Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Nov 6, 2010

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Vegetables affect BMs?

exactly right maria............its the same here...........

Nov 6, 2010

HelenP 218 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Travel to China

Kun-gee is a great breakfast. It is type of rice porridge with all sorts of stuff thrown in. Try, watch the BGLs get a feel for the carbs. It is everywhere. Good basic breakfast. Another tip Chinese food is not the Chinese food you find in Chinese restaurants outside of China. Worse is the Chinese food that the Chinese think that you think is Chinese. In Asia it is often referred to as "fusion" (from more than one culture) food. Some good, some not so good but so unknown! Traditional food is very different. If you are travelling in a group and eating "banquets" try and quarantine the more diabetic friendly food before the others get to it!. Not usually a problem in my experience. The steamed vegies are delicious because they are usually very fresh. Helen

Nov 6, 2010

JayBee 587 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Travel to China

I went to Japan back in 2007 and even though there was a slight pause before we got on the flight back home because they wondered what the medical stuff was in my luggage, but I showed them my doctors letter as well stated that I was Diabetic in spoken English, they seemed okay with me. Nothing else came up during the course of my journey.

As a result, I think that as long as you produce paperwork for them, there shouldn't be any major issues. I'll be surprised if there wasn't a translator somewhere on the airport's site. If they don't, the airport company should have a translation company in contact just in case of these situations. I'd trust what the embassy has recommended considering you can't be the first to ask as well.

I don't blame HelenP for suggesting to stick to vegetable dishes... I think I might do that myself when I go back to Japan in March 2011 considering I had a lot of trouble with the carb counting last time! >_<

Enjoy your trip kid127!

Nov 6, 2010

emmacool 17 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pumps

hi im emma and am failrly new on here can anyone advise on what you use a dual square bolus on pump is for i have minimed pump and my hcp is totally ignoring my emails can anybody help? emma x

Nov 6, 2010

maria51 22 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Vegetables affect BMs?

I checked the carb content of a 400 gram can of tomatoes in my pantry. Label read: Carbohydrate 3.0 grams per 100 gm serving size, so say if you ate a 400 gm tin, it works out to be 12 carbs = 1 cp. But that's in Australia & I don't know if you work it out differently on your side of the world ?

Nov 5, 2010

donnellysdogs 5 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Driving BG

Be sure if there was any danger to driving with highs the DVLA would have it mentioned......

Nov 5, 2010

donnellysdogs 5 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pumps

I too used to have standard seeting of 1 unit to 10g for my exchanges when diagnosed....however, this has all changed witht the pump, I am currently on 1 unit for 10g for breakfast, 1 unit to 20g for lunch and 1 unit to 8g at tea time. It is great to be able to change things automatically on pumps without having to work things out myself when I eat.
I am still having lows from midday through to 3pm though despite having lowered basals to 0.25 hourly and the bolus doses to 1:20g. Don't know how low I can go on my doses on accucheck pump. I know they say in their training manuals not to go below 0.40 on basals, but I have had no choice.

I thought the UK suffered badly from getting pumps compared to Germany and other countries but our troubles in UK seem to be nothing compared to poor Helen in Brisbane. Helen, I think you are still a contender for a pump, although your doses are quite high, as you doses when on pumps are a lot smaller.....mine are at least and my requirements for insulin are still dropping rapidly since changing from Novorapid to Apidra insulin.

Nov 5, 2010

PNThompson 57 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Vegetables affect BMs?

Tomatoes do contain some sugars, and especially tinned tomatoes. Nearly all canned or processed foods will contain some carbs, but they are small.

Nov 5, 2010

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Vegetables affect BMs?

There are some carbs in veggies......but its only very small amounts..... I am going with background dose as it was the only variable working.....the best thing to do is have the same meal again and see what happens

Nov 5, 2010

HelenP 218 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pumps

I have ordered John Walsh's book FROM THE UK! I rang Diabetes Australia (Queensland) and they had not heard of it. The guy I spoke to said they had one book on "pumping" but he could not tell me the author. it cost $60 but as I can get the Walsh book for way less than that I am presuming it is not the same book.
I am fast beginning to realize that if getting information re a pump is this hard then getting support post pump will be even harder. i will read the book when I get it in two weeks! Maybe these problems are a test to see if I am really committed! Helen

Nov 5, 2010

Jennypenny 34 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pumps

I too have john walshs bok and it is great http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pumping-Insulin-Everything-Success-Smart/dp/1884804861/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1288930606&sr=8-13 , I too overestimate my carbs and at the mo is one of my major causes of hypos , but afetr having had such bad blood sugars for so long now im on the pump and getting average blood sugars of between 5 and 8 i dont want to underestimate and see them blood sugars raise ! After 30 years of having brittle diabetes and bad sugars the pump has sorted out my blood sugars in 5 weeks .

Nov 5, 2010

niamh 3 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Vegetables affect BMs?

hi, thanks!, i'd just like to add definately no added sugar to tomatoes, maybe naturally ocurring carbohydrates?

Nov 4, 2010

HelenP 218 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Travel to China

I went to China 10 years ago. Took needles etc with no problems but experienced significant problems with food. Was counting carbs then but if you ask whether the dish has sugar in it they will tell you what they think you want to hear (not helpful).

Are you going as part of an organized tour or "back packing"? Some tour guides are excellent but some are very keen to please and the info is not always accurate. My friend (not diabetic) picked up a bug and was hospitalized in The 8th People's Hospital. She still dines out on the stories. Watch your personal hygiene! I took two dozen muesli bars and sometimes found it easier to eat them instead of the meal provided. I had none left at the end of 3 weeks. Stick to vegetable dishes.

Had a fabulous time and would do it all again.

We stopped at a park and there were vans selling fresh fruit. Decided to pay $AUD10 for a beautiful peach. The lady behind the counter bent down to get tissue paper and wrapped it out of sight...you guessed when I got to the bus opened the package with excitement only to see she had swapped the peach for a much inferior one! When I challenged the guide we were virtually told that as foreigners we are fair game. They also think is is OK to sell fakes and represent them as genuine. Don't buy coins etc and be mindful that if it looks real it probably still isn't. Real...made this morning!

We saw a Marble Boat (somewhere) and we had an expert with us who challenged whether the boat was made of marble. It wasn't, this was a replica made of wood as the real one had been destroyed. No amount of saying you ought to say it is a replica meant anything. Made for the tourist...still real!

I am sure you will be fine with the pump just take all the stuff the manufacturers recommend. My info is that they can not be exposed to xrays but that Walk Through and Wands are OK. You can get a list of English speaking doctors from www.iamat.org Carry all your stuff with you all the time! I always take two meters with me when I go to Asia (2-3 times a year).

Good luck. Have a great time. Helen

Nov 4, 2010

Simon 578 posts

Topic: General Discussion / iPhone App

Thanks Peter, it was only released a few months ago. Let us know if there's anything you'd like added to it.

Nov 4, 2010

Simon 578 posts

Topic: General Discussion / App

Caroline, your daughter is able to register on this site even though she's not a DAFNE Graduate - she just won't be able to see the handbook, but will be able to access the diary, forums etc. Would using the site's diary help her?

Nov 4, 2010

HelenP 218 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pumps

My problem is that I have no idea of the support I will receive... I went to an information session (2 weeks ago) because I was seriously considering a pump. I tend to think about things for a while and can not be talked into anything, but when I decide then I usually want some sort of action. I rang around and was told to make an appointment to see a private consultant ($AUD 200... I am fairly sure 1 AUD=0.6 GBP). She was going away and the first appointment was 18 Nov. No one else does the same job in Brisbane! I tried to find out what I could expect from that consultation but all I could get was she may want me to see a private dietician. Rang the endocrinologist and the first appointment to see him was 13 January. I have that appointment. But neither of these people seem very "available"!

At the info session the reps from the various companies were fairly aggressive and one (Animas) offered to come out to the house to show me the pump etc and answer any questions. She uses a pump. I can see advantages to going with that pump (because of the marketing) but am a bit afraid that once the sale is made $5-8000 their support will not be as available (or as useful)! Too cynical? I gave my email address to a rep from Meditronic (most common type of pump here in Australia, I believe) but she has not sent me any information.

So I read all the posts here while I wait.

Another issue (I think) is that I am on high doses (100u TDD most days on 10 carb portions). I do deal in halves and my insulin to carb ratio is 2.7:1 for lunch. I also correct at 3 1/2 hours after a meal if BGs are over 10.0 as my novorapid only seems to last that long. Most of my BGs are <10. I cover everything >1/2 CP. Being able to "inject" 0.1u seems irrelevant.

I have seen a pump...handled a pump etc but what worries me is where is the support (chronic!) and what about DKA and the bubbles! I live alone.

Any suggestions?

BTW does anyone know what the HbA1c of a "so called normal" person would be? Just curious!

As soon as the shops open I will hunt down John Walsh's book!

Helen

Nov 4, 2010

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Vegetables affect BMs?

I would say it is the BI, although some tinned stuff may have additives, just check the labels..........................obviously large amounts may effect the blood sugar..........maybe the can of tomatoes had some sugar in them..............

Nov 4, 2010

donnellysdogs 5 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pumps

Don't be put off by the thought of better control through doing a few different things to MDI and having to do more tests. After 10 weeks my HBA1C has come down from 7.1 to 6.4, so it is possble to get better hba1C results quite quickly if prepared to do a little bit extra.....and yes, I do actually count every thing salad wise, as on a pump you can give a bolus to 0.1 accuracy rates, not whole units as on pens, so you can get much tighter control on the foods you eat. (Obviouwsly I am not going to weigh all the time, but if you read John Walsh's Pumping Insulin Book it says that 30% of diabetics OVERestimate their carbs, and even after going on DAFNE courses 17% continue to over estimate their carbs. I admit readily I was one of those 30%. I have never been on a dafne course, and I saw a dietitan 25 years ago, so I though I would just re-educate myself with my weighing scales. Certainly pump-wise it has paid off no end.

I was given a pump 3 weeks after having a bad hypo incident whilst driving........and I was as nervous as anything, but of course this is only naturall. Most human beings hate change, so why should diabetics be any different?

I was sort of thrown in to having a pump, I would have had it immediately if my DSN hadn't had 2 weeks holiday. She has stacks of them in her office just waiting for 1 person every week to get one. We don't have to get permission from a consultant or pct as the nurse has purchased them in bulk through the pct in one go. I didn't even meet the pump consultant until 1 week after going on it! The DSN decided it would be right for me. Only downfall is that my consumables have to be ordered by and delivered to the hospital instead of dealing directly with Accuchek myself. I just wish that someone had told me exactly what was involved before I had it. I bought John Walsh's pumping insulin book before I went on to the pump, but the detail before actually knowing or seeing what a reservoir or cartridge was or even seeing a pump was a bit scary.

Pumps definitely can get better results, but they say to allow 6 months to fully get everything sorted. Good luck to those going on to the pumping regime...just be realistic....

Nov 4, 2010

caroline15 45 posts

Topic: General Discussion / App

Thanks, I'm not really that good with spreadsheets. Word's more my thing as I did RSA in word processing - a very long time ago now though. Would you be able to email me your spreadsheet please? I'm not sure if my email address is available for you to see, please let me know if it isn't.

She loves the internet but hates diabetes. I will suggest to her that she joins the group but I won't be holding my breath!

I've emailed her last 24 hours readings to her dsn, hopefully he will reply. This afternoon her blood went up from 16.4 to Hi in 1.5 hours and she'd only had a sugar free jelly (2g carbs). ketones rose from 0.2 to 1.2 in the same time.

Thanks for all your help, I do appreciate it.

Nov 4, 2010

niamh 3 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Vegetables affect BMs?

Hi, I was checking my ratios and 4 hours after my last meal bm's were 7.6(still outside target but hour left in QA insulin's action which should have brought them lower). I decided to have can of tomatoes,red pepper,1 carrot and chicken fillet as dinner and took no insulin as I was told there was no need when just eating veg and protein. However an hour later BM's shot up to 11.8. Can someone tell me if carbs in veg should be injected for or if perhaps it was failure of BI insulin(i.e insufficient amount to keep BMs stable when no novorapid online).Thanks

Nov 4, 2010

kid127 25 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Travel to China

Hi everybody. I am going to go for a holiday to China in January and wondered if anyone here had ever been there before?

I'm particularly interested to here about any potential issues anyone had at airports

I have a pump and have been told that it can't pass through the x-ray scanner. I've been in contact with the embassy and they said that if I get a letter from my doctor with details and passport number on I can show it to an airport officer and they will allow me to bypass the x-ray. This sounds great in theory but I'm not sure I want to risk turning up to the airport and not being able to find someone that understands English enough to interpret a doctors letter. And I'm not sure I will be able to bypass a worldwide security policy just becuase I hold a peice of paper. If that happens I may have to leave my pump behind to be able to get through the scanner and on to the plane.

The other option of course is to disconnect the pump and go back to the needles while I'm away. Far from ideal but possibly an easier and more hassle free option in the airport

Any suggestions would be appreciated Smile

Nov 4, 2010

Brian Trench 17 posts

Topic: DUAG Committee / Repose Study - Pump v Injections

Hi Emma

I will willingly send you the protocol document that lays out the trial detail but there are nearly 10-12 documents already in this package and would not impact on you and your pump; however, I can not attach docs to this system so please send me an email and I will respond with the attachment. Regards, Brian

Nov 4, 2010

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pumps

Being nervous is good, its normal, you must be excited too..............I am even more jealous now...........I need to wait till the 19th of this month to just mention it to my DSN, then it will be passed to consultant then to the pump centre............. Sad

Nov 4, 2010

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / iPhone App

Spread the word pete.....

Nov 4, 2010

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / App

I think the best way to record information in the first instance is on paper, I record my all my info on a printed exel spreadsheet, exactly like the dafne book, just more space for more tests.............and I use an app too.......

Paper is the best way to get to grips with spotting patterns and fuguring out why the bloods are were they are......

I dont know how good you are with spreadshets but you should try it out, or i can send you mine.....and she wont need to write it down at school only test then use the meter or iphone app to put it on paper....

As dafne grads we both know how effective it is.......

It must be hard though, I didnt start giving a toss till my early 20s, purely down to lack of info and mixed insulin..

And as the thyroid is ok a little extra activity would help with the insulin resistance she is experiencing..........

If your daughter likes the internet and chatting, send her over to www.diabetessupport.co.uk, I am a member there and there is alot of diabetics in her position and age group who could help her with anything she wants to know, you too......

Nov 6, 2010 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Vegetables affect BMs? exactly right maria............its the same here...........

Nov 6, 2010 HelenP 218 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Travel to China Kun-gee is a great breakfast. It is type of rice porridge with all sorts of stuff thrown in. Try, watch the BGLs get a feel for the carbs. It is everywhere. Good basic breakfast. Another tip Chinese food is not the Chinese food you find in Chinese restaurants outside of China. Worse is the Chinese food that the Chinese think that you think is Chinese. In Asia it is often referred to as "fusion" (from more than one culture) food. Some good, some not so good but so unknown! Traditional food is very different. If you are travelling in a group and eating "banquets" try and quarantine the more diabetic friendly food before the others get to it!. Not usually a problem in my experience. The steamed vegies are delicious because they are usually very fresh. Helen

Nov 6, 2010 JayBee 587 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Travel to China I went to Japan back in 2007 and even though there was a slight pause before we got on the flight back home because they wondered what the medical stuff was in my luggage, but I showed them my doctors letter as well stated that I was Diabetic in spoken English, they seemed okay with me. Nothing else came up during the course of my journey. As a result, I think that as long as you produce paperwork for them, there shouldn't be any major issues. I'll be surprised if there wasn't a translator somewhere on the airport's site. If they don't, the airport company should have a translation company in contact just in case of these situations. I'd trust what the embassy has recommended considering you can't be the first to ask as well. I don't blame HelenP for suggesting to stick to vegetable dishes... I think I might do that myself when I go back to Japan in March 2011 considering I had a lot of trouble with the carb counting last time! >_< Enjoy your trip kid127!

Nov 6, 2010 emmacool 17 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pumps hi im emma and am failrly new on here can anyone advise on what you use a dual square bolus on pump is for i have minimed pump and my hcp is totally ignoring my emails can anybody help? emma x

Nov 6, 2010 maria51 22 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Vegetables affect BMs? I checked the carb content of a 400 gram can of tomatoes in my pantry. Label read: Carbohydrate 3.0 grams per 100 gm serving size, so say if you ate a 400 gm tin, it works out to be 12 carbs = 1 cp. But that's in Australia & I don't know if you work it out differently on your side of the world ?

Nov 5, 2010 donnellysdogs 5 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Driving BG Be sure if there was any danger to driving with highs the DVLA would have it mentioned......

Nov 5, 2010 donnellysdogs 5 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pumps I too used to have standard seeting of 1 unit to 10g for my exchanges when diagnosed....however, this has all changed witht the pump, I am currently on 1 unit for 10g for breakfast, 1 unit to 20g for lunch and 1 unit to 8g at tea time. It is great to be able to change things automatically on pumps without having to work things out myself when I eat. I am still having lows from midday through to 3pm though despite having lowered basals to 0.25 hourly and the bolus doses to 1:20g. Don't know how low I can go on my doses on accucheck pump. I know they say in their training manuals not to go below 0.40 on basals, but I have had no choice. I thought the UK suffered badly from getting pumps compared to Germany and other countries but our troubles in UK seem to be nothing compared to poor Helen in Brisbane. Helen, I think you are still a contender for a pump, although your doses are quite high, as you doses when on pumps are a lot smaller.....mine are at least and my requirements for insulin are still dropping rapidly since changing from Novorapid to Apidra insulin.

Nov 5, 2010 PNThompson 57 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Vegetables affect BMs? Tomatoes do contain some sugars, and especially tinned tomatoes. Nearly all canned or processed foods will contain some carbs, but they are small.

Nov 5, 2010 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Vegetables affect BMs? There are some carbs in veggies......but its only very small amounts..... I am going with background dose as it was the only variable working.....the best thing to do is have the same meal again and see what happens

Nov 5, 2010 HelenP 218 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pumps I have ordered John Walsh's book FROM THE UK! I rang Diabetes Australia (Queensland) and they had not heard of it. The guy I spoke to said they had one book on "pumping" but he could not tell me the author. it cost $60 but as I can get the Walsh book for way less than that I am presuming it is not the same book. I am fast beginning to realize that if getting information re a pump is this hard then getting support post pump will be even harder. i will read the book when I get it in two weeks! Maybe these problems are a test to see if I am really committed! Helen

Nov 5, 2010 Jennypenny 34 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pumps I too have john walshs bok and it is great http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pumping-Insulin-Everything-Success-Smart/dp/1884804861/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1288930606&sr=8-13 , I too overestimate my carbs and at the mo is one of my major causes of hypos , but afetr having had such bad blood sugars for so long now im on the pump and getting average blood sugars of between 5 and 8 i dont want to underestimate and see them blood sugars raise ! After 30 years of having brittle diabetes and bad sugars the pump has sorted out my blood sugars in 5 weeks .

Nov 5, 2010 niamh 3 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Vegetables affect BMs? hi, thanks!, i'd just like to add definately no added sugar to tomatoes, maybe naturally ocurring carbohydrates?

Nov 4, 2010 HelenP 218 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Travel to China I went to China 10 years ago. Took needles etc with no problems but experienced significant problems with food. Was counting carbs then but if you ask whether the dish has sugar in it they will tell you what they think you want to hear (not helpful). Are you going as part of an organized tour or "back packing"? Some tour guides are excellent but some are very keen to please and the info is not always accurate. My friend (not diabetic) picked up a bug and was hospitalized in The 8th People's Hospital. She still dines out on the stories. Watch your personal hygiene! I took two dozen muesli bars and sometimes found it easier to eat them instead of the meal provided. I had none left at the end of 3 weeks. Stick to vegetable dishes. Had a fabulous time and would do it all again. We stopped at a park and there were vans selling fresh fruit. Decided to pay $AUD10 for a beautiful peach. The lady behind the counter bent down to get tissue paper and wrapped it out of sight...you guessed when I got to the bus opened the package with excitement only to see she had swapped the peach for a much inferior one! When I challenged the guide we were virtually told that as foreigners we are fair game. They also think is is OK to sell fakes and represent them as genuine. Don't buy coins etc and be mindful that if it looks real it probably still isn't. Real...made this morning! We saw a Marble Boat (somewhere) and we had an expert with us who challenged whether the boat was made of marble. It wasn't, this was a replica made of wood as the real one had been destroyed. No amount of saying you ought to say it is a replica meant anything. Made for the tourist...still real! I am sure you will be fine with the pump just take all the stuff the manufacturers recommend. My info is that they can not be exposed to xrays but that Walk Through and Wands are OK. You can get a list of English speaking doctors from www.iamat.org Carry all your stuff with you all the time! I always take two meters with me when I go to Asia (2-3 times a year). Good luck. Have a great time. Helen

Nov 4, 2010 Simon 578 posts	Topic: General Discussion / iPhone App Thanks Peter, it was only released a few months ago. Let us know if there's anything you'd like added to it.

Nov 4, 2010 Simon 578 posts	Topic: General Discussion / App Caroline, your daughter is able to register on this site even though she's not a DAFNE Graduate - she just won't be able to see the handbook, but will be able to access the diary, forums etc. Would using the site's diary help her?

Nov 4, 2010 HelenP 218 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pumps My problem is that I have no idea of the support I will receive... I went to an information session (2 weeks ago) because I was seriously considering a pump. I tend to think about things for a while and can not be talked into anything, but when I decide then I usually want some sort of action. I rang around and was told to make an appointment to see a private consultant ($AUD 200... I am fairly sure 1 AUD=0.6 GBP). She was going away and the first appointment was 18 Nov. No one else does the same job in Brisbane! I tried to find out what I could expect from that consultation but all I could get was she may want me to see a private dietician. Rang the endocrinologist and the first appointment to see him was 13 January. I have that appointment. But neither of these people seem very "available"! At the info session the reps from the various companies were fairly aggressive and one (Animas) offered to come out to the house to show me the pump etc and answer any questions. She uses a pump. I can see advantages to going with that pump (because of the marketing) but am a bit afraid that once the sale is made $5-8000 their support will not be as available (or as useful)! Too cynical? I gave my email address to a rep from Meditronic (most common type of pump here in Australia, I believe) but she has not sent me any information. So I read all the posts here while I wait. Another issue (I think) is that I am on high doses (100u TDD most days on 10 carb portions). I do deal in halves and my insulin to carb ratio is 2.7:1 for lunch. I also correct at 3 1/2 hours after a meal if BGs are over 10.0 as my novorapid only seems to last that long. Most of my BGs are <10. I cover everything >1/2 CP. Being able to "inject" 0.1u seems irrelevant. I have seen a pump...handled a pump etc but what worries me is where is the support (chronic!) and what about DKA and the bubbles! I live alone. Any suggestions? BTW does anyone know what the HbA1c of a "so called normal" person would be? Just curious! As soon as the shops open I will hunt down John Walsh's book! Helen

Nov 4, 2010 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Vegetables affect BMs? I would say it is the BI, although some tinned stuff may have additives, just check the labels..........................obviously large amounts may effect the blood sugar..........maybe the can of tomatoes had some sugar in them..............

Nov 4, 2010 donnellysdogs 5 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pumps Don't be put off by the thought of better control through doing a few different things to MDI and having to do more tests. After 10 weeks my HBA1C has come down from 7.1 to 6.4, so it is possble to get better hba1C results quite quickly if prepared to do a little bit extra.....and yes, I do actually count every thing salad wise, as on a pump you can give a bolus to 0.1 accuracy rates, not whole units as on pens, so you can get much tighter control on the foods you eat. (Obviouwsly I am not going to weigh all the time, but if you read John Walsh's Pumping Insulin Book it says that 30% of diabetics OVERestimate their carbs, and even after going on DAFNE courses 17% continue to over estimate their carbs. I admit readily I was one of those 30%. I have never been on a dafne course, and I saw a dietitan 25 years ago, so I though I would just re-educate myself with my weighing scales. Certainly pump-wise it has paid off no end. I was given a pump 3 weeks after having a bad hypo incident whilst driving........and I was as nervous as anything, but of course this is only naturall. Most human beings hate change, so why should diabetics be any different? I was sort of thrown in to having a pump, I would have had it immediately if my DSN hadn't had 2 weeks holiday. She has stacks of them in her office just waiting for 1 person every week to get one. We don't have to get permission from a consultant or pct as the nurse has purchased them in bulk through the pct in one go. I didn't even meet the pump consultant until 1 week after going on it! The DSN decided it would be right for me. Only downfall is that my consumables have to be ordered by and delivered to the hospital instead of dealing directly with Accuchek myself. I just wish that someone had told me exactly what was involved before I had it. I bought John Walsh's pumping insulin book before I went on to the pump, but the detail before actually knowing or seeing what a reservoir or cartridge was or even seeing a pump was a bit scary. Pumps definitely can get better results, but they say to allow 6 months to fully get everything sorted. Good luck to those going on to the pumping regime...just be realistic....

Nov 4, 2010 caroline15 45 posts	Topic: General Discussion / App Thanks, I'm not really that good with spreadsheets. Word's more my thing as I did RSA in word processing - a very long time ago now though. Would you be able to email me your spreadsheet please? I'm not sure if my email address is available for you to see, please let me know if it isn't. She loves the internet but hates diabetes. I will suggest to her that she joins the group but I won't be holding my breath! I've emailed her last 24 hours readings to her dsn, hopefully he will reply. This afternoon her blood went up from 16.4 to Hi in 1.5 hours and she'd only had a sugar free jelly (2g carbs). ketones rose from 0.2 to 1.2 in the same time. Thanks for all your help, I do appreciate it.

Nov 4, 2010 niamh 3 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Vegetables affect BMs? Hi, I was checking my ratios and 4 hours after my last meal bm's were 7.6(still outside target but hour left in QA insulin's action which should have brought them lower). I decided to have can of tomatoes,red pepper,1 carrot and chicken fillet as dinner and took no insulin as I was told there was no need when just eating veg and protein. However an hour later BM's shot up to 11.8. Can someone tell me if carbs in veg should be injected for or if perhaps it was failure of BI insulin(i.e insufficient amount to keep BMs stable when no novorapid online).Thanks

Nov 4, 2010 kid127 25 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Travel to China Hi everybody. I am going to go for a holiday to China in January and wondered if anyone here had ever been there before? I'm particularly interested to here about any potential issues anyone had at airports I have a pump and have been told that it can't pass through the x-ray scanner. I've been in contact with the embassy and they said that if I get a letter from my doctor with details and passport number on I can show it to an airport officer and they will allow me to bypass the x-ray. This sounds great in theory but I'm not sure I want to risk turning up to the airport and not being able to find someone that understands English enough to interpret a doctors letter. And I'm not sure I will be able to bypass a worldwide security policy just becuase I hold a peice of paper. If that happens I may have to leave my pump behind to be able to get through the scanner and on to the plane. The other option of course is to disconnect the pump and go back to the needles while I'm away. Far from ideal but possibly an easier and more hassle free option in the airport Any suggestions would be appreciated

Nov 4, 2010 Brian Trench 17 posts	Topic: DUAG Committee / Repose Study - Pump v Injections Hi Emma I will willingly send you the protocol document that lays out the trial detail but there are nearly 10-12 documents already in this package and would not impact on you and your pump; however, I can not attach docs to this system so please send me an email and I will respond with the attachment. Regards, Brian

Nov 4, 2010 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pumps Being nervous is good, its normal, you must be excited too..............I am even more jealous now...........I need to wait till the 19th of this month to just mention it to my DSN, then it will be passed to consultant then to the pump centre.............

Nov 4, 2010 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / iPhone App Spread the word pete.....

Nov 4, 2010 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / App I think the best way to record information in the first instance is on paper, I record my all my info on a printed exel spreadsheet, exactly like the dafne book, just more space for more tests.............and I use an app too....... Paper is the best way to get to grips with spotting patterns and fuguring out why the bloods are were they are...... I dont know how good you are with spreadshets but you should try it out, or i can send you mine.....and she wont need to write it down at school only test then use the meter or iphone app to put it on paper.... As dafne grads we both know how effective it is....... It must be hard though, I didnt start giving a toss till my early 20s, purely down to lack of info and mixed insulin.. And as the thyroid is ok a little extra activity would help with the insulin resistance she is experiencing.......... If your daughter likes the internet and chatting, send her over to www.diabetessupport.co.uk, I am a member there and there is alot of diabetics in her position and age group who could help her with anything she wants to know, you too......