Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Dec 16, 2022

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Experiencing a change in control during cold weather not what was expected !

Are you asking if the temperature of the sensor affects its performance or if cold weather affects our natural insulin needs....

I would probably say both.....

I personally have had to do a full review becasue of the cold weather........minor adjustments to basal downwards but I have had to increase the insulin I need for carbs..... male 39

Dec 13, 2022

John H 20 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Experiencing a change in control during cold weather not what was expected !

Good afternoon folks, and hope that some advice may be given regarding the title of my post.
As a well seasoned diabetic diagnosed in 1976 with many things that have changed over many years, I have a new question regarding what may be going on with me right now.
We used to understand that our bodies would be using stored energies carb's ETC when colder weather happens. And for me I was no exception to this rule, however I have been reading reports on the media that some have experienced the opposite effects. This makes for a concern regarding how this change has happened or is it an age thing combined with the illness, as I am experiencing the same effects.
I am using the Libre 2 system which has up till now been ok, but the current sensor is about 4mmol higher in measurement to actual bg, also my phone downloaded a full upgrade of Android 13, this has benefitted me in ways that are not pleasing, the phone loses contact with the sensor all the time apart from the scan process, giving excessive pointless notifications even with my phone right in front of me, thus the alarms are now muted in the hope that the next sensor will function without app updates halfway thorugh its useage time - still have 6 days remaining.
So to sum this up, is it a new thing with elevated glucose measurement when it turns cold (Male 54y/o).
Any advice would be great.
Many thanks in advance - John H.

Nov 13, 2022

Warwick 425 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Increase of insulin needed after Covid-19

Thanks. My insulin sensitivity appears to have returned to normal levels. It might have been the immune system working overtime or the fact that I was down to less than 20% of normal physical activity levels or a combination of the two.

Thanks again.

Nov 10, 2022

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Dawn Phenomenon

Davidgs said:
I've had diabetes mellitus for 50 years and have only recently suffered from this so called dawn phenomena. I managed to stop it by taking an additional 3 units of Levemir before my evening meal in addition to the 8 units of Levemir I take pre breakfast. Hope this helps. This is my first post having only recently graduated.

You can confirm dawn phenomenon by doing a basal test overnight and include a 3 am test......

If you have increasd your basal from dinner to breakfast and now wake up in range, you may have been on the wrong dose, as opposed to the liver making a contribution in the hours prior to waking.....

Nov 10, 2022

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Increase of insulin needed after Covid-19

Didnt seem to have any effect on me either during or after......

At least you have the tools to observe and adjust if needed.......and hopfully it returns to normal....

Nov 7, 2022

Warwick 425 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Increase of insulin needed after Covid-19

Thanks very much.

My BGLs are 28.4 mmol/L which is the highest they have ever been.

I've doubled my basal insulin. Hopefully things will return to normal soon.

Nov 7, 2022

michaelj 45 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Increase of insulin needed after Covid-19

Had covid back in July and in hospital for 6 days. Blood were all over the place as infection messed things up plus lack of energy and movement. Pleased to say it all calmed down once the infections was over and back to normal now so don't give up Warwick it will improve. May take a few weeks to get there but hang on in.

Nov 7, 2022

Warwick 425 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Increase of insulin needed after Covid-19

Hello All,

I've had Covid-19 for the last 9 days (first time), and my BGLs are regularly in the low 20s when I wake. Usually they wouldn't be over 11.

Has anyone else had to increase their basal insulin by a lot during Covid-19? If so, did they eventually revert to normal levels, or did it become a permanent thing?

Thanks,
Warwick.

Oct 31, 2022

Davidgs 1 post

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Dawn Phenomenon

I've had diabetes mellitus for 50 years and have only recently suffered from this so called dawn phenomena. I managed to stop it by taking an additional 3 units of Levemir before my evening meal in addition to the 8 units of Levemir I take pre breakfast. Hope this helps. This is my first post having only recently graduated.

Sep 27, 2022

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Dexcom One system.

It would seem you are unlucky as pretty much every other samsung model is listed as compatible.......the A11, the A21...

Sep 26, 2022

John H 20 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Dexcom One system.

Hello fellow Dafne folks.
Just to bring some clarity to the Dexcom One system on NHS Prescription.
I was really pleased to learn that my Diabetes Specialist managed to achieve funding for me to use the above system. He also provided a traditional prescription together with a letter posted to me. I had time to make various checks to how it may differ from the Freestyle CGM that I have been using for a few months, the results were not too encouraging. The prescription was fulfilled and got the flash looking box home. No instructions at all included regading it's use or fitting. Downloaded the app from Google Play on my Samsung A22 5g mobile phone which runs Android 11 ! To discover the app won't work on my phone. So the situation requires further interventions which will incur further costs either to me or the NHS. It troubles me that much older phones with much outdated Android operating systems are more likely to work with such a new system !
So back to the Libre System for now for me !
This information is for guidance only, and to also offer up how unfortunate my current luck is !

Sep 17, 2022

John H 20 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Libre sensors - problems

Sally Mac said:
Thanks for your query @flash; sorry to hear you have been having so many problems with the Libre. I can't help myself I'm afraid as like @MarkE, I use the Dexcom G6 Sensor.
I did see, though that there are several other people on other posts having Libre issues, namely @AnnetteBell @Warwick @Lucy1gus2, @JohnH, @RachelClement, @novorapidboi26. I'm hoping that you'll hear something from some of these good folk.

Hi, Just to add that I have not had any negative issues using the system, but simply enquiring. I now have the Libre system working for me with good results. What I may be able to help with would be to suggest that the fitting of a new sensor may be improved by using a different site to fit the new sensor, and to also advise to get help fitting it. My Son fitted my last one, he did apply more pressure than I woud have done personally, but as usual it went straight in, and worked great ! Maybe a consideration for the original poster to have in their journey with the system. I have been fortunate to be funded for NHS Prescriptions for the Dexcom system, so will be in a position to give a user based comparison of both systems. I hope my suggestion may go some way to assist the OP.

Sep 14, 2022

marke 686 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Libre sensors - problems

Hi, Sorry I am as guilty as everyone else of not posting enough on the forums. You should not have to report it to the NHS as reporting it to Abbott should be enough. They have a legal responsibility to investigate all issues reported by customers/patients and this will be audited periodically by the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). If you keep having issues with sensor 'implanting' then Abbott should investigate this and try to advise you on how to avoid this. If they don't I would encourage you to take to something like Twitter with those on the DUK forums as companies like this REALLY don't like bad publicity. They make all their profits from repeat users , so if they user base is not happy then its not good for them. As Sally says we are Dexcom users and I get my Dexcom via NHS funding. I prefer the Dexcom to the Libre but its all personal preference. I do know that Dexcom take issues seriously. The one time I have an issue with the sensor separating from the adhesive plaster that holds it in place, the got me to send pictures and return the sensor so they could investigate it fully.

Sep 9, 2022

Sally Mac 27 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Libre sensors - problems

Hi @flash, thanks for your response. You're right in that this isn't necessarily the most active of forums; there are so many other forums related to Type 1 Diabetes, including the Diabetes UK one; there is almost too many on the market to review and post on. I am not using the Libre myself, but I am conscious that a lot of people are having problems with them, hence my original post.
Perhaps it is time to start raising your concerns about the reliability of the Libre to your Health Authority or consultant / and or DSN.I think the more people who are having issues show their discontent, the easier it will be for them to action the responses. It is a hard one, really as I have had issues with the Dexcom Sensors often failing, I speak to Dexcom about it and yes I get replacement sensors, but I didn't contact my DSN as the issue is fixed. Of course, what I should have done in retrospect was to let them know so they could keep track.

Sep 8, 2022

flash 2 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Libre sensors - problems

It seems nothing much happening here so I decided to check out other diabetes forums. I joined the Diabetes U K forum and started this same discussion there. It is in the section to do with ‘Pumping and Technology, entitled ‘Problems with Libre 2 sensors. Within a couple of days I had some very interesting and far ranging (politically) comments. They have made me realise I am not alone regarding faulty sensors which has made me feel a lot better. Also I now understand the mechanism a lot better. Plus I got one or two useful tips. So, if you want to shed a bit more light on this problem, check out the Diabetes U K website and join the forum. I may be taking this problem a bit further (via what they call the yellow card process; something I knew nothing about) to ensure NHS get the feedback. The only people getting this information, it seems from the discussions, is Abbott, the manufacturer. They are happy to replace sensors FOC but the question is are the NHS aware of all these faults given the size and cost of the purchasing contract with Abbott. Anyway thank you to those people responding to my post.

Aug 23, 2022

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Dawn Phenomenon

Sally Mac said:
Out of interest, which pump did you pick or were you given only one choice?

Never had a choice, but have had 3 pumps so far......2 Medtronic Veo's and now the Medtronic 780g....

Its a great pump and its looking hopeful about getting the guardian sensor with it soon as well......so almost fully automated once set up.....


Dec 16, 2022 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Experiencing a change in control during cold weather not what was expected ! Are you asking if the temperature of the sensor affects its performance or if cold weather affects our natural insulin needs.... I would probably say both..... I personally have had to do a full review becasue of the cold weather........minor adjustments to basal downwards but I have had to increase the insulin I need for carbs..... male 39

Dec 13, 2022 John H 20 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Experiencing a change in control during cold weather not what was expected ! Good afternoon folks, and hope that some advice may be given regarding the title of my post. As a well seasoned diabetic diagnosed in 1976 with many things that have changed over many years, I have a new question regarding what may be going on with me right now. We used to understand that our bodies would be using stored energies carb's ETC when colder weather happens. And for me I was no exception to this rule, however I have been reading reports on the media that some have experienced the opposite effects. This makes for a concern regarding how this change has happened or is it an age thing combined with the illness, as I am experiencing the same effects. I am using the Libre 2 system which has up till now been ok, but the current sensor is about 4mmol higher in measurement to actual bg, also my phone downloaded a full upgrade of Android 13, this has benefitted me in ways that are not pleasing, the phone loses contact with the sensor all the time apart from the scan process, giving excessive pointless notifications even with my phone right in front of me, thus the alarms are now muted in the hope that the next sensor will function without app updates halfway thorugh its useage time - still have 6 days remaining. So to sum this up, is it a new thing with elevated glucose measurement when it turns cold (Male 54y/o). Any advice would be great. Many thanks in advance - John H.

Nov 13, 2022 Warwick 425 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Increase of insulin needed after Covid-19 Thanks. My insulin sensitivity appears to have returned to normal levels. It might have been the immune system working overtime or the fact that I was down to less than 20% of normal physical activity levels or a combination of the two. Thanks again.

Nov 10, 2022 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Dawn Phenomenon Davidgs said: I've had diabetes mellitus for 50 years and have only recently suffered from this so called dawn phenomena. I managed to stop it by taking an additional 3 units of Levemir before my evening meal in addition to the 8 units of Levemir I take pre breakfast. Hope this helps. This is my first post having only recently graduated. You can confirm dawn phenomenon by doing a basal test overnight and include a 3 am test...... If you have increasd your basal from dinner to breakfast and now wake up in range, you may have been on the wrong dose, as opposed to the liver making a contribution in the hours prior to waking.....

Nov 10, 2022 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Increase of insulin needed after Covid-19 Didnt seem to have any effect on me either during or after...... At least you have the tools to observe and adjust if needed.......and hopfully it returns to normal....

Nov 7, 2022 Warwick 425 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Increase of insulin needed after Covid-19 Thanks very much. My BGLs are 28.4 mmol/L which is the highest they have ever been. I've doubled my basal insulin. Hopefully things will return to normal soon.

Nov 7, 2022 michaelj 45 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Increase of insulin needed after Covid-19 Had covid back in July and in hospital for 6 days. Blood were all over the place as infection messed things up plus lack of energy and movement. Pleased to say it all calmed down once the infections was over and back to normal now so don't give up Warwick it will improve. May take a few weeks to get there but hang on in.

Nov 7, 2022 Warwick 425 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Increase of insulin needed after Covid-19 Hello All, I've had Covid-19 for the last 9 days (first time), and my BGLs are regularly in the low 20s when I wake. Usually they wouldn't be over 11. Has anyone else had to increase their basal insulin by a lot during Covid-19? If so, did they eventually revert to normal levels, or did it become a permanent thing? Thanks, Warwick.

Oct 31, 2022 Davidgs 1 post	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Dawn Phenomenon I've had diabetes mellitus for 50 years and have only recently suffered from this so called dawn phenomena. I managed to stop it by taking an additional 3 units of Levemir before my evening meal in addition to the 8 units of Levemir I take pre breakfast. Hope this helps. This is my first post having only recently graduated.

Sep 27, 2022 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Dexcom One system. It would seem you are unlucky as pretty much every other samsung model is listed as compatible.......the A11, the A21...

Sep 26, 2022 John H 20 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Dexcom One system. Hello fellow Dafne folks. Just to bring some clarity to the Dexcom One system on NHS Prescription. I was really pleased to learn that my Diabetes Specialist managed to achieve funding for me to use the above system. He also provided a traditional prescription together with a letter posted to me. I had time to make various checks to how it may differ from the Freestyle CGM that I have been using for a few months, the results were not too encouraging. The prescription was fulfilled and got the flash looking box home. No instructions at all included regading it's use or fitting. Downloaded the app from Google Play on my Samsung A22 5g mobile phone which runs Android 11 ! To discover the app won't work on my phone. So the situation requires further interventions which will incur further costs either to me or the NHS. It troubles me that much older phones with much outdated Android operating systems are more likely to work with such a new system ! So back to the Libre System for now for me ! This information is for guidance only, and to also offer up how unfortunate my current luck is !

Sep 17, 2022 John H 20 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Libre sensors - problems Sally Mac said: Thanks for your query @flash; sorry to hear you have been having so many problems with the Libre. I can't help myself I'm afraid as like @MarkE, I use the Dexcom G6 Sensor. I did see, though that there are several other people on other posts having Libre issues, namely @AnnetteBell @Warwick @Lucy1gus2, @JohnH, @RachelClement, @novorapidboi26. I'm hoping that you'll hear something from some of these good folk. Hi, Just to add that I have not had any negative issues using the system, but simply enquiring. I now have the Libre system working for me with good results. What I may be able to help with would be to suggest that the fitting of a new sensor may be improved by using a different site to fit the new sensor, and to also advise to get help fitting it. My Son fitted my last one, he did apply more pressure than I woud have done personally, but as usual it went straight in, and worked great ! Maybe a consideration for the original poster to have in their journey with the system. I have been fortunate to be funded for NHS Prescriptions for the Dexcom system, so will be in a position to give a user based comparison of both systems. I hope my suggestion may go some way to assist the OP.

Sep 14, 2022 marke 686 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Libre sensors - problems Hi, Sorry I am as guilty as everyone else of not posting enough on the forums. You should not have to report it to the NHS as reporting it to Abbott should be enough. They have a legal responsibility to investigate all issues reported by customers/patients and this will be audited periodically by the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). If you keep having issues with sensor 'implanting' then Abbott should investigate this and try to advise you on how to avoid this. If they don't I would encourage you to take to something like Twitter with those on the DUK forums as companies like this REALLY don't like bad publicity. They make all their profits from repeat users , so if they user base is not happy then its not good for them. As Sally says we are Dexcom users and I get my Dexcom via NHS funding. I prefer the Dexcom to the Libre but its all personal preference. I do know that Dexcom take issues seriously. The one time I have an issue with the sensor separating from the adhesive plaster that holds it in place, the got me to send pictures and return the sensor so they could investigate it fully.

Sep 9, 2022 Sally Mac 27 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Libre sensors - problems Hi @flash, thanks for your response. You're right in that this isn't necessarily the most active of forums; there are so many other forums related to Type 1 Diabetes, including the Diabetes UK one; there is almost too many on the market to review and post on. I am not using the Libre myself, but I am conscious that a lot of people are having problems with them, hence my original post. Perhaps it is time to start raising your concerns about the reliability of the Libre to your Health Authority or consultant / and or DSN.I think the more people who are having issues show their discontent, the easier it will be for them to action the responses. It is a hard one, really as I have had issues with the Dexcom Sensors often failing, I speak to Dexcom about it and yes I get replacement sensors, but I didn't contact my DSN as the issue is fixed. Of course, what I should have done in retrospect was to let them know so they could keep track.

Sep 8, 2022 flash 2 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Libre sensors - problems It seems nothing much happening here so I decided to check out other diabetes forums. I joined the Diabetes U K forum and started this same discussion there. It is in the section to do with ‘Pumping and Technology, entitled ‘Problems with Libre 2 sensors. Within a couple of days I had some very interesting and far ranging (politically) comments. They have made me realise I am not alone regarding faulty sensors which has made me feel a lot better. Also I now understand the mechanism a lot better. Plus I got one or two useful tips. So, if you want to shed a bit more light on this problem, check out the Diabetes U K website and join the forum. I may be taking this problem a bit further (via what they call the yellow card process; something I knew nothing about) to ensure NHS get the feedback. The only people getting this information, it seems from the discussions, is Abbott, the manufacturer. They are happy to replace sensors FOC but the question is are the NHS aware of all these faults given the size and cost of the purchasing contract with Abbott. Anyway thank you to those people responding to my post.

Aug 23, 2022 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Dawn Phenomenon Sally Mac said: Out of interest, which pump did you pick or were you given only one choice? Never had a choice, but have had 3 pumps so far......2 Medtronic Veo's and now the Medtronic 780g.... Its a great pump and its looking hopeful about getting the guardian sensor with it soon as well......so almost fully automated once set up.....