Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Mar 17, 2011

Aneirin 15 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Going below a 1:1 ratio

Hello there. Just did DAFNE a few eeks ago and am now off on my own. During DAFNE everything was going well, keeping stable on a 1:1 ratio cross the board. Reduced my background insulin from 36 to 24 during the week. Was sufeirng hypo's in the morning but not anymore which is great.

However, I am now suffering hypo's before dinner. I can wind up around 10 before lunch and then 2.5 before dinner. I have lowered my background more since then (to 22) but nothing seems to be happening, and my bloodsugars from night to morning seem to be steady so I dno't beleive it is the background. I know that a 1/2 to 1 ratio isn't something that should be done, so I thought I would get other opinions on it first.

I am trying to run my sugars at higher range of DAFNE targets to regain hypo awareness at the moment. I usually go from 7 to 10 between breakfast and lunch, and I am happy with that at the moment, once I get awareness back, I may change the breakfast ratio.

Mar 16, 2011

novorapidboi26 1,816 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Loss of Hypo warning signs

For DAFNE to be effective you really need to test.....more than 4 times a day in my opinion......then you can identify at least when the highest chance of hypo is.........

Mar 16, 2011

Kathryn76 2 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Loss of Hypo warning signs

I have done the dafne course back in November and I have gained a lot from doing this, however the diabetic consultant has suggested to run my blood sugars high between 8 and 13 which I have been doing for about 4 months now and my hba1c came up to 8, which I was shocked about. However the last 6 weeks or so I have brought them down a touch well to single figures where possible but I have still done blood test on occasion and they have been between 2 and 3 and not felt low at all. The only symptom I say I may get is the feeling of being hungry!
I am still communicating with community diabetic nurses when I have needed to but I see my consultant soon so I will be having another hba1c done so I sill just see what that's like.

To be honest I am not doing as many tests as I should be which was 4 a day, it was running my life and it became a bit OCD! Just feeling proper p***ed off with it all and it's getting me down so I just do them when I think it's needed.

Mar 16, 2011

DFH_17 22 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Not impressed x 2

Dont know if this will help - re: stomach issue - I do my daytime injections in my stomach and my BI in my thighs but split the dose so use both thighs to inject in.

Mar 16, 2011

DFH_17 22 posts

Topic: General Discussion / weather and hypos

I find when its warmer I tend to go hypo. And am really releived to see reference to hypos around when having a period. Have found that I need less insulin when I'm on the actual week of my period otherwise if I dont adjust my bg's go mad.

Mar 16, 2011

DFH_17 22 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Loss of Hypo warning signs

I've found since doing the DAFNE course in January I'm beginning to recognise the warning signs - tend to feel v tired n achey n can't concentrate. I completely lost all warning signs last September so has been a bit frightening. However I can also say that I have done random tests and the test has been a below 3.5.

Mar 16, 2011

novorapidboi26 1,816 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Loss of Hypo warning signs

I take it running your blood sugar higher has not helped...............in situations like this there could be other underlying problems that will be contributing to you lack of awareness and struggle to regain the symptoms.............

What has your care team suggested.........

Do you have lots of hypos, or just seldomly.........

Mar 15, 2011

Kathryn76 2 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Loss of Hypo warning signs

I have lost all my awareness of hypos and I have been like this for about 6 months now. I am still unable to work as I have a job in a warehouse and it was unsafe for me to continue working being up and down ladders etc.. I have also had to surrender my driving licence and I have no idea when I will get it back, especially with the way things are going and I still have no awareness back I want to know will I ever get any awareness back as I do really want to get my licence back.

I have had diabetes for 25 years and always been well controlled but just had a very bad 12 months which has resulted in these problems.

To be honest I am very very worried about what is happening and I really thought that it be resolved after a couple of months, I just perhaps need some advice from someone that may have been through this

Thanks

Mar 15, 2011

novorapidboi26 1,816 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / calories affecting insulin required?

I don't personally account for anything other than countable carbohydrates but I have heard of people counting their proteins, like meat and eggs......................more commonly people on pumps, this is because the insulin they are using is just one type, novorapid, so there is no slow acting insulin dealing with slow and negligible glucose production from these foods, even though there is what they call a basal dose being delivered constantly through the day...........

But everyone is different and can be sensitive in terms of digestion........

God Luck with DAFNE and I look forward to seeing you on here as a fully fledged graduate...............

Mar 15, 2011

kymmbo46 2 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / calories affecting insulin required?

Hi Emma and helen,
I have just completed the DAFNE course and have found the information invaluable. It really does clarify issues and let you focus on gaining control of your life and you have support to look at problems when they arize and most of all you'll find you are not alone....

Mar 15, 2011

novorapidboi26 1,816 posts

Topic: Site Development / Smilie Icons....

Alot of forums nowadays have this facility which can assist in expressing the tone of the post...........

Just another suggestion to the long list.........lol........ Smile

Mar 14, 2011

HelenP 218 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pumps

The hardest part was getting the appointment with the Credentialled Diabetic Educator...literally took 5 months! The Endo was fine with it (a bit surprised I went with an Animas pump but OK with my choice). He wrote a letter to the Health Fund (Queensland Teachers), (mentioning varying HbA1c's and hypos) and apparently teachers do well on pumps! (control freaks/obsessive compulsives?) they paid for it all ($(AUD)7,500). The day in hospital was fraught! There is a lot to learn in the 2-3 hours the educator is there. And off course you cannot really practice on your pump as it is attached. The educator established the settings and basically left me to it. Lunch arrived and I got out the cheat sheet and could not get past the first two steps,,,hence no bolus for lunch so used my trusty pen! Spoke to the RN who rang the CDE who simply said do the usual (use the pen!). I was unimpressed...what am I doing sitting in a hospital bed supposed learning how to "pump" and using a pen for more than 24 of the 28 hours I am in hospital (the basal was functioning). I then decided I could fix it...out with the manual and after some thought and manual reading I "enabled" a function. Did not realize I could test the "theory" by simply disconnecting from the pump so told the RN that I thought I had fixed it. She had kittens on the spot! Rang the Endo who blasted the CDE and the situation was wait until tea and do it with the CDE on the phone...reading each screen. I had fixed it! To the CDE's credit I think she had the basal rate fairly right (although it is the same over 24 hours and that does not seem logical) but she is way down on the I:C ratio and I have been asked not to touch it (I had, so reversed it) but to keep taking corrections through the pump! So I am still counting carbs inputing that data letting the pump calculate how much insulin I need...documenting that and then adding in what I think (and documenting that). The BGs are OK (not good) on this but it seems a bit pointless not to increase the I:C ratio based on what I needed for carbs pre pump. I will give her two weeks then I will decide what to change. My Endo is OK with that but has warned me not to be too adventurous! I leave to go to Korea (the land of rice and honey) in 11 days. Saw my GP for a flu vac yesterday...I think he is impressed!

I have decided not to insure it as it is attached to me, It seems that if I do insure it I have to insure it under house/contents insurance, like jewellery, and whilst I like the look of the pump it is hardly bling! This type of insurance is expensive. Will discuss travel insurance with the travel agent later today but probably will not insure it as it will never leave my side. The Animas "lady" has offered me a loan pump as a spare to take with me. Much more kit to take than when on MDI's

Helen

Mar 14, 2011

marke 643 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Census Form

wow all this debate over one question :-) I think the real answer is that we all need to appreciate that Diabetes affects us in different ways and everyones experience is as valid as everyone elses. I don't feel limited and tend fortunately to not have too many hypo's but not everyone is that fortunate.
Perhaps the key thing to remember when posting is that your post may not be interpreted in the way you mean or intend it to be. Some of the debate 'appears' a bit heated at times, this may just be the way it comes across to me. Remeber we are all on the same side, trying to handle the same condition the best way we can. So lets all be nice to each other eh ?
A, B or C one thing you can be sure, Diabetes services will most likely get cut given the current economic situation. A cenus most likely won't change that in the slightest...

Mar 14, 2011

moyesy 10 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Census Form

To sum up it would appear that we differ in opinion as to the answer to the Census Question.

Perhaps the real answer is that everyone should have diabetes and live with it. It would break the NHS but we would all live excit ing lives . Mind you I pity other road users when I am having a hypo as there could be some blood shed. Still it's only something we have to live with.

I am sure when Cameron gets the responses he'll live with it and might even find a way to apply cuts to the Diabetes Budget

Mar 14, 2011

novorapidboi26 1,816 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Census Form

How so with the license, are you getting to the stage were you cant feel the symptoms...................people who through all the efforts to get there symptoms back but cant should definitely be in the limited category, and not just because they cant drive, just general life must be bad.......

Mar 14, 2011

vic demain 87 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Census Form

One wonders if some people ever experience hypos? I do and they affect my day to day life dramatically, even to the extent where my driving licence is under threat. If I didn't have diabetes, and hadn't for the past 30 years, I wouldn't have this concern. Do I blame anything on diabetes? No, I get on with my life.

Mar 14, 2011

novorapidboi26 1,816 posts

Topic: General Discussion / App

Hey Caroline, I hope this is the start of a new era in her diabetes management, hopefully she can now get on with living a bit..................keep us updated................. Smile

Mar 14, 2011

novorapidboi26 1,816 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pumps

Hey Helen,

Sorry if I missed any post regarding your pump, but how did it work out over in Australia regarding the funding, insurance etc...........

Mar 14, 2011

novorapidboi26 1,816 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Census Form

If we can go back to the original post of this thread referring to the question are you A. Limited a lot B. Limited a little C. Not limited.........

In reality the wide spectrum of diabetes severity does mean than some people will actually be limited in what they do, a good example would be lack of hypo awareness with no real solution in sight. They people could not drive a car.

So the main point is that some people are limited, however some people, and I would say the majority are not limited but may still feel as if they are, so in the context of the census, surely just the simple feeling of the individual is what they are after in order to paint a picture of the country...

Some people in this thread are referring to diabetes effecting them, that is not what the thread is talking about.........it is obvious we are all effected.......but limited is a whole different matter.......

For me personally as I have posted earlier, I am not limited in any way in my day to day activities, note day to day......but just to mix things up a bit I would still put B as it is a possibility my day to day activities could be effected and thus limit me, this being the obvious event of severe hypo...

Mar 14, 2011

moyesy 10 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Census Form

Hello
sjohno you do seem to becoming dogmatic.

i think you have made it clear that your Diabetes does not limit your daily activities. Others differ in opinion (and wahat's wrong with that).

I have now made my choice on my Census Form and you can make your choice of answer. Again semantics but I don't let Diabetes rule my life but having Diabetes does limit my daily life in a way it would not be limited if I did not have Diabetes.

Mar 14, 2011

moyesy 10 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Census Form

Hello
sjohno you do seem to becoming dogmatic.

i think you have made it clear that your Diabetes does not limit your daily activities. Others differ in opinion (and wahat's wrong with that).

I have now made my choice on my Census Form and you can make your choice of answer. Again semantics but I don't let Diabetes rule my life but having Diabetes does limit my daily life in a way it would not be limited if I did not have Diabetes.

Mar 17, 2011 Aneirin 15 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Going below a 1:1 ratio Hello there. Just did DAFNE a few eeks ago and am now off on my own. During DAFNE everything was going well, keeping stable on a 1:1 ratio cross the board. Reduced my background insulin from 36 to 24 during the week. Was sufeirng hypo's in the morning but not anymore which is great. However, I am now suffering hypo's before dinner. I can wind up around 10 before lunch and then 2.5 before dinner. I have lowered my background more since then (to 22) but nothing seems to be happening, and my bloodsugars from night to morning seem to be steady so I dno't beleive it is the background. I know that a 1/2 to 1 ratio isn't something that should be done, so I thought I would get other opinions on it first. I am trying to run my sugars at higher range of DAFNE targets to regain hypo awareness at the moment. I usually go from 7 to 10 between breakfast and lunch, and I am happy with that at the moment, once I get awareness back, I may change the breakfast ratio.

Mar 16, 2011 novorapidboi26 1,816 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Loss of Hypo warning signs For DAFNE to be effective you really need to test.....more than 4 times a day in my opinion......then you can identify at least when the highest chance of hypo is.........

Mar 16, 2011 Kathryn76 2 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Loss of Hypo warning signs I have done the dafne course back in November and I have gained a lot from doing this, however the diabetic consultant has suggested to run my blood sugars high between 8 and 13 which I have been doing for about 4 months now and my hba1c came up to 8, which I was shocked about. However the last 6 weeks or so I have brought them down a touch well to single figures where possible but I have still done blood test on occasion and they have been between 2 and 3 and not felt low at all. The only symptom I say I may get is the feeling of being hungry! I am still communicating with community diabetic nurses when I have needed to but I see my consultant soon so I will be having another hba1c done so I sill just see what that's like. To be honest I am not doing as many tests as I should be which was 4 a day, it was running my life and it became a bit OCD! Just feeling proper p***ed off with it all and it's getting me down so I just do them when I think it's needed.

Mar 16, 2011 DFH_17 22 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Not impressed x 2 Dont know if this will help - re: stomach issue - I do my daytime injections in my stomach and my BI in my thighs but split the dose so use both thighs to inject in.

Mar 16, 2011 DFH_17 22 posts	Topic: General Discussion / weather and hypos I find when its warmer I tend to go hypo. And am really releived to see reference to hypos around when having a period. Have found that I need less insulin when I'm on the actual week of my period otherwise if I dont adjust my bg's go mad.

Mar 16, 2011 DFH_17 22 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Loss of Hypo warning signs I've found since doing the DAFNE course in January I'm beginning to recognise the warning signs - tend to feel v tired n achey n can't concentrate. I completely lost all warning signs last September so has been a bit frightening. However I can also say that I have done random tests and the test has been a below 3.5.

Mar 16, 2011 novorapidboi26 1,816 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Loss of Hypo warning signs I take it running your blood sugar higher has not helped...............in situations like this there could be other underlying problems that will be contributing to you lack of awareness and struggle to regain the symptoms............. What has your care team suggested......... Do you have lots of hypos, or just seldomly.........

Mar 15, 2011 Kathryn76 2 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Loss of Hypo warning signs I have lost all my awareness of hypos and I have been like this for about 6 months now. I am still unable to work as I have a job in a warehouse and it was unsafe for me to continue working being up and down ladders etc.. I have also had to surrender my driving licence and I have no idea when I will get it back, especially with the way things are going and I still have no awareness back I want to know will I ever get any awareness back as I do really want to get my licence back. I have had diabetes for 25 years and always been well controlled but just had a very bad 12 months which has resulted in these problems. To be honest I am very very worried about what is happening and I really thought that it be resolved after a couple of months, I just perhaps need some advice from someone that may have been through this Thanks

Mar 15, 2011 novorapidboi26 1,816 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / calories affecting insulin required? I don't personally account for anything other than countable carbohydrates but I have heard of people counting their proteins, like meat and eggs......................more commonly people on pumps, this is because the insulin they are using is just one type, novorapid, so there is no slow acting insulin dealing with slow and negligible glucose production from these foods, even though there is what they call a basal dose being delivered constantly through the day........... But everyone is different and can be sensitive in terms of digestion........ God Luck with DAFNE and I look forward to seeing you on here as a fully fledged graduate...............

Mar 15, 2011 kymmbo46 2 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / calories affecting insulin required? Hi Emma and helen, I have just completed the DAFNE course and have found the information invaluable. It really does clarify issues and let you focus on gaining control of your life and you have support to look at problems when they arize and most of all you'll find you are not alone....

Mar 15, 2011 novorapidboi26 1,816 posts	Topic: Site Development / Smilie Icons.... Alot of forums nowadays have this facility which can assist in expressing the tone of the post........... Just another suggestion to the long list.........lol........

Mar 14, 2011 HelenP 218 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pumps The hardest part was getting the appointment with the Credentialled Diabetic Educator...literally took 5 months! The Endo was fine with it (a bit surprised I went with an Animas pump but OK with my choice). He wrote a letter to the Health Fund (Queensland Teachers), (mentioning varying HbA1c's and hypos) and apparently teachers do well on pumps! (control freaks/obsessive compulsives?) they paid for it all ($(AUD)7,500). The day in hospital was fraught! There is a lot to learn in the 2-3 hours the educator is there. And off course you cannot really practice on your pump as it is attached. The educator established the settings and basically left me to it. Lunch arrived and I got out the cheat sheet and could not get past the first two steps,,,hence no bolus for lunch so used my trusty pen! Spoke to the RN who rang the CDE who simply said do the usual (use the pen!). I was unimpressed...what am I doing sitting in a hospital bed supposed learning how to "pump" and using a pen for more than 24 of the 28 hours I am in hospital (the basal was functioning). I then decided I could fix it...out with the manual and after some thought and manual reading I "enabled" a function. Did not realize I could test the "theory" by simply disconnecting from the pump so told the RN that I thought I had fixed it. She had kittens on the spot! Rang the Endo who blasted the CDE and the situation was wait until tea and do it with the CDE on the phone...reading each screen. I had fixed it! To the CDE's credit I think she had the basal rate fairly right (although it is the same over 24 hours and that does not seem logical) but she is way down on the I:C ratio and I have been asked not to touch it (I had, so reversed it) but to keep taking corrections through the pump! So I am still counting carbs inputing that data letting the pump calculate how much insulin I need...documenting that and then adding in what I think (and documenting that). The BGs are OK (not good) on this but it seems a bit pointless not to increase the I:C ratio based on what I needed for carbs pre pump. I will give her two weeks then I will decide what to change. My Endo is OK with that but has warned me not to be too adventurous! I leave to go to Korea (the land of rice and honey) in 11 days. Saw my GP for a flu vac yesterday...I think he is impressed! I have decided not to insure it as it is attached to me, It seems that if I do insure it I have to insure it under house/contents insurance, like jewellery, and whilst I like the look of the pump it is hardly bling! This type of insurance is expensive. Will discuss travel insurance with the travel agent later today but probably will not insure it as it will never leave my side. The Animas "lady" has offered me a loan pump as a spare to take with me. Much more kit to take than when on MDI's Helen

Mar 14, 2011 marke 643 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Census Form wow all this debate over one question :-) I think the real answer is that we all need to appreciate that Diabetes affects us in different ways and everyones experience is as valid as everyone elses. I don't feel limited and tend fortunately to not have too many hypo's but not everyone is that fortunate. Perhaps the key thing to remember when posting is that your post may not be interpreted in the way you mean or intend it to be. Some of the debate 'appears' a bit heated at times, this may just be the way it comes across to me. Remeber we are all on the same side, trying to handle the same condition the best way we can. So lets all be nice to each other eh ? A, B or C one thing you can be sure, Diabetes services will most likely get cut given the current economic situation. A cenus most likely won't change that in the slightest...

Mar 14, 2011 moyesy 10 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Census Form To sum up it would appear that we differ in opinion as to the answer to the Census Question. Perhaps the real answer is that everyone should have diabetes and live with it. It would break the NHS but we would all live excit ing lives . Mind you I pity other road users when I am having a hypo as there could be some blood shed. Still it's only something we have to live with. I am sure when Cameron gets the responses he'll live with it and might even find a way to apply cuts to the Diabetes Budget

Mar 14, 2011 novorapidboi26 1,816 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Census Form How so with the license, are you getting to the stage were you cant feel the symptoms...................people who through all the efforts to get there symptoms back but cant should definitely be in the limited category, and not just because they cant drive, just general life must be bad.......

Mar 14, 2011 vic demain 87 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Census Form One wonders if some people ever experience hypos? I do and they affect my day to day life dramatically, even to the extent where my driving licence is under threat. If I didn't have diabetes, and hadn't for the past 30 years, I wouldn't have this concern. Do I blame anything on diabetes? No, I get on with my life.

Mar 14, 2011 novorapidboi26 1,816 posts	Topic: General Discussion / App Hey Caroline, I hope this is the start of a new era in her diabetes management, hopefully she can now get on with living a bit..................keep us updated.................

Mar 14, 2011 novorapidboi26 1,816 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pumps Hey Helen, Sorry if I missed any post regarding your pump, but how did it work out over in Australia regarding the funding, insurance etc...........

Mar 14, 2011 novorapidboi26 1,816 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Census Form If we can go back to the original post of this thread referring to the question are you A. Limited a lot B. Limited a little C. Not limited......... In reality the wide spectrum of diabetes severity does mean than some people will actually be limited in what they do, a good example would be lack of hypo awareness with no real solution in sight. They people could not drive a car. So the main point is that some people are limited, however some people, and I would say the majority are not limited but may still feel as if they are, so in the context of the census, surely just the simple feeling of the individual is what they are after in order to paint a picture of the country... Some people in this thread are referring to diabetes effecting them, that is not what the thread is talking about.........it is obvious we are all effected.......but limited is a whole different matter....... For me personally as I have posted earlier, I am not limited in any way in my day to day activities, note day to day......but just to mix things up a bit I would still put B as it is a possibility my day to day activities could be effected and thus limit me, this being the obvious event of severe hypo...

Mar 14, 2011 moyesy 10 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Census Form Hello sjohno you do seem to becoming dogmatic. i think you have made it clear that your Diabetes does not limit your daily activities. Others differ in opinion (and wahat's wrong with that). I have now made my choice on my Census Form and you can make your choice of answer. Again semantics but I don't let Diabetes rule my life but having Diabetes does limit my daily life in a way it would not be limited if I did not have Diabetes.

Mar 14, 2011 moyesy 10 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Census Form Hello sjohno you do seem to becoming dogmatic. i think you have made it clear that your Diabetes does not limit your daily activities. Others differ in opinion (and wahat's wrong with that). I have now made my choice on my Census Form and you can make your choice of answer. Again semantics but I don't let Diabetes rule my life but having Diabetes does limit my daily life in a way it would not be limited if I did not have Diabetes.