Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Jan 19, 2011

John Stevens 9 posts

Topic: Site Development / DAFNE Online iPhone application - help with content/design needed

Hi Marke,
From the user perspective, an expanded carb database is a good thing, especially if it can be expanded and updated by us. The issues I have with the carb database now are as follows, and admittedly they often stem from the whole "being in a different country" thing. BTW, I must point out that the Carb counter in the app is one of the best additions Simon has made, and the facility of the site carb counter to add entries is also fantastic.
1) Differences between "local" and "App" Carb values. This is probably be biggest one. I use the following sequence to determine foods CP values.
a) Packaging - Usually rely on the Carb per 100g/ml value, unless the packet is 1 serve. Most accurate.
b) App/DAFNE Carb data - If it is in there, I will use it. Because it does not include a Carb/100g or ml value, this often means some deft calculation. Not beyond me, but would be nice not to have to.
c) If I can't find out the CP from either of the above, I go with Calorie King here in .au. It is a very comprehensive and searchable database for most foods and products. The issue with it, and the DAFNE Online one, is just that. They are online. I live in a semi rural area in .au, and do not always have the coverage to use them. Home is fine with WiFi, but out and about is the issue. This also is the least used.

2) The non standard nature of the data. As pointed out, and as far as a know from the local OzDAFNE Programme, we mostly use the Carb/100g/ml values for CP calculations. It is much easier and often more accurate than the "Serving Size" on packaging, and usually included here as a standard measure. Even the fast food chains use it when advertising their Nutritional Info, and it is required here by law. However, there are some times where you need an idea of how much you are going to eat, so the "servings" in the database are helpful.

3) The lack of "Local" foods and foodstuffs. Now, I understand the need of having things verified, and I have no problem with it, but it seems there is often a lag between additions and verifications. Since we at this end do not know the process of verification, all we see is the lag. Also, there is data in the Online database that doesn't seem to get to the App all that regularly. This is also likely a person power issue, and totally understandable.

Perhaps I have not really explained my thoughts all that well. Do you have Skype? Could we chat it over?

The rough outline of the idea would be:
1) All records in the database have a localisation field. If the field is blank, the record appears in all localities. Otherwise, it will indicate which localities it is relevant and verified to.
2) Either Online or App can be used to "suggest" or enter a local food/product. When initially entered by one person, it goes into an "unverified" status. Remember, we users don't have labs, so we are getting this info from packaging, or producers websites. Once another X number of people have entered the same food/product, the food is placed in a "verified" status, and appears permanently in the Database and App.
3) To ease data storage and calculating the CP of any food, we use Carb/100g for solids, and Carb/100ml for liquids. Average food portion sizes, in weight (g) or volume (ml) are also entered, so the user can see both. So the display shows the Carb/100g/ml for each food, and the portion size, and the user makes up their own mind which to use. I am sure this is not a stretch from where the database is right now, but a particularly useful change given most (that I know of) use this sort of logic anyway. I am happy to be wrong about this.
4) If an entry is found to be wrong by a user, they can make a "local to the app" adjustment for themselves. If more users have the same "local to the app" changes, the entry is updated to suit. Remember we are getting the info from packaging more often than not, so a change here seen by many will cause the record for that food/product updated quicker for all.

What this does, is helps the Database expand and remain updated, without increasing the actual storage requirements, and without impacting the resources at your disposal.

I know this is a significant body of work and a significant change to both the backend database and the app, but one well worth considering, for both DAFNE and us end users. It won't happen rapidly, but it will be a significant change for all.

Also, the ability to select your weight display to match the country you are living in/travelling to is not of benefit to most I am sure. It is only useful to me rarely, when I visit family in the US. The issue is more the local foods reaching the App and online. You don't want the entire database on your iPhone. Just the "generic" foods and foods local to where you are, or where you are travelling to. The App could have a "multi-select" option so the countries you are interested in, or travel to the most, can be stored locally.

Wouldn't it be good if all of us Type 1s could be contributing something back to the DAFNE programmes we have gained so much from?

Cheers

Jan 19, 2011

JayBee 587 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Driving Licence Renewal

Thanks for the heads up, I'm expecting the renewal later on this year.

Jan 19, 2011

Karl 83 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Driving Licence Renewal

I have recently received a reminder that my 3 year medical driving licence will shortly be expiring. No problem there, fill the forms in and post it back, but on the form it states that by law I have to complete the enclosed Photo Renewal form (D797) - it wasn't enclosed.
Google returned nothing, so I emailed DVLA to get a reply stating

I would advise that you will not be required to submit the form D797 with your application.

I can confirm that there was an error when issuing your renewal reminder.

Just a warning if anybody else gets one.

Jan 19, 2011

vickyrees 6 posts

Topic: General Discussion / TYPE 1 PREGNANCY

Just would like to hear other Type 1 pregnancy stories. I have had 1 child and contemplating a second but couple years go a temporary cover doctor in my clinic told me my kidneys were leaking he didnt recommend my kidneys were strong enough to cope with another pregnancy yet my long term doctor who i later saw said the other doctor was probably just being precaucious and the Ramipril drug im on is more a preventative drug and everything "probably" will be fine. I am now at a loss as to whats best to do and what I really don't have is other type 1 mums to hand and hear how they have got on. If you have any stories or things to look out for I would LOVE to hear about it GOOD and BAD!

Jan 19, 2011

vickyrees 6 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Weight

I was told the reason why you may gain weight is if you have tighter control (which DAFNE should do) your BG's will be more in range - whereas like most diabetics from time to time the BG's may go up to 15+ from time to time and this is when the ketones are passed out in your urine (even if you feel well) and this creates weight loss. So by improving your BG you are also reducing Ketone production and therefore weight might increase slightly.

Jan 19, 2011

Garry 328 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Difference in BG from different fingers!

Following SimonC's post where he mentions Optium Exceed meter test solutions, as far as I remember!! the acceptable meter result range using the high solution is around 13 to 21 so that gives us a good idea of the error bound...which reminds me that I have not checked my meter for some time!
You are right....Don't worry about it

Jan 19, 2011

marke 686 posts

Topic: Site Development / DAFNE Online iPhone application - help with content/design needed

John,
The verified carb values on the website and thus in the app, are supplied by the DAFNE Programme's themselves so we cannot 'standardise' or change them in any way. On the site itself it shows you the AU carb
values and UK members the UK values. I'm not sure what the app does without Simons input. Although 'internationalisation' is possible I'm not sure how practical and desirable it is for most people. We would need to expand
the carb data substantially and that would rely on users to input it. Given that we have been running 2 years and there have not been a huge number of entries, thankls to those that have added entries though !, I'm not sure the idea would work. We how have 5 countires involved with DAFNEOnline which is again not a large base to draw carb info from.
While we appreciate the suggestions I'm not sure many will actually get implemented because of the issues above. Thats not to say we won't do them just I'm not sure how we can at this stage. There is no reason on the site that I cannot add a country field to the carb entry 'add' form since the database already has a country field. I would need to decide how to filter the output though. From the site perspective I will have a think about it, with regard to the iPhone App I will let Simon repsond on that.

Jan 19, 2011

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Difference in BG from different fingers!

The meters are never spot on, but they dont need to be I suppose............

Jan 18, 2011

Paul Lyons 8 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Difference in BG from different fingers!

Thanks for your replies - it is true that the fault is with the machine accuracy and possibly down to normal circulation that results in the blood being 10 minutes or so out - which can be a big difference if the test is immediately after a hypo and there is a 1/3 rd of a bottle of lucozade inside me!

I have 2 new meters now so am going to see how the % difference on readings from these are - I wont think about it too much though!

Jan 18, 2011

SimonC 78 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Difference in BG from different fingers!

Just to echo JWo's post - I have 3 Optium Exceed machines (one a Boots branded one), they will all produce different results from the same drop of blood - up to 20% difference.

When I called the manufactures to query the results I was told that this was normal and within the permitted limits - they sent me test drops for low, and high sugar readings and they all still produced different results - I had to do the test over the phone with an operator - they decided the results were all acceptable and within the tolerances's set. I repeated the test later and got different results again, ie 1 machine wasn't always higher, they varied.

As long as I use the same machine, then the results will all be reliable - for that machine, and give me an indication of what my blood sugar levels are - they are only an indication, it is not an absolute.

My personnel view is that not only will the machine give different results for the same drop of blood - if you were able to test that, but your body and how it behaves is still a mystery and we are only getting an indication - not an absolute, when we do the test. The doctors and nurses know very little - obviously more than me, but they are not gods and have to make educated guesses based on indications. Some of the more enlightened will admit this, those that tell you they know and make absolute statements should be treated with some scepticism - I do.

Jan 18, 2011

John Stevens 9 posts

Topic: Site Development / DAFNE Online iPhone application - help with content/design needed

Hi Simon,
I too would like to request a BI option and a During Exercise option.
On the Carb Counter/Plate idea, I like it, but I see some issues with it. Particularly as the Carb Counter info is a little non standard, and fixed.
Non-Standard:
Because the Carb Counter is not standardised to gCarbs/100g/ml for every entry, using a calculator can be fraught with issues. Personally I don't mind using a calculator, and always go by the packaging of a product in preference to the Carb Counter. The Carb Counter is a fallback for me, for various reasons.

Fixed:
Well, basically the Carb Counter uses the UK info. That is reasonably good, but differs a lot from other areas. For instance in .au, bread is more often than not 2 CP per slice, rather than 1.5. Also, there are "local" variations in products as well.

My suggestion would be to make the DAFNE Carb Counter in the App more variable, and tailorable to country/locality. It would need the backend database at DAFNE online to be able to accept info from the app, and the app would need to be able to download the country/locality data for the area you are in. This would be a great benefit in two ways:
1) Everyone could input food data from their area, and keep any personal recipes in their local app database (backed up through iTunes). DAFNE online would then become a live and up to date source of info for all foods, including international foods, and would quickly grow to be a fantastic resource for all diabetics regardless of nationality, and the app becomes truly international.
2) When travelling, you could update your country in the app, and get all the local foods data downloaded to you, courtesy of the locals.

The Carb counter would then be a truly up to date and fantastic tool for all of us world wide.

I understand that this is a pretty big step. The App needs to have some serious work done, and the Carb Counter database needs to become very flexible, as well as we would have to standardise on how the data is stored.

I would suggest gCarbs per 100g as the basis of every entry. Each entry can then also have a standard portion size (cup, spoon, pieces,etc) that can be used in a Plate calculation, or the actual weight can be entered, and the CP calculated automatically. We may also have to have an option for different units, like oz for countries that prefer imperial measurements, but that can easily be calculated on the fly. A setting in the app can apply the calculations, so even when travelling to a country with different units, you can choose to stick with your own.

If you need any help with the back end, I have copious years experience in IT development and databases. Don't have the facilities (yet) to help with the App. I would love to be involved in improving this whole aspect of DAFNE Online.

I must also add, you have done a fantastic job with this app, it is a small wonder how you have been able to keep up with our suggestions/requests. Well done.
Cheers

BTW, the app crashing I experience appears to be linked to the iPhone multi-tasking. If it gets "pushed off" the 4 app stack (rare), it tries to start from the "last point", but then crashes. This App isn't the only one I have seen this with. My GPS Navigation App (not TomTom) does the same, as do some others.

Jan 18, 2011

Simon 578 posts

Topic: General Discussion / What are you reading?

Just finished the 'The Girl' Series (With the Dragon Tattoo/Who Played With Fire/Who Kicked The Hornets nest). I'm not normally a reader but these has me engrossed!

Jan 18, 2011

JayBee 587 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Difference in BG from different fingers!

I think we're over-thinking this way too much. I mean, there's other factors to consider when you do each blood test - such as hand washing (I mean, using a cleaning wipe is generally not recommended), as well as others such as the blood testing machine's tendency to not be 100% correct.

I find it fascinating that thread responders seem more interesting in finding excuses about their "body being strange" (in their machine's defence), rather than considering the possibility that your machine may be in need of a check up - especially if you find it happens regularly. How can you trust the machine with this going on?
If you're not aware, you can request testing solution from your machine's company so you can test that it's working properly.

Oh well. Good luck with this study.

Jan 18, 2011

JayBee 587 posts

Topic: General Discussion / What are you reading?

My boyfriend got a book for me called "In the Miso Soup" for Christmas and I just finished it the other day. I did enjoy reading it, however I found the open end of the story a bit disappointing. Despite this, I do recommend this book to anyone looking for a rather short, dark and thrilling read. I agree with the quote on the front - it does read like a script for "American Psycho - Holiday Abroad". Smile

Jan 18, 2011

JayBee 587 posts

Topic: General Discussion / What made you smile today?

Got my first ever mp3 player today... very happy with it! ^___^

Jan 18, 2011

HelenP 218 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Difference in BG from different fingers!

I raised this issue with a "researcher" on a medical trial that I am on and her suggestion was that it could have something to do with the circulation system and the "distance' and the route that some blood flows...she suggested that someone try the right and left foot (well, toes on the right and left foot) and we may find that we get 4 different readings. I'll stick to my left hand, thanks! Helen

Jan 17, 2011

ytyynycefn 9 posts

Topic: Site Development / DAFNE Online iPhone application - help with content/design needed

Hi Simon, could I just add to Tony's request and ask for a "background insulin" option too? For example I take a split dose at 8am and 8pm, but that doesn't necessarily coincide with meals. When it does, the next meal of that type automatically adds it in. And as I'm sure I'm not alone in finding that weekday and weekend breakfasts often happen at very different times.... You see what I mean? I'm currently using the "other" option but a specific BI choice would be brilliant.

Thanks so much for a great app, couldn't be without it now!

Mel

Jan 17, 2011

Tony 3 posts

Topic: Site Development / DAFNE Online iPhone application - help with content/design needed

Hi Simon, excellent app, thank you so much. One thing I would like is, during exercise and during night added to the "type" dropdown box

Regards Tony

Jan 17, 2011

Simon 578 posts

Topic: Site Development / DAFNE Online iPhone application - help with content/design needed

Hi all, need your help/advice again.

After a brief iPhone development break whilst we upgraded the DAFNE Online servers, I'm working on the next update again. The first new bit of functionality I'm putting in is the creation of a meal - adding carbs to a 'plate' to count total CPs. First question - whilst you're looking at Carb information in the app, how do you want to add that info to the meal? Buttons with predefined amounts? Or a text box? Any other ideas?

Simon

Jan 17, 2011

marke 686 posts

Topic: DAFNE Graduate Group (DGG) / ?elected?

updated now ! sorry I forgot, other more pressing issues........

Jan 17, 2011

marke 686 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Bad hypos even when following all dafne rules!

Claire with regard to registering as a graduate, I'm not sure what you mean by 'hospital code'. If you email us using the link at the bottom of every page, with your name, what hospital you did your DAFNE Course at and roughly when (exact dates are not necessary) we can get you verified via DAFNE Central and your account changed to graduate. You will then be able to access the online handbook.
You can also send us your 'hospital code' however I suspect it is more likely to be a DAFNE Centre number, a number of centres seem to confuse this with the DAFNEOnline code which is generated by them on the site itself. There are codes per centre NOT per patient.

Jan 17, 2011

Simon 578 posts

Topic: DAFNE Graduate Group (DGG) / ?elected?

Hi Annette, what do you think the text should be changed to? Happy to take your guidance on this.

Jan 17, 2011

Annette Bell 72 posts

Topic: DAFNE Graduate Group (DGG) / ?elected?

still not updated then!

Jan 17, 2011

SiobhanOsborne 1 post

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Iphone Apps

Love the DAFNE ap - so much more convenient than pulling out a diary and carb list...

One thing though - is it possible to put in your correction dose seperate from the QA ratio dose?

Jan 19, 2011 John Stevens 9 posts	Topic: Site Development / DAFNE Online iPhone application - help with content/design needed Hi Marke, From the user perspective, an expanded carb database is a good thing, especially if it can be expanded and updated by us. The issues I have with the carb database now are as follows, and admittedly they often stem from the whole "being in a different country" thing. BTW, I must point out that the Carb counter in the app is one of the best additions Simon has made, and the facility of the site carb counter to add entries is also fantastic. 1) Differences between "local" and "App" Carb values. This is probably be biggest one. I use the following sequence to determine foods CP values. a) Packaging - Usually rely on the Carb per 100g/ml value, unless the packet is 1 serve. Most accurate. b) App/DAFNE Carb data - If it is in there, I will use it. Because it does not include a Carb/100g or ml value, this often means some deft calculation. Not beyond me, but would be nice not to have to. c) If I can't find out the CP from either of the above, I go with Calorie King here in .au. It is a very comprehensive and searchable database for most foods and products. The issue with it, and the DAFNE Online one, is just that. They are online. I live in a semi rural area in .au, and do not always have the coverage to use them. Home is fine with WiFi, but out and about is the issue. This also is the least used. 2) The non standard nature of the data. As pointed out, and as far as a know from the local OzDAFNE Programme, we mostly use the Carb/100g/ml values for CP calculations. It is much easier and often more accurate than the "Serving Size" on packaging, and usually included here as a standard measure. Even the fast food chains use it when advertising their Nutritional Info, and it is required here by law. However, there are some times where you need an idea of how much you are going to eat, so the "servings" in the database are helpful. 3) The lack of "Local" foods and foodstuffs. Now, I understand the need of having things verified, and I have no problem with it, but it seems there is often a lag between additions and verifications. Since we at this end do not know the process of verification, all we see is the lag. Also, there is data in the Online database that doesn't seem to get to the App all that regularly. This is also likely a person power issue, and totally understandable. Perhaps I have not really explained my thoughts all that well. Do you have Skype? Could we chat it over? The rough outline of the idea would be: 1) All records in the database have a localisation field. If the field is blank, the record appears in all localities. Otherwise, it will indicate which localities it is relevant and verified to. 2) Either Online or App can be used to "suggest" or enter a local food/product. When initially entered by one person, it goes into an "unverified" status. Remember, we users don't have labs, so we are getting this info from packaging, or producers websites. Once another X number of people have entered the same food/product, the food is placed in a "verified" status, and appears permanently in the Database and App. 3) To ease data storage and calculating the CP of any food, we use Carb/100g for solids, and Carb/100ml for liquids. Average food portion sizes, in weight (g) or volume (ml) are also entered, so the user can see both. So the display shows the Carb/100g/ml for each food, and the portion size, and the user makes up their own mind which to use. I am sure this is not a stretch from where the database is right now, but a particularly useful change given most (that I know of) use this sort of logic anyway. I am happy to be wrong about this. 4) If an entry is found to be wrong by a user, they can make a "local to the app" adjustment for themselves. If more users have the same "local to the app" changes, the entry is updated to suit. Remember we are getting the info from packaging more often than not, so a change here seen by many will cause the record for that food/product updated quicker for all. What this does, is helps the Database expand and remain updated, without increasing the actual storage requirements, and without impacting the resources at your disposal. I know this is a significant body of work and a significant change to both the backend database and the app, but one well worth considering, for both DAFNE and us end users. It won't happen rapidly, but it will be a significant change for all. Also, the ability to select your weight display to match the country you are living in/travelling to is not of benefit to most I am sure. It is only useful to me rarely, when I visit family in the US. The issue is more the local foods reaching the App and online. You don't want the entire database on your iPhone. Just the "generic" foods and foods local to where you are, or where you are travelling to. The App could have a "multi-select" option so the countries you are interested in, or travel to the most, can be stored locally. Wouldn't it be good if all of us Type 1s could be contributing something back to the DAFNE programmes we have gained so much from? Cheers

Jan 19, 2011 JayBee 587 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Driving Licence Renewal Thanks for the heads up, I'm expecting the renewal later on this year.

Jan 19, 2011 Karl 83 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Driving Licence Renewal I have recently received a reminder that my 3 year medical driving licence will shortly be expiring. No problem there, fill the forms in and post it back, but on the form it states that by law I have to complete the enclosed Photo Renewal form (D797) - it wasn't enclosed. Google returned nothing, so I emailed DVLA to get a reply stating I would advise that you will not be required to submit the form D797 with your application. I can confirm that there was an error when issuing your renewal reminder. Just a warning if anybody else gets one.

Jan 19, 2011 vickyrees 6 posts	Topic: General Discussion / TYPE 1 PREGNANCY Just would like to hear other Type 1 pregnancy stories. I have had 1 child and contemplating a second but couple years go a temporary cover doctor in my clinic told me my kidneys were leaking he didnt recommend my kidneys were strong enough to cope with another pregnancy yet my long term doctor who i later saw said the other doctor was probably just being precaucious and the Ramipril drug im on is more a preventative drug and everything "probably" will be fine. I am now at a loss as to whats best to do and what I really don't have is other type 1 mums to hand and hear how they have got on. If you have any stories or things to look out for I would LOVE to hear about it GOOD and BAD!

Jan 19, 2011 vickyrees 6 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Weight I was told the reason why you may gain weight is if you have tighter control (which DAFNE should do) your BG's will be more in range - whereas like most diabetics from time to time the BG's may go up to 15+ from time to time and this is when the ketones are passed out in your urine (even if you feel well) and this creates weight loss. So by improving your BG you are also reducing Ketone production and therefore weight might increase slightly.

Jan 19, 2011 Garry 328 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Difference in BG from different fingers! Following SimonC's post where he mentions Optium Exceed meter test solutions, as far as I remember!! the acceptable meter result range using the high solution is around 13 to 21 so that gives us a good idea of the error bound...which reminds me that I have not checked my meter for some time! You are right....Don't worry about it

Jan 19, 2011 marke 686 posts	Topic: Site Development / DAFNE Online iPhone application - help with content/design needed John, The verified carb values on the website and thus in the app, are supplied by the DAFNE Programme's themselves so we cannot 'standardise' or change them in any way. On the site itself it shows you the AU carb values and UK members the UK values. I'm not sure what the app does without Simons input. Although 'internationalisation' is possible I'm not sure how practical and desirable it is for most people. We would need to expand the carb data substantially and that would rely on users to input it. Given that we have been running 2 years and there have not been a huge number of entries, thankls to those that have added entries though !, I'm not sure the idea would work. We how have 5 countires involved with DAFNEOnline which is again not a large base to draw carb info from. While we appreciate the suggestions I'm not sure many will actually get implemented because of the issues above. Thats not to say we won't do them just I'm not sure how we can at this stage. There is no reason on the site that I cannot add a country field to the carb entry 'add' form since the database already has a country field. I would need to decide how to filter the output though. From the site perspective I will have a think about it, with regard to the iPhone App I will let Simon repsond on that.

Jan 19, 2011 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Difference in BG from different fingers! The meters are never spot on, but they dont need to be I suppose............

Jan 18, 2011 Paul Lyons 8 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Difference in BG from different fingers! Thanks for your replies - it is true that the fault is with the machine accuracy and possibly down to normal circulation that results in the blood being 10 minutes or so out - which can be a big difference if the test is immediately after a hypo and there is a 1/3 rd of a bottle of lucozade inside me! I have 2 new meters now so am going to see how the % difference on readings from these are - I wont think about it too much though!

Jan 18, 2011 SimonC 78 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Difference in BG from different fingers! Just to echo JWo's post - I have 3 Optium Exceed machines (one a Boots branded one), they will all produce different results from the same drop of blood - up to 20% difference. When I called the manufactures to query the results I was told that this was normal and within the permitted limits - they sent me test drops for low, and high sugar readings and they all still produced different results - I had to do the test over the phone with an operator - they decided the results were all acceptable and within the tolerances's set. I repeated the test later and got different results again, ie 1 machine wasn't always higher, they varied. As long as I use the same machine, then the results will all be reliable - for that machine, and give me an indication of what my blood sugar levels are - they are only an indication, it is not an absolute. My personnel view is that not only will the machine give different results for the same drop of blood - if you were able to test that, but your body and how it behaves is still a mystery and we are only getting an indication - not an absolute, when we do the test. The doctors and nurses know very little - obviously more than me, but they are not gods and have to make educated guesses based on indications. Some of the more enlightened will admit this, those that tell you they know and make absolute statements should be treated with some scepticism - I do.

Jan 18, 2011 John Stevens 9 posts	Topic: Site Development / DAFNE Online iPhone application - help with content/design needed Hi Simon, I too would like to request a BI option and a During Exercise option. On the Carb Counter/Plate idea, I like it, but I see some issues with it. Particularly as the Carb Counter info is a little non standard, and fixed. Non-Standard: Because the Carb Counter is not standardised to gCarbs/100g/ml for every entry, using a calculator can be fraught with issues. Personally I don't mind using a calculator, and always go by the packaging of a product in preference to the Carb Counter. The Carb Counter is a fallback for me, for various reasons. Fixed: Well, basically the Carb Counter uses the UK info. That is reasonably good, but differs a lot from other areas. For instance in .au, bread is more often than not 2 CP per slice, rather than 1.5. Also, there are "local" variations in products as well. My suggestion would be to make the DAFNE Carb Counter in the App more variable, and tailorable to country/locality. It would need the backend database at DAFNE online to be able to accept info from the app, and the app would need to be able to download the country/locality data for the area you are in. This would be a great benefit in two ways: 1) Everyone could input food data from their area, and keep any personal recipes in their local app database (backed up through iTunes). DAFNE online would then become a live and up to date source of info for all foods, including international foods, and would quickly grow to be a fantastic resource for all diabetics regardless of nationality, and the app becomes truly international. 2) When travelling, you could update your country in the app, and get all the local foods data downloaded to you, courtesy of the locals. The Carb counter would then be a truly up to date and fantastic tool for all of us world wide. I understand that this is a pretty big step. The App needs to have some serious work done, and the Carb Counter database needs to become very flexible, as well as we would have to standardise on how the data is stored. I would suggest gCarbs per 100g as the basis of every entry. Each entry can then also have a standard portion size (cup, spoon, pieces,etc) that can be used in a Plate calculation, or the actual weight can be entered, and the CP calculated automatically. We may also have to have an option for different units, like oz for countries that prefer imperial measurements, but that can easily be calculated on the fly. A setting in the app can apply the calculations, so even when travelling to a country with different units, you can choose to stick with your own. If you need any help with the back end, I have copious years experience in IT development and databases. Don't have the facilities (yet) to help with the App. I would love to be involved in improving this whole aspect of DAFNE Online. I must also add, you have done a fantastic job with this app, it is a small wonder how you have been able to keep up with our suggestions/requests. Well done. Cheers BTW, the app crashing I experience appears to be linked to the iPhone multi-tasking. If it gets "pushed off" the 4 app stack (rare), it tries to start from the "last point", but then crashes. This App isn't the only one I have seen this with. My GPS Navigation App (not TomTom) does the same, as do some others.

Jan 18, 2011 Simon 578 posts	Topic: General Discussion / What are you reading? Just finished the 'The Girl' Series (With the Dragon Tattoo/Who Played With Fire/Who Kicked The Hornets nest). I'm not normally a reader but these has me engrossed!

Jan 18, 2011 JayBee 587 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Difference in BG from different fingers! I think we're over-thinking this way too much. I mean, there's other factors to consider when you do each blood test - such as hand washing (I mean, using a cleaning wipe is generally not recommended), as well as others such as the blood testing machine's tendency to not be 100% correct. I find it fascinating that thread responders seem more interesting in finding excuses about their "body being strange" (in their machine's defence), rather than considering the possibility that your machine may be in need of a check up - especially if you find it happens regularly. How can you trust the machine with this going on? If you're not aware, you can request testing solution from your machine's company so you can test that it's working properly. Oh well. Good luck with this study.

Jan 18, 2011 JayBee 587 posts	Topic: General Discussion / What are you reading? My boyfriend got a book for me called "In the Miso Soup" for Christmas and I just finished it the other day. I did enjoy reading it, however I found the open end of the story a bit disappointing. Despite this, I do recommend this book to anyone looking for a rather short, dark and thrilling read. I agree with the quote on the front - it does read like a script for "American Psycho - Holiday Abroad".

Jan 18, 2011 JayBee 587 posts	Topic: General Discussion / What made you smile today? Got my first ever mp3 player today... very happy with it! ^___^

Jan 18, 2011 HelenP 218 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Difference in BG from different fingers! I raised this issue with a "researcher" on a medical trial that I am on and her suggestion was that it could have something to do with the circulation system and the "distance' and the route that some blood flows...she suggested that someone try the right and left foot (well, toes on the right and left foot) and we may find that we get 4 different readings. I'll stick to my left hand, thanks! Helen

Jan 17, 2011 ytyynycefn 9 posts	Topic: Site Development / DAFNE Online iPhone application - help with content/design needed Hi Simon, could I just add to Tony's request and ask for a "background insulin" option too? For example I take a split dose at 8am and 8pm, but that doesn't necessarily coincide with meals. When it does, the next meal of that type automatically adds it in. And as I'm sure I'm not alone in finding that weekday and weekend breakfasts often happen at very different times.... You see what I mean? I'm currently using the "other" option but a specific BI choice would be brilliant. Thanks so much for a great app, couldn't be without it now! Mel

Jan 17, 2011 Tony 3 posts	Topic: Site Development / DAFNE Online iPhone application - help with content/design needed Hi Simon, excellent app, thank you so much. One thing I would like is, during exercise and during night added to the "type" dropdown box Regards Tony

Jan 17, 2011 Simon 578 posts	Topic: Site Development / DAFNE Online iPhone application - help with content/design needed Hi all, need your help/advice again. After a brief iPhone development break whilst we upgraded the DAFNE Online servers, I'm working on the next update again. The first new bit of functionality I'm putting in is the creation of a meal - adding carbs to a 'plate' to count total CPs. First question - whilst you're looking at Carb information in the app, how do you want to add that info to the meal? Buttons with predefined amounts? Or a text box? Any other ideas? Simon

Jan 17, 2011 marke 686 posts	Topic: DAFNE Graduate Group (DGG) / ?elected? updated now ! sorry I forgot, other more pressing issues........

Jan 17, 2011 marke 686 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Bad hypos even when following all dafne rules! Claire with regard to registering as a graduate, I'm not sure what you mean by 'hospital code'. If you email us using the link at the bottom of every page, with your name, what hospital you did your DAFNE Course at and roughly when (exact dates are not necessary) we can get you verified via DAFNE Central and your account changed to graduate. You will then be able to access the online handbook. You can also send us your 'hospital code' however I suspect it is more likely to be a DAFNE Centre number, a number of centres seem to confuse this with the DAFNEOnline code which is generated by them on the site itself. There are codes per centre NOT per patient.

Jan 17, 2011 Simon 578 posts	Topic: DAFNE Graduate Group (DGG) / ?elected? Hi Annette, what do you think the text should be changed to? Happy to take your guidance on this.

Jan 17, 2011 Annette Bell 72 posts	Topic: DAFNE Graduate Group (DGG) / ?elected? still not updated then!

Jan 17, 2011 SiobhanOsborne 1 post	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Iphone Apps Love the DAFNE ap - so much more convenient than pulling out a diary and carb list... One thing though - is it possible to put in your correction dose seperate from the QA ratio dose?