen to have the help of constant BG monitoring. My DSNs advice on pump time management helped overcome some of those difficulties however. I had just enough sensors to last the six week trip but had no spares. Needless to say, I had a failure 3 days after fitting a new sensor mid trip and was left short for the end of the holiday. The warehouse is frequently empty nowadays and my last order 24/01/18 for yet another replacement sensor following a failure has not arrived yet. Be warned. The latest failed sensor was fitted before bed time avoiding the starting 'missing hour' of monitoring. It showed LO overnight so was changed at waking. I was advised on requesting a replacement that sensors may sometimes take 24 hours to read. I told them that I pay £50 a go for a sensor that gives me 24 hour coverage for 14 days not 13 days and that I thought 9 hours 'trial' start up was not reasonable. I wasn't best pleased. I have been pressing my Local Heath Authority to give me details of when Freestyle Libre will be prescribed here and what the selection criteria will be. So far I have hit a brick wall of meeting arranged in the future followed by a meeting will be arranged in the future...followed by a....well you know the score. I have to agree annegray02, the price must come down. I would love to know what the NHS pays for them now that they are prescribable in some areas.

Feb 7, 2018 annegray02 3 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Hi I've just graduated and found this fantastic forum have been using freestyle libra for 15 months and it really has changed my life ( ie no Italian hols) ; now I can walk Sam my dog without the fear of a hypo; can do Aquafit classes without potentially drowning again. I am 80 years old and have been type 1 for 56 of those years. The diabetic team at WGH Edinburgh plug in my libra reader, download readings giving the team 24/7 info. They trust it and so do I. Would say that the price MUST come down to give all Type 1 diabetics this aid.

Feb 2, 2018 Alan 49 284 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Hypos Dean, if you provide a bit more info, like what background insulin you're on and perhaps an extract from your blood- glucose diary showing the problems you're having, then you might get some more responses.

Feb 1, 2018 Dean123 7 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Hypos Hi everyone, bit of advice please? What it is I am having multiple hypos from 1pm to midnight, but still waking up with good blood sugars in the morning of 6. Do you what could be the problem? Thanks dean

Feb 1, 2018 Warwick 423 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Exercise and BG levels By out of control BGs, do you mean lots of hypos? Constantly treating hypos with unwanted carbs won't help with weight loss. Note that I am not advocating not treating hypos at all, but just providing a possible explanation.

Jan 30, 2018 jenwah 2 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Exercise and BG levels Thanks for your reply. I do a mix of resistance and cardio about 5 times a week. It's always high intensity and I've never exercised as hard or eaten as well. It just baffles me x

Jan 30, 2018 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Exercise and BG levels I don't think this is an uncommon issue with type ones....... I have seen myself losing weight with diet alone but there comes a point where it will just stall.... what level of exercise are you doing....?

Jan 30, 2018 jenwah 2 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Exercise and BG levels Hi!I'm new to this site but have been diabetic 11 years now. Been recently exercising a lot, BGs are out of control so just switched to Levemir hoping it will stabilise. Funny thing, dieting and exercising a lot - I'm losing zero weight. At tips? Been at it 6 months x

Jan 29, 2018 sjohno 37 posts	Topic: General Discussion / BD pen 4mm/32g needles Hi I was changed from a 6mm to a 4mm in April 2016 by my DAFNE AHP and it was the best thing she ever did for me. It was her suggestion that she thought they would be better for me so the experience was very positive for me.

Jan 29, 2018 michaelj 45 posts	Topic: General Discussion / BD pen 4mm/32g needles No problems with manufacturer but called in to see Diabetic nurse ( not my usual one) who decided I should be using 4mm and not the 6mm I have been using for years with no problems. Within 48 hours bloods in the 20's and no way to get them down. Ratios up from 2--1 to 3--1 no effect basal up from 33 to 39 no effect. After a week of this tried to contact Diabetic care team only to get no response after leaving a message on their answerphone. Have now gone back to 6 mm needles and situation is now back to normal. Question 1 -- Has anyone else had this problem after changing needles Question 2 -- Does anyone else suffer this 'I know better than you' attitude from health care professionals

Jan 28, 2018 SimonC 78 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Libre to be available on the NHS..... Signed the petition I have been using Libre for about 2 years - and could not be without it now - because of the the information available through its use, my GP and I identified issues that could not have been identified easily through finger pricking - and I was able to make significant changes to my regime - had I not, then I could have cost the NHS a lot more money than the of these. To individuals like myself the cost is about £50 per unit. If the NHS were to purchase, I would hope that Abbot would significantly reduce the cost per unit due to the bulk. I can just about afford £100 p/m - but I would rather not, but I couldn't go back to relying upon the blood tests alone.

Jan 28, 2018 RJIH 3 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Libre to be available on the NHS..... No libre prescription in Oxfordshire not even by consultants for diagnostics. Will sign petition.

Jan 27, 2018 Dave H 3 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Beer advice confusing Hi Brock, welcome to the chat. I have found with my usual choice of beers (3.5 - 4.5) that on a 4 beer evening I tentatively take an extra 1 unit. I usually go to bed high but it drops by morning, still on the high side (10+). I'm wary of over correcting as a single unit drops me by about 3.5 - 4. of course sometimes a 4 beer evening turns into 6 The best news is that with the flash glucose monitoring which will soon be available on prescription, we will get a much better idea of the overnight and next day impact. I've trialled the Abbot freestyle libre sensors and they are fab.

Jan 27, 2018 Brock 1 post	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Beer advice confusing Hi Dave, I have just graduated and have yet to try this out, how did it go?

Jan 25, 2018 torana 53 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Pump users / Glucose Control over duration of the vial volume Hi Andy, what a fantastic inquiry into the basic premises of insulin and the veracity of the manufacturer. Over many years using various insulins I believe that there is a need for a healthy suspicion of products and the claims put forward by multinational pharmaceuticals. Helen mentioned living in Queensland poses a dilemma for users where to store the insulin over its lifetime. In Sydney NSW the temperature is also often over 30c. Do I keep the insulin in the fridge after opening as I sometimes routinely follow in the summer or follow the manufacturer instructions to the letter? My support for your study stems from being what I call the guinea pig many years ago for human insulin that was pushed onto the market to replace bovine and porcine insulins. How there has never been an inquiry or Royal Commission into the deaths of unassuming users believing their doctors and the manufacturers beggers belief. On this insulin I couldn’t walk down the street, had massive hypos at.night and was continually vomiting due to the intense lows until admitted to hospital. In fact, due to the problems deriving from this insulin a British organisation called IDDT was established to maintain animal insulin on the market due to the onslaught of the cheaper to manufacturer synthetic products and of course the bovine dilemma. After being hospitalised and telling the disbelieving specialists it was due to this new insulin I even rang the manufacturer who put their doctors on the phone to deny my accusations. “Dead in the Bed” is a well known phrase from this time but also users crashing cars from lows started to be talked about in conversations. I commend you for your study and even though I have never used a pump would support you in your quest to determine the efficacy of the insulins we have on the market.